How Do You Use Internet Resources?

What are some of your favorite Internet tools? The Internet has learning tools for practice, research, connecting with others, and creating projects.

Math Practice- Review skills while playing online games. There's a basketball game that challenges your skill in solving equations.

http://www.math-play.com/Middle-School-Math-Games.html

Research- Find information about topics of interest. Bookmark your favorite sites to find the latest updates or write down the website address to share with others.

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ Find out about many free summertime activities
http://discovermagazine.com/ Breaking news on science, technology, and more

Connecting online- Share information with others and keep connected with your friends online. Find a book blog like the ones Swift students' created and chat about your favorite characters or scenes in the story.

Projects-Refresh your skills on making videos, or even setting up a presentation.

http://www.prezi.com/ build a flashy online presentation, increased options for a student and teacher account
http://www.animoto.com/ create animated video slideshows

http://docs.google.com/ online PowerPoint presentations, online sharing of group word documents, sharing information and discussion comments

Summer Plans, Yet?

Summer vacation has finally arrived! There are many things to do over the summer that make vacations truly memorable. I think the neighborhoods in Chicago have lots of fun things to do if you're looking for something to do. The lakefront is one of my favorite parts about living in Chicago, and the diverse cultures and types of people are another that's right up there on top.


Both, fun by the lake and different cultures can be found right in Edgewater!


As I sit inside the library on this gorgeous day, I am looking at the sparkling, blue water and rippling waves of The Lake. Even though I can't be at the beach today, I know that the summer has much in store for beach lovers like me :)


What's your favorite summertime festival? Just north in Rodger's Park they have an arts festival in July and lots of cool events throughout the weeks. News for Rodger's Park highlights new happenings and shows on their monthly web page.


I'm looking forward to checking out my favorite baseball team a few times too. What's summer without baseball and barbeques? The Chicago White Sox boast Fireworks on Friday nights and Half Price tickets on Mondays.


Or, better yet doing instead of watching is fun too! Outside I am looking forward to playing Frisbee, soccer, or catch. Prefer inside? Grab a book, or notebook and imagine yourself in the place you've always wanted to go. Start a book club with a few friends. Teenreads.com has some great ideas for books and how to get started. Beginner's Luck by Laura Pederson looks like a great read.


I hope to keep posting summer happenings you can check back for updates. Hope you're having a safe and fun summer.

Congratulations Class of 2011!

The end of the school year is upon us, and it's a time to celebrate all the achievements that we've had as a team. The Class of 2011 has shared lots of special memories that will definitely not be forgotten. I am very excited for you as you transition to your new high schools.

Over the summer, I hope you have a safe and fun break. You developed many strong friendships during the past year. I'm sure you will certainly stay connected with each other. Keep up the awesome writing, reading, and thinking this summer. Take advantage of one of the great summer programs in Chicago or keep reading and writing on your own. I am very proud of the growth you've shown over the past year. You are going to do awesome as you take your next step into high school.

Your enthusiasm and hard work have made your teachers very proud of you.

Share some of your thoughts or memories.

Congratulations on a fantastic year!

More 8th Grade Blogs!

Here are some of the blogs from the 8th Grade Class of 2011. Check out the bloggers' latest posts. You will find a variety of creative topics and thoughtful questions. Here's a short summary of what you'll find on the blogs.

A book review of "Hoot" by, Carl Hiaasen. The blog shares ideas about funny and mysterious parts of the book. http://www.sghoot.blogspot.com/

This blog shows interesting parts of "Hoot" the book and movie. It includes pictures of the movie and explanation about the books' ideas. http://www.bohalterman.blogspot.com/

A review of the young adult book called Black and White. This blog gives updates about interesting parts of the novel. http://www.brandonblackandwhite.blogspot.com/

A book blog highlights scenes from the novel, "Hoot" and has video links as well. Videos show glimpses of the movie. The blog includes a response to the different scenes from each of the books' chapters. Check out this book blog at: http://jp-hootreview.blogspot.com/

The blog, Broken Hearted includes poems and ideas about love. Poetry from teen authors show the mixed emotions that come with love. http://www.loveislonely12.blogspot.com/

A blog dedicated to entertainer, Will Smith. Reviews from his movies, tv shows, and hit songs are showcased through pictures and creative descriptions. http://sheriannsarah.blogspot.com/

What books do you recommend? Which of the 8th Grade Blogs do you like, and why?