The Early Childhood Education training put on by Clayton Early Learning was very informative. I really enjoy learning about the top developments in the ECE industry. This conference had all I was looking for and more. I started out at training in the computer lab researching how we as educators can use the social site Second Life to help engage our students in the ECE classroom. The main idea of the session was that using Edu Island in Second life the students could better understand how the ECE classroom works by going through a Virtual Child Care Center. This center was not complete yet however it looks to be a promising tool for the future.
I then attend the afternoon sessions on STEM. It helped us learn how to use technology, math and engineering in the ECE classroom. Each session had actives we could experience for ourselves and then talk about how to use the national standard for each. If I had learned math the way they were teaching it would have really helped me going up. My favorite activity in the math session had students reading and following directions all while incorporating math. Also not everyone can see the importance of music when dealing with math but this session touched on this topic as well. The technology session helped us take a look at new innovations in the industry. Everything was geared to the ECE classroom. They had I pads, smart board and assessments we can use online all to play with and experience for ourselves. The best session of the day was engineering. The teacher was passionate about the topic and we had the chance to experiment with many different activities we could use in the classroom. I can’t wait to try out some of her activities with my students.
Friday’s sessions started with learning how to use the E-Portfolio. The E-portfolio will be the new wave of the future. Many community colleges and universities have already started using this awesome tool. This is something that all high school ECE educators need to be trained on. I do however think it is time consuming and will need to be well organized in order to work properly at the high school level.
The next day’s session was on social emotional competence and inclusive practices. In my ECE classroom I do many lessons to help my students learn these concepts. This session just gave me more ideas on how to incorporate the above in our everyday classroom. They can use music, role play and pretend play to help include everyone, no matter what their learning styles or what they are capable of they can participate.
Over all I feel this was a very well put together conference and I took away many ideas and activities that I can and will use with my students in the future. I strongly suggest all ECE teachers attend this in the future.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
FCCLA Competitive Event Chair/ Interior Design Habitat for Humanity
At the 2010 FCCLA state conference I volunteered to help with the state competitive event Interior Design-Habitat for Humanity. I attended the mandatory meeting to train each event chair in the spring and then co-chaired the event at state. We met with the student participating in the even the night before the event. The day of the event we filled out all paperwork needed and helped the judged get set up. We also helped the judges understand the score sheet and the project by giving examples.
I wish more schools would participate in this event. It is a very worth while cause and it gives students real world experience dealing with a budget. What I like most about this is that a person receiving a Habitat home was one of the judges. Directions for this project are easy to understand and perfect for lower levels of Interior Design or can be made harder for older students. I have my Interior Design students do this project every year as midterm and they really learn many skills. This project reinforces the concepts they have already learned and teaches them new ones as well.
I wish more schools would participate in this event. It is a very worth while cause and it gives students real world experience dealing with a budget. What I like most about this is that a person receiving a Habitat home was one of the judges. Directions for this project are easy to understand and perfect for lower levels of Interior Design or can be made harder for older students. I have my Interior Design students do this project every year as midterm and they really learn many skills. This project reinforces the concepts they have already learned and teaches them new ones as well.
2009 FCCLA National Leadership Conference
From July 12-16 I attended the National Leadership Conference with our state officer Caitlain Bricker for the first time. I was excited to visit Tennessee and the Grand Old Opry. The conference had many opportunities for professional development and I took advantage of many of them. Most importantly Caitain had a great time and grew as a leader because of this well organized conference.
The opening general session was mind blowing. Not only were there thousands of teenagers but the fact that everything ran so smoothly was amazing to me. I really enjoyed the keynote speaker Ken Weichert. His stories of personal and professional sacrifice hit home with most students in the room. His main purpose is to motivate people into healthier lifestyles. However I did not get that out of his speech. The main thing I took away was do everything to its fullest and for a purpose. He spoke of a young man on the middle east that gave his life helping the America Troops free his people.
