Gearing up for Hour of Code! I've updated and modified the Coding Resources Symbaloo I created last year for Hour of Code. All the tutorials and interactives in one convenient location. Feel free to use and share! (http://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/coding131)
Monday, November 28, 2016
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
#Shelfie
So...the library has been flat out crazy lately with all the fall-ish events...book fair, Thanksgiving lunch, Veteran's Day luncheon, MakerSpace visits from PGE, Google Certified Educator Bootcamp, RESA Media Specialist Job-Alike meeting, but we were in need of a little focus on reading...
BOOM! Enter #Shelfie contest... Here are the details....
Students, of course, can always tag us on social media OR they can email it to me or share it via Google Drive...
As students share their #Shelfies with me, all will be posted to the PGM webpage (www.pinegrovemiddle.org). Contest ends December 2, so stay tuned for some great student examples!
BOOM! Enter #Shelfie contest... Here are the details....
Students, of course, can always tag us on social media OR they can email it to me or share it via Google Drive...
As students share their #Shelfies with me, all will be posted to the PGM webpage (www.pinegrovemiddle.org). Contest ends December 2, so stay tuned for some great student examples!
Thursday, November 3, 2016
What's Making in the MakerSpace??
** Edited: I have NO idea what's up with the pictures I shared within this post, but I removed them for now and will work on adding them later. Sorry....
My MakerSpace really took off this year due to a couple of things:
1. I made two MakerSpace passes for every teacher on campus to use as PBIS incentives. Anytime they want to reward a student for good behavior, they give them time in the MakerSpace. I figured it was my contribution to the PBIS incentives and a free incentive at that.
2. I found a couple of teachers who were totally on board with MakerSpace and had them reserve the library for Maker Day. After MakerDay was so successful, they spread the word. Now I have 1-2 classes in the library each week just for making.
I carried our MakerSpace a little further... We have Pine Grove Elementary School (we are a community school that might one day house a high school as well), and I invited my children's classes to visit the MakerSpace. It was like a field trip for them, I got to spend some fun time with my children and their classmates, and my middle school students had a large time helping the littles. I now have a second-grade class scheduled to visit the MakerSpace each Friday from now through the middle of January.
So, just what's in my MakerSpace? Well, it's a continual work in progress, but here's a run-down of what it is at the moment:
1. I have three MakeyMakeys. I managed to score three OLD desktops, that my awesome tech was able to doctor up and get in good condition, and they are the dedicated MakeyMakey stations. I keep Play-Doh, tin foil, spoons, and other "conductive" items handy for making. I also have a littleBits MakeyMakey and two MakeyMakeyGos.
2. littleBits. I have a station where kids are building -- remote controlled cars, bubble blowing machines, music synthesizers -- with littleBits. I have bought multiple sets, but the best set by far was the Gadgets & Gizmos set. I am working with our school's Technology Student Association chapter, and they are helping me build an awesome littleBits space as part of one of their conference events.
3. Meccanoid robot -- I liked the idea of this one, but it tends to stay in a trillion pieces more than it's put together, but it may just be my kids. It's supposed to do awesome things, but my kids won't leave it assembled.
4. Structural Engineering with: solo cups, Legos, MagnaTiles, dominoes. It's flat out amazing what the kids will build with CUPS. -- Check out my school's Twitter/Instagram/Facebook page for pics (@PGMVikings).
5. Ozobots -- fun to program with paper and markers, with the Ozobot apps, and with the Ozoblockly website. Found out at this GaETC that you can use ONE app called Tickle (be careful searching for that in the App Store), and it can program Ozobots, Dash & Dot, Ollies, drones, etc...
6. BB8 -- Kids LOVE to drive BB8 all around the library.
7. ViewMaster Virtual Reality Goggles -- I use old hand-me-down phones in conjunction with the ViewMaster goggles (being plastic they are more durable). I could probably have a million of these and still not have enough. LOVE the Underwater App until the shark got in the dive cage with me! EEK!
