Rating & Commenting & Criticizing—Yuk!

As you flip through the abundance of television channels, sometimes it seems like you see nothing but people evaluating each other, people calling in ratings, and people criticizing in not-so-nice terms. If you want to put a student video or podcast online, unless you have a private place to put it, anyone can comment on it, anyone can rate it. Do you worry that your students have worked on a project and that someone might make them feel awful by posting a nasty comment? There are places where children's art and writing can be uploaded, and sometimes this work can be commented upon and/or rated by others. It's fine for people to evaluate books and toasters, but is it wise for children's work to be publicly evaluated? Have we gone too far with open commentary? We try to teach manners, thoughtfulness, and acts of kindness in the midst of a world that seems to value thoughtless remarks and crude comments. Are our students getting the wrong impression about what's important in human relationships? Students need to learn how to work together and support each other. They need to learn about empathy, but ... There seem to be two worlds out there for our children. One says, "Be thoughtful, sincere, and respect others"; the other says, "Put down, complain, rate, and criticize and do it all in the most annoying way possible and it will help you get your own way."

Math Heroes: How About Nominating One?

Thirty-two teachers from the United States were selected as 2008 Math Heroes. Each received an award of $2500 plus a matching school grant for motivating students in learning mathematics through "interactive and creative learning programs." If you'd like to nominate a math teacher for this award, head to Raytheon's MathMovesU site, and start the sign in process. While there, you'll also want to check out the middle school scholarship program, the videos, and the learning activities—all designed to encourage math learning among middle schools students. Applications for teacher Math Heroes 2009 must be postmarked by May 15, 2009.

Presenting Uncle Sam's Farm

Uncle Sam's Farm, for Grades K-3, is a Maps 101 interactive map that helps young students with vocabulary and geography. Children learn map skills by finding places on a farm. They use grid coordinates, practice following directions, and learn difficult concepts while having fun exploring the farm and watching Uncle Sam feed his chatty chickens. Future additions to Uncle Sam's Farm will feature a narrative for students to follow along and work with left and right, up and down, and compass directions. You can sign up for a free 2-day Test Drive at Maps 101, but if you would rather have a longer time for review of the product, a sales representative will set up a two-week, full-access trial.