Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Secret


Many of you have probably heard of the book 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, but for those of you that haven't, please try and get hold of a copy. It is available as a book or you can buy the DVD. It makes you look at life in a positive way, something we South Africans sometimes find very difficult to do. It will affect all aspects of your life, and if enough people read this book, then maybe we can turn this country around. At best, your life will change for the better.

I wish you and your families a 'Wow' 2008.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Interactive human body


High-school Biology teachers should find this site extremely useful. Click on http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/

Click on the brain, heart, digestive system, lungs or skin . Each part of the body is clearly explained with interactive programmes.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Just for you!

Life is always so hectic as teachers, so why not focus on yourself for a change. If you like SuDoku puzzles, this one is for you. Click on http://www.crickweb.co.uk/number-jumbler.html for a number game that is lots of fun. It works in a similar way to the Rubrick. You are given a grid of numbers in sequential order. Click on the word JUMBLE and all the numbers are mixed up. You then have to try and get them back to their original position by moving numbers into the blank square. Very tricky initially, but it sure gets the brain going.
You can also use this for your bright kids who need to be extended, or why not let children work in pairs to see what they can do.
Have fun!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Hundred square

Here is another gem - an interactive hundred square with many great options. Go to http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=100square At the top of the square are all the different buttons.
The i is the information page that explains everything. The c clears all the numbers that have been 'hidden'. The t toggles all the hiders so that all the 'hidden' numbers are now revealed and all the other numbers are now 'hidden'. The number on the top right of the square is the increment number e.g. if you increase it to 2 the numbers in the square will count in two's, if it says 3 the numbers in the square will count in threes etc.
You can alter the starting number of the square by clicking on the arrows on the top left of the square.
To hide a number, click on the blue or green bar at the top of the number. To 'unhide' click again. A pattern of numbers can be created by clicking on the coloured bars at the bottom of each number e.g. a pattern can be created where all the numbers are red, while another pattern can be created using green or yellow.
Please try it out - it really is user friendly!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Measurement




Click on http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/measures/index.htm for a site that deals with units of measurement for mass, capacity and length. This is a simple programme that is designed for grades 3 to 5. Each measurement has several exercises with the facility to check whether answers are correct.

Quote for December

'If you can read this, thank a teacher!'
Anonynous teacher

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Interactive number line

I have found this great interactive number line that is simple to use and has some great features. Click on http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primary/teachingresources/mathematics/nns_itps/number_line/num_itp_numberLine1_6.swf
If you need help, click on the i button. As you move over the various symbols it will tell you what their function is. You can either show the numbers, or hide them. The numbers can be fixed or made to slide across the line. If the circle is blue, the number moves to the second position as soon as the second number is moved. If the circle is yellow the number is fixed. This sounds complicated, but play with it for a little while and you will soon get the hang of it. To work with numbers that are bigger or smaller than those shown (including negative numbers), click on the side arrows of the min and max buttons.
This really is a fantastic aid. have fun!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Holiday wishes

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone. It has been hectic, and I am sure you feel the same way. I would like to thank all my customers for their wonderful support and wish them and other visitors to my site the very best for the coming holidays. Enjoy Christmas with your family and friends, and may you have a fantasic 2008. Don't forget to e-mail me your comments on catbooks@mweb.co.za I will be continuing my blog during the holidays, so if you are not going away, stay in touch.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Lines of Symmetry


Lines of symmetry is a difficult concept for children to understand. Click on http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/maths/activities/year3/symmetry/shape_game.asp to find a symmetry game that the learners can play and learn from at the same time. Click the Start button to begin the game.A shape will appear. On the left are two buttons. Shape facts gives you ten shapes and if you click on one of those shapes it will tell you the number of sides, corners and lines of symmetry. The question mark button is a help button.

Guess the lines of symmetry and if you get it wrong, the shape will automatically fold to show you the lines of symmetry. Correct your answer, and click on the next shape. Complete the game and see what your final score is.

Another interactive site that can be used to teach learners about symmetry is http://www.hbschool.com/activity/show_me/e673.htm It is short and quite a good way to introduce the topic.

Ancient Greece


I have found a site that has practically all the information that you need to teach primary school learners about Ancient Greece. It has been developed by Woodlands Junior School in the UK .Learners could do all the research for a project using just this site. Click on http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/greece/interactive.htm

On your left is a list of subjects to select from including titles such as Daily Life, Food, Greek Gods and Greek Mythology.

It has several interactive programs such as a timeline, quiz and wordsearch. All the programmes are easy to use, bright with appealing graphics aimed at primary school children.
Have fun.

