Happy Thoughts

Our sons like to have a "happy thought" before they go to bed at night.  Parents will understand how at times this can be a difficult task.  So, I'm going to add some "happy thoughts" to this blog to share.  Maybe you'll find one that you can share with a child, or maybe an adult, to help brighten their day (or calm their night).

Shooting Star

Here's our thought for tonight:
My oldest son recalled seeing his first shooting star at camp this past summer.  He described it with a twinkle in his eyes of a child seeing an amazing sight for the very first time.  "It shot right across the sky and then it was gone."  Imagine the look in his eyes and that look is worth more than the words he used to describe the event.

iPad2 as a Writing Tool

There is constant discussion on the role of the iPad in the classroom.  Is it simply a tool to differentiate instruction for students requiring skill development?  Is it a tool to aid students in creating text using recorded voice (Dragon Dictation)?  Can the iPad be used to create content using Pages, Numbers, and Keynote?  Can the iPad replace the computer by providing the tools a student needs to complete their educational tasks?

James Kendrick's article examines the use of the iPad as a writer's tool, simply for creating text.  His "keys for success" include having a good keyboard (Logitech keyboard case and ZAGGfolio keyboard case are mentioned in the article - both are made by ZAGG) and a good app or two that work for the writer.  Kendrick begins using an app (Reeder) for research of current news, then uses an organization tool (iThoughtsHD) for his writing to lay out thoughts and ideas.  For the actual writing he uses Evernote for its simplicity and for the auto save feature to the cloud.

If professional writers are happy using the iPad2 for creating and writing articles, our students should be able to complete their writing work on the device as well.

Resources:
Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad2: Hands-on review
ZAGGfolio iPad2 keyboard case $99.99 includes keyboard+cover+stand
Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG for iPad2 $99.99
Reeder app $4.99
iThoughtsHD app $9.99
Evernote app $Free

We've Got to Be That Light

Our high school principal recently shared this inspirational video with staff members.   The video was created as a tribute to teachers for the gifts that we share with our students.  Check it out for yourself and I hope you find some inspiration in the message it provides.