8. I brought my OOOOOOLLLLLDDDD sewing machine in and buy remnants of fabric all show kids how to sew. I go ahead and cut the fabric into squares, and each kid can start off by making a pocket. THEY LOVE IT! Boys & girls alike!
9. Knitting/Crocheting -- I have no idea how to do this, but I have yarn and needles and BOOKS, and the kids figure it out themselves.
10. Coloring -- I print out huge poster sized coloring sheets for kids to sit together and color -- it's so therapeutic. THEN, when it is completed, I have all the students sign their names to their work of art and hang them in the library.
11. Origami....Scrapbooking....Jewelry Making -- depends on how much stock I have to do these things...
12. 3D Hologram Projector -- sounds complicated...it's NOT! I use the extra laminating film (that usually winds up in the trash), and kids trace and cut out four trapezoid shapes, tape them together, make a pyramid, and through the magic of YouTube create a projector. Search YouTube for 3D Hologram Videos, find one you like, set your assembled projector in the middle of the four images, and viola!, you have a hologram when you look through your projector. Here are directions: https://diyhacking.com/diy-hologram/ It includes a template, but you can google 3D Hologram Projector and find videos showing you how to make one as well as different sized templates that work based on the size of your phone. THIS IS AN AWESOME PROJECT! How do I know?? I helped a student attempt to make one of these a month ago, and we ran out of time. He took the materials home with him to work on it himself, and when he came into the library the next day, he said, "I thought it would be lame and not work, but it totally did and was SOOOO cool!!"
13. I brought in my Canon Rebel camera and zoom lens for kids to learn digital photography. I lucked up again with an old laptop, loaded it up with editing software and a link to the PicMonkey site (picmonkey.com).
14. Stuff to take apart -- old keyboards, mice, headphones, phones, a video camera. Kids LOVE to take stuff apart and see what it looks like on the inside. Keep a good stash of screwdrivers!!
15. Stuff to build with -- spoons, string, index cards, cotton balls, Q-tips, paper bags, rubber bands, tape, craft sticks (large and small), chenille stems (pipe cleaners...) Kids straight love to build stuff and as a plus, I've had teachers mention that since we've had the MakerSpace open, they noticed that when assigning students a project where they have to build something, they jump right in and go!
16. I also moved our die-cut machine out into the library. Kids are forever using it for projects or for scrapbooking, making cards... They use it far more than the teachers ever did!!
Where in the world IS all this stuff?? First, I moved out of my office. Best. Decision.Ever. For lots of reasons. I know the kids. The kids know me. I have room for making. Second, I got rid of my reference books and use that shelf space to organize this stuff. Last, I have a "conference room" attached to the main library that is too small for a class so has been wasted space. Not anymore!
It's a continuous work in progress, and it probably won't look this way for long, but it is the HOTTEST place in the school. Kids love building!!
My MakerSpace really took off this year due to a couple of things:
1. I made two MakerSpace passes for every teacher on campus to use as PBIS incentives. Anytime they want to reward a student for good behavior, they give them time in the MakerSpace. I figured it was my contribution to the PBIS incentives and a free incentive at that.
2. I found a couple of teachers who were totally on board with MakerSpace and had them reserve the library for Maker Day. After MakerDay was so successful, they spread the word. Now I have 1-2 classes in the library each week just for making.
I carried our MakerSpace a little further... We have Pine Grove Elementary School (we are a community school that might one day house a high school as well), and I invited my children's classes to visit the MakerSpace. It was like a field trip for them, I got to spend some fun time with my children and their classmates, and my middle school students had a large time helping the littles. I now have a second-grade class scheduled to visit the MakerSpace each Friday from now through the middle of January.
So, just what's in my MakerSpace? Well, it's a continual work in progress, but here's a run-down of what it is at the moment:
1. I have three MakeyMakeys. I managed to score three OLD desktops, that my awesome tech was able to doctor up and get in good condition, and they are the dedicated MakeyMakey stations. I keep Play-Doh, tin foil, spoons, and other "conductive" items handy for making. I also have a littleBits MakeyMakey and two MakeyMakeyGos.
