Oklahoma Baptist University Curriculum Library Blog

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Medieval Times Photo Album online

To see the rest of the photos for the Medieval Times, click on the title above. I uploaded the pictures to Walgreens photoshare.

The following login and password are case sensitive.

Curr Library
students

After you are logged in, you can view the picture album or you can send your choices to be printed at the closest Walgreen store. Our closest Walgreen happens to be on the corner of Independence and Harrison.

Enjoy,

Janet

Medieval Times: A Cultural Study

OBU education students invited the 5th graders from Grove School to participate in a social studies project about medieval times. Thank you to Mrs. May and Mrs. Hat for bringing their students.

Students and friends participating include:

Townspeople: Danielle Blount, Ashley Beck, Cristen Longacre and T.J. Blount

Clergy: Rebecca Kuntz, Amanda Pearson, Joel Dixon and Nicole Cummings

Nobility: Laura DeBerry, Ashley Leadford, Emily Thomas

Servants: Minda Reed, Dana Hollis, Kathryn Pence and Jessica Mullins.

Grove Teacher: Dr. Jeanne Akin

Court Jester: Kevin Orsak

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Pink Eye

Pink Eye

What is Pink Eye? Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an irritation caused by the membranes on the inner eyelid and the conjuctiva (whites of the eyes). The membranes can be affected by bacteria, viruses, irritants, and toxic agents. The most common forms of conjunctivitis are viral and bacterial. Pink eye is more prominent in children; however, pink eye can occur in people of all ages.

Viral Pick Eye: A virus infection is the most well-known cause of pink eye. Signs and symptoms of viral pink eye usually include a watery discharge (not a green or yellow color), swollen eyelids, and cold-like symptoms. People affected with viral pink eye should visit the doctor; however, there may not be an antibiotic. Viral pink eye is very contagious. Seven to ten days after the symptoms appear, viral pink eye usually clears.
Bacterial Pink Eye: Bacteria are another common cause of pink eye. Signs and symptoms of bacterial pink eye include eye pain, swelling, redness, and a discharge (usually green or yellow in color). Occasionally after sleeping, the discharge can accumulate around the eyes. Often, this frightens children because they are not able to open their eyes. Using a warm wash cloth over the eyes, antibiotic eye drops, or an ointment, bacterial pink eye can be reduced. People experiencing symptoms of bacterial pink eye should visit the doctor immediately for an antibiotic in order to kill the infection.

Because pick eye is highly contagious, teachers should be on the look-out for signs and symptoms of viral and bacterial pick eye. If these signs and symptoms are present of children in the classroom, the child should visit the doctor immediately.

For more detailed information about conjunctivitis go to the following website: http://www.medicinenet.com/pink_eye/article.htm

Guest Blogger: Kimberly Deitrick

Monday, April 10, 2006

New Juvenile books

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Environmental Websites

By 2007, the No Child Left Behind law requires all states to test for mastery of specific science standards. What can you as a teacher do to make science education constructive, interactive, and ultimately meaningful for your students? Get them involved, and show them how to care, of course!
Working in the environment and using outdoor classrooms are an exceptional way for students to get hands-on and minds-on learning. They get to be a part of what they are studying, and this will help create lasting and meaningful science schema.

Some useful websites for environmental education:
National Arbor Day Foundation http://www.arborday.org/
OK Dept of Agriculture, Food and Forestry http://www.oda.state.ok.us/
Oklahoma Association for Environmental Ed http://www.okaee.org/
Project Learning Tree Grant Program http://www.plt.org/
Urban and Community Forestry http://www.oktree.org/
What if Forestry? Educational Initiative http://www.whatisforestry.org/
National Wildlife Federation/ Grants Info www.nwf.org/schoolyardhabitats

Annie Lewis

Monday, March 06, 2006

Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome

Irlen Syndrome, also called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, is a problem that involves visual perception. This problem affects how the nervous system processes visual information. Irlen Syndrome is not an optical problem. An individual with Irlen Syndrome sees a page differently from individuals with normal vision.

