Currently I communicate with my parents through email and my classroom blog. I have a website and will update it periodically, but mostly it is used as a resource for my "constant" information. I have been debating whether or not to start a facebook page for my classroom as well. It already seems like so much to keep up with; however, I am on facebook for my own personal connections. Making the switch from my blog to facebook might happen sooner than I thought after reading about Ms. Schoening's First Grade Class and their use of Facebook in the classroom.
There were several ideas that appealed to me as I read the article. I like the ability for students to have some responsibility in writing about the day's events. I am not the only one that has to be paying attention! I like that I can quickly remind parents about special dress down days or service learning project links, etc. I can also take picture or video of student work. I am able to do many of these things through my blog; however, I am not sure how many of my parents receive the message. With Facebook, the message will most likely be received immediately or within several hours.
I am most excited with the possibility of utilizing the events section. It seems so much easier to set up events and invite the parents through Facebook. We have an upcoming winter/holiday party. I could set up all of the important information and parents would be able to refer to it as needed. They could verify who was going or identify who could bring which items.
As a parent, I am thrilled that my son's teacher uses Facebook. I can see pictures or comments that have happened through out the day. As soon as I pick him up, I ask, "So it looks like you guys talked about the election today. Which candidate are you planning on voting for?" I can ask more direct questions and get more specific answers. At the age of 6, he is not reluctant to share, but I know I would continue to appreciate the opportunity to know what is happening in my son's life.
The question is no longer if I want to start a classroom Facebook page, but when would there be a smooth transition!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Learning from Diigo Groups
One of the Diigo groups that I joined is "Kindergarten Cove". I love that there are a variety of subjects, but I don't have to filter through the middle and high school links! Many of the bookmarks seem to catch my eye.
The bookmark, "Count Us In Games" looked like the perfect link after our team conversation with our principal. We had been discussing the Common Core standards for Math. Several of the ideas need to begin changing now. Our current group of kindergarten students will be in second grade and prepping for the standard test in third grade. They will be tested on the new set of standards that were put into place with the belief that they had been taught the previous standards. We will have failed them as educators if we don't present the correct information to them NOW.
The biggest focus of kindergarten seems to be on understanding formations of 10. Can they count to 10? Can they count BY 10's? Are they able to understand 10 frames and how the number 10 can be represented visually? Can they figure out which pairs of numbers total to 10? Although all of these questions are currently answered in our curriculum, the ability to manipulate and play with and feel secure in all of these ways could use some extra practice (especially in HALF day kindergarten)!
I was looking for a fun, interactive game that we could introduce as a whole group and begin to get more and more comfortable with splitting numbers, understanding the pairs that can create each one. This is when I found the bookmark http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm and instantly tried it in the classroom. The students were thrilled. I plan to play with it again as a whole group and perhaps even add in a little competition. Watch out Common Core standards! We are ready for you!
The bookmark, "Count Us In Games" looked like the perfect link after our team conversation with our principal. We had been discussing the Common Core standards for Math. Several of the ideas need to begin changing now. Our current group of kindergarten students will be in second grade and prepping for the standard test in third grade. They will be tested on the new set of standards that were put into place with the belief that they had been taught the previous standards. We will have failed them as educators if we don't present the correct information to them NOW.
The biggest focus of kindergarten seems to be on understanding formations of 10. Can they count to 10? Can they count BY 10's? Are they able to understand 10 frames and how the number 10 can be represented visually? Can they figure out which pairs of numbers total to 10? Although all of these questions are currently answered in our curriculum, the ability to manipulate and play with and feel secure in all of these ways could use some extra practice (especially in HALF day kindergarten)!
I was looking for a fun, interactive game that we could introduce as a whole group and begin to get more and more comfortable with splitting numbers, understanding the pairs that can create each one. This is when I found the bookmark http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm and instantly tried it in the classroom. The students were thrilled. I plan to play with it again as a whole group and perhaps even add in a little competition. Watch out Common Core standards! We are ready for you!
Joining a Diigo Group
I have joined 4 groups in Diigo and have created a group for my kindergarten colleagues and I to share information. The group that I am going to reflect on is Interactive
Whiteboards in the Classroom. I was searching for kindergarten flipcharts when I stumbled upon this group. I found some of the links helpful. I loved that I was able to see how many times it had been viewed and some of the comments were revealed. There is plenty of information at a glance so that I can quickly decide which bookmark will be most helpful.
