Quiz

For our Tech class, we learned how to make online Quizzes using Google Forms. Below is the quiz I created about Catching the Moon by Crystal Hubbard.

The First Stitches

Starting Out
Prior to beginning my very first stitches, I embarked in some research. The very first thing I learned was that you cannot simply pick any yarn, and any set of needles. There are several different sizes and types (talk about overwhelming). Luckily for me, I found Simple-knitting, which, quite frankly has been a lifesaver. Without which, I would have never known that you must match yarn size, needle size, and project. For example, a medium-sized yarn can be used with sizes 6, 7, or 8, depending on the project you are doing. 
Despite knowing this, I still managed to get overwhelmed at the craft store. I picked out 10" size 8 needles. Due to cost, I chose aluminum, and though I do not have anything to compare them to, I feel they are easy to work with. Needles were the easy part, it was the walls and walls of yarn I got lost in. I knew I wanted a medium-sized yarn, however, I was not sure where to start. There was cotton, wool, acrylic, mixes, baby yarn, the list goes on! On my first try at the store, I found a good deal, found a material I though felt nice, and the size I needed. The last task was picking a colour. Well, when it came to picking a colour, I moved over too far, selecting a yarn that was "fine-sized". This went unnoticed until I was about to get started, and had to do a double look. Long story short read the labels!!!

The "look for" on the label

Slip Knot
Finally, I had my materials, and was ready to begin. The first thing I needed to learn? A slip knot. This part was easy. The photos below show the step-by-step process of creating a slip knot. 

 Step 1: Create a loop 

Step 2:Fold the front behind  

                                      

      Step 3: Use your needle to pull the back through

 Step 4: Pull tight

Voila!

Casting On

The next step was to cast on. Turns out there are several ways to do this, so, I plan to try each one out to see what I like the most. The first one I have done is the single cast on. This one was very simple to do, however, it made it more challenging to start my first knit row. To perform the single cast one, you simply have to hold the needle point up in your right hand, and take the working yarn (the end attached to the ball) in your left, wrap it around your thumb, then slip it onto the needle. Below is a video by Krista Steel-Varsakis demonstrating how to cast on.

Third Times the Charm

As I mentioned, the first row of knit stitches were challenging. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, and even when I did, the single cast on posed a bit of a challenge for the first row. After the first row, it got a lot easier! Here is what I currently have:

I will need a little more practice, but my next step is to try a different stitch called the purl stitch.

Links:

Simple-Knitting http://www.simple-knitting.com/

Cast On video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JD-Gt1vRB0&spfreload=10

Virtual Field Trips, Genius Hour

Today we explored Virtual Field Trips! Yes, you read that right, a virtual field trip. You can transport your students out of the classroom, without actually leaving the school. These field trips can consist of pictures, videos, and audio segments. These field trips provide opportunities for students to explore places or things they otherwise would not get to experience. Virtual field trips can be a fun, engaging way for students to learn. So take your students to on a journey through space (http://nineplanets.org), to the Easter Islands (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/easter/) , to the arctic (http://www.polarhusky.com/), or where ever your teachings may take you.

Genius Hour

Another topic we explored was Genius Hour. Genius hour in the classroom provides students to explore their passions, find answers to challenging problems, and work towards a goal. Genius Hour provides an opportunity for students to explore their passions, and learn new things. It is a student-driven initiative. Picking a genius hour project was no easy task. I decided I would finally take this time to learn how to knit! 

Interested in starting a Genius Hour in your classroom? Follow this link to find out more information on how you can incorporate Genius Hour into your classroom.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I will be creating posts as I learn how to better navigate technology. As a teacher candidate, I hope to bring my technological knowledge, both new and old, into the classroom.

If you are interested in a snapshot about me, follow this link to my All About Me Pinterest Board! Feel free to give me a follow, I often post lesson and classroom ideas for all ages!

This is my passion heart map, which depicts some of my passions.

For a little Monday motivation, you will find an awesome video brought to you by Kid President below. A young kid, with big ideas. It goes to show we have a lot to learn from people of all ages:

Copyright Protocol

Have you ever came up with a magnificent idea, and told someone about it? Let’s say that person decided to take your idea, and put it into action, without your permission. Your idea works and people love it. However, your pride quickly fades when you realize no one knows it was your original idea. The other person got all the recognition and praise, not once giving you credit. You probably are not feeling too warm and fuzzy towards the person using your idea without giving you any credit right about now. What if we switched the situation up a bit; they asked you for permission to use your idea, and gave you credit where it was due. How does that change the way you feel?

San José Library. (August 9, 2008). Kids using the computers.
 [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2jlRz3U

               When you, or others create work, copyright automatically comes into play, which means only the creator of that work has the right to use it (Figg, 2013). However, work can be given a Creative Commons Licence (CC), which can allow others to distribute or use your work (Figg, 2013). Essentially, copyright, and CC can determine who has permission to use a piece of work, and how they can use it. As a teacher, understanding this, and teaching this to your students is beneficial, and helps ensure peoples’ desires in relation to their work are being met.

               Not every piece of work you create/use has to be original. If it is within the person’s copyright/CC Licence, or you have direct permission to use the work for your desired purposes, it is okay to use. However, it is important to give credit to whom the work belongs, when required. You can do this by citing your work. It is important to understand, and to teach your students how and when to cite, why we cite.

Buie, J. (August 4. 2016). Repurposed license plates. [Photograph]
 Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/bumeister/28369964203

Reference:
Figg, C. (2013). Copyright for tech enhanced teaching. Handy4class. Retrieved from http://www.handy4class.com/tpack-teacher-game/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Copyright-2013c1.pdf