May
28

Until We Meet Again…

Category: General Leave a Comment

Dear Students and Parents,

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lovethispic.com by Tumblr

It has been a fun and exciting year. Thank you so much for the opportunity to spend the days with you. I am proud to say you were my students, my “Whittlekids”. This year we learned a wealth of knowledge, built relationships, and learned hard lessons. I watched each and every one of you grow and mature. Your friendships are stronger, you are all caring individuals and you know a little bit more about technology, Texas and how to be great leaders.

I know you were all happy that there was no school on Friday, but for this teacher, I was disappointed. I wanted to be able to see all of my students to let you know how much I enjoyed having you in class and how proud I am of your accomplishments this year. I hope to have the honor of teaching you again in the future.

Next year, I will be located across the school in the elective hallway. I am excited to begin teaching Business Education courses to high school students. This change does not mean that I did not enjoy teaching Junior High students. I absolutely loved teaching and guiding you. As a business teacher, I will be able to continue my passion, working with young people in becoming successful leaders. I have an opportunity to teach the class of 2020 and 2021 students again, and I am looking forward to that! Come see me next year!

Don’t forget that your edublogs blog is yours! Continue blogging through the Summer to connect with people across the globe. The blog is a great way to continue to write and share your thoughts and dreams (and get a little practice with literacy too). Use it as your Summer journal! By the end of June, your blog will no longer be linked to our class blog. However, this doesn’t mean that it won’t still be out there. If you plan on continuing to blog, send me an email and I will add it to my blogroll.

I hope you have many safe adventures this Summer. See you in the Fall!

Love,

Mrs. Whittle

P.S. Here is one last riddle: Why can’t you do a math test in the jungle?

“Don’t count the days, make the days count” Muhammid Ali

May
17

A Design Challenge

Category: General Leave a Comment

6th-Grade Tech Apps Students Assist Education Foundation

The Anderson-Shiro Education Foundation requested the help of students to design raffle tickets and brochures to be used for the foundation during the 2016-2017 school year. Students were provided with the requirements and set free to create the materials using a tool of their choice.

Natalie and Wyatt were selected as the winners of this design challenge. You will see Natalie’s winning raffle ticket during the foundations fundraiser in the fall! Wyatt streamlined the brochure by adding the donor form within the brochure. Students learned that by designing these materials, the foundation is able to highlight student work as well as save on costs by reducing materials.

All students enjoyed this challenge and learning how to use new Google and web tools. Our class would like to thank the Anderson-Shiro Education Foundation for the opportunity to be involved!

May
3

An Update on Classes…Past, Present and Future

Category: General, Leadership, Tech Apps, Texas History Leave a Comment

Happy Spring…I Can’t Believe It’s Almost Summer!

This is a post to update you on class activities. It seems like time has flown by since we came back from Spring Break and we only have a couple weeks of instruction left before Summer. Please scroll down to find your class…

Technology Applications

In Tech Apps, 6th-grade students continue to learn how to use new tools and show growth in all aspects of technology. In the last few weeks, students have learned about digital citizenship and proper use of images online and in presentations. Last week, students finished creating raffle tickets in tools like Canva, Google Docs and Google Drawing. It’s always fun to see students be able to show their creativity by using their choice in the creation tool. Currently, students are creating a tri-fold brochure using a web tool called Lucid Press. Over the next several days, we will continue to learn new web tools that can be used in presentations for all classes and content, as well as connecting with others through student blogs!

Leadership

In Leadership, 7th-grade students have learned about values, principles and standards. They created personal mission statements and updated their blogs to talk about the importance of understanding your values, defining your principles and living up to your standards in order to achieve one’s personal mission statement. Check out their blogs to see more about what is important to each student! Now, students are learning about peer pressure, various types of bullying and the effects of each. In the coming days, students will dig into understanding various family dynamics as well. Last week, a teacher in Ohio reached out to us to let us know they found our blogs through the blogging challenge we did in the Fall. We are excited to learn that they think we are excellent writers and thinkers and want to be able to connect. I am hoping to be able to arrange a Google Hangout where we can meet that class and learn about school in Ohio!

