....and I am going to do it again today.
Stay tuned
New post tomorrow
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Do you use facebook, myspace, or twitter? I think today many of us belong to social networking sites. Today is World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and http://www.aids.gov/ is recommending we all bring awareness to the crisis that is the spread of HIV/AIDS by posting the following as our status:
[your name] is facing AIDS for World AIDS day. To find a HIV test site, text your ZIP "KNOWIT" (566948) or visit http://www.hivtest.org/ . Join me and post this to your status today.
It is hard to believe we have been knowingly faced with this epidemic since the early 1980s in this country. Science has gone on to show that AIDS/HIV has been around since at least the early 1940s. 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Approximately 56,300 new HIV cases are diagnosed every year in this county. While HIV is not AIDS, it can develop into full blown AIDS over time. There is no cure for either HIV or AIDS. AIDS is fatal.
We as a nation, as a world need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this disease and to find a cure for those millions and millions already affected. We should be compelled to end the suffering of others and to prevent the suffering of the millions that will follow.
We all know the basics of AIDS/HIV transmission prevention:
1. Do not come into contact with body fluids of another person (blood, semen, vaginal fluids)
2. Do not share "dirty" or "used" needles.
3. Practice universal precautions.
4. Practice safe sex and use a condom EVERY time.
5. Know your HIV status and get tested.
6. Ask your partner to be tested prior to engaging in sexual activity.
While these are just a few guidelines there is so much more information you need to be aware of when it comes to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Please take the time to go to http://www.aids.gov/ and learn the facts. There are several links on the site and it provides a great deal of information.
Each and everyone of us should be concerned about the spread of this disease. How do you think each of us should respond or what could we do?
[your name] is facing AIDS for World AIDS day. To find a HIV test site, text your ZIP "KNOWIT" (566948) or visit http://www.hivtest.org/ . Join me and post this to your status today.
It is hard to believe we have been knowingly faced with this epidemic since the early 1980s in this country. Science has gone on to show that AIDS/HIV has been around since at least the early 1940s. 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Approximately 56,300 new HIV cases are diagnosed every year in this county. While HIV is not AIDS, it can develop into full blown AIDS over time. There is no cure for either HIV or AIDS. AIDS is fatal.
We as a nation, as a world need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this disease and to find a cure for those millions and millions already affected. We should be compelled to end the suffering of others and to prevent the suffering of the millions that will follow.
We all know the basics of AIDS/HIV transmission prevention:
1. Do not come into contact with body fluids of another person (blood, semen, vaginal fluids)
2. Do not share "dirty" or "used" needles.
3. Practice universal precautions.
4. Practice safe sex and use a condom EVERY time.
5. Know your HIV status and get tested.
6. Ask your partner to be tested prior to engaging in sexual activity.
While these are just a few guidelines there is so much more information you need to be aware of when it comes to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Please take the time to go to http://www.aids.gov/ and learn the facts. There are several links on the site and it provides a great deal of information.
Each and everyone of us should be concerned about the spread of this disease. How do you think each of us should respond or what could we do?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
This is due Friday, November 7, 2009
After you’ve chosen your civics game topic, please answer the following questions in your blog: 1. What is your game topic (explain in detail) and how does it relate to civics? (150 words)
2. How will a player learn more about civics while they play your game? (150)
3. Where does your game topic fit into the Civics Knowledge Framework? Does it teach about an ideal of government, a function of government or about citizenship? Please explain. To answer this question first you must read:
Civics Knowledge Framework
Leading questions we ask ourselves regarding making Civics Games:
- What issues, themes and topics should Globaloria students consider to focus on in their civics games?
- What civics topics should Globaloria students explore, examine, learn, understand, and master while making their civics games?
To answer these questions, we conceptualized the Globaloria Program on Civics Games around three groups of content questions and related objectives:
1. Understanding Ideals: What are the key principles and values underlying US government? What’s their origin?
2. Understanding Function: How does the US government work?
3. Understanding Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
Understanding these three dimensions or pieces of civics knowledge, and their inter-connectedness, has been established in the public education system as essential for 7thto 12th graders. These objectives and issues are also in alignment with West Virginia CSOs on social studies and civics and OurCourts.org curriculum.
The Globaloria Civics Knowledge Framework:
1. Ideals: What are the key principles and values underlying US government?
· Origins/history of key ideas and values
· Government systems (democracy, dictatorship, communism, monarchy)
· Majority rule
· Minority rights
· Separation of Powers
· Individual Rights and Freedoms
2. Function: How does the US government work?
· Local, state and national/federal levels of government systems
· Local, state and national/federal court systems
· The three branches of government (executive, legislative, judiciary)
· Role of citizens and outside groups (unions, lobbyists, media)
3. Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
· Stay informed (locally, nationally, globally)
· Explore a variety of sources and perspectives
· Develop a position on local, national and global issues
· Volunteer and participate in community service
· Take action!
