Welcome back to a new semester! I trust you had some good things happen during the semester break. On the blogs and tweets I’ve read since the New Year, I’m not surprised to see a number of thoughts on resolutions. I’m not a big resolution fan; I like to reflect on the previous year and think about changes I may make in the new year. One repeating idea has me thinking about a change in how I manage my online time. I can get pulled into a Pinterest search, and the next thing I know, it’s past my bedtime. Others must have the same problem with social media and technology; several posts I read talked about streamlining and adjusting how much time to spend reading online. It’s an interesting idea. I’m not opposed to online reading and all that entails social media, etc. I just wonder if we (adults and kids) wear ourselves out with the constant electronic stimulation, so that we are too tired to focus on a hard copy book. It’s something to think about, anyway.
AL A CARTE (1/10/2014)
The Most Important Skill for 2014 – This blog is the one that got me thinking about time management and technology. Must read more books…made of paper!
Reading, A “Specialist Activity” – While I don’t like the title of this article, I think the content is interesting. Our society is changing…wonder if the author purposefully didn’t count people reading their phones?
Stories May Change Your Brain – Reading actually has a biological effect on your brain. Who knew? (Well, we did…and now we have the data to prove it!)
We Live in the Age of Distraction – Tips on managing when there are so many distractions. Good ideas for students, and us, too.
School Wasn’t Cancelled – The role model of my youth, Laura Ingalls Wilder, was no wimp. This article reminds us of how times have changed.
Absurd Creature of the Week – This is definitely a middle school thing. Might be a fun sponge to share and talk with students. But creepy at times. You’ll need a strong stomach.