Social Studies

In Texas History, 7th-Grade students have learned about the Republic of Texas and Early Statehood, as well as Texas during the Civil War. I enjoyed the posters and digital presentations students created depicting the causes and effects of the war.

Students also finished up their State Parks Projects. I really enjoyed watching students research and learn about their park. They wrote a letter, that was mailed, to their park asking for information. Many parks sent information back along with extras like stickers, tattoos, and postcards. Students were asked to create a poster and a 3D project depicting something about their park. The most common 3-D objects were dioramas. Pictures of a few of these are located at the bottom of this post.

Currently, students are learning about the effects of cattle, cotton, railroads, and oil on Texas agriculture and population growth, in the late 1800’s. Students are presenting websites they created depicting a specific topic they selected. We only have a couple of weeks of instruction left, so we are going to get creative at learning important topics of the 1900’s.

Big Bend

Big Bend

Garner State Park

Garner State Park

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock

May
3

Texas History Day

Category: Texas History 1 Comment

State Competition at Texas History Day

On Friday, April 29-30, we took 20 Jr/Sr High students to Austin for Texas History Day. Students qualified for this competition by earning 1st or 2nd place at the Brazos Valley Regional History Fair. It is a big accomplishment to get to the state competition!

We really enjoyed our time in Austin. Students were able to do many fun things. One of the things Junior High students did was take a tour of the Capitol Building. For many students, this was the first time to walk through. The House of Representatives chamber is currently closed because they are replacing the carpet. Did you know the carpet comes from England and has to be hand-sewn together?

While in the Senate Chamber, we were able to join a guided tour. We learned many things we would not have otherwise known. The large paintings in the chambers have been hanging there since 1801! The guide took us down a set of stairs that lead to the underground floor. This floor leads you to the new addition of offices, but before you get there, there is a hall that holds all of the pictures of past legislators. I took this picture because I thought it was a unique, special place.

Many of us had activity trackers and I think the best estimate is that we walked at least 9 miles on Saturday. We were eager to hear the results at the awards ceremony.

Anderson-Shiro did not have any students advance to the national competition. However, we did have an 8th-grade group receive Outstanding Regional Entry. I am very proud of all of our students. We started working on these projects in October of last year and put in many hours of hard work, and maybe a few tears. I have seen student growth in knowledge and skill throughout the process. Please congratulate them on a job well done.

By the way, next year’s topic is Taking a Stand in History if you want to get an early start!

Mar
6

I Am Texas History Contest

Category: General, Leadership, Tech Apps, Texas History Tags: Texas 1 Comment

I Am Texas History Contest

I just came across the neatest idea ever and it just so happens to be related to Texas History! Have you ever seen one of those brown signs on the side of the road that says ‘Historical Marker 1 Mile’ and wondered what that was all about? Have you or your family ever pulled over or turned around to read one of the markers? In the last several years, my family has taken an interest in checking these markers out. It is amazing what you can learn from these signs that share nuggets of information about Texas history. Did you know that there are over 16,000 markers in the state of Texas?

The I Am Texas History Contest offers an opportunity to enter selfies with markers for a chance to win tickets to a museum or historic site related to the Texas Revolution! To enter, you just take a selfie with a historical marker and post the picture to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #iamtxhistory. You can learn more about the contest here.

Mrs. Whittle’s selfie submission for #iamtxhistory

I would love to see students and their families posting their selfies and then share in class what they learned. We are fortunate in that we live in the middle of where it all began and there is history all around us. You don’t have to go far to find one. There are 240 located in Grimes County! I stopped today and took a picture at the old White Hall School. Did you know that the school closed often when children needed to do farm chores or harvest crops?

Do you have a favorite historical marker or one that is related to your family or ancestors? How many selfies with markers can you take over Spring Break?

White Hall School

White Hall School

Feb
14

Brazos Valley Regional History Fair

Category: General, Texas History Tags: Anderson-Shiro, geocaching, History 2 Comments

Success at Brazos Valley Regional History Fair

On Friday, February 12th, we traveled to Washington-on-the-Brazos for the 2016 Brazos Valley Regional History Fair. Thirty-six Anderson-Shiro Junior and Senior High students competed in competition with several area schools for a chance to advance to Texas History Day, the state competition in April. Our students presented their Exploration, Encounter and Exchange in History projects and performed well, with several advancing. You can see those results here!