The Advisor Professional Development training I attended on Tuesday, July 14th was about getting back to the basics and how to help increase FCCLA membership. We played games and were introduced to many activities we can use to get student involved. Most activities were to take place in the classroom which at our school is frowned upon. We do however use the national recruiting video in our classes and have a day where we introduce FCCLA to each of our classes.
A couple of the other sessions I attended were Advisor Recognition Session which in my opinion was very long and hard to sit through. The keynote speaker Phil Lempert made the day when he spoke to the group about different trends in the food industry and how to save money. I also attended the National Connection Team meeting with Caitlian. They discussed how to get FCCLA out in the public eye. Their main focus was public relations and news letter writing.
Over all I felt this conference was worth while. I attend many more sessions but the ones above were the most impactful. I would recommend everyone attend Nationals at least once with students to get the full effect.
The opening general session was mind blowing. Not only were there thousands of teenagers but the fact that everything ran so smoothly was amazing to me. I really enjoyed the keynote speaker Ken Weichert. His stories of personal and professional sacrifice hit home with most students in the room. His main purpose is to motivate people into healthier lifestyles. However I did not get that out of his speech. The main thing I took away was do everything to its fullest and for a purpose. He spoke of a young man on the middle east that gave his life helping the America Troops free his people.
The Advisor Professional Development training I attended on Tuesday, July 14th was about getting back to the basics and how to help increase FCCLA membership. We played games and were introduced to many activities we can use to get student involved. Most activities were to take place in the classroom which at our school is frowned upon. We do however use the national recruiting video in our classes and have a day where we introduce FCCLA to each of our classes.
A couple of the other sessions I attended were Advisor Recognition Session which in my opinion was very long and hard to sit through. The keynote speaker Phil Lempert made the day when he spoke to the group about different trends in the food industry and how to save money. I also attended the National Connection Team meeting with Caitlian. They discussed how to get FCCLA out in the public eye. Their main focus was public relations and news letter writing.
Over all I felt this conference was worth while. I attend many more sessions but the ones above were the most impactful. I would recommend everyone attend Nationals at least once with students to get the full effect.
State Conference and Membership Ideas
Ten students from Cherry Creek High School attended the 2010 FCCLA State Leadership Conference in April for the first time. Of the nine students who competed in STAR Events, CCHS was excited to bring home a 2nd place in Focus on Children, a top four ranking for National Programs in Action, and 6 silver medals. We also had a student serve on the State Interviewing Panel. The conference was really inspiring to all students with dynamic workshops, an eye-opening keynote speaker, and the opportunity to improve leadership skills through their competitive events.
The underclassmen who attended the conference are excited to bring back energy and other ideas to the rest of the chapter. Some membership ideas that we are thinking about incorporating into our POW for the following year include:
~ Design a club brochure and distribute it to prospective members.
~ Make your meetings fun - music, food, and ice breakers need to be at every meeting! We also try to have one meeting a month where we are actually doing something for community service (wrapping gifts, creating gift bags for a local Valentine's Day Dance at a nursing home, making blankets, etc)
~ Send personal notes to members that you haven't seen for awhile. Let them know that you've missed them, and are anxious to have them back.
~ Wear the chapter FCCLA t-shirt for every meeting.
~ Introduce FCCLA to every FACS class each semester for new members.
~ Personally contact old members to retain members who aren't currently in a FACS class.
The underclassmen who attended the conference are excited to bring back energy and other ideas to the rest of the chapter. Some membership ideas that we are thinking about incorporating into our POW for the following year include:
~ Design a club brochure and distribute it to prospective members.
~ Make your meetings fun - music, food, and ice breakers need to be at every meeting! We also try to have one meeting a month where we are actually doing something for community service (wrapping gifts, creating gift bags for a local Valentine's Day Dance at a nursing home, making blankets, etc)
~ Send personal notes to members that you haven't seen for awhile. Let them know that you've missed them, and are anxious to have them back.
~ Wear the chapter FCCLA t-shirt for every meeting.
~ Introduce FCCLA to every FACS class each semester for new members.
~ Personally contact old members to retain members who aren't currently in a FACS class.
