Web 2.0 Tool

I've began researching Web 2.0 tools to use in my lesson plans for my project.  Using Thinkfinity (A really awesome website that helps you find online activities for appropriate grade levels and subjects) I found a website hosted by the Smithsonian.  Part of my lesson plans will require students to look into Mexican/Spanish culture.  A very important part of the Mexican culture is Día de Los Muertos (which translates to Day of the Dead).  This website does an excellent job in shortly explaining the holiday as well as providing a hands on activity for the kids (creating their own ofrenda-- offering table).  Check it out!
http://latino.si.edu/DayoftheDead/

Microsoft Excel

For the Technology for Educators class I am taking we are required to create a project using various technological programs.  The project is supposed to be geared toward whatever grade level we would like to teach.  We must create the project and then do it as if we were a student.  The first program I am working with is Microsoft Excel.  Let me tell you, it is a hard program to use!  I am working my way through it... but it's taking me a while.  I figured out how to do some formulas including averages and sums without using a calculator because excel does it for you!  I can't figure out how to make it find the difference for me, I will have to ask my teacher about that. 
My excel spreadsheet demonstrates the temperature differences between Spain and Mexico for the week.  I am asking the children to calculate the weekly average for each place as well as the difference in temperature for every day. 
That's all for now,

-Danielle

Teaching the Preschoolers

Hey everybody, sorry I haven't written in a while!  I just wanted to write to share an awesome experience with you all.  I am a teachers aide at the preschool on my college campus.  I love the job because it is a taste of my future as a teacher.  On Monday I got a very close taste to my future career because one of the lead teachers was absent and I was chosen to instruct the kids during circle time.  It was such a great feeling to have the children listening attentively and eager to participate in the activity I was instructing.  It made me realize that these kids truly look up to their teachers and made me realize that I always need to be a positive role model even when I do not realize I am being watched.

Testing This Out

Here's my first post!  I don't know much about blogging but I'll try to make it interesting and fun!!!