One of the bookmarks that I enjoyed was a link to Spelling City that was set up for Veteran's Day. This helped open my eyes to other ways I could utilize SpellingCity.com for my students! I have been simply using it for our 60 kindergarten sight words. I have several students that could use some more challenging words. I was inspired to create more lists and allow students access to spelling city at computer/ipad center.
Another bookmark that had several positive comments was the Super Teacher Tools bookmark. While searching this site, it lead me to another site called My Instant Classroom and has a seating chart maker, a random name selector and a classroom group maker. Although this is not something I don't have created, I was eager to explore and see how helpful this sight would be with my teacher ipad. It would be a quick and easy way for me to have access to that information.
Finally, I checked out the bookmark, Fav Ipad Apps K-8. I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I went to http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/107-favorite-ipad-apps-for-k-8/ I found lots of apps organized by subject. I did not get a chance to explore all of them; however, the title and descriptions were detailed enough to see if they would be useful, but not lengthy and cluttered.
I am excited to see what other bookmarks my Diigo groups bring next!
One of the bookmarks that I enjoyed was a link to Spelling City that was set up for Veteran's Day. This helped open my eyes to other ways I could utilize SpellingCity.com for my students! I have been simply using it for our 60 kindergarten sight words. I have several students that could use some more challenging words. I was inspired to create more lists and allow students access to spelling city at computer/ipad center.
Another bookmark that had several positive comments was the Super Teacher Tools bookmark. While searching this site, it lead me to another site called My Instant Classroom and has a seating chart maker, a random name selector and a classroom group maker. Although this is not something I don't have created, I was eager to explore and see how helpful this sight would be with my teacher ipad. It would be a quick and easy way for me to have access to that information.
Finally, I checked out the bookmark, Fav Ipad Apps K-8. I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I went to http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/107-favorite-ipad-apps-for-k-8/ I found lots of apps organized by subject. I did not get a chance to explore all of them; however, the title and descriptions were detailed enough to see if they would be useful, but not lengthy and cluttered.
I am excited to see what other bookmarks my Diigo groups bring next!
10 tips for PLN's for Educators
This article was written by Dr. Mark Wagner.
Connect, build your relationships and be patient are all key phrases that stick out in my mind after reading this article. With all relationships in life, you have to nuture them and then watch them grow and strengthen. Professional Learning Networks (PLN's) are no exception. I was humored by the idea that I am looking for another "relationship" I have to nuture. My hands are full with the ones I have now and I can't keep up! What Dr. Wagner helped me to realize, is that I may put the time and energy into building the trust now; however, when I am need of some assistance, opinions or resources, the response will often be quick and plentiful.
Where to begin? I am very fortunate to work for a district that offers professional development. I don't have to do the research to discover what might be the best tool to help. As I attend each professional development, I am given another resource, website, web browser, social networking site, etc. that can help me grow and help my students thrive. Often I feel like I could use the same session twice ;) I need just another "run through" so that I can really feel comfortable with the program. (I can't believe I am THAT person!) I am given an opportunity to set up my connections.
The next step is to help build the relationships. As I stated earlier, I don't feel I have a great deal of time to devote to nuturing these relationships; however, how often do I spend several hours searching for new ideas or activities to match the curriculum? If I had put this time into developing my online relationships, I could save time when collecting new activities. The Core Curriculum is a VERY large part of my future in teaching. I need to reflect on the resources that I have gathered and which ones to continue with. Are they the best way to help my students achieve success? While working through this process for the next two years, it would be helpful to turn to my PLN across the US and find out what they are doing to help deliver the best lessons to their students.
Finally, "Be Patient". As a kindergarten teacher, I am ALWAYS searching for more patience. My 21 little friends have taught me the importance and the rewards of showing such extreme patience. In our fast-paced, instant-gratification society, patience has to be practiced. Learning comes with patience. Just as I would like to receive a second session from our Elite team, students want an opportunity to discover, fail and learn from those mistakes. I have to have patience and allow myself those same opportunities.
Connect, build your relationships and be patient are all key phrases that stick out in my mind after reading this article. With all relationships in life, you have to nuture them and then watch them grow and strengthen. Professional Learning Networks (PLN's) are no exception. I was humored by the idea that I am looking for another "relationship" I have to nuture. My hands are full with the ones I have now and I can't keep up! What Dr. Wagner helped me to realize, is that I may put the time and energy into building the trust now; however, when I am need of some assistance, opinions or resources, the response will often be quick and plentiful.