2. littleBits. I have a station where kids are building -- remote controlled cars, bubble blowing machines, music synthesizers -- with littleBits. I have bought multiple sets, but the best set by far was the Gadgets & Gizmos set. I am working with our school's Technology Student Association chapter, and they are helping me build an awesome littleBits space as part of one of their conference events.
3. Meccanoid robot -- I liked the idea of this one, but it tends to stay in a trillion pieces more than it's put together, but it may just be my kids. It's supposed to do awesome things, but my kids won't leave it assembled.
4. Structural Engineering with: solo cups, Legos, MagnaTiles, dominoes. It's flat out amazing what the kids will build with CUPS. -- Check out my school's Twitter/Instagram/Facebook page for pics (@PGMVikings).
5. Ozobots -- fun to program with paper and markers, with the Ozobot apps, and with the Ozoblockly website. Found out at this GaETC that you can use ONE app called Tickle (be careful searching for that in the App Store), and it can program Ozobots, Dash & Dot, Ollies, drones, etc...
6. BB8 -- Kids LOVE to drive BB8 all around the library.
7. ViewMaster Virtual Reality Goggles -- I use old hand-me-down phones in conjunction with the ViewMaster goggles (being plastic they are more durable). I could probably have a million of these and still not have enough. LOVE the Underwater App until the shark got in the dive cage with me! EEK!
8. I brought my OOOOOOLLLLLDDDD sewing machine in and buy remnants of fabric all show kids how to sew. I go ahead and cut the fabric into squares, and each kid can start off by making a pocket. THEY LOVE IT! Boys & girls alike!
9. Knitting/Crocheting -- I have no idea how to do this, but I have yarn and needles and BOOKS, and the kids figure it out themselves.
10. Coloring -- I print out huge poster sized coloring sheets for kids to sit together and color -- it's so therapeutic. THEN, when it is completed, I have all the students sign their names to their work of art and hang them in the library.
11. Origami....Scrapbooking....Jewelry Making -- depends on how much stock I have to do these things...
12. 3D Hologram Projector -- sounds complicated...it's NOT! I use the extra laminating film (that usually winds up in the trash), and kids trace and cut out four trapezoid shapes, tape them together, make a pyramid, and through the magic of YouTube create a projector. Search YouTube for 3D Hologram Videos, find one you like, set your assembled projector in the middle of the four images, and viola!, you have a hologram when you look through your projector. Here are directions: https://diyhacking.com/diy-hologram/ It includes a template, but you can google 3D Hologram Projector and find videos showing you how to make one as well as different sized templates that work based on the size of your phone. THIS IS AN AWESOME PROJECT! How do I know?? I helped a student attempt to make one of these a month ago, and we ran out of time. He took the materials home with him to work on it himself, and when he came into the library the next day, he said, "I thought it would be lame and not work, but it totally did and was SOOOO cool!!"
13. I brought in my Canon Rebel camera and zoom lens for kids to learn digital photography. I lucked up again with an old laptop, loaded it up with editing software and a link to the PicMonkey site (picmonkey.com).
14. Stuff to take apart -- old keyboards, mice, headphones, phones, a video camera. Kids LOVE to take stuff apart and see what it looks like on the inside. Keep a good stash of screwdrivers!!
15. Stuff to build with -- spoons, string, index cards, cotton balls, Q-tips, paper bags, rubber bands, tape, craft sticks (large and small), chenille stems (pipe cleaners...) Kids straight love to build stuff and as a plus, I've had teachers mention that since we've had the MakerSpace open, they noticed that when assigning students a project where they have to build something, they jump right in and go!
16. I also moved our die-cut machine out into the library. Kids are forever using it for projects or for scrapbooking, making cards... They use it far more than the teachers ever did!!
Where in the world IS all this stuff?? First, I moved out of my office. Best. Decision.Ever. For lots of reasons. I know the kids. The kids know me. I have room for making. Second, I got rid of my reference books and use that shelf space to organize this stuff. Last, I have a "conference room" attached to the main library that is too small for a class so has been wasted space. Not anymore!
