Week 7 Blog Post

I have selected three blogs that I found interesting enough to follow. Here they are:

1. http://blog.leeandlow.com/2013/09/16/integrating-common-core-standards-reading-writing-speaking-and-listening-in-grades-2-3/
This blog is all about integrating the CCSS in Language Arts. I picked this blog because if you scroll down it gives you examples of how to incorporate various strategies. I liked this because although many sites can give you examples of one or two domains this site lists many, many situations and how you can best capitalize on them.

2. http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network
I picked this blog, well, I think it is a Blog. Anyway, I picked this because it had many different tools that I could use. It has things that I could use professionally in order to keep my options open and it also has suggestions and tips on how to manage my classroom. I especially liked the "How to get a calmer classroom" piece. I could always use more work on that.

3. http://bhpenglish.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/great-ccss-lesson-planning-resource/
I chose this site mainly because, again, it talks about the CCSS. I think I keep picking these blogs because I am concerned with the CCSS and I want to not only learn about them but more importantly I want to learn how others are implementing them in their classrooms effectively

How have I used these tools:
I have not used any of the tools they speak about in these blogs. I have, however, used the CCSS in my classroom last year. It was not a requirement for us last year but it is being phased in and I wanted to get a jump on the competition. I began building my lessons around the CCSS and not so much on the Grade Level Content Expectations. A few years ago they came out with a form that was to "bridge" the two initiatives. I am looking forward to using these blogs and many others when I get back to a classroom. I also am interedted in searching out blogs that could help me in my current role as coach.