Packing It Up!

I'm packing up my virtual things and moving to a new blogging platform!  I’m slowly trying to migrate myself from this blog to my new WordPress blog, Connect2Jamie .  I'm doing this because I wanted to streamline my online identity a little--Books-and-Bytes is also a pain to type, and I haven't used that tagline in any other place. Additionally, I thought it was time to learn a little about WordPress too, and take advantage of some of the flexibility that the platform offers.

There were a few changes with Blogger that I wasn’t thrilled with too, and, as usual, Vicki Davis outlined the situation beautifully in her blogpost a few months ago. I don’t have a ton of readers, like Vicki does, and I’m the most sporadic of bloggers, but I've decided it's worth making a few changes, and exploring a little.

I've imported my old posts from this blog to Connect2Jamie, although I'm still working on untangling some of the embeds and linked files. I'll get that done though. Surely...

So.
On to my next adventure in blogging platforms! If you’re reading this, thanks! Maybe one day I’ll have an inspired thought and write it down over there!

Flickr CC Image: Photo by Larry Tomlinson

The Life of #TLChat: An Infographic

One of my most important PD tools is Twitter, and the #TLChat hashtag (Teacher-Librarian Chat) helps me stay informed about books & authors, education/library news, great lesson ideas and so much more. I use #TLChat every day I learn something useful from my PLN there. Check out this infographic that I made on Visual.ly to describe the "life" of TLChat! (Sorry--it's not fitting nicely on my blog template, but at least you don't lose any of the info)

create infographics with visual.ly

Why is This So Hard?

Why is it that the structure of public education is so divisive a topic? Seems pretty simple and logical when you look at it this way...



Wouldn't it be great if we could get the politicians out of the decision-making process and let the educators do what they know how to do to help kids?

3rd Graders Rock!

Yesterday, I got the greatest letter about Erin Hunter's Warriors series--typed in business letter format--from one of my 3rd graders! He wrote:

To: Ms C
From: JR
Re: Original Warriors Story

Dear Mrs. C:

I like Warriors. I thought I would write you this becausee you are a great person and to thank you for getting the Warriors books to be enjoyed by Erin Hunter fans of all ages.
Thank you,
JR

He then went on to summarize the Warriors book he just read and enjoyed--and he IS a fan! What a genuine, heartfelt, typically 3rd grade thing to do! I do love my students! 3rd graders rock!

Just What Are Our Brains Capable of?

Look at the amazing infographic below! Makes me wonder not necessarily what my brain is capable of, but rather what the brains of our students, sitting before us learning to take multiple choice tests, are really capable of. Aren't we running the risk of dumbing them down, anesthetizing them, to the point that we lose--or distort-- all that brilliance?

As a new school year begins to rev up, I hope to remember--each and every day--how amazing each of our kids is. Lofty goal, but worthy.

Infographic by Smarter.org