Supporting and Engaging the 21st Century Learner Summer Institue 2010
Supporting and Engaging the 21st Century Learner Summer Institute 2010 was a unique opportunity for High School Teaches of Early Childhood Education in the state of Colorado. This Summer Institute was organized by Clayton Early Learning Center and was held June 24-26th, 2010. This workshop included professors from the Colorado Community Colleges through the state and high school teachers were invited to participate in the workshops. Many of the professors taught ECE 101 and ECE 102. This gave me an opportunity to network with other professionals and to gain many valuable resources.
Some of the some the workshops that were offered included: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, STEM activity information, E-Portfolio, Research Resources, and Social Emotional competences and inclusive Practices. These workshops were presents by professionals that were considered and expert in these areas. Many resources and materials were available at each session. Networking was very important during this institute.
The STEM workshops were set up with several activities that teachers could have preschool students could do for science, technology, engineering and math. I felt that these workshops were very well organized and beneficial to the high school programs. These workshops were very hands on and active. Some of the activities included building cars, working with shapes, building music items, and building with blocks. The instructors integrated several reading and math academics into the lesson they demonstrated.
The next workshop that I felt that was very beneficial was the E-Portfolio. We were able to log on and build a sample to show our students. This is a Community College push for their instructors and it is free to Colorado students. The high school students need to use this as well. Students will be able to load contact information, valuable research they have completed and their valuable work. This work will be used though out their college career.
I would highly recommend this institute to all ECE high school teachers in the state in the future.
Some of the some the workshops that were offered included: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, STEM activity information, E-Portfolio, Research Resources, and Social Emotional competences and inclusive Practices. These workshops were presents by professionals that were considered and expert in these areas. Many resources and materials were available at each session. Networking was very important during this institute.
The STEM workshops were set up with several activities that teachers could have preschool students could do for science, technology, engineering and math. I felt that these workshops were very well organized and beneficial to the high school programs. These workshops were very hands on and active. Some of the activities included building cars, working with shapes, building music items, and building with blocks. The instructors integrated several reading and math academics into the lesson they demonstrated.
The next workshop that I felt that was very beneficial was the E-Portfolio. We were able to log on and build a sample to show our students. This is a Community College push for their instructors and it is free to Colorado students. The high school students need to use this as well. Students will be able to load contact information, valuable research they have completed and their valuable work. This work will be used though out their college career.
I would highly recommend this institute to all ECE high school teachers in the state in the future.
Monday, June 28, 2010
2010 FCCLA State Conference
The 2010 Colorado FCCLA State Leadership Conference was held April 8-10, 2010 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. The theme of the conference was “FCCLA What’s Your Game Plan”. Northglenn High School had twenty six students compete at this conference. The Colorado State officers had displays of games using their office information at the check in point and they collected games for a community service project.
The keynote speaker was Josh Ship. He is a motivation speaker that inspired the FCCLA members to overcome struggles in their lives. He shared with them how he was abandoned and abused as a child and how he was able to triumph over his struggles. He encouraged the members to live life to the fullest. The Northglenn High School students really enjoyed Josh’s message. I felt that most of them connected with his message because everyone has struggles. He used laughter to get his message out and the students really liked the way he presented his message. Many students told other students at Northglenn about the Keynote speaker. The FCCLA State Officer Team need to continue having a keynote speaker that connects with the students helps with the recruitment of new members because they hear from their peers.
I really felt that the program of work was really easy to connect in to my classes and the FCCLA Conference theme. The Program of work can catch student’s interests and I was able to do activities in my classes that make FCCLA fun and interesting. The FCCLA State Officer team did a nice job of using game pieces in their skit. The students were able to follow the story line. I feel that students informing other students are a great way to recruit new members.
The keynote speaker was Josh Ship. He is a motivation speaker that inspired the FCCLA members to overcome struggles in their lives. He shared with them how he was abandoned and abused as a child and how he was able to triumph over his struggles. He encouraged the members to live life to the fullest. The Northglenn High School students really enjoyed Josh’s message. I felt that most of them connected with his message because everyone has struggles. He used laughter to get his message out and the students really liked the way he presented his message. Many students told other students at Northglenn about the Keynote speaker. The FCCLA State Officer Team need to continue having a keynote speaker that connects with the students helps with the recruitment of new members because they hear from their peers.