It's a continuous work in progress, and it probably won't look this way for long, but it is the HOTTEST place in the school. Kids love building!!
GaETC16 Follow Up
I was really happy with my LMSOTY presentation at this year's GaETC! I have heard from lots of folks who would like more details about my MakerSpace! It's definitely something everyone can pull off with little investment! I'm currently sitting in a session about Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certification, but when I'm back at the hotel this evening, I'll post a run-down here of all the details!
Stay tuned....
Stay tuned....
Friday, September 30, 2016
Teen Read Week 2016
We have lots going on for Teen Read Week this year. Here's our calendar of events....
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Great ideas...
If you don't subscribe to Demco/Upstart's inspiration/idea blog, you SHOULD!
They create a monthly calendar of library events and programming for children, teens, and adults. It's a HUGE help with planning something new and fresh that correlates with the season/month.
Here's the link to September's calendar: http://ideas.demco.com/trends-topics/community-engagement/teen-activity-calendar-september-2016/
Here's the link to October's calendar: http://ideas.demco.com/blog/teen-activity-calendar-october-2016/
Subscribe and have the calendars emailed to you a month in advance each month. For example, today, September 7, I received October's calendar in my inbox. Makes for great planning especially with Teen Read Week coming up! The form to sign up is near the bottom of the page, to the right.
They create a monthly calendar of library events and programming for children, teens, and adults. It's a HUGE help with planning something new and fresh that correlates with the season/month.
Here's the link to September's calendar: http://ideas.demco.com/trends-topics/community-engagement/teen-activity-calendar-september-2016/
Here's the link to October's calendar: http://ideas.demco.com/blog/teen-activity-calendar-october-2016/
Subscribe and have the calendars emailed to you a month in advance each month. For example, today, September 7, I received October's calendar in my inbox. Makes for great planning especially with Teen Read Week coming up! The form to sign up is near the bottom of the page, to the right.
Friday, August 19, 2016
2016-17 Library Events Schedule
So, it's a work in progress still, but for now, this is the event schedule I'm going with for this school year.
PGM Media Center Events for the 2016-17 School Year...
August
- Summer Reading Ends August 8
- Summer Reading breakfast for students meeting 1000 minute goal
- Stargirl & accompanying activities
- Readers’ BINGO -- a reading game centered around non-fiction, in-class reading, newspapers, magazines...
- Chrome Crew - two students per homeroom to serve as media rep, be trained to help new students access online resources, take pictures, etc.
- Student library orientation
- MakerSpace opens
September
- Shelfies -- students take pictures of themselves and the book they’re reading, post to social media, tag PGM; random pics selected for prizes (Shelfie-sticks)
- Book Speed Dating -- during September, when classes come in to check out books, I’ll have a selection of books on tables for students to speed date.
- Library/Online Resources for Parents
- Sept. 9 - Wonderful Weirdos Day - display of weird books - students wear wacky socks
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Sep. 24
- Constitution Week September 17-23 -- memorize the Preamble to the Constitution contest
- Parent Google Class
- CPIE Social Media Class
- Banned Books Week - Sep. 25-Oct. 1
- Lunch Bunch Reading Club: historical fiction
October
- World Card Making Day (to celebrate the week of October 5) -- have scrapbooking supplies out for students (at PGM and around LCS) to create cards that I will deliver
- Teen Read Week: Oct 18-24 -- Read for the Fun of It!
