My first blog post! Are hash tags appropriate on blogs? Whatever. #cressmanrocks.

My Goals:
Alright, here we go. My goals this week were to teach my students about effective presentation and research skills. I think it went fairly well. Ms. Cressman and I planned out a "model" speech, which we presented in class. Students were asked to observe the strengths and weaknesses in three areas: Content, Organization, and Presentation Skills. We modeled both effective and ineffective strategies, and we followed it up with a "Need to Know" discussion of what students will have to know in order to complete this assignment. The students asked great questions.

The second thing we did was decide how to teach students to critically analyze their sources. Our students told us they usually go directly to Google, so we provided them with three other reliable sources: MEL, procon.org, and newsela.com. We also modeled how to assess a website on Google for credibility using the 3 W Questions: Who? What? and Where?

Lastly, we introduced Citelighter as a method of tracking research. It didn't go so well in 2nd hour, so I will follow up today with more help.

My "I Wonder" List:

• I wonder why e-cigarettes are bad. It's a topic one of my students picked, but I have no clue what the controversy is.
• I wonder how hash tags really work and if anyone actually follows them? I mean...really, why?
• I wonder if we will ever have ipads in the classroom?
• I wonder if I'm parenting my daughter well? She. Is. Crazy.
• I wonder what the Paleo Diet is really all about? Does it work? Who backs it?
• I wonder what the best way to get back into running is? Who could I talk to? What shoes do I need? Schedule?
• I wonder what I will be teaching next year?

What I Learned This Week:

I learned what "glamping" is.  It is glamorous camping. I read about it in an article from CNN News. I think the idea is hilarious. Essentially someone has been running a business that sells these elaborate campsites. They are for people who don't want traditional camping at music festivals and bike rallies. They are considered "pop-up hotels". This business is making a ton of money. Here is a picture:

http://money.cnn.com/2014/04/25/smallbusiness/glamping-tents-camping/index.html?source=cnn_bin