Monday, November 12, 2007

The Water Cycle


I stumbled on this lovely site that explains the water cycle, how water gets from rainwater to our homes, and the uses of water. Click on http://www.cardiffschools.net/~roelmann/whiteboard/general/Science-water.ppt#1 When the tap appears, click on the tap and the water cycle is shown. Click on the picture for each stage of the water cycle to appear, with an explanation of what is happening.

When the water cycle is completed, an explanation of the way water gets to our homes is given. This is followed by a task and then the uses of water at play, at work, at home and in the environment is given. The Beauty of water is then illustrated using photographs and finally there is a diary to record water usage.

This programme requires a lot 'clicking' to get from one picture to the next, so if nothing happens, just click on the page.
This programme is suitable for grade 3 and grade 4 learners.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Greater than or less than


There are wonderful maths programmes available, and this one is simple and effective. Click on http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ncmenu for this Drag and Drop activity that teaches children the concept of numbers that are greater than or less than.

There are three sections:
Numbers to 100

Numbers to 1000

Numbers to 10000

Have Fun!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Properties of Solids,Liquids and Gases


Click on http://www.abpischools.org.uk/resources/solids-liquids-gases/index.asp for a learner-friendly site on solids, liquids and gases. The first section has animated cartoons with sound that explain each concept in a clear and fun way. There is also a section that provides printable worksheets that relate to the topic, and finally there is a section that has a quiz that can be used to test the learners knowledge - try it out. It is loads of fun and the children will thoroughly enjoy it.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Creating Graphic Organizers


One of the best ways to learn or understand information, is to re-organize the information into the form of a graphic organizer. Drawing the outline of the organizer is very time consuming, but not any more.

Click on http://gotoscience.com/Graphic_Organizers.html for a wonderful website that offers more than 70 printable graphic organizers in word or PDF format.

Choose from Venn Diagrams, Spider Diagrams, Who/What/When/Why/How/Where, Compare and Contrast Charts, Event sequencing and so much more....... I am truly amazed at what is available to teachers - and its all FREE.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Quote for November

"A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron."
Horace Mann

Monday, October 29, 2007

Plagiarism


I recently had a request to find worksheets on plagiarism.There are plenty on the web if you type in Plagiarism worksheets: some for free and some you have to buy. However, I did manage to find a site designed by Vaughan Memorial Library that has an interactive programme explaining the concept of plagiarism clearly with fun graphics and sound.

Click on http://library.acadiau.ca/tutorials/plagiarism/ The presentation takes about ten minutes. Use this to teach the concept and follow up with a few exercises.

Friday, October 26, 2007

A bit of fun


I have always loved this Charlie Brown strip and thought I would share it with you. Hopefully not too many learners think this way.....

Soil Composition


I found this really sweet powerpoint presentation on soil composition that explains the composition of soil in a simplistic but fun way. Click on www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupDownloadFile.asp?GroupID=38264&ResourceID=95544

The programme can be frozen at any stage by clicking on the button with the two vertical bars (II). This allows the teacher to explain the process step-by-step.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Area and Perimeter






Area and Perimeter are concepts that many children find extremely difficult. http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/perimeter_and_area/index.html

explains these concepts clearly in a step by step way that is easily understood by children.

Click on the shape of the concept, namely area or perimeter. Click on the shape that appears next and the programme will explain how to calculate the area or perimeter. Click on next and choose from 3 levels.
When you have completed the level you can go back to the menu page by clicking on the Menu page button.
Because this programme has three levels it guides the children from simple examples to those that are quite tricky, including compound shapes.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Electric circuits


One of my previous inserts in September 2007 also deals with simple circuits. However, I have found another fantastic site on this topic and wanted to share this with you. Click on http://www.mystery-productions.info/hyper/Hypermedia_2003/Thelwell/Site/ and discover a well structured interactive website developed be Andy Thelwell that is Unbelievable!! It will require a flash 6 browser. If you do not have one installed, go to 'about this site' and you will be able to download one from there.
It allows from one to five users. Type in a name to get started. At the bottom of the next page are 5 buttons which indicate the five sections covered by this site.
The first section is 'What makes circuits work?'. The second section deals with 'Conductors and insulators'. Section three is 'All about switches', section four about 'Changing circuits', and finally a section on 'Circuit Diagrams'.
Each section has an activity linked to that section (click on the arrow), as well as a quiz (click on the ?) that tests their knowledge. For useful information, simply click on the i.
If you teach children about circuits, this site is a must!

Audio Books from Books2You


Books2You, a South African company have several audio books on CD. These make for easy and peaceful travelling on your way to your holiday destination, or are a great way to get those unwilling readers to listen to a book, and maybe get hooked!

