The METS Group: December Newsletter
Michigan Educational Technology Specialists
Seasons Greetings from the METS Group!
We begin by highlighting our Christmas Tech wishes. Thank you to all of our METS friends who shared what they want for Christmas in our Google+ Community page.
METS Winter Virtual Rally
Grab your cocoa, fire up your device and join us for our annual Winter Virtual Rally on February 10th! The call for Round Table Facilitators is now open!
The Thrifty Tech Teacher: METS Member Guest Post!
Our featured METS Member for December is Brandon Helder of "The Thrifty Tech Teacher". Check out his article below on Teacher Approved Gifts for Kids (and then head on over to his website)!
And finally, another very important SAVE THE DATE, but you'll have to scroll to the end to find out more...
Kit H.
Michelle D.
Steve D.
Lisa M.
Paul M.
Sarah O.
Kaycee D.
Kerry G.
ALL OF US
METS Virtual Rally + Regional Rally Roundup
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2017
The 2017 Virtual Rally Call for Round Table Facilitators is now open!
Check out the Call for Round Table Facilitators today.
Regional Rally Roundup Locations to be announced soon!
Stay tuned!
Oakland Schools' Hosts a Regional Rally Roundup
Tina Tribu gears up to participate online!
KRESA Hosts a a Regional Rally Roundup
Buying gifts for your kid can be tough. There is so much to choose from, and what your kids really want may not be what's best for them. I hope I can help. Here is a list of my top 10 teacher approved gifts. I think you'll find some good ideas for the kids on your list. Best of all, a percentage of all orders placed through this site (not just the ones advertised below) will help pay for technology at Hudsonville Christian School and Christian education for my family. There is no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
#1. Books!
Make reading a part of your Christmas traditions every year. With extra time as a family around the holidays, begin a chapter book or a book series with your kids. Let them stay up late with a book light and a new book on Christmas Eve. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a love for reading. Find something you know they'll love or a classic you can enjoy together.
#2. Legos
I love legos. I prefer the value and flexibility of the classic tubs and the way they encourage creativity. However, the character and movie sets are fine too though they are more expensive. There are endless possibilities inside every tub, and they help kids develop problem solving and visual spacial skills. And, unlike most toys out there, these things are built to last. If you do buy any lego sets, I suggest adding a baseplate like the one picture below to provide a sturdy foundation for the structures your child will build and want to keep on display.
#3. Games
Board games and card games are an awesome way to encourage problem solving, strategy, social skills and communication. There are soooo many great games out there. Here are just a few I think you should consider. The holiday season is the best time to get board games at the best price. Just watch out for prices that are "too low." Sometimes manufacturers sacrifice in quality and packaging, which can make them a bad deal.
#4. Kindle Fire
I use Kindle Fires in my classroom every day. At under $50 each, you can't get a better deal on a tablet. Are they better than an iPad? No. Do they cost one fifth of the price? Yes. These devices are rugged. They have survived many drops and bumps in my classroom. Each Kindle Fire also comes equipped with features that allow you to limit screen time and decide what your child can and cannot do with the device. If you want something a little bigger, I highly recommend the HD8 model. With a bigger screen, more memory and a longer battery life, It's also a great deal.
#5. Boogie Board
We own one of these and love it. Kids can quickly draw images on this LCD writing tablet and then, with the push of a button, make it magically disappear. This is great for long car rides or even for writing down quick lists or sketches. After much abuse, ours is still going strong. Do yourself and favor and buy the sleeve as well. It's a great way to protect the slate when not in use and to securely house the stylus.
#6. Magic Tricks
If you know me, magic tricks on this list shouldn't surprise you. Beyond the novelty of performing for friends and family, there is a lot to like about learning how to do magic. The teacher in me loves how much non-fiction reading and rereading it requires. The parent in me loves that kids can develop life skills like persistence, coordination, timing, and public speaking. If you're looking to buy a trick kit, I'd start with one of the ones below. The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Set is very good. This book to the left is the best magic book I've owned, though it's best for kids 13 years or older.
#7. Ozobot
Watch the video. Ozobots are super cool mini robots that kids can use to complete challenges and learn basic coding along the way. Simply draw a color-coded path for your robot to follow, or use your iPad or computer to write code for your Ozobot to perform. Great for tinkerers.
#8. Osmo
Not all screen time is created equal. If you already own an iPad, you need to check out Osmo. This hands-on tool allows kids to learn phonics, math, drawing and even coding. Watch the video to see what I'm talking about. While individual packs are not cheap, you can get a better value by buying in bundles.
#9. Chromebook
Hey big spenders! Thinking about bringing an iPad home for Christmas? Think again. Chromebooks may be a better fit. With new touch screens that allow you to access the Google Play Store, you can now buy a high-quality laptop that also doubles as a tablet for far less than an iPad. Unlike previous Chromebooks, the newest batch released this year are built to take some abuse and have great battery life. These laptops are some of the best deals in technology. See for yourself why so many schools are choosing them over iPad.
#10. Thank You Cards
Let's make the most of some of the extra time kids have around the holidays. There is something so good about kids writing thank you notes for those who have been so generous to them. While you can buy great Thank You cards (The dollar store sells packs of them), hand-made cards are really the best. If your kid is old enough to write on their own, let them. If not, have them draw a picture of what they are thankful for and dictate the words to you. Even better, record a video of the card-writing process and send it to the recipient.
Save the Date! Idea Slam 2017 during the MACUL Conference
Stay tuned! The application to present your pitch is coming soon for a chance to receive up to $2,500 to implement your idea!
A big THANK YOU to our Steering Committee Members Allison Keskimaki and Rebecca Young for helping put our newsletters together.
Interested in making a difference in our great Mitten state with the METS Group? Contact us today to join the Steering Committee! It's always open to all METS Members.