Chelsea Gerhard Francis
I am a fifth grade teacher at Sandy Ridge Elementary in Durham County. I am very fortunate to be teaching at an arts magnet school! I didn't always know I wanted to be a teacher--I loved reading so much that I very strongly considered becoming a librarian. I realized one day that my favorite part of volunteering at the library was helping with the children's programs and sharing my love of reading by suggesting books! I jumped into a teacher's mindset, and haven't looked back!
I am an avid reader--as a kid, I'd hide out in comfy spots throughout the house and get lost in great books As an adult, I treasure my summers as a time to sit by the pool and re-read old favorites, as well as a chance to actually read NEW books! I love to bake, especially cookies and key lime pies. I also really enjoy running--or at least, I really enjoy getting better at running! (I ran a half marathon in April 2012, and am still recovering).
I am looking forward to a WONDERFUL summer, kicked off by my wedding to the handsome man in the picture! We'll be hiking up in Maine for our honeymoon, then visiting the beach for his birthday, then I'll be heading off to England with a bunch of fabulous teachers..I am so lucky and so grateful!
I am an avid reader--as a kid, I'd hide out in comfy spots throughout the house and get lost in great books As an adult, I treasure my summers as a time to sit by the pool and re-read old favorites, as well as a chance to actually read NEW books! I love to bake, especially cookies and key lime pies. I also really enjoy running--or at least, I really enjoy getting better at running! (I ran a half marathon in April 2012, and am still recovering).
I am looking forward to a WONDERFUL summer, kicked off by my wedding to the handsome man in the picture! We'll be hiking up in Maine for our honeymoon, then visiting the beach for his birthday, then I'll be heading off to England with a bunch of fabulous teachers..I am so lucky and so grateful!
Digital Portfolio:
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Where I'm from (Poetry lesson)This item represents a combination of two lessons. We started by listening to many examples of Where I'm from poetry--including the format's creator George Ella Lyon. We were guided through an abbreviated lesson on the creation of our own poem in this style, then given time to work. Upon completing and sharing our finished written work, we were given the assignment to integrate the poem with Prezi, an online powerpoint-type medium that allows for a more creative flow when organizing a presentation. The final product is accessible to the left. Click "Start Prezi," then click the right arrow to scroll through the poem.
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Pixlr Photo Strip Short StoryThis was a brief assignment which allowed us to become more familiar with Pixlr. We were asked to come up with five pictures that showed a story of some sort. I chose the to focus on what I was most looking forward to seeing and doing while in England.
To create a Pixlr Photo Strip, you simply upload five pictures from your computer to the pre-formatted template. There are many different templates, which would allow students flexibility when creating a short story with pictures. The completed product can be downloaded to your computer or saved to a flash drive. |
View Trip to England! in a larger map |
Personal Google MapPlease click on the blue pins to see pictures and thoughts about my favorite places in England.
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Glogster- Impressions of EnglandThis Glog is a collection of concepts and images that have impressed me during the first few days of my stay in England.
I am enjoying learning more about a new culture--so many things have been familiar from pop culture, but it has been a thrill to experience firsthand! |
ToonDoo-International InteractionThis is a ToonDoo, "the worlds fastest way to create comics"
The strip represents a conversation I had with an international student on the way to Oxford University. My Azerbaijani friend talked about the ins and outs of tea--how it's called chai in his country, how it's made, and so on. When he asked about food in the USA, I was eager to explain the culture surrounding barbecue. After talking enthusiastically, I trailed off to realize my listener had a rather sheepish look on his face. I realized he wasn't relating to my detailed description of vinegar versus ketchup versus mustard sauces when he related that, because of his religion, he does not eat pork, |
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Time Toast--Jane AustenThis Time Toast covers some of the events in Jane Austen's life. It contains pictures pulled from Wikimedia, and text summarized from Elliot Engel's lecture on Austen.
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