Anthony Horowitz is very popular with children and parents alike.There are six books in this series about a teenage M16 agent called Alex Rider. Try the audio CD of 'Skeleton Key' , the first in the series, read by Englishman Paul Panting or 'Arc Angel'.

Alexander MacCall Smith, author of the 'No. 1 Detective Agency', has released several of his books on CD. 'The girl who married a Lion' is read with an African flavour.

Audio cassettes are ideal for little ones as they are hardier than CD's. Books2You has some UK produced tapes with stories and songs that are perfect to put the family in a festive mood.

To get hold of these CDs and tapes, contact Paula or Shaun at books2you@telkomsa.net . They are expecting many more Audio books in the new year, so keep in touch.





Thursday, October 18, 2007

Food Chains


Click on http://ecokids.earthday.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/frogs/chain_reaction/assets/flash/chain_reaction.swf for a useful website on food chains. Aimed at primary school learners, it teaches them about Herbivores, Carnivores and Omnivores. Learners can attempt to create one of two food chains, the forest or northern food chain. Once the food chain has been completed, it can be tested to see if it is correct. A lot of fun, with gorgeous pictures.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Art and Craft ideas for Primary School


If you visit http://crayola.com/ there are some lovely art and craft ideas, like a delightful butterfly which you can find if you click on craft ideas, then select 'animals and insects' under 'themes', and finally click on 'amazing butterfly'.

All the supplies needed are listed as well as a step-by-step guide on how to make the item. There are many other themes to choose from, so spend some time and look at the other fantastic ideas.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Guess the Angle


Learner's often find it difficult to estimate obtuse and acute angles. This interactive website http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=angle gives the learners the opportunity to guess angles. You can decide on the type of angle you want the computer to display. The learners then estimate the angle. With a simple click of a button, the protractor is displayed so that the learner can see how accurate they were.
http://www.analyzemath.com/Geometry/angles.html is another site that you might find useful. This site has the definitions and properties of angles in geometry.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Ancient Egypt


There are so many fantasic books that you can use to illustrate this subject with, but you'll have the children eating out of the palm of your hand with this fantastic interactive site:- http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html

The site covers many topics such as Egyptian life, Egypt's Geography with several interesting maps, gods and goddesses, mummification, the pharoahs, pyramids, temples and several others. Each section is divided into three sections:
The first one is a story that is linked to the section concerned, and gives additional information about egyptian life. Learners can manipulate the direction of the story, as choices are given.

The second section is called explore and usually takes you on a visit to a well known site or individual linked to the topic. Most of the pictures are interactive, and when clicked on, will provide additional information e.g. exploring the inside of a pyramid and it's chambers.

The third section is a challenge in which the pupils need to complete a task related to the topic e.g. keeping tally of food contributions in a store using ancient egyptian methods of recording numbers.

If you click on the staff room button at any time, it explains what is covered in each of the sections and is designed to assist the teacher.

This site is written for learners at a primary school level. The material is extensive, easy to follow and understand, with excellent illustrations. Definitely worth a visit.

Saturday, October 6, 2007

VOLCANOES




When children are asked to choose something to do for a Science Fair, invariably someone chooses to build a volcano. Children are fascinated by them, and after visiting this site, http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/pompeii/interactive/interactive.html it is easy to see why.


Click on the 'enter' button and a rotating earth will appear that shows the plate bounderies and active volcanoes. To the left of the screen is a menu with three sections covered in the 'Overview': Global perspective, the 3 different volcano types, and lastly the inside of a volcano.


However, the most exciting section of this site is obviously the 'Virtual Volcano'. It allows the children to set up their own conditions to create a volcano, which then erupts. If you click on any of the labels, further information is given. WOW!

The Aztecs




I found two lovely sites that are suitable for primary school level. The first, http://library.thinkquest.org/27981/ has interesting information and pictures that are easy to follow if children are doing their own research. It has a Timeline, info on rulers, religious beliefs,Aztec life, technology and their culture.


The second website, http://www.nettlesworth.durham.sch.uk/time/time.html is such fun, and can either be used by the children for their own research, or used as an interactive lesson using a whiteboard. As well as the Aztecs, this site also covers the Romans, the Victorians, the Vikings, World War II, and the Tudors. Just select the Aztecs button and it gives you a choice of information covering the People, Events, Art and Craft, Daily life, Fun and Games as well as two other web links. The pictures are bright and colourful and the information is simplified so that children can easily understand the content.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Prime Time!