2016 Regional History Fair Participants

2016 Regional History Fair Participants

We arrived at Washington-on-the-Brazos at 8:30 where students began to setup and prepare for the day. Presentations and interviews took place between 9:00 and 12:00. This allowed students a few hours to explore the park before 3:00 when the awards ceremony began.

Students enjoyed the beautiful day in the sun while they had a picnic lunch, played ball, hiked the trails, explored the Star of Republic Museum, and visited the Barrington Living History Farm.

Barrington Living History Farm

Barrington Living History Farm

Some students even went fishing and geocaching! Geocaching is a free, real-world treasure hunt that anyone can enjoy.It was a joy to introduce to many students who had not heard about it.

Students with OwlBTravelin', a trackable we will hopefully watch travel the world via Geocaching!

Students with OwlBTravelin’, a trackable we will hopefully watch travel the world via Geocaching!

We are looking forward to watching OwlBTravelin’, our class trackable travel bug, travel the world!

Finding another Geocache!

Finding another Geocache!

In all, twenty students will travel to Austin at the end of April to compete in the state Texas History Day competition. We are so proud of all of the hard work and dedication that went into these projects. We are looking forward to the next level in Austin!

Jan
22

Reflections

Category: General 2 Comments

It’s been a great week in Mrs. Whittle’s classes!

As I reflect on the week, I have seen many students who are glad to be back in the routine of school and other activities after a relaxing break.

In Tech Apps, students have learned how to use email, how to search effectively, they have learned how to keyboard correctly and even started to create their own blogs!

Leadership students have continued their study of image and how it impacts their personal brand. Students are beginning to understand that it is important to create and manage a personal brand. Check out their blogs to see the reflections on Image and Personal Brand!

Social Studies students are wrapping up the events that led to the Texas revolution. Next week, we begin talking about the major battles of the Texas Revolution.

Jan
6

Happy New Year’s and Welcome Back!

Category: General, Leadership, Tech Apps, Texas History 2 Comments

Welcome Back!

It is so good to see all of your smiling faces back at school this week. We are settling into our routines and having fun.

I have new students in Tech Apps this semester and I am very excited to get to know these students. We have an exciting semester planned where students will research a cause they are passionate about, and learn an abundance of technology skills along the way.

In Leadership this week, we will begin to talk about image and how it is different from one’s self-concept. Generally speaking, we are very good at giving others the impressions about ourselves we want them to have. However, the impression we want to give others may not be consistent with our true self-thoughts. It is important to present the true image of ourselves.

Texas History students will begin learning about the Texas Revolution this week, beginning with the individual events that created conflict and led to the revolt.

If you have any questions or concerns for me please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dec
15

Class Update

Category: General, Leadership, Tech Apps, Texas History 1 Comment

Greetings from Mrs. Whittle! The few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas break have flown by. Students have been very busy wrapping up the semester.

Barnett via Flickr

Barnett via Flickr

6th Grade Tech Apps students have been learning to blog. Each student has his or her own blog that they are very excited about. If your student is in this class, please ask them to show you their blog.

via Flickr

Souls Surfer via Flickr

In Leadership, students learned about Interpersonal and Social Skills and how they contribute to being a great leader. To wrap up the unit, we watched the movie Soul Surfer where Bethany Hamilton had to overcome her loss from a shark attack. She went on to become a professional surfer and continues to inspire others despite her difficulties. We also wrapped up the fall blogging challenge with edublogs. Students are looking forward to the next blog, but this does not mean we will stop blogging. Student blogs should continue to have new posts added weekly.

We are wrapping up the nine weeks with a speech about “A Relationship That Is Important To You And Why.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_F._Austin

Stephen F. Austin via Wikipedia

Social Studies students in honors classes have been extremely busy these last few weeks. They have been learning about the Mexican National Era, the time period after Mexico gained independence from Spain, when colonization of Texas began torapidly grow. Students have also been finishing up the research and projects for history fair. The projects are available for viewing in the library on Wednesday, December 16th. Students will learn who is eligible to advance to the next level during lunch on Thursday!

Look for a blogpost later this week to where I will share with you the 7th grade history fair contest winners!