- MakerFest
- Book-to-Movie Event -- afterschool screening of (TBA) with popcorn and drinks
- Grab & Go Mystery book -- mystery, suspense, and other fall-themed books will be bagged up for students to choose randomly
- Lexile Training for Parents
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Oct. 22
- Internet Safety PSA video contest for students - begins Oct. 3, videos due Oct. 24
- Lunch Bunch Reading Club: graphic novels
- Students “Caught Reading” to win a copy of the new Wimpy Kid book
November
- Book Fair November 7-11
- Social Media for Parents
- Origami Day -- have origami books on display, how-to videos streaming, and papers out for students to try their hand at folding
- I Mustache You to Checkout These Books -- Mustache PhotoBooth
- Game & Puzzle Week - Nov. 16-20 (though really celebrated during Thanksgiving week) - will have iPads, board games, card games, and computers setup for gaming/coding
- I Am Thankful For…
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Nov. 19
- Announce PGM Film Festival (November)
- Wimpy Kid Book Release - Nov. 1
December
- National Cookie Day December 4 - students who visit and checkout books get a cookie
- PGM Film Festival -- book trailer voting
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students Dec. 17
- Book Quote Ornaments (11/30 - 12/4) - have cutouts and calligraphy pens out for students to write their favorite book quote on an ornament to hang on the media center Christmas tree
- Read holiday stories to PGE students
January
- Facebook Contest: Find a Book with a face on it...Make it look like your face -- photo contest
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Jan. 28
- Minecraft Contest (Pinterest)
- Second Half Reading Contest
February
- Digital Learning Day (date TBA) -- coding, robotics, etc...Maker Day in the Library
- Blind Date with a Book
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Feb. 25
- World Read Aloud Day - February 24 - collaborate with other LCS and schools around Georgia to continuously read aloud
- Begin collecting titles for March Madness and setup brackets
March
- March Madness
- Teen Tech Week - app board for students to share their favorite apps, QR code scavenger hunt in the library
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Mar. 24
- Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss’ Birthday - March 2
April
- National Library Week - April 10-16
- National Poetry Month
- Poetry Cafe -- setup in Reading Room for classes to participate in poetry readings
- Poem in Your Pocket
- Bring Breakfast & Browse Books -- a B4 school event -- open the library early one morning a month for parents to browse and have breakfast with their students - Apr. 21
May
- Wrap Up Year-Long Reading Challenge - Lunch in the Library
- Book Exchange Party - bring a gift wrapped book to participate
- Kick off Summer Reading Challenge
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
August 2016
Well, here's to the kick off of another school year! I'm still working on my month-by-month planning guide, but when I've finished it, I'll post it here to share as well.
Pine Grove Middle School will kick off the 2016-17 school year with a school-wide reading of the book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Following up on last year’s read, Wonder, the theme of Stargirl encourages students to be themselves and accept others just as they are.
“For years the strangers among us had passed sullenly in the hallways; now we looked, we nodded, we smiled. If someone got an A, others celebrated, too. If someone sprained an ankle, others felt the pain. We discovered the color of each other’s eyes. It was a rebellion she led, a rebellion for rather than against. For ourselves.”
Our hashtag for the year is #BeAStar, and we hope the book will encourage unity, acceptance, and community among our students and faculty.
Day 1 - All Math teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 1-21
Day 2 - All ELA teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 22-42
Day 3 - All Science teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 43-61
Day 4 - All Social Studies teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 62-84
Day 5 - All Connections teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 85-105
Day 6 - All Math teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 106-128
Day 7 - All ELA teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 129-151
Day 8 - All Science teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 152-166
Day 9 - All Social Studies teachers on campus will read with their classes pages 167-186
Day 10 - All homerooms - Each student will create a “Keep-Your-Chin-Up” card (p. 188) to a teacher (past or present), a PGM Staff Member, or a friend.
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The reading incentive for the first nine weeks in Reading Bingo.
Here's a copy of the card I'm using.
There were ten students who met the Summer Reading Challenge of reading 1000 minutes over summer break. Using biblionasium.com worked really well and I'll be glad when it's integrated into the Destiny platform in August. Students had through the first Monday of the first full week of school to log their minutes and breakfast is scheduled for Friday, August 12: Chick-fil-A chicken minis and fruit, Zacadoo's breakfast cups, and Daylight Donuts.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
April Events and Winding Down the School Year
Mary and I were just saying that there have been lots of changes in the library this year -- GREAT changes. We are rolling right along: weeding out the reference section (and eliminating a LOT of dust), adding MakerSpace resources and plans, looking forward to two weeks of MakerDays during testing, sharing Book Spine Poems, looking forward to seeing who'll attend the Library Picnic, and planning out the Summer Reading Challenge.
