Break Out the Fun

This past year I discovered another awesome OpenSource collaborative project for education and even though it seems relatively new, there are already a bunch of awesome resources available.  The concept is based on the Escape Room entertainment venues that have been popping up in cities all over the place.  It is really a simple idea.  Decide on the content you want students to learn.  Gather/create artifacts for students to use as they learn and embed clues that lead students to discovering the codes to unlock every lock.  Ultimately the students will be able to open a box that will hold some type of reward.

DonorsChoose Link Up

If you're looking for a way to show your gratitude this holiday season, go check out this blog post.   Teachers have linked up their DonorsChoose projects. I've chosen 6 projects to help out but there were 27 great projects linked up that could all use some support. Help spread the word. Donating to classrooms through DonorsChoose is a great way to get those last minute tax deductions before the end of the year.

While you're there you can also check out the other posts that are packed with freebies and ideas.
Some of the newest items are the Bowling Ball Basics unit with fun characters like Murray the Maintenance Man, 5 E posters, Lesson Plan Templates, and lots more.

Going Buggy

I got this email today and thought there might be some of my followers who would want to know about it.  If you teach insects, check into this.  I know I plan on checking it out!

Hello, 

I wanted to clue everyone in on an opportunity that I don't think many people know about. The Entomological Foundation is a non-profit that does insect education and outreach programs for K-12 students. Their website hosts some educational materials like lesson plans and activities for students. These "science projects" that teachers can do with their students are submitted by educators on an annual contest. Winners (there are always 5-10) each receive $100! I really feel that insect education is fascinating and holds great appeal to many students, but that many times insect biology gets shuffled to the back.  I know many of you have great insect activities that could be shared! Also, the foundation website is a good resource even if you don't participate. 

Details for the competition can be found at: 

http://www.entfdn.org/projectcontest.php

Examples of winning projects can be found at: 

http://www.entfdn.org/scienceprojects.php

Facebook Posting Party

A bunch of "Top Teachers" have gotten together to host a Facebook Posting Party.  Chances are you are here as a result of that.  Thanks for taking time to stop by.  I know some of you have yet to begin your summer vacation and others have just barely begun but if you are like all the other "Top Teachers" out there, you are already "Gearing Up" for what the 2012-2013 school year is going to bring.

With that in mind, I decided to pull together a bunch of my favorite creations to give you for FREE!  This 17 page PDF will give you a taste of the types of products I like to make.  I'm always glad to create new sets and I may already have elaborated on some of the ideas you will see.  I'd welcome your feedback in the comments section and would even consider doing some more custom design if you have a need.  Most of my design work results in a theme set that runs between $3.00 and $6.00 depending on what you want in it.

Don't forget to go back to the facebook page and click on some of the other Top Teachers to see what kinds of information they share on their blogs and what FREE item they may have posted.

A Very Lovely Blog

I don't usually think of my blog as being lovely.  I just want it to serve a purpose and be a place for sharing some cool things I find and create. Even so,  Kimberly Collingwood at Science, Etc. has identified this little blog as "A Very Lovely Blog".

What a "lovely" surprise that was!

Here are the rules for this award:
1.  Link back to the person who gave it to you.
2.  Follow the person that sent it to you.
3.  Pass it along to 15 (ish) other lovely bloggers.

Here are some of my favorite blogs.  Check them out!

Teaching and Learning Community

The Teacher Organizer

Plug-n-Plan

Teacher Gone Digital

The Best of Teachers Pay Teachers

Science Stuff

Clutter Free Classroom

Rockin' Teacher Materials

Mr. G's Creative Classroom Resources

Kindergarten Monkey Business

Me and My Gang

Classroom Freebies

Doodlebugs Teaching

Peace Love Learning

Teaching Happily Ever After

7 Things About Me

I don't know how I missed it but back in September I was given a Versatile Blogger award by Life in Special Education. Her blog has lots of great ideas, so check it out even if you aren't a special ed. teacher!

Here's the deal.  I get to tell you 7 things about me and choose 15 newly discovered blogs to pass this award on to.  Here we go.

Permission to Pin

There are so many great resources on the Internet!
Who knows, you may even think that my little blog is one of them.
Nothing would make me happier than to know I shared something you found useful!

In the spirit of collaboration and sharing, I want to make it perfectly clear that you have my permission to "pin" anything I have created and shared.  Why am I being so formal?  Simple.