Greg Tang

So, it's no secret that Jean Ann and I are BIG fans of games.  So, when she discovered that one of our favorite math authors and game creators had updated his website to allow kiddos and teachers alike to play online math games FOR FREE...well we had to let you know.

Greg Tang is AWESOME. He's written several books, including

and created the game Kakooma

Among many other fun games. The website offers teaching tips, alignment to CCSS, works with elementary to high school, and is just plain fun. So check it out! 

PBS Idea Channel

What happens when your best friend (Katie) is a brilliant microbiologist with a PhD, teaching at the collegiate level? You find that you are in a constant battle to one-up each other on nerdy pop culture. Doctor Who, Sherlock, Firefly, The Big Bang Theory (Katie actually understands the stuff that Sheldon talks about) and most importantly Game of Thrones are often our main topics of discussion. For the most part, she wins our battles. But I do have to say she has an unfair advantage hanging with college kids and being....well...brilliant.

To be fair, Katie also speaks football, basketball, and hockey.
While I just speak, "Oh hey, that player is cute."

Throughout our discussions, she's introduced me to several fun YouTube channels. One is created just to get people thinking and can be used as a discussion starter for middle and high schools. Some of the topics may work in some upper elementary classes.

The PBS Idea Channel

The channel posts a new video every Wednesday. The videos are fast-paced, current, and the host, Mike Rugnetta, reminds me of my teacher friend Matt.

Seriously, when I watch the episodes I think...Matt could totally do that!

Topics include and range from 

"Doctor Who is a Religion"

to "Math Might not Actually Exist"

to the hot button in education right now

"Google is Knowledge"

and of course, it's on the internet, so it must have some cats.

They even spent one episode visiting a classroom that watches, discusses, and then comments on the videos weekly.

For those of you who are reading this going, "That's great but YouTube is locked down tighter than Fort Knox at my school." Have no fear!!!!! You can find the videos on the PBS website.

Welcome Back!

You can always tell when school is about ready to start.  The back to school ads start, you can't avoid the school supply section at Target or Walmart, and for those on pinterest the school pinning is on overload.

I always look at all the teacher blogs that are pinned. With pictures of a perfectly decorated classroom that is theme based. Where do these teachers find the time to do this? Let alone maintain a blog about it? It opens the question of "The Culture of Cute in the Classroom" which has evidently become a hot topic in education. Jean Ann and I have debated it and in our humble opinions (and a combined 53 years experience) say it depends on the teacher. If having a "cute" classroom invigorates the teacher...then go for it!

What's your opinion?

Have a GREAT Summer!!!

Many of you are finishing out your school year this week. Jean Ann and I both hope you have a wonderful summer! We will be in and out most of the summer (between summer school and camp) so feel free to email us if you need to!

GAME NIGHT!!! Part III

Once again Jean Ann and I will be hosting our Award Winning GAME NIGHT!!!!  This time I can legitimately state we are award winning...I've got the certificate to prove it.

We will be meeting next Thursday the 18th from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. either in our office or in the GCSEC board room (depends on how many people will be attending)

Please RSVP by Wednesday the 18th!

Confession, I Stephanie Benson am...

an Author Stalker.

Yes, it's true. There is no 12 step program to help (not that I want it), and I've only been told once by an author that he was going to need more security with me around (I responded that until I see the restraining order he was going to have to deal with me).

For the last 11 years I have attending the Illinois Reading Conference (one of if not the best reading conference in the state) and twice have attended the International Reading Conference. Not only do the conferences fill you with fabulous ideas to use in the classroom and reinvigorate your teaching, they also provide countless opportunities to meet (and stalk) your favorite children's and young adult authors.

Here are a few of the authors I've stalked...um met.

Rosemary Wells

Marc Brown Author of the Arther books.

Laurie Lawlor

Brian Selznick

Jordan Sonnenblick "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie"

AVI

My personal favorite Patricia Polacco!!!!

Eric Rohmann (still haven't received his restraining order)

Richard Peck (he is AWESOME!!!)

Simone Eckeles
Confession #2 I LOVE romance novels...she writes great YA ones!

Jack Gantos...Rock Star!

Nick Bruel...Mr. Bad Kitty

Craig Pierce and his greyhound Honey

Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Now I could go on to state I've also met and had books autographed by Christopher Paul Curtis, Neal Shusterman, Steven Layne, Andrea Beatty, Tim Green, Katherine Patterson, Andrew Clements, Seymour Simon, Gary Paulson, Sharon Draper, R. L. Stine, Heather Brewer, Kristina Springer, Joan Bauer...and many others. Not to mention that I'm email buddies with Blue Balliett & Aaron Reynolds,  facebook friends with Matthew Cordell, and have Kat Falls' cell number....

yeah...I have a problem, but if it means I get to hug Henry Winkler...I don't care.

We need your help!

Jean Ann and I are busy planning Camp Math & Camp Read. Our Superhero theme is a fun one to work with. If you've seen any fun activities that you think would be appropriate we'd love to have you share them with us.  We are also looking for some old t-shirts (adult Large or bigger) with either a plain front or back to create capes for all our little super heroes.

Camp is open to all Grundy County kiddos with an active IEP who are completing Kindergarten - 7th grade. Scholarships are available! Help us spread the word! Parents can apply online here, or printable apps are available here!