Another DonorsChoose.org Inspiring Video

Donorschoose.org

 The music teacher in my school said she has had two projects funded already so far for recorders and keyboards. Another kinder teacher received a very large carpet for carpet time, and another third grade teacher received science materials. They all expressed how EASY it is to create and post a project. No money is required to post, just an extra effort by the teacher. So, I decided to join and create a project! And they were right, it was SO easy! Every year I probably spend $500-$700 (don't tell my husband) on my classroom. Having some help is much appreciated! Receiving hundreds of dollars of supplies, technology, etc for an hour of your time, a thank you note, and a few pictures seems to be nothing at all.

This year my main focus is to thoroughly implement Guided Reading and ACTUALLY teach science, well, like it's meant to be. I went to a science professional development early in the summer and it made me feel HORRIBLE for butchering my science lessons and motivate me to be an excellent science teacher.  I created a project that will fund science supplies to conduct hands-on labs in my classroom and to share with the other 6 first grade classrooms at my school. I am so excited to see if it gets funded! Maybe then I will be able to do another project to ask for iPads!!!!!  I'll be posting

Share it Maybe: BOY Rules Discussion Focus

 I saw this video on Dr. Lori's Blog, Lori's Latest Links while I was browsing for Promethean Board Activities. It's so cute!!!!! I'll probably be using it at the beginning of the year when we are discussing rules and how to act in a group. Good Focus for a lesson.

11 Tools: 11th Tool FINALLY!!!!!

Overall, I feel some tools were more beneficial than others. I am thankful for the lists of resources for web tools, apps, and uses for the technology. I've always loved incorporating technology in my classroom and I'm so excited to have iPods, netbooks, and an active board in my classroom! I will be posting about my experiences throughout the school year.

11 Tools: Tool #10: Digital Citizenship

Just going to say that it hadn't occurred to me how important it is to not only teach kids how to be a good citizen in daily life in our community, but also online in the digital world! Man! Kids today have so much more to learn, what happened to the simple life! Luckily I'll be teaching 1st grade this year which highlights the community and citizenship, so it will be a smooth add on to teach Digital Citizenship as well! For the most part, I feel it's common sense but everything has to be spelled out for the young kids. Three most important things I want my kids to know:
1) Give credit to those who deserve it.
2) Whatever you say or do online, it is saved somewhere FOREVER!!! So be judicious...
3) Keep personal information to yourself. NEVER reveal private information on public social networks.

How will I share Digital Citizenship with my parents..... a home project! Have parents work with their kids together to watch videos about digital citizenship and discuss what it is and why it's important. There probably will not be computers in many of the house holds, so on Meet the Teacher night and Open house, I will have the Netbooks open and available for the parents to do the project. If they still are unable to attend, maybe I can work something out with the librarian to have an "Open Computer Lab" Night.

11 Tools: Tool #9: Incorporating Technology in the Classroom

First of All, TECHNOLOGY IS NOT A BABYSITTER! Contrary to what some parents may use it as, in the classroom technology should be worth the students' time and help to master the objective and/or go broader and deeper for those who need it.  This Tool on the blog gives a great list of resources for stations and uses for iPods and Netbooks in the classroom. Also, it lists some great Apps that are worth while.

It's important to hold students accountable for what they do while using technology and for their own learning in general! They should WANT to use their time to learn and get better, but how to do that? While thinking and researching for an answer, using a buddy system and/or forms to fill out during or after use will have to do.

11 Tools: Tool #8: Technology "Toys" in the Classroom

Well, I've been blessed this year to have iPod Touches and Netbooks in my classroom! The Netbook has a camera for video/pictures. I am SUPER excited to use both in my classroom! I will most likely use the iPods for a listening station, to watch Brain Pop and take the quizzes, and math fact practice games. The Netbooks I'd like to Skype, have kids make videos of themselves (maybe from Readers' Theater or other projects?), to make comic strips of things they learned, and use them as a math technology station.

First and foremost, the students need to be taught how to handle and use these precious devices.  Kids don't treat items in the classroom with enough care most of the time, so MODEL MODEL MODEL. If you aren't getting the results from the kids you want, it might be because you haven't modeled it enough. Or they just can't behave and don't deserve to use them.