Students Become PUBLISHED Authors!

Oh, Writing...

 Whether you're a new or veteran teacher, teaching how to write is difficult to do. All students are on different levels of writing. Some are focusing on spelling rather than punctuation. Others overuse phrase such as, "and then" repeatedly as a way to transition in their writing. Basically, teaching how to write can be a very difficult task for anyone. That is why real-world applications are very important in writing. I teach Human Rights as an avenue to connect Social Studies, Reading, and Writing. Students must apply the Common Core Standards through projects that focus on Human Rights. In the end, students create high-quality products that demonstrate their learning. One of the ways I did this was creating a published book through Studentreasures Publishing!

What is Studentreasures Publishing? 

During my Master's program, I was shown a company called, Studentreasures Publishing. Studentreasures Publishing helps you create a published book with your class for free! I used the Online Classbook Scripsi option. They will publish your students work for free! In exchange, you have each student's family sign an order form to buy the book. THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BUY THE BOOK! You can do all this and get one free hardcover book for you! They only ask that you collect the order forms from each student's family stating they want to buy one or not. If they do want to buy one, a softcover book will cost $19.95. The shipping/handling is free! In conclusion, Studentreasures Publishing will give you one free deluxe hardcover book if you meet their requirements.

How I Used It

During October, we finished learning about Native Americans and started learning about Explorers. In the first quarter, we had to assess students through narrative writing. I used Studentreasures Publishing after learning about the Native Americans and during the Explorers Unit. I had students create a narrative story about any Explorer (fictional or nonfiction person) finding new land. They had to use what they learned about the Native Americans and how Explorers found land and interacted with Native Americans.

 Their story needed to: 

1. Introduce the Explorer 

2. Show how they paid for their voyage 

3. Tell what happened on their voyage 

4. Explain what happened when they found new land (Native Americans) 

5. Close the story by explaining what happened to the Explorer (such as death, became famous, died from illness, etc). 

In my classroom, I use the writer's workshop model. I have used mentor texts and demonstrated how and what is needed to write a narrative story. The week before we started writing, we used mentor texts that were about Explorers. This allowed me to point out what was needed and what ways we can write about our Explorer story. When they started writing their story, I demonstrated how to write one. I wrote with mistakes and showed how and when it is appropriate to correct them. After the students wrote their first draft, they had to collaborate by editing and critique each other's story using a checklist of what to look for (capitalization, punctuation, spelling, etc...). Next, students must rewrite their entire story with the errors corrected. Students then must repeat the step of critiquing each other's work. Once the students finish, they go to our Google Classroom website and find the Explorer Story Assignment. There they will see my example I finished that I did with them and another document for them to type their story. After the students finish typing, they must submit it. I will then print it and conference with them with the rubric and make sure their story is how they want it. While students were waiting for their conference, they began their illustration of their story. Their illustrations had to follow the high quality work rubric. They had to create multiple drafts until it met the rubric requirements. 

When all their work was finished, I uploaded them onto the Scripsi (Studentreasures Publishing Online Program) website. Next, I collected the order forms, shipped the box back to the company, and pressed the published buttons on the Scripsi website. It did take the company about four weeks to deliver the books, but it was well worth the wait. I received the books this past week and they look amazing! Here are more pictures!

In Conclusion...I will DEFINITELY be doing this again next year! There was a lot of work to get it formatted exactly how Studentreasures Publishing wants, but what publishing company doesn't? IT'S FOR FREE! As long as you collect the order forms from every student regardless whether they want to buy one for $19.95 or not! The wait was long but worth it! The books came out amazing! Students were highly motivated to write their stories because they knew their stories were going to be published into an actual book. This was my first time using Studentreasures Publishing and if you want to use it, I will guide you the best I can. Their website is very user-friendly and it explains each step meticulously.

Please do not hesitate to email me with questions! My email is TeachAllDayEveryDay@gmail.com. I hope this gives you a chance to try Studentreasures Publishing! This definitely helped my students see that their writing matters. With a growth mindset, they can create amazing products!

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Edpuzzle & Screencast-O-Matic Helping with Differentiation

Over the Summer, like any other teacher, I didn't stop working. I had a baby on the way and I signed up to teach summer school. I also signed up to help with the math curriculum district team and we met over the summer as well. All in all, I was having another busy summer. Then my principal asked me if I wanted to take part in the Google Summit in early August. I thought to myself, "I need to relax for a bit before the baby comes and the school year starts." However, I wanted to stay up to date with technology and I felt a couple days of training couldn't hurt. I said to my principal, "I would love to!" After the training, I am glad I went!

Edpuzzle is one of the best tools I learned out of many different topics at the Google Summit. In a nutshell, Edpuzzle allows you to use videos, either created or found on websites like YouTube or Khan Academy, and embed them with any questions you want! During the session, while I was learning this, I saw the endless possibilities on how it can be used in class. Edpuzzle allows you to differentiate videos for any students you need and input questions that are based on the video and Common Core! I also realized you can use the same video for everyone, but scaffold the questions based on the differentiation needed for your students! It makes the learning visual, auditory, and differentiated! I wouldn't say its kinesthetic because it's on the computer, but it is a different way than using worksheets to create differentiation. 

Another session at the Google summit was about Screencastify. If you want to know more about ways to use Screencastify, I suggest you read Louden Clear in Education's Blog post, "Four Ways Teachers can use Screencastify in the Classroom." As I was listening and learning about Screencastify, I remembered a similar program in one of my graduate classes. The program is called Screencast-O-Matic. You can use it like Screencastify! The programs are very similar, but they do have small differences. They both have a free option to use and I believe that is amazing! The major difference that made me choose Screencast-O-Matic was the unlimited videos I can make compared to only 50 a month on Screencastify. Not to say that should deter you, but I would rather have the option if needed. Both cap their video lengths at 15 minutes which I feel is perfect for our students!