Nov
19

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

Category: General Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving Traditions

When I think about Thanksgiving, I think about family gatherings and big meals. Growing up, Thanksgiving was always a time for family to gather together, visit and eat a very large meal.

Thanksgiving dinner has always been my favorite dinner all year. As soon as the sun comes up, the kitchen is buzzing (usually, not mine). The oven is hot with a ham or Turkey and there is so much food to cook there isn’t enough room in the oven. I love turkey or ham both the same. My favorite sides have always been green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and fruit salad. I always choose the pumpkin pie when it’s time for dessert.

The best Thanksgiving gatherings I can remember or those where family stays until after dark. When family stays for a long time, kids can play boardgames or watch movies and adults can play dominoes. Watching Christmas movies on Thanksgiving night has always been fun too.

In the last several years, my mom, sister and I have planned our Black Friday shopping. Not too long after dinner, ads are strung all over the kitchen while we plan where we will go first at five o’clock in the morning. Some people think this is no fun, but we love to get early breakfast, hot chocolate and see what deals we can find.

It’s important not to forget that this holiday brings a time to give thanks. I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for faith, family and friends. I have a great church, a healthy family and great friends. I have a husband who unselfishly takes care of us, my children are growing and making me proud every day, and I love my job, where I get to love on and encourage young people every day.

BK via Compfight

Nov
2

8 Cues of Self-Confidence

Category: Leadership Tags: First Impression, Leadership, Self-Confidence 3 Comments

Our guest blogger, Maryn, wrote a great post about skills we have been learning about in Leadership. Thanks, Maryn!

Hey There, I want to share what I have learned in leadership with you! The 8 cues is how you show self-confidence to others around you and in first impressions. A first impression is when you see or meet someone for the first time. Note} You want them to think good about you! ☻

The Eight Cues Shown in a First impression:

Attire: When going somewhere and/or meeting someone you always need to dress appropriate and nice. Also groom and wash your hair!
Expression: In a conversation or looking at someone always have a nice expression, even if you don’t always agree with what they say.
Relaxation: When in a conversation, don’t act bored! Sit upright and interest yourself in what they have to say!
Energy Level: Don’t show your tiredness even if the other person has been talking for two straight hours! Be enthusiastic and join in sometimes.
Eye Contact: Look at the the person in the eyes when their talking to show that you’re listening.
Tone of Voice: Use the appropriate tone when talking, not to loud but not to low, Just right so they can hear you.
Posture: If sitting down sit up straight, and don’t slump over! If standing stand-up straight and shift weight one each leg from tome to time.
Handshake: When shaking hands. Put your hand in the other person’s and lock thumbs, only two pumps, a medium grip and make eye contact.

Oct
29

Halloween Haiku

Category: #15stubc, General, Leadership 4 Comments

Halloween Haiku

A dark starry night

Children dressed in frightful white

Jump out and scare you

Betsy Streeter via Compfight

Have you ever written a haiku? A haiku is a Japanese poem written with only three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second has seven and the last has five. Give it a try!

Oct
29

A Live Texas History Class From Commissioner George P. Bush

Category: General, Texas History 1 Comment

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Photo by B. McDonald, Anderson-Shiro CISD

Texas History

Seventh grade students were a part of a live-streamed history class provided by Commissioner George P. Bush and the General Land Office. Students learned about how people settled in Texas by obtaining land grants, during the 1800’s. Each family could purchase from 80 to 4,065 acres for $1.25/acre. Students were excited when the Anderson-Shiro CISD’s live question was shared during the lesson.

Do you know how many people came to Texas in the 1800’s?

Oct
23

The Benefits of Blogging

Category: #15stubc, Leadership 4 Comments

DefineYourGrind.com via Compfight

We Are Bloggers!