I really felt that the program of work was really easy to connect in to my classes and the FCCLA Conference theme. The Program of work can catch student’s interests and I was able to do activities in my classes that make FCCLA fun and interesting. The FCCLA State Officer team did a nice job of using game pieces in their skit. The students were able to follow the story line. I feel that students informing other students are a great way to recruit new members.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Colorado Family and Consumer Sciences by COFACSDIR
Use the Wallwisher below to add ideas on what you as a Colorado FACS teacher would like to have a workshops/training for the 2011 Summer Workshop Series.
Colorado Family and Consumer Sciences by COFACSDIR
Colorado Family and Consumer Sciences by COFACSDIR
The Wonderful World of Web 2.0
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, FACS teachers were in attendance for a summer workshop to learn all about the Wonderful World of Web 2.0. This section of the Blog is for teachers to discuss all of their ideas, lessons, successes and challenges in regards to the multitude of tools available to use in their classrooms. Please post information (click on the comment link below) to share your thoughts. Thank you!
Pod Casting and Vid Casting- FACS Workshop
On Monday, June 14, 2010, FACS teachers had the opportunity to learn about Pod Casting and Vid Casting. This portion of the Blog is for teachers to share their ideas, thoughts, challenges and successes. Please take time to comment (click on the comment link below) on projects you have done in your classroom. Thank you!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
FCCLA State Conference and Recruitment Ideas
What a great experience the FCCLA State Conference was! (It's a great experience anytime I can get out and meet with other FACS teachers since I'm the only one at my school.) This year I took seven students, three of who competed in a Star Event. The kids and I were very excited to get on our way and after 1 1/2 hours of driving and three wrong turns we were there. What a surprise it was to see the hotel lobby turned into a giant game of Monopoly! The next two and a half days were a whirlwind of activity from getting students to workshops, to making final preparations for Star Event competitions, to judging. Like always, the conference was well planned and both I and the students learned so much and are excited for next year's conference.
As for membership recruitment ideas, I have gotten a lot of ideas throughout the year. The first membership recruitment opportunity at our school happens at the beginning of the year with the school club fair. All the clubs and organizations set up tables and sign up members. At the FCCLA table we hang banners, hand out brochures and candy, and have a big poster with pictures of everything we did the year before. Members from the previous year are on hand to talk about what an awesome experience it is to be in FCCLA. If your school doesn't have a club fair maybe you could suggest it.
Recruiting throughout the year is also a must. A tip I've heard is to make FCCLA visible throughout the school. Wear FCCLA shirts, hang FCCLA banners, etc. At my school, we put announcements in through the intercom about what FCCLA is doing. For example, "FCCLA members and others interested, don't forget to come in on Wednesday to make pies for the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving dinner." This gets people interested and they come in, get involved, and eventually join. These are just a few things I've picked up that I have seen work to get more students involved in FCCLA.
As for membership recruitment ideas, I have gotten a lot of ideas throughout the year. The first membership recruitment opportunity at our school happens at the beginning of the year with the school club fair. All the clubs and organizations set up tables and sign up members. At the FCCLA table we hang banners, hand out brochures and candy, and have a big poster with pictures of everything we did the year before. Members from the previous year are on hand to talk about what an awesome experience it is to be in FCCLA. If your school doesn't have a club fair maybe you could suggest it.
Recruiting throughout the year is also a must. A tip I've heard is to make FCCLA visible throughout the school. Wear FCCLA shirts, hang FCCLA banners, etc. At my school, we put announcements in through the intercom about what FCCLA is doing. For example, "FCCLA members and others interested, don't forget to come in on Wednesday to make pies for the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving dinner." This gets people interested and they come in, get involved, and eventually join. These are just a few things I've picked up that I have seen work to get more students involved in FCCLA.
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