Welcome

Mrs. Lewis' Bits and Bytes
November 2007




How May I Help You?

  Does the thought of teaching a classroom lesson with technology terrify you?  I understand because I used to be one of those terrified teachers.  I wished I could have someone there to help me because I was afraid of making mistakes or having technical problems while I was teaching.  Never fear - help is near!  As a Technology Resource teacher, I can help you use technology in your classroom lessons.  I can help set up equipment, assist with using equipment, demonstrate the lesson , or just hang out to make sure everything is working.  What ever your needs are, I can work with you individually to make sure your lesson goes smoothly and without glitches!

      If you have any suggestions, questions, comments or concerns, please email us and let me know.  Our email addresses are mlewis@amherst.k12.va.us  &  gmoore@amherst.k12.va.us.

Melanie & Gail



 
October was very busy!  You may not have been able to attend the staff developments that were planned.  Are you still looking for more growth opportunities?  November still has much to do and learn.  To see what is offered, click on the link below. 


Research Indicates . . . .

Principals & Teachers agree that classroom computer use:

  •  improves classroom instruction

  •  increases teacher productivity

  •  improves student products

  •  improves student proficiency in research

  •  improves test scores

  •  satisfies parent/community interest

  •  prepares students for future jobs

Higgins, J., & Russell, M. (2003). Teachers’ beliefs about vision and leadership. Boston, MA: Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative, Boston College.






Wonderful Websites


Fact Monster: Thanksgiving Day
Explore these links to learn about the history of Thanksgiving and the traditions of this holiday. Includes an online quiz and a crossword puzzle. NOTE: The site includes ads.

Thanksgiving in American Memory
This site has a Thanksgiving proclamation from 1782. Students can also look at a "Thanksgiving Timeline."

Brain POP!: Thanksgiving
Watch a short movie with Tim and Moby about the first Thanksgiving in New England, then take a quiz. NOTE: Site available by subscription only.  PLease check with your librarian to see if your school has access.

First Thanksgiving Myths
This page deconstructs some popular myths of the First Thanksgiving as it is frequently portrayed. NOTE: Reading level is for older students.

Enchanted Learning: Thanksgiving Crafts, Decorations, and Printouts
This site has fun craft and activity ideas about Thanksgiving.

ABCTeach: Thanksgiving Directory
This site has many resources for teachers. Scroll down to use an empty Venn diagram that compares a students' Thanksgiving to the first Thanksgiving. Good for the SMARTboard.

Thanksgiving Crafts
Try these hands-on activities for the holidays. NOTE: The site includes ads.

Thanksgiving Traditions in the United States
Read this article about the first Thanksgiving and view a timeline that highlights Thanksgivings in the United States.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Read about the history of New York's famous Macy's Day parade. NOTE: The site contains ads and links to ads.

First Thanksgiving
Scroll down to find out who attended the first Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Stationery
Use this Thanksgiving stationery to write about what you are thankful for.

Thanksgiving Math
This worksheet has two word problems with a Thanksgiving theme.

The Pilgrims' 1621 Thanksgiving
This site has the words of Edward Winslow and William Bradford describing the first Thanksgiving. This text may be too advanced for younger students, but there is good background information for teachers.

PBS: American Heritage
Read a transcript of interviews between Jim Lehrer and four historians about the history of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Story Prompts
Use these prompts to have students write stories about turkeys and Thanksgiving.

Yahooligans e-cards
Send a Thanksgiving card through e-mail. Just pick an image, address the card, and choose a message.




Harvesting the Servers

     Don't forget, Gail and I are loading the servers with resources for you.  Some of the resouces, we have created, some we found on the net, and some we are getting from you.  We are putting everything in one place so that you can find things easily.  Please let us know if you need anything! Many of you have already requested  special items.  We are in the process of getting these for you.
Thank you so much for letting us work with you.