rbsmith's blog

A paper clip, half an eraser, two pieces of string, and some duct tape … I know what you’re thinking. It sounds just like that episode when MacGyver saved the world with only moments to spare. Well, it’s not MacGyver; I promise.

April is home to several prominent celebrations: Earth Day, Arbor Day, National Poetry Month, National Habitat Awareness Month, and, you guessed it, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month!
 

This is the time of year when I get emails begging for help finding material on an objective or skill. Our teachers are constantly on the hunt for quality resources that will reinforce or hone in on certain information. Luckily, our teachers don’t have to lose any sleep from searching for the perfect selection.

We’ve just begun 2011 and I am already seeing so much great teaching. It’s hard to decide what to share.

It’s always exciting to walk into a classroom and see students enjoying a video or clip from SAFARI Montage. It’s even cooler to see our little ones in the primary grades discussing the experiment they just witnessed on the screen, why the problem-solving method is correct or incorrect on the math show, or to simply listen as they sing along to the alphabet.

I’ve written before about the profound effect that SAFARI Montage has had on my teaching realm. I am proud to say that it has extended my classroom beyond the traditional four walls and learning setting. More than once, SAFARI helped me to bring new meaning to a theme or concept with my adult English Language Learners. It made abstract concepts seem real for my second grades.

I always like “back to school” time because we get to meet our new teachers. It’s super exciting! We spend several days training teachers on all of the technology available in our district. One of the first things we show all of our teachers is how to use SAFARI Montage.

When we think about summer, the beach, sun, and sand quickly come to mind. But, for some, June marks the end of one school year and the start of another- the extended school year.

Most people think “summer school” and you can see the immediate shift. Fear and dread among students is not uncommon. This is not the case here in Garland ISD. Our teachers are equipped for a summer SAFARI!

Over the past months, I have written about all the ways I have personally used SAFARI Montage in the classroom, with my adult learners, and with intervention groups. At the beginning of May, I took on a new role- Elementary Technology Facilitator for Title I schools.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- SAFARI has changed the face of education and instruction. I’ve written about all the neat things you can do with video clips, images, and online teacher resources. I have shared several of the ways I have personally used SAFARI and what a difference it has made for me and the students I work with. Today, I’d like to share one of my absolute new favorites- live morning announcements.