Dive Right In

I have told myself a thousand times to sit down and blog but I couldn't.  I didn't feel like I had much to share I guess. I will make an effort to not wait so long between blogs.
It's that time of year when testing is in in full swing and I haven't seen my GT students too much in the last month.  Last week was their first week back after testing and we hit the ground running.  The kids created original poetry and then made it digital using Animoto.  I was a little scared at first, 2nd and 3rd graders (70+  of them over 4 days) using a program they were not familiar with, and neither was I.  I am happy to say they did a great job and they actually taught me quite a bit as well. This week we will be watching the Animoto presentations.  This is another perfect example of me being leery to try something new and then being so pleased with what my students accomplished. l will  continue to dive right in, encourage them to do the same, and see what we come up with. 

Sam The Gecko

 I came across a fun way to combine Twitter and a classroom pet.  I believe it was Krissy Venosdale that suggested this.  If you haven't read her blog you are missing out. I have learned so much from her.

Our class pet, Sam The Gecko, now has a twitter page.  Each day my students (2nd and 3rd grade)  each submit a tweet from the perspective of Sam looking out from her tank.  As  a class we choose the one that best represents something that was going on in our classroom on that particular day.  I then enter the tweet that the students choose.  As a class we also respond to Sam's Twitter followers. This activity is not too time consuming and is a great way to learn about perspective as well as  for students to reflect on their learning.
If you get a chance check out Sam on Twitter @SamTheGecko.  We would love to hear from you.!

A Little About Myself

Reflectionary, not sure it's even a word but I like it! It seems to fit me somehow.  Of course so does Rambling, just ask my teammates, my husband, my kids...I think you get the picture.  I have read so many great blogs that I felt inspired to write my own.  Reflectionary Ramblings is my place to reflect on and share my life as a GT Teacher, a parent of two teenagers, and one who clumsily embraces technology.
 I have briefly dipped my toes in the blog pool and I look forward to many more blogs in my future.