When I see the recources available today, I get so..o.. excited with the possibilities. I know there are many schools who don't yet have whiteboards, but I really see these as the way of teaching in the future. Maybe a time will come when they will become more affordable so that more children can benefit from this technology.
In the meantime, for those of you that are lucky enough to have this technology at your disposal, please go and look at this site for teaching 'TIME' to primary school learners.
This is another interactive site, developed by Mark Cogan ,that shows you an analogue clock with the 'real' time. With a simple click on the right hand side you can then see what this time looks like on a digital clock. There are arrows that allow you to change the time up or down by one minute, five minutes, ten minutes,fifteen minutes, half an hour and one hour. To go back to 'real' time, just click on the 'now' button.

Monday, October 1, 2007

SIZZLING SPACE SITE


Those of you that have visited the site about cavemen will be equally impressed with http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/. Also hosted by BBC,it has a vast amount of information, including blackholes, wormholes, stars, space exploration and so much more.
BUT, the most fantastic section can be found by clicking on Playspace, then Games and Quizzes, and then finally on Solar System Jigsaw. This is interactive teaching at it's best!

It has a 3D view of the planets and their orbits. Planets are dragged into place. If you do it correctly, the planet sticks. If you are wrong, it goes back to the box. Test the knowledge of your learners and have fun at the same time.

Quote for October

"A room without books is like a body without a soul."
Marcus T Cicero

Saturday, September 29, 2007

SIMPLE CIRCUITS


Go to http://www.deltamicro.co.uk/primary_online/circuits.html for a fantasic site that can be used on a whiteboard, demonstrating how to build a simple circuit. A light, battery and motor can be dragged onto a simple circuit with an on-and-off switch. A great way to allow pupils to test whether the circuit they build actually works.

Or go to http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/siliconspies/flash/concepts/simplecircuits.htm for another interactive lesson for the whiteboard showing how to build a simple circuit.
Both these websites are suitable for primary school level. They are easy to understand, and the pupil involvement is great.


Friday, September 28, 2007

PREHISTORIC MAN

GRADE 7 TEACHERS-
Go to
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/prehistoric_life/ for a fantastic interactive website that deals with prehistoric man.
Click on Cavemen profiles and it will bring up various skulls. Click on a skull for handy facts about hominids. Photos and facts are from the series Walking with Cavemen(2003) unless otherwise stated.
Click on Lucy's Legacy, for information about the discovery of Australopithecus Afarensis.
On the right hand side of the page showing the various skulls, there is a link to Cavemen Art, also from bbc.co.za

JP ART AND CRAFT IDEAS


Go to http://www.kideas.com/ for some wonderful art and craft ideas for younger children. They are free to teachers, and everything is clearly laid out:-method as well as materials required.

For those children who enjoy cooking, there is a section called creative foods where easy to make recipes can be found.


Here is an example:

Handprint and Footprint Art

"Make a unique gift and a precious memory for those who love your child using their handprints or footprints. Unlike a standard print or impression, by turning your child's print into art you create not only a record of your child's youth, but also a lovely piece of handmade art that any loved one will be touched to receive." Go to the website for further information.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

AUDIO BOOKS




I was recently introduced to audiobooks by a friend of mine, and was utterly blown away at the possibilities that they bring with them. Our lives are often so rushed that we don't always have time to do the things we love, like READ. However, we often spend long periods behind the wheel of a motor car. This got me thinking! Audiobooks might just provide me with the opportunity to 'read' all the books that I want to. By purchasing an audiobook, and downloading it onto an ipod, one can listen to books while you are driving, or sitting in a car (or somewhere else) waiting for children to finish school or sport. People who travel a lot from one town to the next could listen to books instead of the radio.



Older children love listening to music, so they would probably listen to audiobooks.This is great for children who dislike reading, especially in the higher grades when there are book reviews and set books that have to be read.


I use www.audible.com/ They have a huge selection of audio books, they have a customer support department in case you have problems, and are very efficient. Give it a try if you have not done so already.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Afrikaans Readers for 2nd Language Speakers

One of the problems I was faced with as a Media Specialist, was to get the learners reading Afrikaans books to improve their Afrikaans. They would pull a few books off the shelf, and after discovering that they were too difficult, they would move off in search of English books. I decided to make life easier, and graded all the Afrikaans books into four colours:

Level 1-blue
Level 2-green
Level 3-red
Level 4-yellow


Class teachers graded the children according to their ability using the four levels above. When the learners chose Afrikaans books, they knew exactly which books they would manage. This resulted in a mass interest in Afrikaans readers, so we had to rush out and buy more books. Below is a list of some of the series that we bought. My contacts page lists some of the suppliers we used.