Reading, studying, writing, and spelling can all be affected by Irlen Syndrome;

therefore, producing a drop in academic performance from students with this

problem. Students must devote more attention and time into their reading to be successful. Irlen Syndrome can also lead to have behavioral or attitudinal problems.

There are several signs a teacher or parent can look for in a student who might be affected by Irlen Syndrome. Only to name a few, a student may have poor comprehension, misread words, lose place, skip words or lines, have trouble copying, or have inconsistent spelling.

Although Irlen Syndrome can affect students, there is a treatment called the Irlen Method to help children and adults to overcome difficulties. Some treatments of the Irlen Method includes colored

overlays or colored glasses or contact lenses. These treatments can help reduce or eliminate difficulties with perception.

There are many ways to test for reasons that affect poor schooling. Self tests are provided and can be taken by students.

The following web site offers a self test, along with more information about Irlen Syndrome: http://www.irlen.com/index_sss.html

To learn more about Irlen Syndrome go to: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/sed/irlen/index.html

Guest Blogger: Kimberly Deitrick

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Index Databases for Curriculum Library Periodicals

The following magazines can be indexed online through our databases.

Academic Search Elite:

Horn Book
Language Arts
Science Teacher
Teaching K-8

Academic Search Premier:

Early Childhood Today
Instructor

ERIC:

Science Scope
Science and Children
Social Studies and the Young Learner
Technology and Learning

MasterFile Premier:

Art Education
Mailbox Primary
Mailbox Intermediate
Odyssey

The following magazines also have web sites that provide supplemental material and archives of past articles.

Early Childhood Today
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect/

Horn Book
http://www.hbook.com/

Instructor
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/index.htm

Teaching K-8
http://www.teachingk-8.com/

Technology and Learning
http://www.techlearning.com/content/about/tl_current.html;jsessionid=JAK4FHZ3YP4BQQSNDBECKH0CJUMEKJVN

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

New Books

Multicultural Projects Index:
Things to Make and Do to Celebrate Festivals, Cultures, and Holidays Around the World
Fourth Edition

Authored by Mary Anne Pilger

This updated and expanded fourth edition of a popular reference book for teachers and librarians to use in planning interesting extension projects, holiday events to promote diversity, and cross-cultural understanding indexes 725 new books and features over 1,000 indexed projects. Indexes build on the previous three volumes. The book is indexed by subject and author and features indexes to educational games, crafts, activities, and more. It will be particularly useful to educators for use in the social studies curriculum, but also valuable to daycare providers and parents. Booklist and Appraisals and others favorably reviewed previous editions. Complete bibliographic information is given for all books indexed.

For more information please click on NEW Books listed above.

This book is located on the New Books shelf of Mabee Learning Center. Call number: ED REF 016.37 PIL

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Backpacks Can Be Dangerous!

If there ever was a picture of how not to send your child to school, this would be it! Although there is little research and literature does not agree on specific guidelines for backpack safety to reduce risk of pain or injury, parents and teachers can use common sense. Look for a backpack made of lightweight material, with two padded and wide straps, and a hip strap or waist belt to redistribute the weight of the backpack from the shoulders to the pelvis.
There is also a way to properly load and wear a backpack, according to Spine-Health.com. Both straps should always be used to ease the weight. Always pack the heaviest objects into the backpack first so that they are carried low and close to the body. The straps should be properly adjusted to best fit the child. To do so, hold the bottom of the backpack two inches above the waist and keep the top just below the base of the skull. It is imperative that the backpack not be worn low near the buttocks. Also, do not lean forward when walking—if this is a must, you know that there is too much weight in the backpack.
Teachers and parents should always pay close attention to the weight being carried in backpacks. If the child complains that his backpack is too heavy, immediately rearrange or remove objects to reduce the weight and ease the risk of back pain. A good rule for the weight of the backpack is to limit it to around 15% of the child’s body weight. And remember, a child’s objection is always the best indicator that his backpack is too heavy. Do not ignore his complaints. Clean out the backpack once a week, and work to make a careful assessment of the backpack’s contents to be sure that only what is needed is being carried.

