Senior Year

This fall I shall be starting my senior year! Fall quarter will be my last quarter of actual classes, then it will be a quarter of an early childhood practicum and then student teaching. I get the privilege of being in a 2nd grade classroom this quarter. I'm excited to gain more experience and keep gaining techniques on how to teach. I've learned that the best way for me to learn is to be in the classroom. I shall try and keep this updated on what is happening and how things go!

Article #10 Reflection

OSPI Dealing with Free Technology

I love that OSPI has a few free technology links that are useful to teachers. I really liked the storyboards, especially the Storybird link. I think that I would use this in my classroom for different grades. Young kids, could read through simple stories online. The images are bright and colorful and you can chose text by age. Also, older students could begin writing their own short stories. They could learn about writing a story and about choosing pictures that relate. Students could then share their stories with each other by viewing them on the computer or other device.

I also would use Apple iMovie in my classroom. I want students to be able to document their year and then make it in to a movie for an end of the year event to show them what they all accomplished. Students would be able to take movies throughout the year of different projects, outings, or other events. Each student would have a chance to capture different moments. Also, it would be great for students to put on a play and then create a whole movie, even if it is just a few minuets long. Students could take pride in their actions and this would be something they could keep for a long time.

I also liked the site about creating a graph. It would give students another way to understand the concept and have a fun time learning. Its pretty basic, but it would be a good introduction to different types of graphs.

Article #9 Reflection

Mesa 'basics' schools offer traditional low-tech learning

 This school seems to run very well and effectively. The students seem to be learning at an amazing rate and the school's test scores show that. Kids seem to be just fine without the latest technology being used constantly in the classroom. The students at this school seem to like going there and the parents are eager to have their kids attend the school. The waiting list is long and I found it interesting about the number of students that do attend the schools. 

It was really interesting that the kindergarten students were already at a first grade level when they were going to enter the first grade. Students were at least a grade level ahead of the grade that they were really in. If students can be this far advanced, then the teaching at this school must be extremely good. The education that students are receiving is causing the kids to be far ahead of their fellow peers at other schools. 

It just goes to show that even if classrooms don't have technology all throughout their daily lessons.

Article #8 Reflection

Teachers Are Using Kinect for Xbox 360 to Engage Students and Bring Learning to Life

I can see using the Kinect in certain situations, because it does engage students and it excites them. When children are excited about learning, they will better understand and want to learn more. Kids love playing on the Xbox because it is something they are used to. When kids are familiar with a tool, they can be fully involved and feel like they are in control. 

I really had no idea that there were so many ways to use the Kinect for learning opportunities. Students can use it for reading, PE, math, and many others. These types of "games" get kids up and moving, which is important for students. It makes it possible for kids to be active all throughout the day. I know that third grade classes would love to have the option to increase their reading and math using the Kinect. 

I am hoping to teach the early grades kindergarten through second or third. For my classroom, I really wouldn't want to use an Xbox very often because students already spend time playing it and if it is used every single day I can see children becoming board by this. Even though its a great tool, there are other types that need to be used while teaching. For me, I don't want to just teach in one way because my students aren't all going to learn the same way.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/03/06/3920638/teachers-are-using-kinect-for.html#storylink=cpy

Article #7 Reflection

I think that technology is important in classrooms and it is only going to continue becoming more prominent in our schools, homes, and communities. I am excited to use new technology in the classroom that I will someday be teaching in. There are so many opportunities for students to be learning from that only a few years ago we didn't have in the classroom. I think that kids can be educated by using this technology, some more so than others. We have to keep in mind learning styles, the age of the students, and home lives.

Students don't all learn the same way and technology really doesn't use a variety of learning styles. Especially when it comes to hands on learning. Young students, especially, need to be able to explore the world around them by digging in dirt, playing in water tables, finger painting, and so much more. Also, I don't agree with putting small children in front of computers or other devices for long periods of time. I can see using doc-cams, IPads, and smart boards at some points throughout the day, but not the entire day. Some children may not have the ability to complete assignment where they submit everything over the internet or other types of learning that uses technology.

I'm all for technology in the classroom, as long as its in moderation. I also think that the younger grades such as kindergarten and first grade should keep the use of technology to a minimum and allow these students freedom of exploration of the world around them.

NETS-S Assignment

Recycling Lesson Plan 
Map Rubric 
Peer Evaluation 

Article Review #5

I can see how these type of online tools can help students with their academic achievement and growth, but I think that one-on-one time would be better for them. These types of sites I think should be used at home for extra activities that could give students an extra boost on their learning of the language. Many of the sites provided English language drills and interactive language arts.

