Mind-mapping

I was surprised at how uncomfortable I was using all five of the sites at first. I am generally excited to play around with new technology and sites, but this wasn't my forte. I could seem to get anything to work in my favor! The two sites that I had the most luck with were Popplet and MindMup. I felt most at home using Popplet, mainly because of how simple, fast and user friendly it seemed to be. It reminded me of Prezi, which I am a big fan of. I liked the dashboard that was present and how simple it was to change the color and to embed a video. I was frustrated with MindMup at first because I couldn't seem to figure out the "child" and "tree" pieces. Once I figured it out, I had a good time creating a family tree. I feel like I could read FAQ's and watch online tutorials for hours and still not know the majority of abilities these online tools have.
I think I could use this approach in my class, but would not give [all of] my 3rd graders the opportunity to try.

1. Popplet
2. MindMup
3. Text 2 Mind
4. Bubbl.us
5. Lucid Chart

To blog, or not to blog... that is the question!

As you can see, I used to blog semi-regularly. I did so for personal reasons and enjoyed it! I felt like it was an easy way to send a blanket message to my family and friends when I set out on my first adventure as an "adult". I was tired of fielding calls, text messages, e-mails and other forms of communication (ungrateful and selfish, I know). I have some family and friends who blog regularly and I really enjoy following them and reading about their lives. I have a handful of blogs saved on a Pinterest board that I check in with for ideas, but don't follow religiously.
I don't think that I would use this approach for anything with my 3rd grade students. I don't think that it would be an effective tool for my particular class. However, I do think that parents would enjoy using it. I currently have a class website, which is required. I am very comfortable updating it weekly with information, assignments and photos. So I don't see myself switching to using a blog for school-home communication. In the future, perhaps I will :)

TET 732 Emerging Technology

A lot has changed in my life since my last blog post!
During my second year of teaching I took on the position of after-school coordinator and teacher. I also moved to a different town, thus adding a commute to my daily routine. My time was spent pretty much anywhere that was not my computer.
When I saw the assignment for this week, I dabbled with the idea of starting a new blog but figured it was just as well that I utilize this old space. Perhaps I will have to spend some time updating...

Donors Choose!

http://www.donorschoose.org/project/somewhere-to-meet-and-rest-our-feet/802571/


Please please PLEASE donate and/or pass on via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail... I'd love to save my "supply money" to use for supplies, rather than my entire budget (and then some out of pocket) for a new carpet!

Much appreciated :)

mid-may!

I was just catching up on the blogs of some friends and family when I realized it's been a month+ since my last post--and I'll tell you why: my life is boring.
It's as simple as that. I literally wake up. Walk Da Whoop. Shower. Eat. Go to school. Come home from school. Walk Da Whoop. Eat. Walk Da Whoop again. Sleep. Then it all starts over again. As mundane as this may sound, boy-oh-boy do I adore my life!

 "I am certain that my mother was happy to see me, but even happier that I was clean shaven, had a haircut, wasn't drunk, and carried myself with a sense of happiness.....it had been awhile since I had all those things going for me. " --Bobby

This quote just made my week. While reading my friend Bobby's blog I burst out laughing when this line came along. I don't know if I've ever related so strongly to something a friend has said. It's amazing how much better off I am as a human being. 

The past month has been relaxed and enjoyable. Ali stopped by for the weekend following Easter. I had a great time lounging and laughing, which is what we're both great at. I went on a weekend trip to a friend's family cabin near Lake Andes, SD. There were 7 humans and 6 dogs. I was SO pleased, Kendra came from Vermillion. It was great being able to see her and actually talk for a bit. We only stayed at the cabin for one night. On our way back to Rosebud, we decided to go to Wall to see my close friend Sarah. We made a pit-stop at home to shower and re-pack, picked up my roommate Brooke and hopped back onto the road. I felt so blessed to be able to see two old/great friends within two days with new/great friends!

The weekend of Cinco de Mayo was spent celebrating my cousin Willie's graduation from Winona State!!! I have taken 4 personal days this year--1.5 for Tricia's wedding, 1 for a funeral and 1.5 for Will's graduation-- see how the Fredricksen family rates?! :)

Last weekend I spent my time preparing for the week we are currently in--THE LAST OF SCHOOL! As of Friday May 18 my little darlin's will be full fledged 2nd graders. What an incredibly BITTERsweet feeling! I am excited for a little break from the running-running-running, but am going to miss my kids so much! There have been a handful of struggles this year, but with the help and guidance from my game-changing aide, my first year of teaching has been a phenomenal experience. I can't believe that I have successfully completed teaching 1st graders--but that I am going back for another year with the little ones. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, but also to all of those that pushed towards signing my contract for 1st grade last July. I honestly wasn't going to do it, but many of you helped me make the decision that has changed my life for the better.

mid-April already?!

So here I am, sitting in my bedroom enjoying a nice rainstorm. Last weekend, Whoopi and I trekked to Vermillion for Easter break. I spent three days with my parents, brother, Aunt MB, Uncle Norb and cousin Michelle. It was a nice time, but as always I was excited to get back home to the Bud.

School has been crazy. Mother Nature should look into medication for her bi-polar condition-- one day we're sweating in the 90's, the next we're fearing a snow storm. I have to say that my students have been dealing with the weather quite well... better than I have!

 Some of my girls & myself

almost the whole class--took this picture using "PhotoBooth" and had it up on the SMARTBoard big screen, they were either cheesing out or confused about it!

The last weekend in March brought the excitement of THE HUNGER GAMES!!! Paulina, Kendra and I had made plans last Spring, when the premier date was released, that no matter where we were living we would meet in the middle to see the premier together. Well, Vermillion just so happened to be conveniently located directly between our locations. D&D were gracious enough to allow us their home for the weekend. Paulina and Brandon arrived Friday evening and stayed through Sunday afternoon. We spent the weekend soaking up the unseasonably warm weather, walking the paths of Vermillion. It was so nice to see them both, and I cannot wait for the arrival of their daughter (due July 3). 

 Brandoni & Pauli at the first permanent school house in South Dakota, Clay County S.D.

Brandoni & I with our pre-sale tickets to THG!!!!

A big thank you to my Aunt Pooh and Aunt Amy for the books donated to my classroom! What a thoughtful and generous action--the kids were really excited and pleased. Also, thanks for continuing to send your Box Tops my way!!!
Whoopi and I just said farewell to Ali! She rolled into town on Friday afternoon and spent the weekend with us! It was so nice to have some down-time with her that wasn't interrupted by anything or anyone. I don't realize how much I miss people until they've come and gone. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop in :)

I was talking with my cousin Marissa which got me thinking of the last ladies trip I took with her, Poohie, Grandma and my mom. Summer 2007 when they came to visit me while I was working at Wall Drug. When she's all done with school, we'll have to have a repeat trip!

 Riding through Needle Highway, Black Hills of South Dakota

Badlands National Park

I am getting very excited for May 4 to arrive. My dad and I will be traveling east to celebrate cousin Will's graduation from college! I am so proud of and excited for him. He is the best of the best and deserves all of the goodness in the world! It will be a high-flying trip, but will most definitely be worth the exhaustion.

Willie, myself, Thew & Pish @my graduation last May

Happy Almost St. Patricks Day!

 mmm mmm... Leprechaun floats! 

 so much yum in those cups!

This is one of my girls and I, sportin' the best color in the world! She made the head piece at home, before coming to school--what a nerd :)