Guest Blogger Sarah Wiemero

Triano D.C., J. J. (2000). Tips to prevent back pain from kids’ backpacks. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2006, from Spine-Heath.com

Web site: http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/pack/bp02.html.

Monday, February 20, 2006

New Juvenile Literature

Hush by Jacqueline Woodson
Juv 813 W898hu
Reading Level Grade 9-12

Hush is about a young girl forced to change identities and location after her father witnesses a crime and testifies against his friends.

Black Juice by Margo Lanagan
Juv 823 L243bju
Reading Level Grade 9-12
Michael L Printz Honor Book
Black Juice is a collection of short stories with interesting/disturbing messages for the reader.

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
Juv 813 P449ccs
Reading Level Grade 6-9
Newbury Medal Book

Criss Cross is a series of stories about Debbie and her friends discovering who they are as they face growing up.

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Juv 813 G141abs
Reading Level 10-12+
Alex Award

Anansi Boys is a story about a man, living a hum drum life on the verge of marriage, who discovers his father was the African god called Anansi.

Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
Juv 813 A759hy
Reading Level ages 4-8

Cute tale about just how smart a fly can be.

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
Juv 811 W898lo
Reading Level Grade 4-6
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Locomotion is a book of poetry by a 5th grader coming to terms with tragedy in his life.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
Juv 323.092 G512r
Reading Level Grade 3-5

Rosa is a beautifully illustrated book about the courage of Rosa Parks.

All titles listed above are currently on our New book shelves in the Reference room. Come by and browse.

Head Lice

Head lice can be a prominent factor of school-aged children. Head lice can be found in households, but mostly are discovered in classrooms.

What are head lice?
Head lice are small insects that feed off blood, usually living in hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. However, head lice can be treated by using and taking different medications.

How can teachers keep head lice out of their classrooms?
Head lice can be prevented by not sharing personal items, such as, combs, brushes, hats, or scarves. It can also be prevented by avoiding physical contact with an infected person and excluding these children from school.

Should children infected with head lice be kept out of school?

Many school nurses have a policy that if there is any sign of lice living, dead, or gestating, the child should not be at school. This is to stop the re-infestation of lice throughout the classroom. On the other hand, some argue that children with lice should still be able to attend school. In conclusion, teachers might need to make the decision, whether the infected child should stay at school or leave.

The following web sites have more information about head lice and the argument to keep infected children home:
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/i/headlice_2.htm
http://edcp.org/factsheets/headlice.html

Guest Blogger Kimberly Deitrick

Friday, February 17, 2006

Middle Ages

http://www.kyrene.k12.az.us/schools/brisas/sunda/ma/mahome.htm
Read all about the various aspects of life during these exciting times!

http://www.castles-of-britain.com/castle6.htm
By providing these castle research pages, we hope to encourage students, writers, and enthusiasts of all ages to explore castles and to stimulate their creativity.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/trebuchet/destroy.html
NOVA's science game, "Destroy the Castle," is very much like the real thing. There are five elements you can adjust in your trebuchet, stone ball, weightsling length, counterweight design, distance from the castle, whether to add wheels.

http://www.teacheroz.com/Middle_Ages.htm
Site appears very comprehensive

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/middleages.htm
Collection of websites

http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/wes/webquests_themes/medieval_theme.html
Collection of websites for ideas

http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/timesmedieval/
Lesson plan for middle ages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages
For a brief overview of the middle ages.

