Ashley's+Resources

=Resource 1: [|Proteacher.net] =

Proteacher Community- Teacher Discussions, Blogs, and Chat
  Description of Site Proteacher.net is an online community blog for teachers in grades PreK-8. This site is for teachers to come together with questions, suggestions, ideas, and stories about and from their own classrooms. There are many different boards on which to share your thoughts, or just to read good ideas from other teachers.  Description of Resources Available Proteacher.net has a variety of forums for discussion, including:
 * Main boards, such as BusyBoard (for K-6 teachers) and rooms for each grade level through grade 8
 * Boards for non-traditional teachers, such as substitute teachers, student teachers, future teachers, second career teachers, and retired teachers
 * Subject area boards (math, science, social studies, visual art, writing, reading/literature, etc.)
 * Boards for teachers of: Special Education, Title I, ESL, and Gifted and Talented
 * Boards for teachers of other subjects, such as music, art, library/media, physical education, paraprofessionals, and resource teachers
 * Meeting rooms with different focuses, such as Poetry, Six Trait Writing, Responsive Classroom, National Board Certification, The Daily 5 and more...

Evaluation of Utility of the Site Proteacher can be used for a variety of information for any elementary or middle school teacher, regardless of subject or program. Whenever I have posted on the discussion boards, I have received relevant and helpful answers and feedback. This site would be helpful for a teacher who wants to explore a subject or topic that she/he is unfamiliar with, wants more information on, or wants to share her/his expertise with. Also, a teacher can visit for fresh, new ideas to use in the classroom, as well as feedback on how those ideas may have worked in other classrooms. At times, all the different rooms can seem confusing, but after a little exploration- and a new screen name- teachers can be comfortable discussing and blogging about their topics of interest.

Rating for Proteacher.net: 2- Very Good

=Resource 2: [|Edutopia.org/blogs] =

A Blog for What Works in Public Education
Description of Site At Edutopia.org blogs, formerly known as Edutopia.org/spiralnotebook, a panel of professionals in the field of education post their thoughts on what is going on in education today. Visitors to the site respond with questions, thoughts, and feedback for the author and/or the other visitors. Edutopia was created by the George Lucas Educational Foundation to address the slow pace of change and advancement in education. The site is called "Edutopia" because it is the creators' envisionment of a better educational world.

Description of Resources Available Edutopia Blogs is only one resource available at the greater Edutopia.org site. Also available at Edutopia:
 * "Core Concepts"- Six pages dedicated to exporing what words in education: Comprehensive Assessment, Integrated Studies, Project Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Teacher Development, and Technology Integration
 * "Special Reports"- Detailed, wide-ranging examinations of key educational topics and issues, such as: After-school programs, Autism, Financial Education, and Collaboration
 * Edutopia Blogs (see above)
 * The Edutopia Video Library, full of interesting and relevant video clips and interviews about what's important now in education
 * The Edutopia Magazine, with links to current and archived issues and articles

Evaluation of Utility of the Site As I explored the site a couple of months ago, two weeks ago, and again now, I realize just how much there is here to read, explore, and watch. This site is extremely informative and exciting for educators intersted in changing their field. I come here now whenever I need to feel hopeful, or if I need a refresher in my career. The blog section alone is enough to keep me occupied (and laughing!) for hours, let alone all the videos, the magazine, and the articles in the other sections.

Rating of Edutopia.org Blogs (and the rest!): 1- Excellent

=Resource 3: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[|Open Wide, Look Inside] = ([])

A blog about teaching elementay math, science, and social studies, with heavy emphasis on the integration of children's literature across the curriculum.
<span style="font-size: 120%; color: #7491f6; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">Description of Site "Open Wide, Look Inside" is a blog presented by a University of Richmond teacher educator, with contributions by various other authors. This blog provides extensive examples of children's books that are useful and motivating children to learn math, science, and social studies. The authors are proponents of the integration of children's literature across the subject areas. The site is organized into blog entries, and the archives are searchable by date or topic. Topics include blog entries on third grade measurement or fourth grade life science, for example. Each entry explores a variety of children's books (at the appropriate grade level) that are helpful in motivating kids to learn that particular topic using books. For example, the blog about third grade measurement, entitled "Cha-Ching, Third Grade Money," gives helpful summaries of books useful for teaching money to third graders. Also listed on the blog pages are the books' authors and illustrators and an image of the book cover, making it easier to scout out the titles at the library. This blog also features a Comments section so that visitors and teachers may offer helpful feedback or further resources.

<span style="font-size: 120%; color: #7491f6; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">Description of Resources Available Open Wide, Look Inside has various resources available:
 * An archives list, with previous blogs browsable by month, or topic (category)
 * An "NCLB page" with links to sites useful to teachers working with special education students, or teachers who want to explore further resources
 * Thematic book lists on various math, science, and social studies topics
 * A blogroll with lists of great resources to explore, like Guided Tours, Podcasts, Book Lists, and more

<span style="font-size: 120%; color: #7491f6; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">Evaluation of Utility of the Site This is a wonderful and informative resource for teachers looking to include more (or just different!) high quality literature in their subject areas. This site can help increase the effectiveness of any elementary teacher's math, science, or social studies curriculum by providing a database of great titles in children's literature that will motivate kids, give them real-world examples, and entertain them while they are learning.

<span style="font-size: 140%; color: #7491f6; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">Rating of "Open Wide, Look Inside": 2-Very Good