To me, I think that English Language Learners can progress in their English while being in a classroom where they can be immersed with all the other children, especially in the early grades. There is a three year old boy where I work that doesn't speak much English, but has been learning by leaps and bounds because he has to communicate with the other kids and teachers. Before nap time I'm usually the one to read him a story and the whole time he wants to know what words the pictures are and such. He's eager to learn English and doesn't need to be stuck in front of a computer screen.

I think that in my classroom I would prefer to label items and have reading stories everyday to the students. Kids learn through interaction and since I want to be teaching in the early childhood and elementary grades I don't see using many online resources such as these for the young children.

Article #4 Reflection

I think that the girls had no intention of causing their school dishonor by posting pictures of them online. The girls were young and having a good time, like many students their age do. These girls didn't realize that by posting these pictures online that their credibility had been compromised and that it affected their school as well.

I feel that the punishment for having these pictures was somewhat harsh. The pictures were not sent around the school or made public at school. The school's handbook was not very specific in what is considered to “brings discredit or dishonor” on the school or student. It was a vague rule and hard for students to understand. These girls were on their school's volleyball team and sadly got suspended because of their actions.

I think that as long as pictures that are posted online by students don't have illegal content, such as drugs, alcohol, or pornographic images, that they shouldn't be of any concern of the school. Students should have the freedom to post pictures and I feel that it is up to the family to enforce what their children can post online. Even if the school does have a rule in their handbook, it should be explained very well so that students know what types of photos or information posted online could potentially get them into trouble.

Pete the Cat - I Love My White Shoes - Live Telling

My WebQuery - Rainforest Adventure

Rainforest Adventure

A WebQuery for 3rd Grade

Designed by

Elizabeth Hansen

hansenel@cwu.edu

 

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Introduction   

Welcome rainforest explorers! Today you will be exploring the features of the rainforest.  It is your responsibility to explore and figure out what is living there. There are so many animals, layers, and plants that you get the special job of picking one of the areas and researching it. While completing this you will find new information and become experienced explorers. So what are you going to find? Lets Go!

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Task   

For this adventure, you will focus on either  

• Plants 
• Animals 
• Layers

of the rainforest. It is up to you to chose what sounds most interesting and begin investigating. You will create a visual representation of one of the three areas. The visual needs to show your creativity  is up to you how you want to create your representation. This could include

• Painting
• Drawing
• Model
• Power point 
• Paper

or any other creation as long as it is of one of the three topics. The materials for your chosen project will be provided.

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The Process

1. What is this assignment about?
2. How do you think you should begin this assignment? 
3. Do you understand where to find information?
4. Is the information you’ve found facts or opinions about the topics? And how do you know? 
5. Do the sources you used all have similar information? 
6. Have you found enough information to start the task? 
7. Did you check the rubric and look at what you need to have in order to complete all of the parts?
   

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Resources

• Layers of a Rainforest. This site gives simple information about the layers of the rainforest. It also provides information of animals and plants. 
• All About Rainforests. All About Rainforests is an easy to navigate with areas where you can research animals, read an introduction, explore the different layers, and learn new vocabulary words. 
• Rainforest Facts. This site gives a general overview of rainforests, such as where they are, what types of rainforests there are, the layers, and what we get from the rainforest. 
• Rainforest Alliance - Kid's Corner. A very interactive site that allows YOU to find information about plants or animals. You will find fun facts about the rainforest and animals. 
• Rainforest Animals. At this site, you will be able to find all sorts of information on different animals. 

Evaluation

Category	3	2	1
Visual Representation	Item created shows viewers an aspect of the rainforest – plant, animal, or layer. Large enough for whole class to see.	Item created shows viewers an aspect of the rainforest – plant, animal, or layer. Not large enough for entire class to see.	Item created was not focused on one (plan, animal, or layer) of the rainforest Not large enough for class to see.
Attractiveness	Project is neatly put together using an eye-catching layout. Colors and design relate to the subject matter. Realistic.	Project is mostly put together neatly. There are some eye-catching features. The colors and design don’t full relate to the subject. Some parts aren’t realistic.	Project is confusing. Colors and design aren’t related to the real subject. The project doesn’t portray a realistic representation.
Content	Item created is focused on only one are – plants, animals, or layers.  There is thought and able to see how research information was used in creating the project.	Item is focused on more than one aspect of the rainforest. The project doesn’t have much research backing the finished work.	The item has hardly any focus. Hardly any research can be seen in the finished project.
Connecting/ Understanding	There’s an understanding of the plant, animal, or layer that they chose. The project depicts knowledge of how the animal, plant develops and functions.	There is somewhat of an understanding of the chosen topic that is seen in the project. Project shows some knowledge on how the topic develops and functions.	There is a lack of understanding when creating the product. The project shows little knowledge of how it functions or develops.

Conclusion 
Well explorers, by the end of this project you will have learned about the rainforest and been able to chose one topic to research on your very own! It will be an exciting adventure learning about plants, animals, and or the layers at which they live in. You will see how they grow and how they live, so differently from you. 