Of course it's #NationalLibraryMonth, but around here, everyday is! The Book Spine Poetry contest has really taken off -- offering the reward of ice cream sundaes for those who participate hasn't hurt either.
Here are a few of the poems we've had turned in:
We are encouraging kids to wrap up their 16 Reading Resolutions for 2016 -- 16 opportunities to read something different. Here are the resolutions:
Students must have met their resolutions by May 11 to attend the Library Picnic:
We are also hosting the GMAS Celebration following the conclusion of testing -- a great fundraiser with no up-front cost. Students are given the opportunity to just hang out with friends for the afternoon. Here's the email I sent to teachers:
Finally, we have decided to use Biblionasium.com as the platform for our Summer Reading Challenge. In the fall, Biblionasium will partner with Destiny Library to integrate their services. Basically it will add a lot of the social features available through Quest to the Universal Search platform.
Students will sign-up via Google Form to participate (http://goo.gl/forms/YOQj4f4d6k). Once they have signed up, I will create their Biblionasium account (a step that will be eliminated when the services are integrated). Students will log their minutes read toward meeting the 1000 minute goal through Biblionasium. They can also recommend books to others, write reviews, and maintain book logs. Students can accumulate minutes from Saturday, May 21 through Monday, August 8. All students meeting the challenge will be invited to breakfast in the library.
Here are the images I used for advertising:
Of course it's #NationalLibraryMonth, but around here, everyday is! The Book Spine Poetry contest has really taken off -- offering the reward of ice cream sundaes for those who participate hasn't hurt either.
Here are a few of the poems we've had turned in:
We are encouraging kids to wrap up their 16 Reading Resolutions for 2016 -- 16 opportunities to read something different. Here are the resolutions:
Students must have met their resolutions by May 11 to attend the Library Picnic:
We are also hosting the GMAS Celebration following the conclusion of testing -- a great fundraiser with no up-front cost. Students are given the opportunity to just hang out with friends for the afternoon. Here's the email I sent to teachers:
$2 for students to attend and concessions will be sold at all areas. Just a fun afternoon to be glad we survived! :-) Here's the plan:
| 1:00-1:45 | 1:45-2:30 | 2:30-3:15 | |
| 8th Grade | Gym | Track | Media/ Multi-Purpose Room/Commons |
| 7th Grade | Track | Media/ Multi-Purpose Room/Commons | Gym |
| 6th Grade | Media/ Multi-Purpose Room/Commons | Gym | Track |
While at the gym, we'll have music playing and give kids a chance to chill.
Same thing at the track.
In the media center/commons/multi-purpose room area, kids can play games on the iPads, play video games we'll have setup, and we'll have Just Dance setup in the multi-purpose room (please, AMY BROAD??).
Please share with students that they are welcome to bring their own devices (at their own risk, of course). There is even wifi in the Commons and the gym!!
Coaches will have concessions setup at the track and gym concession stands. Encourage your kids to bring moo-la!
Academic teachers will all rotate with and supervise their kids.
Connections folks -- here are your stations:
Dixon & Dyess - Media Center/Commons & Amy Broad in the multi-purpose room
Carraway/Roe/Holley/Craven - concessions
Tindall/Johnson/Deal - track
Crews/Berry/Parker- gym
As you are collecting money, record it on a cash collection sheet. All monies will be turned in to whoever is in Ms. Brenda's office....or if no one's in there, just turn it in to me.
Finally, we have decided to use Biblionasium.com as the platform for our Summer Reading Challenge. In the fall, Biblionasium will partner with Destiny Library to integrate their services. Basically it will add a lot of the social features available through Quest to the Universal Search platform.
Students will sign-up via Google Form to participate (http://goo.gl/forms/YOQj4f4d6k). Once they have signed up, I will create their Biblionasium account (a step that will be eliminated when the services are integrated). Students will log their minutes read toward meeting the 1000 minute goal through Biblionasium. They can also recommend books to others, write reviews, and maintain book logs. Students can accumulate minutes from Saturday, May 21 through Monday, August 8. All students meeting the challenge will be invited to breakfast in the library.
