Technology and Apps

I get overwhelmed easily - even more so when I am not in control.

So in order to 'gain some sense of control' I am compiling a list of the technology apps I have seen or personally used.  Some apps are more practical for different grade levels or content.

Have Used:
Quizlet
Quizizz
Kahoot    (see link)
Polleverywhere
Socrative
Photomath
Google Forms
Websites: Khanacademy, MyWhyU videos,

To investigate:
Google Drawings (LiveBoard vs Explain Everything)


WeVideo**
ELLevation **
Google Translate or TalkingPoints
ReadWorks.org
ALEKS/IXL **
Prezi - Padlet
SeeSaw
Hello English Kids
Book Creator Tool
Flipgrid
NewsELA (possibly **)
Picture a Day by Hello Literacy **
Peardeck
Soundtrap
GooseChase EDU (scavenger hunt)
Vocaroo (voice recording app)
Microsoft Teams and Google Docs

** are apps that require a purchase or subscription

Skills! {Mathematical Mindset}

Almost two years ago, while teaching at a BIG school, I did some professional development (book club style) by reading "Mathematical Mindsets" by Dr. Jo Boaler.

Although it was a very deep read (she was beyond thorough with her data, discoveries, and opinions). It was a great read. I often found myself copying, making post it notes, AND using some of the ideas from the book....which as an educator is a big deal, we often hear a lot of great ideas, but are not practical to implement.

As I implemented the idea to my students that mistakes are welcomed, it really affirmed a lot of my own personal and professional teaching style and philosophy.

One of the main figures she used in her book has always stuck with me. I got tired of trying to locate it on the webbs and decided to post it here (see above). 

I decided I wanted to do more search and found this article which has a more up to date version of the skills Fortune 500 companies find important.

Keep thinking! Keep communicating! Keep learning!

Book Blurb {Sal and Gabi Break the Universe}

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

By: Carlos Hernandez

This was such an adorable read. I was a little worried at first (judging a book by it's cover) that I would find this book to be silly, not relatable, childish. But I found it the exact opposite! Cuban American, Sal, is a 13 year old boy who's lost his mother. He is also able to jump into different universes. He's starting a new school in Miami, where he meets Gabi who is impressed and curious about Sal's magic and science.

Their journey has so much depth. Their friendship grows as they learn to love their families through hardship and loss. Learn to take care of friends who are struggling.

The book offers themes of grace, compassion, patients, love, kindness, curiosity. Did I mention that the school the kids go to is a magnet school for artist! Made my heart jump with joy.

Although the science fiction part seems far fetched it is told through the lens of a middle school kiddo (so easy to understand).

This book made me smile and laugh. This book helped me learn more about Mami's and their important to their Hispanic Families.

I can not wait for my oldest son to read this book in a few years!  PLUS there is a second book coming out in a few days!

******

After I posted this blog I realized I had a specific form to fill out, so I'm just going to post that here too! It is a checklist so I am going to use it as such.

Title: Sal and Gab Break the Universe

Author/Illutrator: Carlos Hernandez

Does the story:

Relate to children’s interests? ✅ I think it's great to have science fiction meet Hispanic culture! 
Provide various conflicts for readers to explore? ✅ absolutely! What would you do facing a bully with these powers? 
Provide age-appropriate content? ✅ a little younger than "young adult" - super sweet
Encourage discussions/conversations? ✅
Distort history? maybe science...
Comments/Insights: See above. Seriously a cute story.

Do the characters:

Represent a variety of people within cultural groups, age ranges and sizes and disabilities? 
Are the “good” characters a reflection of a variety of backgrounds? ✅ I mean, they are Hispanic
Include females as well as males in leadership and/or non-traditional roles? ✅ love the female "dad" and Gabi!!
Represent diverse people at the same “level” of the white characters?
Are all characters depicted realistically and genuinely? ✅
Tend to be depicted as stereotypical? I wish I had more insight to the Hispanic culture.
Comments/Insights: 

Does the theme:

Offer readers a variety of things to think about, question, and consider? ✅
Explore, instead of preach, values? ✅
Include lessons from which readers can learn? ✅
Tell the story of a diverse population in a condescending manner, whether contemporary or in the past? ✅
Comments/Insights: It would most definitely provide a discussion!

Does the story’s setting:

Reflect a variety of places and spaces? ✅✅✅
Represent urban, suburban, and rural settings realistically? universes!!
Represent cultural settings realistically?  I think so. Most kiddos don't know what it's like to go to a school where students WANT to learn. 
Comments/Insights:

Do the story illustrations (if there are any): 
Include representation of diverse populations?
Contain diversity represented within cultural groups?
Include characters depicted realistically and genuinely?
Avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes?
Comments/Insights: not present

Book as a Whole 

Would you be embarrassed to read the book to children of a different culture, and their parents?
What is the author’s background for writing the book? Their first book, inspired by his own family I believe. 
What is the context of the book?

Comments/Insights:

Personal Insights
Your personal notes/insights about the book not covered in the previous sections: See blog! 

