Jessica Michaelson

SLM 521

May 22, 2005

 

TEACHER MADE WEBSITES

 

The terms that I put into the search box in Google was “elementary school teacher made websites for their students”.  I then went to the following link:  School Sites 2

 

Ms. Downs Teaching

This teacher made website is Ms. Downs’ third grade class.  It contains information on all the subjects taught, but its main focus is reading.  This site is very useful for students who need review of the content that is currently being taught.  It is also helpful for parents to keep track of what is going on daily in their child’s classroom, as well as being informed on current assignments.

 

Commendations

 

1.       It is very visually appealing to children and adults, with links on the homepage for easy access to specific areas on the website.

 

2.       Lists of “Star Students” that have won various awards for reading.  This includes their picture, along with other positive attributes about them.

 

3.       There is a listing of the calendar, daily schedule, and weekly assignments for students and parents to look at and review.

 

4.       There are links to websites that have review games and challenges for the content that is being worked on.

 

Recommendations

 

1.       Possibly include more information and awards for other subjects, such as math, science, and social studies.

 

2.       Keep up with activities and events that should be listed on the monthly calendar.

 

3.       Have a place for students to document if they have visited the site recently and done any of the activities.

 

Date visited:  5/22/05

http://www.myschoolonline.com/site/0,1876,49669-132511-51-32131,00.html

 

Mrs. Stahleber's Third Grade Website

 

Mrs. Stahleber set up a wonderful site for her third graders to explore with their families.  She includes information on all the subjects taught in third grade, along with activities to use to help reinforce concepts that are currently being taught.

 

Commendations

 

1.       The monthly newsletter contains information on topics that will be taught in each subject, along with dates that go along with it.  She also includes a brief description of each activity.

 

2.       A list and description of the many math initiatives that are taking place within the classroom.  She also lists the students that are participating and have completed them with success.

 

3.       A link to explore Saratoga Springs, New York, where the students in her class have an ongoing pen pal relationship.

 

4.       A link for sites to visit that pertains to the season that we are currently in.  It gives websites that have games for the content being taught, as well as websites that deal with occasions that arise in the spring.

 

 

Recommendations

 

1.       The parents’ link gives many tips and ideas to parents, but it is geared to 5th grade students.  This should be edited to deal with third grade students.

 

2.       On the homepage, possibly label categories, and then place the links within those categories, instead of just naming them all down the side.

 

3.       In some of the links that note what children have accomplished, all the students names are listed, even those with nothing accomplished.  Possibly only list the students with the accomplishments, so that the other students may not feel embarrassed when their names have nothing next to them.

Date visited:  5/22/05

http://myschoolonline.com/site/0,1876,441-143616-1-39013,00.html