The Best Websites For The Best Class

Yep, I believe we are becoming – one step at a time – the best class (not just in Talbot, but in Clondalkin, maybe even Dublin; who knows, maybe even Ireland!!). And so I feel it's my duty to root out the best websites for sixth-class children that there are (not just in Dublin, not just in Ireland, but in the world) and present them to you.

I'll keep adding to this list throughout the rest of they year. When we use one we like a lot in class when we're learning, then I'll add it here too.

For now, here's some websites where you're bound to find treasure. Make your choices...

Art

1. Enjoy looking at and marvelling at the work of great artists. Find your favourite few (click on the right). To enjoy each painting even more, ask yourself some questions, like "what colours does the artist use? what types of line are used? is there a story in the painting, if so what's going on, and what happened before and after the painting? how does the painting make you feel? And, what title would I have given it?"
2. Or maybe you'd prefer to watch some of 36 videos of great "modern art". Choose from the playlist on the right-hand side at the top. All geared towards kids your age. 
3. Or, for now you don't want to look at art, you want to make it! Fair enough, how about some practice drawing. Get a pencil and paper and off you go. Copy your favourite Uncle Fred.

You Any Good Making Things? Like Science? Like Engineering? 

1. Here's an addictive game where you have to construct different bridges. It's fun! But hard! First you have to design (the blue screen), then click on the top left button to test your design: As you know, I'm not much good at this type of thing so it took me 20 minutes to get past the first stage!! I'm still on the second, having a good laugh at my bridge as it collapses into the valley. Doh! 
2. For an amazing 14 more such games (when you find your favourite, maybe let others know about it), go to http://hoodamath.com/games/cargobridge2.php 

Are You One of Those Annoying Children With Questions?  

Then you'll love exploring the very very best Irish science website, primaryscience.ie. It's split up into loads of great sections, like:

1. where you can Ask Molly just about anything (like "how would you know if your goldfish is a boy or a girl?"!! or, "Could a bridge be built between Ireland and England?", or "Why does popcorn pop?" – cool questions!). 
2. Play some games (kids have too much fun these days!)
3. See if you know all about the most common shapes.
4. Become a space expert on the differences and similarities in the planets in our solar system.
5. Choose fun experiments to watch being done right in front of you.

Want to Do a Project?

There's so much great stuff to learn in this life!! But where to start? Kidport has a reference library that might just be the place to begin. 

Or, Maybe, Right Now, You'd Just Prefer To Sit Back and Read

It's for you that good people at your library have organised TumbleBooks for you. All you have to do is click, sit back, and enjoy. 

The Life of Jesus, Born 2,000 Years Ago into a Poor Family in a Sad Country Crushed by Romans

1. Jesus led a hard life and this site tells his story lego-style. I think you'll like it!
2. Jesus taught the people many things; again, this site tells the story lego-style!
3. Ready to pray? You ready to open the door of your heart to God and let him/her Love you? Okay: on this site... you decide who to pray for..., you say a prayer..., you feel God's peace. 

That's it for now. Hope you find lots you like! 

What You Need To Do To Stay Safe Online

"Top Tips" for Staying Safe Online
(from spunout.ie)

1. Don’t trust! Even if an online friend sounds more convincing than your own mother.
2. Be very wary of people who seem desperate to meet you or torture you for your phone number.
3. Use a nickname or just your first name when chatting online.
4. Never give out personal details online like your surname, phone number or where you live.
5. Don’t tell people where you go to school. If someone constantly asks for personal details, ignore them.
6. Don’t send photos of yourself, friends or family.
7. When someone asks where you’re from only tell...

Are You Being Cyber-Bullied? (Are you bullying someone?): Here's what to do...

First of all understand it's NOT your fault. It's the person who's bullying you who has a problem, not you; it's them who are unhappy about something at home or school. 

Second, realise you're not alone. Most people have been bullied at some stage of their lives. The good news is that it is like the measles: it does stop, it does go away. But it's horrible having the measles. So what is it and what can you do?

Free Visit to see Modern Art--in New York City

Recognise this from anywhere?! :) 

And now for something completely different... a visit to the MOMA in New York City. MOMA stands for Museum of Modern Art. It's a simple, but really good website, where YOU are the boss, choosing what to see and what to learn about. Enjoy!

6th Classers: You Can Do Anything You Want. Here's Videos of Jobs You Might Want in the Future...

Remember in September we looked at a long list of common and interesting jobs? And you chose one you might want at 20, another at 50, and another at 70. Well, it was really amazing to me to see how nearly all of you wanted different jobs at different ages. You realise you will probably have lots of jobs in your life: It's more interesting that way, and you get to use lots and lots of your skills.

Well, I just found a site, careersbox.co.uk, which might show you exactly what you'll be doing with some of your jobs. Loads of videos on the left hand side. Each video is about 3 or 4 minutes. In each video someone who works at the job tells us exactly what it's like. I think you'll find it an eye-opener! Maybe an older brother or sister might like it too. You might even see something ELSE that you want to do some day!

LISTEN to this!: Yes, Listen to Yourselves! Now we can LISTEN to MUSIC that WE Record

Yep, a friend told me of the SoundCloud website, so now we can post sound recordings of our singing and music and listen to it too.

The first two recordings for you to listen to are our Halloween Music Compositions. Our musical pieces, brilliantly and quickly composed by different groups in our sixth class. Having just a couple of 'instruments' each, each group of 2/3/4/5 showed great creativity and teamwork in composing different 'stories' told in music. Well done, everyone! This is just the beginning!

To listen, go to http://soundcloud.com/talbotmrstuart Enjoy!

WOW--Just found this Great Resource for Learning Irish Easily: Frása an Lae / Phrase of the Day: 1 - 200 (playlist)

Each video takes just a few seconds and you can pause it and practice it and read it and write it and... whatever works best for you. Give it a go and see what learning method works best for you. Enjoy!