1. Jasper, a four book series published by Fantasi Boeke 2005
ISBN 1-919764-70-4

2.Zebra Leesboeke, a three level series with four books in each level. Published by Shuter and Shooter and written by Jean Clarke.

3.Storiestraat, a series of short stories written by various authors and published by Nasou.

4. Lees is maklik, a delightful series that we used mainly for our grade seven readers. Published by Heinemann 2005.

5. The ladybird series that consists of various levels, translated into Afrikaans by Maskew Miller and Longman.

6.Avonture in Suid-Afrika, an eight book series written by David Jesse. (The language is slightly difficult)

7. Oxford Storieboom, a delightful fantasy series that ranges from a few words per page, to a few paragraphs per page. The pictures are clear and the storyline is fun. Published by Oxford University Press 2004.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

KZN Media Teachers meeting

On Saturday 15 September, the KZN Media Teachers Association met at Glenwood Preparatory School in Durban. We were addressed by Professor Lilli Pretorious who spoke to us about the importance of reading, and the facts were startling. Unless we can increase the reading ages of our learners, they will really find studying difficult. Getting children to read is our number one priority.

We were then treated to an informative talk by Saragh Parfitt, who discussed how she went about selecting childrens books for exclusive books,and much of what she said applies to media teachers selecting books for schools. She introduced us to a few new books which looked very interesting, and I will get these titles to you shortly on this blog.

I was so pleased to meet so many teachers who are using my media workbooks, and would like to thank you for your words of encouragement. Please continue to correspond with me using my e-mail address. Your input is invaluable.

For those teachers living in KZN, support the KZN Media Teachers Association's website on http://www.kznmta.org.za/ by informing them of your views, and lets make this association the best in the country.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Food for thought!

I recently came across this bookmark, which I always keep close by. It has a prayer on it with the following words:
Dear God
So far today I've done all right.
I haven't gossiped,
lost my temper,
been greedy or nasty,
selfish or indulgent.
I'm very thankful for that...
But in a few minutes, God,
I'm going to get out of bed,
and from then on
I'm probably going to need
a LOT more help!
Amen
How True!!!

BULK ORDERS

We are fast approaching the end of the year, and many schools have already drawn up their budgets for next year. Please let me know if you are wanting to place bulk orders for next year ASAP as I will need to have more printed due to high demand. Prices for bulk orders will remain at R35 per book till the end of the year. There will be a price increase at the beginning of January 2008, so join schools like Thomas More College, Hillcrest Primary and Bellair Primary who have placed their orders this week, and ensure that you are not caught without stock.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Attention All JP Media Teachers


In response to the huge success of our Senior Primary workbooks, Catbooks are in research phase for a Junior Primary Media Workbook. We have some ideas, but we want to include what YOU want.
So, send us an e-mail with any topics you feel we should include, or any other useful information, and this will assist us in producing something really worthwhile.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

BOOKS2YOU


For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of working with Shaun and Paula Saunders from Books2You, I thought you might find this info useful.They run a mobile bookshop that sets up book fairs at various schools. The learners,educators and local community are invited to attend, and a portion of the sales spent goes back to the school in the form of books. Visit their website for further info.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

QUOTE FOR SEPTEMBER

"Whatever the cost of our libraries,
the price is cheap, compared to
that of an ignorant nation."
Walter Cronkite

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

READATHON 2007

Remember that September is Readathon month. Roald Dahl was actively involved in Readathon when he was alive. Visit the following websites for inspiration:


http://www.roalddahlfans.com/

Monday, August 20, 2007

Exciting new Projects

Due to the popularity of the Senior Primary Media Booklet, and after numerous requests, Catbooks has started working on a Junior Primary Media Booklet. We are hoping that this will be completed before the new year. WATCH THIS SPACE!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Second post

I popped into Exclusive Books on Saturday and saw some fantastic educational posters.
Check them out....I think they will be a great addition to any Media Centre.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Exciting news for tired teachers

Catbooks has just produced a range of books for grades 4 to 7. The first in the series
is Media Science. Each book covers one full years lessons!
Imagine the time you'll save when you use this exciting resource!

Compiled with over twenty years of experience, a teachers guide book was produced with over 90 pages of lessons and outcome report forms. To accompany the teachers book a Learner's book was produced with fun filled activities and worksheets.

With one years content researched and planned, all you have to do is present it with passion!!
You've saved hours and hours of work and are a better teacher for it!

Check out our website www.catbooks.co.za to find out how to order.
WE ALSO HAVE 1 COMPLETE LESSON AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD FOR FREE for you to see the success you'll have with the material yourself.

I look forward to hearing from you.