Technology can be a scary thing!  Going outside of one's comfort zone and knowledge base, especially for adults, can make us nervous.  Students tend to be more open and willing to try new things.  As a teacher who expects my students to explore technology, I must be willing to learn from students.   

Students learn better from project-based, hands-on experiences.  Providing such opportunities is more readily available in the Learning Commons with our new Makerspace/Thinker Table.  Opportunities for creative writing, experimenting and more are available along with technology.  (Our iPads/Minis should be back from technology soon.)  Right now the space is set up on temporary tables but soon our maintenance crew will have built us a more permanent space to work in.  As a new idea/space/concept, teachers need to come and explore the opportunities available to them and their students!  Looking forward to seeing all the new ideas and technolo

The book fair is several weeks away but things are already in the works.  We have some really great ideas on how to turn this book fair into the best book fair ever.  The theme is medieval with Sir Readalot's Castle, The Kingdom of Reading.  We are changing that a bit to Once Upon A Story where "Readlot" is the Castle and it is the Home of King Author.  We will have many students and staff playing different roles from Kings, Queens, Court Jesters, Knights and hopefully a visit from Merlin the Magician.  Designs are starting to be created.  The book fair is December 4-12.  We will have a family night with Knights and Ogres and possibly some live animals!  You will want to put that date on your calendar just to see who "visits" our fair!

On Thursday, September 15, 2015, the Instructional Coaches and Library Media Specialists met with Michelle Nebel and the Technology Department.  We are discussing technology changes.  We must all work together to make the transitions go smoothly.  Every staff member and student will have a Gmail account associated with school.  6th grade students will be receiving iPads in January.  We are making some huge steps towards making our students 21st Century learners! 

I am so excited about the upcoming Makerspace/Thinker Table that is being added to ESMS Learning Commons.  I received a grant from Northwest Missouri State University last spring to create this area.  I ordered the materials and am working with our maintenance department to create this space.  I will need to add to it frequently as needs arise.  I feel this will allow students the opportunity to create, design and share projects, stories and ideas.  I will keep you posted on the progress!