Richard Louv is the author of _Last Child in the Woods_, associated with the term "nature deficit disorder" and a co-founder of the Children & Nature Network. This article is a good overview of his ideas.
Something of a follow-up to the Fool's Gold publication, this document more specifically addresses the idea of "technology literacy". It takes a broader view of tech literacy, encouraging the reader to see it as a social thing, not just the ability to use different kinds of software. It contains a good critique of ISTE. Should be mandatory reading for any tech in education program.
This is a PDF of an important publication challenging the use of technology by young children. It's about eight years old now, but the information in it is more important than ever, as the various standards and pacing guides push technology use down to the lower grades.
offers an extensive list of shared VFT's, and a template for creating your first VFT. The first is free, and can be published to their list. After that, a small annual fee.
math and English Language, common core standards.....a national movement to standardize core standards across the nation. Logically speaking, this movement will maybe help some achievement, but will most certainly hurt some, as in the case of Massachusetts. This state is proud of its achievement levels, and is very concerned that the common core standards will 'water down' their more rigorous curriculum. Illinois approved these as of June 2010. So get ready for change.
WallWisher is a website that allows anyone to create a wall that is based around a topic or question. Other users can log on and leave virtual sticky notes with comments about the topic. Great for engaging students. WallWisher can address questions or topics as high on Bloom's Taxonomy as the creator chooses.
BrainPopJr is an extremely engaging website that provides games for students in all subject areas. It is easy to differentiate. It also gives many teacher resources which can help link this material to the traditional curriculum. Trial available.
On-line resource to create diagrams and graphic organizers. Free to use; registration required. Teacher and student friendly. Recommended uses: water cycle, rock cycle. Relatively easy to use. On-line save option. Can edit simultaneously from remote sites (real time collaboration).
Complete handbook for the CPS student science fair. Includes all documents required, including endorements, abstract, and safetly contract, all of which may be edited and printed.
Published weekly by Time magazine, TFK contains non-fiction articles geared toward kids. Each week has a theme and worksheets that accompany. TFK can be accessed two ways - one is the physical magazine, sent weekly to your school. It is fee based, but comes with student copies and a TE which includes enrichment worksheets. TFK can also be accessed online and individual articles can be printed. A quiz for the entire edition is available weekly online, along with hundreds of free, sortable worksheets.