Priority Academic Student Skills School Improvement 241 Social Studies
WORLD STUDIES Grade 6
World Studies is designed to offer students the opportunity to begin a more global study of the earth's people and environments, concentrating on the understanding of basic concepts and characteristics common in the political and economic development of human populations.
Standard 1: The student will develop and practice the process skills of social studies. 1. Locate, gather, and analyze information from primary and secondary sources, such as artifacts, diaries, letters, art, music, literature, newspapers, and contemporary media. 2. Identify, evaluate, and draw conclusions from different kinds of maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, timelines, and other representations such as photographs and satellite- produced images or computer-based technologies. 3. Interpret information from a broad selection of research materials such as encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, atlases and cartoons.

Standard 2: The student will use geographic representations to draw conclusions. 1. Apply the concepts of scale, orientation, latitude and longitude, and physical regions. 2. Compare political, physical, and thematic maps, 3. Define, recognize, and locate basic landforms and bodies of water on appropriate maps and globes.

Standard 3: The student will analyze selected cultures which have affected our history. 1. Define the characteristics of culture and the role culture played on the development of the world's peoples. 2. Compare and contrast common characteristics of culture, such as language, customs, shelter, diet, traditional occupations, belief systems, and folk traditions. 3. Evaluate the impact of selected civilizations (such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mayan, Incan, and Chinese) on migration and settlement patterns.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

St. Valentine

Little known facts about Valentine's Day

1. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were not one but 3 St. Valentines who were martyred.

2. In the Middle Ages, the people noticed that the birds began to pair in the middle of the month of February.

3. Fourteenth and Fifteenth century writings allude to love poems being exchanged on February 14th. Tokens and small gifts were also exchanged.

To read the entire article, click on the title above

Friday, January 27, 2006

Black History Websites Useful All Year Long

Here are some sites that have extensive information about Black history in the United States.

http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/BHM/AfroAm.html

http://www.biography.com/blackhistory/

http://www.historychannel.com/blackhistory/

http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Black_History/index.shtml
This site contain lesson plans and ways to incorporate black history in the classroom

http://afroamhistory.about.com/blblackhistorymonth.htm
This site contains biographies, quotes of the day, and quizzes along with black history facts pertaining to each calendar day

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Using Wikis at School

Think Outside the Blog

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By Tim Stahmer
"Web logs are great vehicles for an interactive exchange of ideas between a handful of people, but blogs are not as effective when a large number of people want to collaborate, contribute, and easily find information on a given topic. That's when you need a wiki. A wiki is a class of Web site that lets authorized users create and modify pages (sometimes called articles) as well as search for information. "

Technology & Learning. Volume 26 (6) January 2006

The latest issue of Technology & Learning can be found on the new periodical shelf in the Curriculum Library. You can also get the latest information from Technology & Learning at their website www.techlearning.com by registering.

Click on title for the rest of the article.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Computer games 'motivate pupils'

"A third of teachers are using computer games in the classroom and a majority believe they improve pupils' skills and knowledge, a survey suggests."

Click the title above to finish reading this article.

Teachers face handheld revolution

Time saving

"Every member of staff at the West Midlands school has a PDA, which is a hand held, palm sized computer. "It obviously saves a lot of time and teacher workload" says Mr Hadley. "

To read more on using PDA's in the classroom click on the title above.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Beyond F.A.T. City (DVD)

Created by Richard Lavoie

'F.A.T.--Frustration, Anxiety, Tension--three all-too-familiar feelings for the families of children with learning disabilities. "

Click on the title above to receive more information about this DVD.

This can be found in the Media Center on the 3rd floor with the call number: AV 371.5 W 539

Thursday, January 12, 2006

OGE Energy Corp. Educational Videos

OG&E Electric Services loans audio-visual and other resource materials for the classroom. The videos are on many different topics and age levels. This catalog can be found in the Reference section of the curriculum library under ED REF 574 OGE.

To get your own copy or to talk to the Judy Harrell the Community Relations Coordinator please call (405) 553-4492.

Friday, January 06, 2006