We have been blogging for a few weeks now in Leadership classes and the growth I am seeing in students is so exciting. At the beginning of this journey, we experienced quite a bit of frustration and it was almost like our leaves were falling much too soon. We were all learning how to do this together, me included. We encouraged each other and gave an extra 5% effort. The results of the first few weeks of the 2015 Student Blogging Challenge are what make it all worth it! Students are seeing their own growth in how they communicate with others, computer and technology skills, writing skills, quality commenting and interacting and connecting with others across the globe. Students are excited about blogging! #15stubc

Oct
22

A Visit From Miss Texas

Category: General 3 Comments

Miss Texas, Shannon Sanderford Photo Credit: B. McDonald

Miss Texas, Shannon Sanderford
Photo Credit: B. McDonald

Our school was blessed with a special visit from Miss Texas 2015, Shannon Sanderford. She visited the Junior/Senior High School to deliver a message to students that what you do now matters for your future.
Students were invited to ask questions. We learned about what it took for her to become Miss Texas and that she was able to rise above a tough middle-school experience where she felt like she wasn’t as good as everyone else or had many friends. Students enjoyed asking those questions, learning that she is an Oklahoma University graduate and listening to her sing, beautifully. Have you ever watched or met the current or past Miss Texas or pageant winner from another state?

Oct
6

Who Am I?

Category: #15stubc, Leadership 1 Comment

Let the BLOGGING begin! I’m Mrs. Whittle or Mrs. W. when at school or on the internet but in real-life I am Beth Whittle.

I am a second-year teacher who loves teaching, camping and spending time with family. When I am online I am direct and professional and try to be friendly. In person, I am also professional and friendly, but tend to be reserved around people, until I get to know them.

Oct
6

Progress Reports!

Category: General Leave a Comment

Progress reports for the 2nd 3-weeks of the current 9-week grading period were sent home with students this week. 6th grade Tech Apps students are required to have their reports signed and returned. All other students may keep them for their records. Keep up the good work!

Oct
6

Word Processing and the Art of Typography

Category: Tech Apps Leave a Comment

Ask students about what they have been learning about Microsoft Word and word-processing. Each day this week, students have learned new tips and tricks on toolbars, formatting and keyboard shortcuts!

Oct
6

Self-Concept and Self-Confidence

Category: Leadership 1 Comment

Self-Concept and Self-Confidence

Leadership students are learning about Self-Concept and how it is formed. They are also learning the characteristics of those with self-confidence and how they can build their own.

Oct
6

Storybooks

Category: Texas History 1 Comment

Children’s Storybooks

This week in social studies, we are wrapping up our unit on Early Texas. Students are collaborating and creating children’s storybooks about a Native American culture in early Texas history.

Sep
23

Students are Learning About Blogging

Category: Leadership 7 Comments

Students are Learning About Blogging

This week, students are learning about the benefits of blogging. I hope to increase student engagement, reflection, collaboration and communication and to improve writing schools, by offering a platform for students to create a blog in order to have an authentic audience.

Sep
9

A Creator’s Rights

Category: Tech Apps Leave a Comment

This week, Tech Apps students will be introduced to copyright, fair use, and the rights they have as creators.

Sep
9

Speeches ‘About Myself’

Category: Leadership Leave a Comment

In Leadership, students are giving their first speech this week. We are learning how to trust each other and provide and receive specific feedback from our peers.

Sep
9

Vocabulary Test Coming Up!

Category: Texas History Leave a Comment

In social studies, we continue to cover general social studies and geography concepts this week. Ask your students how geography influences they way people live!

Students will take their first test covering Social Studies and Geography Vocabulary on Friday, 9/11.

Aug
25

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL

Category: General 1 Comment

We are having a lot of fun!

This week, students are learning their schedule, classroom procedures and the purpose of their courses. We are also spending a lot of time getting to know each other and building relationships.

Students have been asked to return parent information and requested signatures by Friday. Please email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Aug
22

Meet the Teacher

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Meet the Teacher Night!

I met so many of my students and parents at Meet the Teacher this week. I saw fear, excitement, and nervousness. I promise we will work through those emotions, enjoy this school year and have fun while learning! I look forward to Monday when we can begin to build relationships and get pumped up for this year.

Jun
13

Summertime

Category: General Leave a Comment

It’s SUMMER!

Do you know what your teachers are doing this summer? We are preparing for the new school year! I am currently setting up this blog and am super excited to share it with you!

This blog will be the place where you can come to find information, but it will also be where we will collaborate about various things. Eventually, each of my students will have their very own blog. Isn’t that exciting?

Take a look around and let me know what you think.

See you soon!