What is a 21st century teacher?

What are the essential characterisitics?

http://smartblogs.com/education/2012/06/22/what-21st-century-teacher/

Josh Stumpenhorst is a sixth-grade language arts and social science teacher at Lincoln Junior High School in Naperville, Ill. He is the Illinois Computer Educators' 2012 Educator of the Year

"People toss around terms in education and attach the words "21st century" to appear cutting edge or on the front end of trending ideas. As a teacher in the 21st century, I find it amazing to see some of the things that are so-called 21st century and yet are no different from ideas from the 20th or even the 19th century. With that in mind, I reflected on what it takes to be a teacher in the 21st century and what such a teacher looks like."

Video interview

http://edupln.ning.com/video/josh-stumpenhorst-2012-teacher-of-the-year

His blog

http://stumpteacher.blogspot.ca/

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The Disaster Song Tradition of Atlantic Canada

300 Canadian disaster songs

http://disastersongs.ca/

Of interest to any classes looking at Canadian folksong tradition. Lyrics are included along with some historical context. In some cases, there are links to midi files, lead sheets and iTunes performances

"This website serves as a vehicle to present the Canadian disaster songs that three academics have collected and are currently studying. Our preliminary research revealed close to 300 Canadian disaster songs.  Performers range from the relatively unknown to famous contemporary artists such as 'Stompin' Tom Connors ("And the Bridge Came Tumblin' Down", a song about the collapse of Vancouver's Second Narrows Bridge in 1957) and Gordon Lightfoot's famous "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Incidents in songs range across time, from the pre-confederation era, such as the New Brunswick blaze of 1825 ("The Miramichi Fire," credited to John Jardine), to the 2009 Cougar helicopter crash off Newfoundland ("Fall into the Ocean," by Mark Frost)."

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At-A-Glance Comic Tutorials - a set on Flickr

Easy to follow "At-A-Glance" Tutorials -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/info_grrl/sets/72157625298744518/

Easy to follow Comic Life Tutorials - "at-a-glance" format, created by Maryland middle school librarian Gwyneth Anne Bronwynne Jones. Embed, print, share.

"I've been asked a lot as to what software package I use to make these...and though you could do it with Microsoft Word or Photoshop, I use Comic Life & iPhoto for all of my tutorials!  Please feel FREE to Use, Share, & Embed! All my work is Creative Commons, Attribution, Non-Commercial & Share-Alike! Cheers!" ~Gwyneth

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A Daring Middle Grades Librarian » MiddleWeb

A MiddleWeb Interview

http://www.middleweb.com/632/the-daring-middle-grades-librarian

A T-L pep talk with Maryland middle school librarian Gwyneth Jones

"In America's post-analog, budget-stressed era of public schooling, many teacher librarians are struggling to justify their existence and explain their continued relevance to an audience of skeptical school boards and taxpayers who can barely remember a world without Google. But Maryland middle school librarian Gwyneth Anne Bronwynne Jones has no problem explaining hers."

Read her high energy "take" on the role of the TL in today's Middle School setting.

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Got books? - Using Tech to promote YA fiction

Promote reading using open-source technology tools

https://sites.google.com/a/lshigh.org/gotbooks/home

Reach your upper elementary or teen audience with creative ways that promote reading and Children's / Young Adult literature using free or open-source technology tools

• READ Posters and more ...
• Book Talks & Trailers
• Read Alikes
• QR Codes
• Awards & Book Contests
• Book Clubs
• Book Sharing & Web 2.0
• Authors!!!
• Poetry Break
• Download a 4-page handout with all these great ideas
  

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Strong Readers All: What Would It Take ... ? (EL magazine)

Creating Stronger Readers

http://whatworks.wholechildeducation.org/blog/strong-readers-all-what-would-it-take/

[LINK]

What would it take to make all the children we serve strong readers?

It's a bold question to ponder as you prepare for the coming school year. ASCD's Educational Leadership (EL) summer issue, "Strong Readers All," shares stories of how to successfully help all learners improve their reading skills—by using nontraditional approaches at every grade level. These articles describe research, strategies, and revamped school structures. Other articles profile schoolwide strategies that made a serious difference during the earliest reading years.

EL also offers two classic articles from past issues—from two trusted voices in reading instruction: Richard L. Allington and Cris Tovani.

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2012 Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards

See the Finalists for the 2012 Book Centre Awards

http://www.bookcentre.ca/news/finalists_ccbc_awards_2012

"This year's finalists include fantastic stories introducing readers to a 16-year-old Sherlock Holmes; a clever continuation of one pussycat's journey following his visit with the queen; an incredibly moving collection of photos of Afghanistan; a young soldier's harrowing experiences during World War I; and a haven for faeries hidden deep underneath New York City. "

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Writing Stories - Stenhouse Publishers

"Writing Stories" (Preview this book online)

Ideas, Exercises, and Encouragement for Teachers and Writers of All Ages

http://www.stenhouse.com/shop/pc/viewprd.asp?idProduct=9447&r=ww120619b

"Award-winning author Carolyn Coman has made a career out of writing stories for children and young adults as well as teaching writing to people of all ages. She believes that the essence of good writing, no matter the genre, is the ability to craft a solid story."

