2) What is Core Knowledge and how does it apply to education theory?

Core Knowledge means that the more you know, the more you are able to learn.  Every child should learn the core subjects: math, language arts, science, etc.  Core Knowledge is a foundation that helps a child learn and retain information.  Education Theory is the purpose of learning.  If you are able to identify where a child is in their education then you will be able to build a foundation for success.


Here is a link to Core Knowledge:


http://coreknowledge.org/

1) What are the learning outcomes established by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning? (Include information about who/what the Partnership itself is.)

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills helps provide students for readiness of the 21st century by advocating for skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity.  The framework combines a blend of specific skills, content knowledge, and expertise with innovative support systems to help students master abilitites required of them in the 21st century.

1.  Core subjects and 21st century themes:  Knowledge of core subjects such as English, math, science, geography and history are weaved into 21st century interdisciplinary themes such as global awareness, economic literacy, health literacy, civic literacy, and environmental literacy.

2.  Learning and Innovation Skills:  Students must prepare for the complexity of the 21st century and need to adapt skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

3.  Information, Media, and Technology Skills:  People living in the 21st century must understand the growing technology industry.  They must utilize skills such as accessing information, understand rapid technological change, and a willingness to collaborate.  People must be literate in information technology, media, and communication.

4.  Life and Career Skills:  Students must be able to navigate through the complexities of global competition.  They must develop career and life skills that will help them advance in the work environment.  They must be flexible in order to deal with change.  They must become self-starters and work independently.  They must understand social dynamics and cultural themes.  They must be productive and use time management effectively.  They must also become leaders and be able to guide others to achieve goals.

Here is a link to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills:
http://p21.org/

XtraNormal Movie

Click here to watch my XtraNormal Movie:

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/11939033/have-you-seen-my-dog

Fun Games

Here are two great sites to use in the classroom:

Coffee Break Arcade is a wonderful site full of puzzle games, word games, math games, and loads more!  There are a variety of games to choose from.

http://coffeebreakarcade.com/classic.htm

Wordle is a fun site that creates word clouds.  Simply enter your report or notes and wordle turns it into a fun visual.

http://www.wordle.net/

Using a blog in my classroom

I would use a blog in my classroom on a regular basis.  I would have students read an article, a current event, or watch a youtube video and then have them post a comment and respond to what they've read.  I would also use the blog as a starting point for a Web Quest.  I've recently discovered CNN Student News and can have my students link to this site and post comments on the news reports.