Cool Cat Teacher Blog is at coolcatteacher.com

Social skills don't just "happen." Having my own children with learning differences (you should know by now I don't call them disabilities b/c they are truly differences - disabilities are defined by the age in which one lives!) So, I was so excited to see Fran, our school psychologist test out this game with my son's third grade class.  Here is her recommendation. "Review of Wild Ride to the Heart board game Our small group of 3rd graders thoroughly enjoyed the game Wild Ride to the Heart. It was used for a social skill building activity and to reinforce our earlier discussions on feelings. The children were enthusiastic about the colorful game board and enjoyed moving with the detours and Surprise card instructions. I felt that this was a good tool to engage young children in discussions of their feelings and to practice turn-taking and cooperation. Fran Sheffield – School Psychologist Westwood Schools, Camilla, GA" We've got a reall...

I have tested Art Rage 3 since May on my Interactive White Board and also at home with my children. My son's painting in artrage when he played with it the first time. I love how the paints and brushstrokes mixed together. On the Interactive White Board At school, I loaded this up and left it on the board to see what would happen and the students LOVED it. They painted pictures and used the intuitive interface very easily. I tested it with my second grader and up.  When on the interactive whiteboard, the students preferred to use the board as a canvas, which brought all kinds of uses. The seniors used it to sign their names and save it to put in their senior movie. Other students used it to draw graphics to put into movies.  It is a great add-on for interactive white boards, particularly for schools that do not have art or the money for supplies as so many tools and brush strokes are allowed. Also, if your board is not a multitouch (most aren't) then you'll have ...