Nov Blog updated

As per requested, The Waterford program has been used in my classroom since the first week of school.  At the beginning of the program I projected the program on a screen for all students to see what the program will look like and how to maneuver through the program.  I have found this to be helpful in general for students.  It is very helpful to those students that may have never used a computer.  Many students have such a challenge with using a mousepad.  It takes them a few tries to understand it as they are more familiar with today's touch screen technology.

A concern I have with this program is it is only offered in English.  I have several students that are newcomers and I understand their frustration with not wanting to complete the program daily. I feel that offering both languages would allow for better success to less-then-confident students. In kindergarten, everything is new to students.  Many ESOL students have not gone to school, preschool, day care prior to kindergarten.  The program can be overwhelming to someone with very limited English.  For those with Limited English, the speaking requests of the program is very fast and does not offer multiple examples of expectations.  This period can take several weeks for these students to feel confident completing the daily program.  I know with use of the Waterford program and what I am instructing in guided reading groups my studnets are growing daily and working hard to become successful readers.

Technology overload????

In my classroom I am, at times, feeling technology overload.  My students are great at using technology but are struggling with social skills.  I am curious if anyone that teaches younger students are having the same challenges?  What have you tried?  As the year continues along, I have had about a fifth of my students that have gotten so good at using the technology, that they feel comfortable and will help others to log-in or click on the Waterford icon.  I also have a fifth of my students that are laptop "hogs".  They are so into the Waterford or MyOn programs that they can be on the computer from after breakfast until special, then immediately after lunch they go back on until the end of the day.  I need to find balance!  I would like them all to be eager to use the technology.  All suggestions are welcome!

Waterford program in Kindergarten

My students have been using the Waterford program since the beginning of the school year.  I was expected some "within normal range" growth.  I was truly surprised to see that at least 6 students have gone above and beyond are are now working in level 2.  They have become awesome at sitting down and getting right to work.  Also my ESOL students are enjoying the program.  I love hearing them sign along to the little songs and the alphabet song.  All of my students have really made much success from the beginning of the year.  I am so proud of them!

TEDL MSDE classes

I am so grateful and have enjoyed learning at the classes offered by Title 1.  I am new to Smart board, so there was much to learn.  Each class was a different topic, but they nicely had some repeat information.  My favorite item to learn about was the Smart Exchange.  I can find anything that I may be teaching about with my kinders.  And they love the use of technology during the lesson!  I love seeing the be so excited about learning what we are discussing.  Now that I know how to use it and use it daily, I forget what teaching was like before using the Smart board.

Online Interactive Writing Reviser

If you teach any subject that requires writing, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Google Doc add-on.  Once students upload their their typed essays and reports into the platform, SAS Writing Reviser helps students interactively revise their sentences through each "layer" of  English Language and Conventions in a structured way.  It automatically provides feedback so that students will know what problems they need to fix, such as weak verbs, or the infamous run-on sentences.

To  get started create an account in the SAS Curriculum Pathways portal.  The link is below.  I would suggest, however, to create an account by entering your email address.  There were bugs when I tried to use the Clever and  Google options.

https://www.sascurriculumpathways.com/portal/

GeoInquiries

If you teach Environmental Science, Earth Science, US History, Human Geography, 4th grade or are planning to teach any topic related to mapping, please have students conduct an online "GeoInquiry."  GeoInquiries are short, standards-based inquiry activities for teaching map-based concepts. Using an inquiry instructional model, GeoInquiries integrate online geographic software to support subject matter content teaching. FULL standards-based LESSONS include learning objectives, technical “how-to’s”, textbook references, and formative whole-class assessment items.  To get started with locating activities that fits your subject area click on:

http://edcommunity.esri.com/Resources/Collections/geoinquiries

Zaption Zapped

Remember when Zaption was the newest, hottest, FREE interactive video learning tool?  Well, like all other good things, Zaption has come to an end.   Just FYI, Zaption was an online site that allowed teachers to upload videos from other sites, such as YouTube and add various types of questions into the video's timeline.  In this way, students are actively engaged in viewing and listening to the video's content.  While at the Powering Up with Technology Conference, I attended a session in which I learned about so many other variations of Zaption.  Here are the sites that were discussed:
PlayPosit, EdPuzzle, Ted-Ed Lessons, Vialogues, and VideoNot.es.  My two favorites are PlayPosit and EdPuzzle because they are the closest to Zaption.  The bonus is that they grade the students' responses.  The one that the kids are REALLY going to like is H5P.org.  This site goes beyond interactive videos. Students can access skill based memory games, collages, questionnaires, timelines, and the infamous drag and drop feature.  Last time I checked it was still in BETA mode, however I foresee this will be a hit with the students.