Money, money, money: That's what I want!

Money, Money, Money: That's What I Want!

I think we can all agree that teaching is an underpaid profession. Most of us in the profession, however, are not in it for the money. By following our hearts, our heads, and our commitment to children, we knew there was no other path for us.

That being said-Is there ever enough money? Most of the classrooms, schools and communities that we serve do not have the basic (to technologically advanced)  supplies that are necessary and  would aid in engagement and advancements of our students.  

Instead of emptying your wallets and depleting your paycheck continuously, take a look at grant opportunities. Grant writing might seem overwhelming. However, many of the grants available online are very simplistic in form (application); some are for specific areas of interest; specific lesson ideas; demonstrated area of need etc.

I have compiled a list of grant opportunities (small, but mighty) that you may want to take a look at. While not comprehensive in nature, they are varied in dollar amount and ease in application process.

You and your students have a grand enough task at hand-do not let limited supplies/funds be one of them!

*Kids in Need Foundation has corporate sponsors that support their grant efforts. Grant awards range from $100 to $500 and must be used to finance creative classroom projects. Typically, two hundred and three hundred grants are awarded each year.

*Fund for Teachers

These grants are available to all Chicago Public School Teachers.

*Hewlett-Packard Grants

The K-12 HP Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative is designed to support innovative and effective uses of technology in the classroom setting. sSome preference may be given to schools that serve a large number of low-income students, relative to district or state free and reduced price lunch percentages, and to projects that included integration of mathematics and/or science curriculum.

*Digital Wish Grants (from Olympus)

Bring your students together for a class project using Olympus digital cameras and Tool Factory's project-building software. It's easy to enter. Just submit a description of your intended project, and a budget.

Last but not least, the fan favorites: Donors Choose (where you upload your specific request with explanation of its benefits etc. online donors can choose to aid in funding your project); Teachers Pay Teachers (upload resources or lessons you have personally created for sale to other educators) and Teacher's Notebook (This site is basically the same concept as TPT- but offers other great free resources, as well.)  Adopt-A-Classroom is also a great find.(This grant increases opportunity for student success by empowering teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom.)

Happy Hunting!

KGT, 2012

Technology Integration: SURVIVE & THRIVE

Are you looking more forward to Friday than Monday? If so, change your attitude.Your students already have Spring fever. Beware-it's contagious and can really be detrimental to all of the hard work you have put in over the course of the year. Now is the time to work with and build upon the "fruits of your labors." It's time to try something new. If you are keeping your students engaged with worthwhile, fun and engaging activities-Friday will be here before you know it...and there aren't that many Fridays left in the school year!

Have you been thinking all year about wanting to try: a new strategy/differentiating/working with literature circles/project based learning/incorporating technology meaningfully-NOW is the time.

My favorite end of the year activities incorporate technology. I have come across a few favorites that I'd love to share. (Many of you already know about/have incorporated/tweaked my ROAD TRIP project and also the MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT.) The following are some that I think are worthy of your time.

*Incorporating Technology into a Classroom that Works (Based on work by Marzano, Pickering and Pollock) The lesson is laid out in Power Point form allowing the facilitator to make any accommodations they see fit to address student needs/interests.  http://lth3.k12.il.us/tworivers/integrating%20classroom%20instruction%20that%20works%20with%20technology.ppt

*Pawsitively Perfect Presentations. Introduce your students to Power Point creation by having them make the report more than a book report. They can make them so much more interesting using links, graphics, animation and sound.  http://www.technologyprojects4kids.com/pawsitive%20reading.htm

*Here Today, Gone to Mali. You are going on a "trip" to Mali. Mali was once a very wealthy kingdom. Students can explore Malian geography and daily living to know what type of trip they will have, what to pack and what objects might be useful to bring. This is a 2-day, 2 lesson activity.  www.technologyprojects4kids.com/here%20today,%20gone%20to%20mali.htm

**ENJOY...and take the risk! It will keep your students engaged and it will preserve your sanity! :)

April is Poetry Month!

National Poetry Month, started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, is now held every April. This is the month when all types of organizations celebrate the art of poetry. From libraries and schools to booksellers and publishers-all take this time to recognize the important place poetry has in American society.

How will you celebrate Poetry Month with your students??? There are options to accommodate all levels of integration. Do you want to read and study a poem a day? Do you want to research poets and particular poems? Do you want to participate in Poem in your Pocket Day? Celebrate National Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 14, 2011! The idea is so simple! Have students select their own poem...one that resonates with them somehow. On this day, students share their poems in whatever setting/and in whatever manner you think would be most impactful... with one another, with younger students, with parents...Below are some ideas on how share your pocket poems:

*Handwrite some favorite poems on sticky notes and post around your room...then walk the room.
*Start a street team to pass out poems in your community
*Distribute bookmarks with your favorite lines
*Post a poem on your social networking page
*Project a poem on a wall, inside or out
*Text a poem to friends

The site with great ideas and useful information relating to national Poetry Month is www.poets.org/npm

More resources from Stenhouse:


Celebrate poetry month with a poem a day from The Writer's Almanac. Delivered to your inbox every morning, this poetic missive is sure to inspire:
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
Use play to engage poetic minds with Magnetic Poetry online. Drag and drop words directly onto the virtual refrigerator! Students can choose from an assortment of kits from which to create and save:
http://kids.magpogames.com/playonline.cfm
The Poetry Experience is a handy 32-page flipchart that explores all aspects of poetry—from an overview of genres and techniques to top ten lists of favorite poems by grade range and genre. It will help you teach strategies for writing, reading, and responding:
http://www.stenhouse.com/8223.asp?r=n211

Essential Questions to guide your daily planning, teaching and reflections

1. What am I teaching and to whom?


2. Why am I teaching it?


3. How am I teaching it?


4. Why am I teaching it that way?


5. What evidence will I collect to show my kids are getting it?


6. How will my students know they are getting it?
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Quinn’s Six Questions

Developed by Juli Quinn.