The reason why I bring up Screencast-O-Matic is that it works perfectly with Edpuzzle! Yes, you can find videos that are potentially good enough and hit the standards you need, however, with Screencast-O-Matic, you can create the video lessons yourself and personalize to hit the standards with your class. You are allowed to upload it to your computer or even YouTube! I created a private YouTube channel that only connects to my Edpuzzle account. This takes away any possible buffering issue you might have if you chose to store the video elsewhere. 

For example, the video below is one of lessons I did about multiplication.

It shows a screenshot of a video lesson that I created for the class about multiplying with the standard method. You can also see that I have questions at specific spots of the video. Since I am the one who created the video, I can create quality questions that will help the students comprehend the topic at hand. I do have another video lesson that is about multiplying, but it uses the partial product instead of the standard method. By creating the videos based on my student's levels, I will be able to differentiate better in class. 

With all the MAJOR BENEFITS that come with this, there is always a drawback to the amazing material. And those are prepping and planning! :( As I said on my Facebook Page, "Sunday is The Teacher's Unpaid Workday!" This couldn't be truer when it comes to doing things like this. I did a lot of this in September and October, but it just took a toll on me to do this. Since then, I use it less, but with more purpose. Instead of multiple subjects and multiple standards, I focus on fewer and shorter videos with one standard in mind that allows for more differentiation. It does cut the planning and prepping time and still allows me to use the innovative ways of teaching. When I make my videos, I use what my students called, "The Ladybug." It is a Document Camera that attaches to the computer. The "Ladybug" is actually called, "Lumens DC125 Ladibug 30fps HD Lightweight Document Camera." Here is the Amazon Link. It is a pricey item, but it shows a live time display and it is very easy to use! Any other document camera will do just fine!

If you have questions about either Edpuzzle or Screencast-O-Matic, I would gladly answer to the best of my ability! Please follow my website with your email! Better yet, like and follow my Facebook! I also have a Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter too!

The Time is NOW (To Help Each other!)

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a fine day! I am happy to have you read my first post on my website! We are going to help each other do amazing things!

First, Who Am I? 
My name is Michael Sanchez and I am fifth grade teacher in an urban district. This is my fourth year as a classroom teacher (all fifth grade) and sixth year in the field. I am originally from Dallas, Texas and got my Bachelors from St. Mary's University. I also received my Masters at Mt. Mary's University. I eventually made the move to Denver, Colorado where I met my wife, Lisa.  After moving to another state to be closer to family, I became a father this past summer to an almost four month old named Lily.

In regards to my website, this is actually my second website I have owned. About 10 years ago, my older brother helped me set up my first website. I named it after my dogs. I loved the idea of it and it got me interested in technology, however, I didn't stick to it and eventually I gave up on it due to not having a real purpose besides, "THIS LOOKS COOL!"

If you like to read more about me, click on the About Me Tab.

Second, Why am I Blogging?
As I said in my About Me page, I really want to return the favor to those who helped me when I was searching for resources, reading peoples experiences, or trying to connect to other teachers like me. I remember four years ago when I was starting my first year as a classroom teacher, despite the help from my program and school, I still felt WAAAAAY over my head. I really felt like I was trying to survive my first year. Teacher blogs helped me survive! I want to do the same for others by sharing resources, talking about my experiences, and helping those who need an outside perspective on topics in education.

Third, What will I be Blogging About?
My website will be dedicated to sharing my experiences in the classroom, sharing resources I have created or use (credit will be given), and discuss topics in education that many people want to hear! I will strive to bring variety to my blog, posting at least once a week, and create newsletters about the profession. In a typical month, I will post four times, two about resources I use/sharing my adventures in education and the rest will be newsletters that are about education and my life.

Fourth, Who am I Writing to?
I am writing to the teachers of the world! Every teacher can benefit from my blog! All of my content will relate to you! As a teacher myself, I understand how busy you are! Therefore, I will strive to deliver content that you need! Us, teachers, DON'T HAVE A MINUTE TO SPARE!

Fifth, How Can You Get Involved?
I want to hear from you! To make this website the best it can be, I need your voice! I encourage you to comment my posts, email me, and like me on social media! EVERYTHING! You have questions, suggestions, or complaints? Please email me at: TeachAllDayEveryDay@gmail.com (I will strive to email you back within 24hrs). As we have a dialogue between each other, I ask that we communicate in a respectful manner and assume the best intentions. Everyone can't agree! That's a fact of life! I implore you to communicate your opinions if they are different than others. It will help everyone!

FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED AND ENCOURAGED!

Lastly, What Are My Blogging Goals?
My blogging goals are simple:
1.) I want to help those who are in their first few years of teaching (including those who change schools within those early years). My blog can help all teachers regardless of how many years in the classroom.  I remember how it felt when I was trying to survive my first year.
2.) Share resources I create/use (Credit will be given of course!) that are not only academic but in character and behavior.
3.) Share my classroom experiences! I know I felt at ease when I read a blog post that was very similar to whats happenings to me.


In the end, I want to create a platform for teachers to collaborate without borders to simply give advice on to those who want it! Please follow by email! Like my Facebook Page too! What would you like to see happen to this website? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Credit to Shoutmeloud for helping me start my first post!