Here are the images I used for advertising:
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
If This, Then What?!?
I've been trying to get a handle on my social media posting. Basically I want to be able to post once and have it feed to all of my media outlets. I finally figured out this recipe through ifttt.com...
If I post to Instagram, it posts to Twitter -- picture and text...
Twitter posts forward to Facebook.
If I post to YouTube, it posts to Twitter...then to Facebook.
If I post to Instagram, it saves a copy of the picture and the text to an IFTTT Google folder.
Then it hit me....what about folks not on social media? So, I added a PGM Announcements blog: pgmannouncements.blogspot.com
Now, if I post to Instagram, it creates a new post on the pgmannouncements blog.
If I post to Instagram, it posts to Twitter -- picture and text...
Twitter posts forward to Facebook.
If I post to YouTube, it posts to Twitter...then to Facebook.
If I post to Instagram, it saves a copy of the picture and the text to an IFTTT Google folder.
Then it hit me....what about folks not on social media? So, I added a PGM Announcements blog: pgmannouncements.blogspot.com
Now, if I post to Instagram, it creates a new post on the pgmannouncements blog.
Friday, March 4, 2016
January/February 2016
January and February have been rough months this year....
Wanting to drum up reading to kick off 2016, I started 16 Reading Resolutions for 2016. Students who complete the 16 resolutions by May 11 will be invited to the library picnic in May. Here are the resolutions:
We also rebranded our social media so that we maintained the same handle across all platforms. We went from being either PGMVikings OR PineGroveMiddle to being just PGMVikings. That way when we are tagged on one social media channel, and those posts are forwarded on to other social media, we are tagged there as well. Well worth the time and effort to simplify.
March Madness kicked off at the end of February so that we have enough time to narrow down our brackets from a starting lineup of 50 books to the final matchup. The brackets are hung in the hallway with the starting 32 that made the cut. Folks can vote to narrow 32 down to 16 through Sunday, March 6. Here's what the hall looks like:
Wanting to drum up reading to kick off 2016, I started 16 Reading Resolutions for 2016. Students who complete the 16 resolutions by May 11 will be invited to the library picnic in May. Here are the resolutions:
- Read a new book from your favorite author.
- Read one book related to your favorite subject in school.
- Read an autobiography or biography.
- Read a book that takes place in another world or another part of our world.
- Read a book that your best friend recommends.
- Read a random book from the library.
- Read a book from a series.
- Read a book your teacher recommends.
- Read your parent’s favorite children’s book.
- Read a blue book.
- Read an historical fiction book.
- Read a book that is also a movie.
- Read a book you can finish in a day.
- Read a book published in the year you were born.
- Read a Newbery Award or Honor book.
- Reread your favorite book of all time.
Students pick up a log from the library to record their meeting the resolutions. Here's that log. Feel free to make a copy, edit, and use.
I also took the Getting Going with GAFE course from Richard Byrne and learned A LOT! (Resources from the class saved in Google Drive in the folder GGWG.)
We prepped for a Groovy Book Fair that even though we did a Family Night with free Spaghetti Supper, still didn't do very well. I don't think February is the ideal time to hold one with folks still recovering from Christmas. The STEM Night, however, was great with our three grade level BLAST groups showcasing their current project.
Here's the Save the Date:
Here's the Agenda for the night:
The event was covered by the Valdosta Daily Times, and here's the article.
We then connected with a class in Ontario, Canada and another in Maryland via Twitter and Google Hangout to discuss biodiversity among our three vastly different areas.
We also rebranded our social media so that we maintained the same handle across all platforms. We went from being either PGMVikings OR PineGroveMiddle to being just PGMVikings. That way when we are tagged on one social media channel, and those posts are forwarded on to other social media, we are tagged there as well. Well worth the time and effort to simplify.
March Madness kicked off at the end of February so that we have enough time to narrow down our brackets from a starting lineup of 50 books to the final matchup. The brackets are hung in the hallway with the starting 32 that made the cut. Folks can vote to narrow 32 down to 16 through Sunday, March 6. Here's what the hall looks like:
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