"School's (not) Out for Summer"

In this article, I found many different perspectives on whether giving students homework over their summer break is a good idea. One author argued, "The homework overburdens our children and sends many back to school burnt out and sick of learning." While others feel that giving them something over break will help their "students’ brain's not turn to mush." I feel that students should at least read or go over some skills over the summer so they do not forget the essentials. However, it is not a good idea to overload them!

"69,000 Edublogs and Counting..."

I was very pleased to read this article because it shows that educators are getting more used to technology and how to use it effectively in the classroom. It was short but to the point, 69,000 educators blogging how great!

"Here and There Japan"

This is a great blog/website in which Annie Donwerth Chikamatsu who lives in Japan takes pictures and writes about experiences and the world around her. This would be a fantastic way to get children from other countries to communicate with one another. This could be the future way of "pen pals"!

"Pennsylvania State goal: laptops on all desktops "

Pennsylvania has a goal of creating what they call "Classrooms for the Future" which if the $200 million, three year program is approved each high school could have a laptop on each desk. It could also include other high tech technology. I understand some schools want to explore new things but it is really necessary to have laptops on every computer?

"Books That Talk"

A great new literacy tool has taken place at Tulalip Elementary in Marysville, Washington. Fourth and fifth-graders came up with the idea of making digital books that can be read on a computer screen. The students can click on the text and they can hear the words spoken aloud. This makes students love to read because they can not only read themselves but also hear the words read aloud right in front of them. They can also create their own stories and have it done the same way! This is a great new literacy tool for young readers, which will make them enjoy reading much more.

"High-tech tags my track kids in TUSD"

The title says it all. I never believed it myself and actually still don't. I feel very disturbed knowing that parents could put tracking devices on their children, especially when they are in school. I believe it is the school and parents responsibility to keep track of these children. More than likely the students will try to remove this from themselves when they get to school. Where is the trust between parents and their children? It is sad to know that society may result to something like this.

"Chatting With Authors"


This article is something that I find to be very beneficial for students in reading. There are always times while reading a book when people especially students have questions to ask the author. They could include anything from how the chose the story line to why an event occurred the way it did. Therefore, giving students the opportunity to have a live chat with the author of the book they read or are reading will give them a better understanding of the book as well as making the students want to read so they can ask questions to the author at the end!