Where to begin? I am very fortunate to work for a district that offers professional development. I don't have to do the research to discover what might be the best tool to help. As I attend each professional development, I am given another resource, website, web browser, social networking site, etc. that can help me grow and help my students thrive. Often I feel like I could use the same session twice ;) I need just another "run through" so that I can really feel comfortable with the program. (I can't believe I am THAT person!) I am given an opportunity to set up my connections.
The next step is to help build the relationships. As I stated earlier, I don't feel I have a great deal of time to devote to nuturing these relationships; however, how often do I spend several hours searching for new ideas or activities to match the curriculum? If I had put this time into developing my online relationships, I could save time when collecting new activities. The Core Curriculum is a VERY large part of my future in teaching. I need to reflect on the resources that I have gathered and which ones to continue with. Are they the best way to help my students achieve success? While working through this process for the next two years, it would be helpful to turn to my PLN across the US and find out what they are doing to help deliver the best lessons to their students.
Finally, "Be Patient". As a kindergarten teacher, I am ALWAYS searching for more patience. My 21 little friends have taught me the importance and the rewards of showing such extreme patience. In our fast-paced, instant-gratification society, patience has to be practiced. Learning comes with patience. Just as I would like to receive a second session from our Elite team, students want an opportunity to discover, fail and learn from those mistakes. I have to have patience and allow myself those same opportunities.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
How to Learn from Mistakes
by Diana Laufenberg was inspirational to listen to. There are times when I hear motivational speakers and I am overwhelmed by their message. Admittedly I think, "one more thing to add to our list of responsibilities in the classroom." Her message is simple and encouraging, but even more than that, it is NECESSARY!
Her reference to her grandmother and father's school experience was enlightening. They had to attend school to receive information and in our current world, where information is available 24 hours at the tips of our fingers, how do we validate ourselves as educators? I've heard this question before and it was so discouraging to hear. What do you mean my job could be obsolete within my lifetime and/or career? I LOVE this job! I LOVE witnessing the moment a child understands or helping them achieve success that they couldn't on their own. Ms. Laufenberg's message was not threatening, but simple. We have to make education about experiential learning, empowering student voice and embracing failure so that true learning can happen. When we search for and accept more than one "right" answer, we are putting the emphasis on the learning experience not on the memorization of information.
The challenge I have, lies in how I translate this for my kindergarten students? I see the possibilities in middle and high school. I see the potential in third, fourth and fifth grade, but building a strong foundation on which to base your future learning is important. If they can't read the information they have access to, won't it stunt their future research and information processing? There is only one answer when you see the letters t-h-e, it's the word "the", I can't accept other answers. This is where I think I need to change or adapt my thinking a bit. There IS only one answer; however, there are MANY ways to helping our brain process and "log" this word for future recall. Empower students by offering many ways to have access to this word. Incoporate technology, asking and LISTENING to how students recognize this word. Allowing students to fail, but making sure I have taken the time to scaffold my lessons so that they have another opportunity to succeed, to learn from their mistakes.
Her reference to her grandmother and father's school experience was enlightening. They had to attend school to receive information and in our current world, where information is available 24 hours at the tips of our fingers, how do we validate ourselves as educators? I've heard this question before and it was so discouraging to hear. What do you mean my job could be obsolete within my lifetime and/or career? I LOVE this job! I LOVE witnessing the moment a child understands or helping them achieve success that they couldn't on their own. Ms. Laufenberg's message was not threatening, but simple. We have to make education about experiential learning, empowering student voice and embracing failure so that true learning can happen. When we search for and accept more than one "right" answer, we are putting the emphasis on the learning experience not on the memorization of information.