· Develop a strategy for achieving results on the ground
· Learn to use action tools: protest, petition, letter writing, town meeting
· Lead and/or support at different capacities and levels (student government, community, local, national, etc.)
· Vote
1. Rationale: What are key principles and values underlying the US government?
Existing Games about the Purpose of Democracy:
American Symbols Game: http://www.texaslre.org/asymbols/symbolsgameintro.html
Bill of Rights Match Game: http://www.texaslre.org/BOR/billofrights.html
Geography America: http://games.crossmap.com/flash_play/america.htm
Example Game Ideas:
- A game where the player must determine in certain scenarios if rights secured by the Bill of Rights are being violated.
- A game where you play from the point of view of a Founding Father and make decisions that will establish the groundwork for the future of the US.
2. Function: How does the US government work?
Existing Games about the Function of US Government:
Redistricting Game: http://www.redistrictinggame.org/
Branches of Government: http://www.texaslre.org/branches_game.html
There Should Be a Law: http://www.texaslre.org/HowAbill/index.html
Example Game Ideas:
- A Role Playing Game (RPG) where you assume the role of one branch of government and have to “combat” the others.
- A game where you play the media and intervene in abuses of government on behalf of citizens.
- A game where you must determine if a given conflict falls under the jurisdiction of local, state or national courts.
3. Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
Existing Games About the Role of Citizens:
Pick 12: http://www.texaslre.org/jurygame_intro.html
Play the News: http://www.playthenewsgame.com/portal/home.action
Bump the Birds: http://www.gothamgazette.com/games/ballotbump/
Example Game Ideas:
- A game where you play a community organizer and must achieve a civic objective with the tools available to you (petitions, protest, voting, etc.)
- A game where you must determine a position on a controversial issue and “fight” counter-arguments against it.
- A game where you must make wise choices in which news sources you select in order to stay informed.
This assignment is due by Friday, November 7, 2009~
2. How will a player learn more about civics while they play your game? (150)
3. Where does your game topic fit into the Civics Knowledge Framework? Does it teach about an ideal of government, a function of government or about citizenship? Please explain. To answer this question first you must read:
Civics Knowledge Framework
Leading questions we ask ourselves regarding making Civics Games:
- What issues, themes and topics should Globaloria students consider to focus on in their civics games?
- What civics topics should Globaloria students explore, examine, learn, understand, and master while making their civics games?
To answer these questions, we conceptualized the Globaloria Program on Civics Games around three groups of content questions and related objectives:
1. Understanding Ideals: What are the key principles and values underlying US government? What’s their origin?
2. Understanding Function: How does the US government work?
3. Understanding Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
Understanding these three dimensions or pieces of civics knowledge, and their inter-connectedness, has been established in the public education system as essential for 7thto 12th graders. These objectives and issues are also in alignment with West Virginia CSOs on social studies and civics and OurCourts.org curriculum.
The Globaloria Civics Knowledge Framework:
1. Ideals: What are the key principles and values underlying US government?
· Origins/history of key ideas and values
· Government systems (democracy, dictatorship, communism, monarchy)
· Majority rule
· Minority rights
· Separation of Powers
· Individual Rights and Freedoms
2. Function: How does the US government work?
· Local, state and national/federal levels of government systems
· Local, state and national/federal court systems
· The three branches of government (executive, legislative, judiciary)
· Role of citizens and outside groups (unions, lobbyists, media)
3. Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
· Stay informed (locally, nationally, globally)
· Explore a variety of sources and perspectives
· Develop a position on local, national and global issues
· Volunteer and participate in community service
· Take action!
· Develop a strategy for achieving results on the ground
· Learn to use action tools: protest, petition, letter writing, town meeting
· Lead and/or support at different capacities and levels (student government, community, local, national, etc.)
· Vote
1. Rationale: What are key principles and values underlying the US government?
Existing Games about the Purpose of Democracy:
American Symbols Game: http://www.texaslre.org/asymbols/symbolsgameintro.html
Bill of Rights Match Game: http://www.texaslre.org/BOR/billofrights.html
Geography America: http://games.crossmap.com/flash_play/america.htm
Example Game Ideas:
- A game where the player must determine in certain scenarios if rights secured by the Bill of Rights are being violated.
- A game where you play from the point of view of a Founding Father and make decisions that will establish the groundwork for the future of the US.
2. Function: How does the US government work?
Existing Games about the Function of US Government:
Redistricting Game: http://www.redistrictinggame.org/
Branches of Government: http://www.texaslre.org/branches_game.html
There Should Be a Law: http://www.texaslre.org/HowAbill/index.html
Example Game Ideas:
- A Role Playing Game (RPG) where you assume the role of one branch of government and have to “combat” the others.
