Rainy Day Fun!

Today we spent the rainy day on a fun project for our classroom. My very sweet dad helped me make a paper mache tree. I am going to use it to decorate our wonderful t-shack!

11 Tools Reflection

This has been the best professional development. In thinking about my class I see so many opportunities. First I am very excited to have a blog that I will continue to maintain to communicate with my parents. I love the idea of having kids work at the end of the day to create a summary of the day, and being able to use this as a place to post pictures of learning. I would like to spend more time playing with the different mashups and resources that are available for generating ideas (flicker books). Lastly, I will definitely be using the photo stories and would love to see my class make their own, utilizing the microphone. I can see book reviews and reports on different things we study (for example American Symbols). The possibilities are endless!

Tool # 11

Digital Citizenship is a new age form of manners. Just as important as it is to teach children manners, safety, and simple "getting along" techniques - we now need to emphasis the importance of rolling those lessons over into all the things they do with the computer. Teaching 1st grade, I think we need to focus on Safety. I would use the comparison of not talking to a stranger, and that on the computer there are lots of strangers. In that same path of thinking, I would emphasis that passwords should not be shared - like their lunch number, if you were to give out your number others could by lunch or check out books on your account. Lastly, I think it is very important for children at an early age to learn that what they type is there for anyone to see. Constantly reminding to make good choices. I really see this as an extension of socialization with our classmates and take it very serious.

Tool #10

I have already been using an I-touch in my class. I love to use it in small group reading instruction. I love the sight word apps and doodle draw. I like to have the kids use the doodle draw to write the spelling patterns that they hear. This is a great motivator for children to stay connected to the lessons. I also see how this could be used in a center. I can't wait to have them in my room.

Tool #9

Skype and Jing! I have used Skype before, and think it would be fun to hook up with other classes in other places. I love the idea of virtual field trips and even meeting authors from the comfort of our classroom. I can see many ways to use these and hope to do so!

Tool # 8

This would be a fun way to introduce one of the American Symbols and rhyming words for word families.

Tool # 7

This is my photostory. Every year I have made something like this and showed my kids at the end of the year. I used a half broken microphone I had at home so it is hard to hear but I love how easy it is to use. I think the kids will have a blast telling reading their stories and bringing them to life!