The challenge I have, lies in how I translate this for my kindergarten students? I see the possibilities in middle and high school. I see the potential in third, fourth and fifth grade, but building a strong foundation on which to base your future learning is important. If they can't read the information they have access to, won't it stunt their future research and information processing? There is only one answer when you see the letters t-h-e, it's the word "the", I can't accept other answers. This is where I think I need to change or adapt my thinking a bit. There IS only one answer; however, there are MANY ways to helping our brain process and "log" this word for future recall. Empower students by offering many ways to have access to this word. Incoporate technology, asking and LISTENING to how students recognize this word. Allowing students to fail, but making sure I have taken the time to scaffold my lessons so that they have another opportunity to succeed, to learn from their mistakes.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Class Dojo: a "Must Have"
During Lindbergh's Unconference, I was excited to see how many resources I could take back to my room and USE! As a kindergarten team, we discussed many resources that we would like to investigate further, but Class Dojo stood out as a "must have". It is a behavior management website that helps to improve behavior, share data, and save time. It is simple to use and I plan to start later this week. Teachers can set up positive and negative behaviors that they might see through out the day. Points can be awarded or subtracted according to classroom behavior. It would be easy to tie this into our Stoplight and Bucket-filling behavior managements that are already in place. At some point, I would love to have little buckets instead of avatars. :)
Parents can also have access to their child's record. They can check it through out the day to see if there is a certain time of day that their child begins misbehaving, or prepares them for conversations that they can have when they return home in the evenings.
I am thrilled to see how easy it is to use and I hope you find it helpful for your classroom!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Active Learner
What does it mean to be an active learner? Isn't it what we wish for all of our students? I want them to take an active role in their own learning. I want my students to be active learners.
"If you're ready to help me, I'll find you." I will admit that it is a little overwhelming to think that students today are learning and want to learn in very different ways than what I can understand or recall. I don't feel that "outdated", but in a world where the iPhone 4 is free not long after it made it's debut, you begin to realize how quickly our world is moving. Can I keep up with the latest form of communication? Can I understand and teach myself the ways of digital learning? Can I keep up with the active learner? I need to, because as the video said, "If you're ready to help me, I'll find you."
"To learn about Chinese History from someone in Beijing." I am equally excited by the opportunity that presents itself with active learners. There are wonderful opportunities through technology and the connections that technology allow us to make. To do more than read about something. To see it through videos, pictures, live chats! The resources are numerous. By having active learners as students it allows us, as teachers, to continue to be active learners. To learn along side our students and allow them lead in the exploration.
"Will I be prepared?" It is really our duty, as educators, to prepare our students for success. That has not changed. There has to be some fear or apprehension in their minds. Will we prepare them? Will we do the best job we can so that they can be ready for the competitive, fast-paced world? Although it was decades and decades ago (HA!), I can recall my teachers that would continue to teach in the manner with which they were taught. The lessons seemed so irrelevant. But a teacher that could adapt our lesson and make it relevant to what we liked, to what we understood, were the lessons I can still recall many years later.
Where do I see myself? I want to be an active learner also. I want to inspire my students. I want to be inspired by them. I want to keep up, but I also want to teach them the importance of slowing down and smelling a flower, not just seeing it online. Whether I reflect on my past, or look into my future, I think education works well when there is balance. Bringing worlds together and getting excited about the possibility, the opportunity and the understanding. I think I'm ready!
"If you're ready to help me, I'll find you." I will admit that it is a little overwhelming to think that students today are learning and want to learn in very different ways than what I can understand or recall. I don't feel that "outdated", but in a world where the iPhone 4 is free not long after it made it's debut, you begin to realize how quickly our world is moving. Can I keep up with the latest form of communication? Can I understand and teach myself the ways of digital learning? Can I keep up with the active learner? I need to, because as the video said, "If you're ready to help me, I'll find you."
"To learn about Chinese History from someone in Beijing." I am equally excited by the opportunity that presents itself with active learners. There are wonderful opportunities through technology and the connections that technology allow us to make. To do more than read about something. To see it through videos, pictures, live chats! The resources are numerous. By having active learners as students it allows us, as teachers, to continue to be active learners. To learn along side our students and allow them lead in the exploration.
"Will I be prepared?" It is really our duty, as educators, to prepare our students for success. That has not changed. There has to be some fear or apprehension in their minds. Will we prepare them? Will we do the best job we can so that they can be ready for the competitive, fast-paced world? Although it was decades and decades ago (HA!), I can recall my teachers that would continue to teach in the manner with which they were taught. The lessons seemed so irrelevant. But a teacher that could adapt our lesson and make it relevant to what we liked, to what we understood, were the lessons I can still recall many years later.