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"Building Up Your Book Muscle"

The Book Whisperer - Be a Better Reader

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/2012/06/building_up_your_book_muscle.html

Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade language arts teacher in Texas. Whether you are new to a classroom or library, changing grade levels, or want to ramp up your knowledge, her suggestions will provide you a starting point. Pick one or two suggestions and see how many books and authors you discover. Donalyn includes a number of links to sites and blogs for more information about titles and authors.

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TED-Ed | Use, Adapt or Create

TED-Ed Videos for Education

http://ed.ted.com/tour

Use engaging videos from TED to create customized lessons. You can use, tweak, or completely redo any lesson featured on TED-Ed, (ie. use your own title, change the initial writeup, ask questions, etc.)  or create lessons from scratch based on any video from YouTube. (Upload your own creations and add guiding questions and additional resources.)

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Doug Wilhelm - Reading Matters

 "My father, the reader"

http://dougwilhelm.com/dougs-blog/viewpost/197

A writer/publisher's take on the changing book world, the fight for libraries and local bookstores, writing for young readers, independent publishing, and more.

His tribute to his father:

"This year's Father's Day is my first without my dad, Peter Wilhelm, who passed away in Florida almost a year ago. He was 85. When I visit schools these days, and young people ask me how I got started writing, I tell them first how I got started reading — and that was because my dad was the best reader I ever knew. "

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How to use criteria for making a decision

"Using Criteria"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbkGf6MR1vo&feature=player_embedded

"The Critical Thinking Consortium" This lively 2-minute video from the Take 2 collection uses the example of buying a cell phone to introduce, or reinforce, the importance of using criteria when making decisions both in and out of school.

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DYI kindle, kobo, Sony eReader cases

How to make a Kindle case out of a vintage hardcover book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPKXzJao41A&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Finding an old hard cover can let you show off your eReader in retro style.

"If you have access to an old hardcover of the right size, you can remove the pages and turn it into a simple ereader case in 60-90 minutes, using some cardboard, fabric, elastic bands, thread and glue."

Make a Kobo Cover that is a work of art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7lUZzeNZiw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

If you have some time and a bit of talent or technique, you can create truly unique covers for yourself, or to gift to any eReader owners you may know. This would make a great Art project for students.

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Your Digital Tattoo

Learn about your "digital tatoo"

http://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/

Just like a tattoo, your digital reputation is an expression of yourself. it is formed and added to by you and others over time. Want to learn more about yours? The goal of this site and the Digital Tattoo project is to raise questions, provide examples and links to resources to encourage you to think about your presence online, navigate the issues involved in forming and re-forming your digital identity and learn about your rights and responsibilities as a digital citizen. It's really just all about making informed decisions and your own decisions.

UBC has put together this site for its own students. Some material may not be appropriate for all grade levels, but could be adapted for use in schools.

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CC Search - images and more

Find Creative Commons material

http://search.creativecommons.org/

Use this page to find CC images for student work. It offers convenient access to search services provided by other independent organizations. (Note: CC has no control over the image results that are returned. You should always verify that the work is actually under a CC license by following the link on the results page.)

Our mission

Creative Commons develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.

Our vision

Our vision is nothing less than realizing the full potential of the Internet — universal access to research and education, full participation in culture — to drive a new era of development, growth, and productivity.

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Digital and Media Literacy resources

Young Canadians in a Wired World, Phase III:

"Talking to Youth and Parents about Life Online".

Click on the link to download from the site.

From MediaSmarts: Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy.  This Canadian not-for-profit organization for digital and media literacy provides information and tools for Canadian educators and parents to help youth engage with media as active and informed digital citizens.

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Spanish Language & Culture | Home

SLC with Barbara Kuczun Nelson

http://www.colby.edu/~bknelson/SLC/

You will find a number of study modules and activities that use Spanish culture to teach grammar and vocabulary. The sidebar allows the student to zero in on particular grammar points.

Spanish Language and Culture is, in the words of its creator, "a work in progress". She goes on to say "I add to the site as I have time and inspiration! Thank you to all the students and teachers who use this site and send me comments, suggestions and corrections! "

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CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials

Canadian authors and books - reviewed

http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/

CM magazine (Canadian Review of Materials) is many things: book reviews, media reviews, children's book news, children's author profiles, info for teachers, librarians, parents and kids.

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Google World Wonders Project

A virtual stroll through world heritage sites

http://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/worldwonders/

A virtual stroll among the ruins of Pompeii or into the temples of Kyoto is available to anyone with an Internet-connected device through Google's new project.

The Google World Wonders Project is a platform which brings world heritage sites of the modern and ancient world online. Using Street View, 3D modeling and other Google technologies, they have made these amazing sites accessible to everyone across the globe. With videos, photos and in-depth information, you can now explore the world wonders from your armchair just as if you were there.

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Canada's History - View "Young Citizen" video projects

A video showcase of history projects from Heritage Fairs across Canada

http://canadashistory.ca/getdoc/cb028a4a-df19-4cd2-a170-6df5e39f6251/default.aspx

Each spring, more than 250,000 students gather to showcase their history projects at Heritage Fairs across Canada. The video project called "Young Citizens" is an opportunity for participants to further explore their topic and to share their work with a national audience.

Two hundred students (ages 10-16) participating in their local Heritage Fair were selected for the "Young Citizens" showcase. Each participant was asked to create a short video report about their Heritage Fair project. Click on the link to view the submissions, and to vote for the strongest presentation.

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