Book Blurb {Enrique's Journey}

Enrique's Journey

By: Sonia Nazario

Goodness gracious! Enrique's Journey was .... a lot. I can't even find the words to adequately describe it.  If you want more information or follow up on the family, check out this site: http://enriquesjourney.com/

Author and journalist Sonia Nazario was moved when she heard of the heroic stories that many Latino teenagers take to seek their mothers in the United States.  She decided to follow and interview Enrique closely through his journey from Hondoras to USA. The book is a true story and account of Enrique's journey to be with his mom, Lourdes.

Although the book was very eye opening, my only complaint was that the repetitive nature of the writing was unnecessary and exhausting to read.  I understand that Sonia was trying to make a point for readers to grasp the harsh dangers that these children face (beating, robbed, raped, starving conditions, etc...) but by the 30th time it was stated in the same manner, she wasn't painting a bigger picture, but tracing over the same line... over and over again.

Enrique's story was very informative to the Central American culture. From drug use, young love, mothers leaving, harsh living conditions and helped me understand that Central American Hispanics are not welcomed in Mexico (what an assumption that I had wrong). 

The book also helped walk through the reasons, logic, and problems of oppression within political systems. Gang violence alone would make me want to flee my country as well.

I feel like anyone who is in favor of building a border, or wants to send every immigrant "back to where they come from" should read this book; hoping that it would soften their heart.

Overall, a great read and appreciate the insight to a terrible situation.  Modern day underground railroad.

******

After I posted this blog I realized I had a specific form to fill out, so I'm just going to post that here too! It is a checklist so I am going to use it as such.

Title: Enrique's Journey

Author/Illutrator: Sonia Nazario

Does the story:

Relate to children’s interests? ✅ maybe interest those who have similar experiences or hear of stories in their families. 
Provide various conflicts for readers to explore? ✅ would you risk your life to see your mother? 
Provide age-appropriate content? ✅ this book is the adapted for young people - I wonder how much different or detailed the original is.
Encourage discussions/conversations? ✅
Distort history? I don't think so....
Comments/Insights: See above.... could be shortened/more direct.  I got lost in some areas as it jumped back and forth. Written by a journalist (short columns, pushed together...)

Do the characters:

Represent a variety of people within cultural groups, age ranges and sizes and disabilities? 
Are the “good” characters a reflection of a variety of backgrounds? ✅
Include females as well as males in leadership and/or non-traditional roles? ✅
Represent diverse people at the same “level” of the white characters?
Are all characters depicted realistically and genuinely? ✅
Tend to be depicted as stereotypical? I feel like there is a stereotypical state being discussed through the narrative. 
Comments/Insights: 

Does the theme:

Offer readers a variety of things to think about, question, and consider? ✅
Explore, instead of preach, values? ✅
Include lessons from which readers can learn? ✅
Tell the story of a diverse population in a condescending manner, whether contemporary or in the past? ✅
Comments/Insights: It would most definitely provide a discussion!

Does the story’s setting:

Reflect a variety of places and spaces? ✅✅✅
Represent urban, suburban, and rural settings realistically? in unlivable conditions.
Represent cultural settings realistically?  I think so. 
Comments/Insights:

Do the story illustrations (if there are any): 
Include representation of diverse populations?
Contain diversity represented within cultural groups?
Include characters depicted realistically and genuinely?
Avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes?
Comments/Insights: not present

Book as a Whole 

Would you be embarrassed to read the book to children of a different culture, and their parents?
What is the author’s background for writing the book? Their first book, inspired by his own family I believe. 
What is the context of the book?

Comments/Insights:

Personal Insights
Your personal notes/insights about the book not covered in the previous sections: See blog! 

Book Blurb {The Poet X}

The Poet X

By: Elizabeth Acevedo

I absolutely adored this book. Talking to a middle school reading teacher, I told her I wasn't for sure who (which student) I would recommend this book to. It just had some adult moments, sadly, moments that my high school students have experienced.

A young Hispanic New York girl is learning how find her voice. The book is written in verse and her perspective. She has faced oppression, judgement, sexual assault, heartache, and questions her faith. The book walks you through a school year that she faces many hurdles.  She has a twin (who's perfect) but she soon discovers that he is also facing his own difficulties. Their mother was going to be a nun, but was "sold" to their father (who lusted after all women) to make a better life.

It's a book of hope. It has your jaw drop at times. It makes you applaud the teenagers and cry for them too. Joy is seen for her teacher's relentless ability to help X!

A coming of age story that can be related to.  It might be one of my new favorites (makes me think of "Perks of Being a Wallflower").

******

Title: The Poet X

Author/Illutrator: Elizabeth Acevedo

Does the story:

Relate to children’s interests? It is for young adult, not children. Mature content.
Provide various conflicts for readers to explore? ✅ 
Provide age-appropriate content? ✅ teens (although I enjoyed it)
Encourage discussions/conversations? ✅
Distort history?  It doesn't reflect on history. Would love to hear her mom's story. 
Comments/Insights: It is an incredibly quick read, and the verse is not difficult to follow. Journal entry style making it appeal to maybe not strong readers. 