Where do I see myself? I want to be an active learner also. I want to inspire my students. I want to be inspired by them. I want to keep up, but I also want to teach them the importance of slowing down and smelling a flower, not just seeing it online. Whether I reflect on my past, or look into my future, I think education works well when there is balance. Bringing worlds together and getting excited about the possibility, the opportunity and the understanding. I think I'm ready!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Dalton Sherman
It is so easy to lose track of our focus: of what we are here for. Watching Dalton speak reminds me of the importance of my job each and every day. I need to BELIEVE in my students, in my colleagues and in myself.
I have had the privilege of teaching 3rd grade, 4th grade, reading and now kindergarten. One of the most challenging aspects of kindergarten (and there are many!) is to get a clear picture of each child with little information from prior school experiences. This is often their first experience in a structured setting. At the beginning of the year, it is very overwhelming to quickly assess each child's strengths, weaknesses, fears, health concerns, etc. Getting lost in the facts and diagnoses of the child, rather than the hope that lies within. While listening to Dalton speak, I realized that I do believe in each on of my students; however, I want to be sure to communicate that to them.
Each year, I find it refreshing to hear the Senior class president address the staff at the "Rah, Rah Day". There is so much promise that lies in their speech. I seem to sit up and take notice of what they have to say. A message from a student's mouth is often direct, honest, hopeful, humorous with a small touch of teenage spunk :) No matter how the message is delivered, the message is often the same: Believe in us and we will believe in you. Some times it just takes one person believing in your ABILITIES to help push you into giving it a try. Someone focusing on your ABILITIES rather than knocking you down for your disabilities. We all have disabilities and rather than focusing on what we can not do (which we are already aware of), we need to focus on our own strengths. Start with ourselves. What are our abilities? Do we believe in ourselves? What are our colleagues' strengths? Do we believe in them? What are our students' strengths? Do we believe they can achieve?
Dalton briefly spoke of the multi-generational effect we can have when we believe in our students today. Although he was brief, this thought had never occurred to me. We pass on to others what we have learned. When we empower young people, the path they chose in life can be changed. It will lead them to their future and what will they do with it? Will we have made an impact that can ripple down to their children or other lives they may touch? I have never taken time to see the even bigger picture and impact we can have in our world. I am inspired to bring my best to my class of 21.
One of the most moving moments to me, was as Dalton's speech came to a close and the applause picked up, his teacher (?) leaned in and said, "I'm proud of you, man." A teacher's job is never over. It is not our job to be boisterous or flashy, but to simply let each child know that they are loved and that we believe in them.
I have had the privilege of teaching 3rd grade, 4th grade, reading and now kindergarten. One of the most challenging aspects of kindergarten (and there are many!) is to get a clear picture of each child with little information from prior school experiences. This is often their first experience in a structured setting. At the beginning of the year, it is very overwhelming to quickly assess each child's strengths, weaknesses, fears, health concerns, etc. Getting lost in the facts and diagnoses of the child, rather than the hope that lies within. While listening to Dalton speak, I realized that I do believe in each on of my students; however, I want to be sure to communicate that to them.
Each year, I find it refreshing to hear the Senior class president address the staff at the "Rah, Rah Day". There is so much promise that lies in their speech. I seem to sit up and take notice of what they have to say. A message from a student's mouth is often direct, honest, hopeful, humorous with a small touch of teenage spunk :) No matter how the message is delivered, the message is often the same: Believe in us and we will believe in you. Some times it just takes one person believing in your ABILITIES to help push you into giving it a try. Someone focusing on your ABILITIES rather than knocking you down for your disabilities. We all have disabilities and rather than focusing on what we can not do (which we are already aware of), we need to focus on our own strengths. Start with ourselves. What are our abilities? Do we believe in ourselves? What are our colleagues' strengths? Do we believe in them? What are our students' strengths? Do we believe they can achieve?
Dalton briefly spoke of the multi-generational effect we can have when we believe in our students today. Although he was brief, this thought had never occurred to me. We pass on to others what we have learned. When we empower young people, the path they chose in life can be changed. It will lead them to their future and what will they do with it? Will we have made an impact that can ripple down to their children or other lives they may touch? I have never taken time to see the even bigger picture and impact we can have in our world. I am inspired to bring my best to my class of 21.
One of the most moving moments to me, was as Dalton's speech came to a close and the applause picked up, his teacher (?) leaned in and said, "I'm proud of you, man." A teacher's job is never over. It is not our job to be boisterous or flashy, but to simply let each child know that they are loved and that we believe in them.
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