Blog Response to: Four Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Students By Danielle Moss Lee 6/19/2012

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/celebrate-juneteeth-danielle-moss-lee?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I don’t ever remember hearing about Juneteenth during school, not even during Black History Month. I liked the ideas shared in this article. Many people may feel that this is no longer relevant. But history is history and it should be shared. Throughout the school year these ideas could be used for this subject but also other cultural significances that make the U.S. the ultimate melting pot.

Blog Response to: Ten Tips for Personalized Learning via Technology By Grace Rubenstein

http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-ten-key-lessons?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

This article has some helpful tips for educators. I liked the idea of creating weekly “must do” and “may do” tips. I also liked the idea of allowing them to practice independent work skills. Kids like to assert their independence, why not allow them to have some in the classroom? All of these tips can help engage the student in the classroom atmosphere.

Blog Response to: Teaching Students to Stand Up and Speak Out By Rebecca Alber 6/18/12

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/social-justice-lessons-activities-resources-rebecca-alber?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I am in complete agreeance with this teacher’s stance. I don’t remember the chemistry lessons or the latin I learned in high school, but I do remember the class discussions some teachers would have with us about “real life”. I think it is important to incorporate this. Otherwise we are sending students out into a world unprepared. Not every student have parents that teach them what they need to know. It would be helpful if schools made room to teach life lessons instead of focusing on scores.

Blog Response to: The Importance of Internet Safety By Heather Wolpert-Gawron 6/13/12

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/internet-safety-importance-heather-wolpert-gawron?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I loved that this teacher saw a problem and took the initiative to create and implement a solution. It doesn’t prevent every child from unsafe internet activity but it is a start. I also agree that it takes the parents and teachers to help enforce this. I wonder how many teachers have read her article, saw a similar need in their school, and moved to do something about it.

Blog Response to: Intervention for Gifted Students By Ben Johnson 6/12/12

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/intervention-gifted-students-ben-johnson?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

I feel for the student in this story. The truth of the matter is that the system is not set-up for students who don’t”fit the mold”. A cookie cutter classroom doesn’t work for every student. At the same time, teachers don’t have time to cater to every student individually. I wish the administrator would have listened to the mother and perhaps offered different solutions before his behavior escalated. I also feel the mother could have been a little more proactive instead of only sending a note. But there are two sides to every story so maybe she felt she did all that she could do.