Slice it, Dice it, Share it....

Have you heard of the free app called "Slice It!"

Well "Slice It!" is as easy as pie for some but a little harder for others! 

This app introduces students to basic geometric concepts in both a visual and a tactile format.

The learners starts out by slicing up circles, squares and other shapes. They "slice" the shapes into halves, thirds and other fractions, as well. 

The beginning stages or levels of the game are fun and appear to be simple in concept. However, precise slicing is required to show the same ratio or surface area throughout the game.

Please keep in mind that this game gets harder and more complicated as the students master it.

Price: FREE

Or there is a 99 Cent version

Slice it Link

Just some funnies to add humor to your day!

Symbaloo -Accessing your bookmarks anywhere

Symbaloo | Access your bookmarks anywhere | iGoogle alternative

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Symbaloo! It has made my life so much easier in the classroom.  My kids are able to find websites SO much quicker.  They do not have to type in urls and I can set up tabs at the top of Symbaloo for each subject that I teach and put websites that I want them to visit.

Here is a picture of my Symbaloo homepage.

Check it out.  It is SO easy to use.  It is FREE.
Here is their website. http://www.symbaloo.com

Check out this quick video to learn a little bit about Symbaloo.

Symbaloo Tutorial for Teachers

Google Hangout Comprehensive Tutorial

The purpose of this blog post is to provide you with a comprehensive tutorial that can help you as an educator make the most out of your Hangout Sessions.  

Below is a list of what this video tutorial covers:

1.     Types of Google Hangout:

2.    How to create a Hangout

3.    How to add people to a hangout

4.    How to record a Hangout history

5.    How to archive a Hangout to retrieve it later

6.    How to delete or block individuals from a Hangout

7.    How to use text chat Hangout

8.    How to send an image in a Hangout

9.    How to add people to circles from a Hangout

10. How to start a video call in the Hangout

11.  How to manage the settings of a Hangout

I hope that you find this tutorial helpful!

Oh, by the way... I just love his accent in this video.... He, he, he!

Hardware Needed for Google Hangout

Hardware Needed for Google Hangout

Here is a list of Hardware that I suggest each teacher have for a Google Hangout:

1. A laptop or desktop with a built-in webcam or if you have access to an external webcam which can be connected to the computer.

2. A projector which connects to the computer so that all students are able to see. 

3. Connection to speakers or an external sound system.

4. A built in-microphone or an external microphone that can be connected to your computer.  This is so that the students at the other location are able to hear them.

Below are pictures of devices that we have at my school.

More On Google Hangouts

Do you participate in Mystery Hangouts? If NOT, you are missing out!

They are SO much for and very educational.

The 4th Grade classes at my school just absolutely LOVE Hanging Out!

When they are finished with one Hangout, they are immediately asking me when the next one is scheduled.

By participating in a Mystery Hang Out you, as a teacher, are able to incorporate so may Common Core Objectives which is preparing your students to be college and career ready. 

Just a Few Benefits to Google Hang Out:

Up to ten people can "hang out" at one time in a virtual "room."

Great for connecting classrooms throughout the USA and around the world.

Great way to connect children book authors with students 

Have students connect with other experts (i.e. Scientist)

Students are able to engage in connected learning experiences with their peers  

Increase Map Skills

Increase speaking skills

Increase use of technology in the classroom

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts: What It Is and How to Use It

It has come to my attention that some of my friends and family aren't familiar with Google hangouts. If you have a Google account (which, at school, we all do!) you can use this awesome communication tool. 

Here's a great link on how it works. 

On a laptop, using Chrome as your browser, it's easiest to google "google hangouts for chrome." Go to the Chrome Web Store and Click Add to Chrome.

You should then see the google hangout symbol next to your omnibar. Click on that.
You should get a Hangout area in the lower right hand corner of your screen. 
Click on New Conversation. Type in an email address. 
You can then text or video call that person. They need to have Hangouts, too, though. 
You can make a group to chat with several people at the same time.
Lots of webinars are using Hangouts, too!

Enjoy!