It was great welcoming parents to the first Weebly workshop. Bringing parents on board with how our kids are showcasing their work is exciting. Sharing that Kindergartners are commenting on other student's work and watching older kids be so mindful in their comments to younger kids is something I've dreamed of for all long time.

Students really strut their stuff when they know there is an audience, especially an audience that is able to comment!

Here are some statements from participants in the last Weebly class. I am not blowing my horn, I just want all seats filled for the next two workshops. Click here to register.

"I thought the class was great! Very useful and the time just flew by. I would definitely recommend the class."

"My wife and I had a great time learning what our kids are doing, and that we could learn too!  Who knew??  Great format, handouts, addressing our specific issues..."

"Thanks for your time last night Jeffrey. I learned so much and am excited to "do Weebly" with my 1st grader. We've already explored some sites together and talked about meaningful comments. You rock!"

Have a great weekend!

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

Coming home this week with all checked out books is a special yellow bookmark. If you forget or never knew your child's password to access his/her digital portfolio, check out the bookmark! Place it near the computer so that your child can visit friends' websites. 

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Check out the "Take One Leave One" cart outside the library. This cart is filled with picture books, parenting books, board books, early readers, best sellers, and much much more!  Take a few, enjoy and then pay them forward. (I just took two this morning for Madeline.)

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

After demonstrating to students how to visit QAE classroom websites by clicking on Student Showcase, putting in the password, they were given a choice to explore new learning games at Turtle Diary during the remaining time in the lab or go look at other digital portfolios. It was awesome watching most of these kindergartners begin looking at their peer's work and make comments! Two of my favorite lines - "Build it and they will come" and "It takes a village"  - both apply to the power of sharing ones work with others and inviting comments. Taking the time to praise and let others know that we've seen their work really does something to that internal motivation to do our best. I truly believe this as I see it time after time. 

The Weebly workshops begin this Tuesday - I am fine tuning the handout this weekend. I've spoken to a few excited parents that are looking forward to learning about Weebly (it doesn't get any easier) and having focused time to explore and comment. I hope you think about joining us. 

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Librarians all over the state of Washington have selected their favorite 20 picture books of 2013. Now it's time for readers to select their favorite and award one author the Children's Choice Picture Book Award.  Click here to see all the nominees. These books are the best of the best - consider adding some to your home library. Clicking on the book cover takes you to the QAE Amazon Explorer Store, where your purchase gives money back to the school.

Support your child in personalizing their digital portfolio. Join one of the Weebly workshops and learn how to create a photo banner, change the overall design, upload photo slide shows, add writing and art pieces created at home. Students really thrive when there is an audience. Sharing with family and friends your child as a writer and artist is priceless and powerful.  

There will be three 90 minute Weebly workshops offered - 1/29, 2/5 and 2/9 (Saturday). Classes are filling up - come play with us! Handouts provided. or your child's teacher if you need a password to view any digital portfolio. 

Jeffrey
Teacher / Librarian

All students at QAE have a digital portfolio that includes writing, art, blog posts, images, and links. Student in grades 2-5 maintain their own site using Weebly, an online drag and drop web creation program. Parent volunteers in grades K-1 are uploading artifacts (art and writing) for students. 

Beginning the first week of February, Parent Weebly classes will be offered that will provide instructions on how to use Weebly. This will be also be a great time for parents to look at their (and hopefully others) child's portfolio and comment. Click here to register. 

Students and parents are invited to edit Weebly sites from home - adding content and changing design. Your child's digital portfolio is personal space that highlights them as a writer, artist and learner. 

Logging on, previewing and editing (and snacks!) instructions and passwords will be provided. This is an opportunity for parents to practice using Weebly! It's recommended that children not attend the parent workshops. Some students will be invited to provide support during the session. 

Student digital portfolios can be accessed through Student Showcase or classroom website. 

Weekly, Madeline (Ms. Mark's class) and I choose 3-4 students in her class to visit and leave positive comments. It's becoming so popular that we're going to visit students in other classrooms. Looking at another student's efforts can make a difference.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian