Picture Book Collection Connected to Equity, Empathy, and Kindness

Padlet Collection of Picture Books for Teachers and Learners of All Ages

A few months ago I started to put together a collection of picture books to engage students of all ages in essential topics and skills. I even use some of these books with my High School Environmental Science Students. With the help of my PLN I explored a variety of books and create categories to have a some sense of organization. You can learn more about my first attempt in this post which includes a link to the updated Padlet Collection. Today I am writing about my second attempt at learning as I update and add a new category. 

Inspirational and Motivational Learning Video Challenge

You Matter More Than You Know!

It has been an interesting year to say the least and I know some of my teaching friends have struggled with the world we are living in today. I've read quite a few posts and stories about teachers struggling to stay motivated. I've even talked to some teachers who are thinking about leaving the profession. This breaks my heart.

It's not all bad! There are many great educators doing incredible things to inspire and motivate learners during these unique times and I want to do my part. With this in mind, I am challenging my PLN to share videos or quotes connected to teaching and learning. The goal is to inspire and motivate our teaching friends. #BetterTogether

I think the rules our simple. 

1. Find a video or quote that puts a positive spin on being a teacher and lifelong learner. What inspires and motivates you? 
2. Share the quote or video using the #ShareYouWhy hashtag and any additional teaching and learning hashtags you love. 
3. It is ok to share more than once. The more the better!
4. Feel share to explain why the quote or video matters or leave it open to interpretation. 

If you need some inspiration or want to dive in before sharing, I've started this YouTube Playlist and I will also start to work on a Wakelet Collection of Shared Quotes.

Teaching & Learning Videos - YouTube Playlist

Know Your Why!

Awesome Templates and Visual Design Add-Ons for Google Slides 👀

  

This video almost always makes me laugh, but it also reminds me of some of the awful presentations I've created or had the misfortune of watching. I think that teachers and students sometimes focus so much on the content and what we want to say that we don't think about or find the time to consider design. I think visual design has to be at the top of our list if we want to engage students in learning experiences.

3 Simple Things to Consider When Creating a Presentation

• Less is often more when it comes to text. If you can't make your point with a few points, you may want to reconsider your purpose.
• Backgrounds should connect to you message and not distract the viewer. Backgrounds set the theme for your message. 
• Images should emphasize essential ideas and not just be space fillers. Remember a picture is worth a 1000 words if it is used in the right way. 

I've blogged about why I think design is so important, so I am going to use your time in this post on the why and the how of visual design. If you want learn more about visual design in general, please take a moment to visit or bookmark this post. If you are just getting started with google slides, be sure to explore the Google Slides Training and Help Center.

Today I am going focus on the tools that support visual design in Google Slides. Here are some recommendations for templates, images, and fonts. (While I am focusing on Google Slides, many of these can also be used with PowerPoint or Keynote.)

Recommended Book - Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects

Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects by Eric Curts

Eric Curts has been one of my favorite innovative educators for years. His blog Control Alt Achieve is one of my favorites. I've also been lucky enough to attend several presentations and keynotes by Eric. I am incredibly excited to share his new book with everyone. Eric's book will inspire new and experienced teachers to explore new ways to support creative activities with students.

Screencastify Updates To Support Remote Learning

There are many great screen recording tools for teachers and students, but the Screencastify Chrome Extension has long been one of my favorites. I love the ease of use, the ability to make animated gifs, and the connections to Google Drive.

I also love that Screencastify is always looking for new ways to support teachers and students. There are many innovative EdTech companies that I've gotten to know over the years and Screencastify is one of the best. 2020 has been no exception and today I wanted to share a few of the more recent Screencastify updates.