Now that you have seen how amazing the rainforest is, you can check out this site to see how you can help preserve the wonderful rainforest and all that calls this forest its home.  Rainforest Heros!  

Article #3 Apple Textbooks

After reading the article I was completely impressed by how far technology has come. I really had no idea that virtual textbooks could be so interactive and have so many different ways for students to learn.

Students now know all about technology that letting them use textbooks on Ipads, Ipods, or other devices is something that the are used to. I think that its important for kids to learn in a way that they are comfortable and familiar with.They can highlight important parts of the text and even make note cards in a quick and easy way. The books are also interactive so students can enlarge or rotate images to better understand the concepts.

I think that these apple textbooks are a great idea for students and teachers. It makes it easy for teachers to make up their own textbook, depending on what they are teaching and what they want to include for students to know. Teachers can create a text anyway they wish, this is important because they can choose the specific information that will be used in lessons and not have useless chapters that they don't use, but are included in regular textbooks. 

These Apple Textbooks are a great tool and I think really should be integrated into classrooms in as many classes as possible. I feel that they can create a hands on learning experience for students.

Article #2 Post

I can see that video tapping in a classroom can be great for feedback. I know that when I was taking a class we were being watched and that way our teacher could see how we taught.

Having my classroom in which I teach in video tapped would allow me to see how I actually manage my students and could allow me to be a better teacher. As it said in the article, I would see how many times I asked the children to raise their hands, to be quiet, etc. This would not only help me become a better teacher, but because I can look at my faults, my students would be able to learn in a far better environment. I want students to learn in the best possible way, even if this means taking time to look over a video that was of me teaching.

I believe that even when I am an “experienced” teacher, I can always learn more and become a better teacher. I never should stop learning because the students I teacher are never going to stop either. Videotaping can further my growth as an educator    and allow me to grow and learn. 

Kids Marshmallow Experiment

Should we let students opt out of face-to-face education?

After thinking about the question I came to the conclusion that students should not be able to opt out of face to face communication. Face to face communication is extremely important to learning, no matter what a students learning style is.

Students need to have person communication with others, not only with their teachers, but with their peers as well. Face to face interaction is vital for social growth and for their education. Students learn to work together in groups and how to be collaborative learners. Students are able to receive extra help when needed, either by peers or something set up by their teacher.

Students shouldn’t be isolated and only learn on the computer. Kids already spend hours online surfing the web, whether it be gaming, chatting, or on social sites. There is so much learning that happens in the classroom that can’t be taught via technology. 

EDUCATIONAL LINKS

EDUCATIONAL LINKS

1.OSPI  This site explains what your child should be learning at each grade level. It provides information for parents on their children’s rights, state testing, special education, and early learning. Parents can see what kind of new standards there are and other helpful tips and information that can help them understand their children’s learning. 

2.   PBS Parents. PBS Parents provide information on milestones, parenting tips, and nutrition as well as games and craft ideas based on characters from PBS Kids television programming. This site is easy to find information on topics, especially for the early childhood ages. 

3.    CDC. This site allows parents to be aware of their child’s growth and see what milestones their children should have completed to almost reached. It also provides facts about ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disabilities that their children may have. 

4.    Nutrition for Kids. Parents can use this site to find information concerning snacks, the best healthy foods to buy, and teaching kids to love healthy foods. It also has articles about toddler feeding and ideas for cold weather fitness. There are also activities for kids concerning healthy eating.  

5.    Scholastic. This site is focused on reading and how it creates a better life in children. Scholastic provides information for parents about different books that their children should read. It gives different age groups and popular titles. There is also a section on child development that gives age-by-age guides, cognitive development, language development and other information. There are also kids’ sites for early learners, middle, and older children. 

6.    Funbrain. Funbrain has math and reading games for students. It’s a great interactive website that allows kids to pick what they would like to work on. 

7.    Dole SuperKids. This part of the Dole website is focused on kids and their healthy eating habits. It gives fun recipes that kids will enjoy and that they can actively help make. I think its important for kids to be excited about eating healthy foods and these recipes are perfect for kids. SuperKids also provides information on fun fitness tips for kids and their families. It also has games that kids can play online. 

8.    Brain Pop. This site has information on science, art & music, social studies, English, math, health, and engineering & tech. There is much information for kids to use. It is user friendly and very bright and colorful, making it appealing to kids.

9.    Starfall. This site is perfect for kindergarten aged kids. It has interactive games where children practice their ABCs, have beginning reading practice, and simple math. It is bright and the games are easy for young kids to understand and be able to work on alone. 

     Xtramath. This is a free web program for students, teachers, and parents. It gives games to help progress students math skills. It is easy for parents and students to us.