- A game where you play the media and intervene in abuses of government on behalf of citizens.
- A game where you must determine if a given conflict falls under the jurisdiction of local, state or national courts.
3. Citizenship: How to be an active and effective citizen at any age?
Existing Games About the Role of Citizens:
Pick 12: http://www.texaslre.org/jurygame_intro.html
Play the News: http://www.playthenewsgame.com/portal/home.action
Bump the Birds: http://www.gothamgazette.com/games/ballotbump/
Example Game Ideas:
- A game where you play a community organizer and must achieve a civic objective with the tools available to you (petitions, protest, voting, etc.)
- A game where you must determine a position on a controversial issue and “fight” counter-arguments against it.
- A game where you must make wise choices in which news sources you select in order to stay informed.
This assignment is due by Friday, November 7, 2009~
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Blog Topic
I have taken many suggestions for blog topics today. They have ranged from abortion to swine flu. I am picking the swine flu. I feel many of us are confused as to what the swine flu really is, what it means for our health, and how we should react to it. I challenge you to follow the following links and research the swine flu:
After you research the swine flu I want you to answer the following questions:
- What exactly is the swine flu?
- What are the symptoms of the swine flu?
- Do you think it is a good idea to get the vaccine?
- What groups are at most risk of having complications from the swine flu?
- What are some things you can do(other than the shot) to help prevent catching the swine flu?
- Are you more or less concerned about the swine flu since you have researched it?
- Do we as citizens have any responsibilities to others concerning the spread/treatment of the swine flu?
Please be thorough in your answers.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Pay It Forward (thanks Jim)
I have so many things I want to discuss in my blog post today I find it difficult to choose a title. Speaking of blog titles, I have always wondered how do most people choose their titles. Many people choose titles based on the content of their blog, others choose abstract titles, some just add a date, and some do who knows what.
How do you pick your blog titles?
Today my students and I took the time to listen to President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his
How do you pick your blog titles?
Today my students and I took the time to listen to President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his
This came as quite a shock to the world, but I think especially to President Obama. President Obama is the third sitting President to win this award. He was preceeded in this honor by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. This, I believe, was such a big surprise because President Obama is very early in his term. According to the Washington Times, "Rather than recognizing concrete achievement, the 2009 prize appeared intended to support initiatives that have yet to bear fruit: reducing the world stock of nuclear arms, easing American conflicts with Muslim nations and strengthening the U.S. role in combating climate change". I believe this is why many people were shocked and literally gasping in the room when the announcement was made. I believe this award to President Obama (whatever people's political views) can inspire all of us to strive for peace and change in the world. So many people in the world do not believe they can achieve change or their behaviors matter, but one person can start a chain reaction and bring about great change. Imagine if you could just affect change in the person next to you in class, on the bus, in the grocery store and they would go on to do the same for someone else and so on; it is quite literally the movie Pay It Forward.
My challenge for all of you for one week is to:
- avoid conflict every day
- do a random act of kindness for someone every day
- and help resolve conflicts in others when you see the chance
Your assignment is to blog about your week of good deeds!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Guess who came to visit Miss Dionne and I today....
David spoke to both of our classes simultaneously. I believe everyone in attendance learned quite a bit, myself and Dionne included. Our principal, Tracee was in attendance and seemed very impressed with many of the blogs our girls have created. I know I was certainly impressed with Ashley's blog and Chelsey had many good ideas. Heather posed an interesting question on her blog. Tara's blog continues to amuse me. I can see I am going to have to step up my blogging game to keep up with these ladies.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Back to the Grindstone
I have found that I neglected my blog as of late. It is funny how life's events such as illness, a full schedule, classes, work, etc will sidetrack you from something you love to do. Yes, I said I love to blog. Anyone that knows me knows I enjoy expressing my opinion and ideas. I am excited because my girls' interest in blogging and the wiki is increasing every day. They are learning a lot from each other. Everyone loves the Voki and wants to add one to their blog! Thanks to Jim and Bill for introducing it to me. I find if I give them time to customize their blogs and wikis they are more open to learning other things. I believe sometimes as teachers we forget to teach our students how to learn and just spew information out to them.
Okay, this is for my students:
We all read about the Fourth Grade Students in Las Vegas that were able to convince their state legislators to sign a bill making the Vivid Dancer Damselfly Nevada's Official State Insect. Your blog topic for Wednesday, September 30 is: If you had the opportunity, what new law would you propose to your state lawmakers? Why?
Okay, this is for my students:
We all read about the Fourth Grade Students in Las Vegas that were able to convince their state legislators to sign a bill making the Vivid Dancer Damselfly Nevada's Official State Insect. Your blog topic for Wednesday, September 30 is: If you had the opportunity, what new law would you propose to your state lawmakers? Why?
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