Do the characters:

Represent a variety of people within cultural groups, age ranges and sizes and disabilities? ✅
Are the “good” characters a reflection of a variety of backgrounds? ✅ 
Include females as well as males in leadership and/or non-traditional roles? ✅ X is very strong! 
Represent diverse people at the same “level” of the white characters?
Are all characters depicted realistically and genuinely? ✅
Tend to be depicted as stereotypical? Maybe a little with the Catholic momma... but maybe some stereotypes are true?
Comments/Insights: A story of redemption. 

Does the theme:

Offer readers a variety of things to think about, question, and consider? ✅
Explore, instead of preach, values? ✅
Include lessons from which readers can learn? ✅
Tell the story of a diverse population in a condescending manner, whether contemporary or in the past? ✅
Comments/Insights: It would most definitely provide a discussion! See questions in back of book for more guidance.

Does the story’s setting:

Reflect a variety of places and spaces? ✅
Represent urban, suburban, and rural settings realistically? Urban, takes place in NYC
Represent cultural settings realistically? ✅
Comments/Insights: Very modern and having been to NYC I could picture their story unfolding. 

Do the story illustrations (if there are any): 
Include representation of diverse populations?
Contain diversity represented within cultural groups?
Include characters depicted realistically and genuinely?
Avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes?
Comments/Insights: not present

Book as a Whole 

Would you be embarrassed to read the book to children of a different culture, and their parents?
What is the author’s background for writing the book? Their first book and is a child of DR immigrants. 
What is the context of the book?

Comments/Insights:

Personal Insights
Your personal notes/insights about the book not covered in the previous sections: See blog! 

Book Blurb {Before We Were Free}

Before We Were Free

By: Julia Alvarez

What a beautiful story to read. It was very interesting to read during our current situation (Covid Crisis) for there were moments that paralleled between this story and today.

The story focuses on a family living in the beautiful Dominican Republic during the 1960's and their dictator, "El Jefe". The book is from the view of a young teenage girl. It is a lovely combination of growing up, family dynamics, politics and war.

The author, Julia, grew up in the Dominican during this time and remembers how important it is to share the story. Although the book is not a biography, she shares that several of the events that took place also happened in her real life.

The author does state that a lot of Latin countries have experienced power-hungry dictators and similar events with trying to over throw the government. When the family flees to NYC for safety, it made me have a great appreciation for living here. Although not always pleased with the president, I am thankful that he's not a dictator and someone new can come along.

The book also made me realize how little I know about other countries and wish I could know it all.  The book is short, fast paced and from the perspective of a teenager.  Great read and highly recommend.

PS - One of my favorite characters was Chucha and if anything you should read the book to find out why!

******

Title: Before We Were Free

Author/Illutrator: Julia Alvarez

Does the story:

Relate to children’s interests? ✅
Provide various conflicts for readers to explore? ✅ 
Provide age-appropriate content? ✅ for pre-teens and teens (although I enjoyed it)
Encourage discussions/conversations? ✅
Distort history?  
Comments/Insights: The story is captivating and fast paced! It is based around historical events but it is not a biography. Written from the perspective a teen girl in the 1960's. 

Do the characters:

Represent a variety of people within cultural groups, age ranges and sizes and disabilities? ✅
Are the “good” characters a reflection of a variety of backgrounds? ✅ (American, Italians, the Embassy).
Include females as well as males in leadership and/or non-traditional roles? ✅ (her mother is helping!)
Represent diverse people at the same “level” of the white characters?
Are all characters depicted realistically and genuinely? ✅
Tend to be depicted as stereotypical?
Comments/Insights: The characters are well thought out. Focuses on a family and their close friends.

Does the theme:

Offer readers a variety of things to think about, question, and consider? ✅
Explore, instead of preach, values? ✅
Include lessons from which readers can learn? ✅
Tell the story of a diverse population in a condescending manner, whether contemporary or in the past? ✅
Comments/Insights: It would most definitely provide a discussion! See questions in back of book for more guidance.

Does the story’s setting:

Reflect a variety of places and spaces? ✅✅✅
Represent urban, suburban, and rural settings realistically? ✅
Represent cultural settings realistically? ✅
Comments/Insights: Very accurate I felt, the author lived this and I'd imagine she would be able to share her experience well. 

Do the story illustrations (if there are any): 
Include representation of diverse populations?
Contain diversity represented within cultural groups?
Include characters depicted realistically and genuinely?
Avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes?
Comments/Insights: not present

Book as a Whole 

Would you be embarrassed to read the book to children of a different culture, and their parents?
What is the author’s background for writing the book? Their first book, inspired by his own family I believe. 
What is the context of the book?

Comments/Insights:

Personal Insights
Your personal notes/insights about the book not covered in the previous sections: See blog!