Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
bp13_2009112_peer response to Joanne Yates
Sketchfu
Ever asked a Kindergarten student to tell you about a favorite activity, a pet, or anything specific? Answers will range from telling your every specific detail, to telling you every detail about anything and everything in their life, to the deer in the headlight stare. How then do you begin to introduce writing skills related to a specific prompt, yes we do that in Kindergarten now too. One of the best ways I found was to draw with my students first. The visual helps them to focus on a specific topic and it doesn’t hurt their fine motor skills either. The problem with this is finding the time to squeeze it all in the school day, well maybe not anymore.
The Web 2.0 tool I discovered offers the teacher an opportunity to create custom drawing lessons that kids can follow from the computer. Students would need to practice with the teacher at first to build their confidence, but once they understand the concept of following the simple step-by-step directions it could easily become an independent pre-writing activity for centers. The tool is called sketchfu and you can use it to draw simple step-by-step kid friendly drawings like the dog pictured below. The speed of drawing is adjustable which makes it great for little ones to follow or the project can be stopped completely and restarted if necessary. Couple this simple drawing with a thinking map containing some key words and you have two centers that work together to create a skill based lesson in writing that students can complete without you having to worry about where to squeeze it in and even better it's fun.
The website for the fun tool is http://sketchfu.com and while you’re there check out my fun puppy http://sketchfu.com/drawing/421704-dog
Posted by Joanne Yates at 6:26 AM
2 comments:
Tia Foster said...
As a matter of fact, I have asked a Kindergartener to tell me something before and have gotten those same responses. Plus, when I have asked them to draw something, I have gotten "I can't draw that." Of course, when I model it, their picture often looks better than mine. I can see using this as a whole group project first, possibly on a SMART board. The kids should be able to use it independently once they get the hang of it. I wonder if it would be best to use individual accounts or just use a class account. More than likely an entire class account would be easier to work, but I am not sure if it can only log on to one computer at a time.
I can also see using this for art instruction. By choosing a fairly detailed picture and slowing down the playback, the students can see exactly how someone uses techniques such as shading to make something that is two dimensional appear three dimensional.
November 8, 2009 6:24 PM
kimheumann said...
Joanne,
I'm sure most kindergarten teachers have gotten the same responses are you have when you ask that same question. I've often used that question as a prompt for a writing activity and while they will tell you 9 million things about their pet, the writing never seems to be quite the same. I love the site you chose. I went on it and created my very own animal, a pig. I think Tia is right on, when she suggests using it on the SMART board to begin with. I think the Art teacher in my building would love this site and I know I will be sharing it with her as well as our IT. I would love to use it to tie into a writing lesson some way. Great tool!
Kim
November 14, 2009 12:51 PM
post a comment
Ever asked a Kindergarten student to tell you about a favorite activity, a pet, or anything specific? Answers will range from telling your every specific detail, to telling you every detail about anything and everything in their life, to the deer in the headlight stare. How then do you begin to introduce writing skills related to a specific prompt, yes we do that in Kindergarten now too. One of the best ways I found was to draw with my students first. The visual helps them to focus on a specific topic and it doesn’t hurt their fine motor skills either. The problem with this is finding the time to squeeze it all in the school day, well maybe not anymore.
The Web 2.0 tool I discovered offers the teacher an opportunity to create custom drawing lessons that kids can follow from the computer. Students would need to practice with the teacher at first to build their confidence, but once they understand the concept of following the simple step-by-step directions it could easily become an independent pre-writing activity for centers. The tool is called sketchfu and you can use it to draw simple step-by-step kid friendly drawings like the dog pictured below. The speed of drawing is adjustable which makes it great for little ones to follow or the project can be stopped completely and restarted if necessary. Couple this simple drawing with a thinking map containing some key words and you have two centers that work together to create a skill based lesson in writing that students can complete without you having to worry about where to squeeze it in and even better it's fun.
The website for the fun tool is http://sketchfu.com and while you’re there check out my fun puppy http://sketchfu.com/drawing/421704-dog
Posted by Joanne Yates at 6:26 AM
2 comments:
Tia Foster said...
As a matter of fact, I have asked a Kindergartener to tell me something before and have gotten those same responses. Plus, when I have asked them to draw something, I have gotten "I can't draw that." Of course, when I model it, their picture often looks better than mine. I can see using this as a whole group project first, possibly on a SMART board. The kids should be able to use it independently once they get the hang of it. I wonder if it would be best to use individual accounts or just use a class account. More than likely an entire class account would be easier to work, but I am not sure if it can only log on to one computer at a time.
I can also see using this for art instruction. By choosing a fairly detailed picture and slowing down the playback, the students can see exactly how someone uses techniques such as shading to make something that is two dimensional appear three dimensional.
November 8, 2009 6:24 PM
kimheumann said...
Joanne,
I'm sure most kindergarten teachers have gotten the same responses are you have when you ask that same question. I've often used that question as a prompt for a writing activity and while they will tell you 9 million things about their pet, the writing never seems to be quite the same. I love the site you chose. I went on it and created my very own animal, a pig. I think Tia is right on, when she suggests using it on the SMART board to begin with. I think the Art teacher in my building would love this site and I know I will be sharing it with her as well as our IT. I would love to use it to tie into a writing lesson some way. Great tool!
Kim
November 14, 2009 12:51 PM
post a comment
bp12_2009113_peer response Carrie Kleber
Pikikids
Sometimes it feels as though my curriculum gets monotonous, and at those moments I need an activity or a lesson that can spice up the day. Being able to turn to a Web 2.0 tool at this moment is invaluable. Knowing that I have these days, I took time to ensure I found at least one Web 2.0 tool which would give my students and I break, but at the same time, still have educational benefits. What I found was Pikikids.
Pikikids allows the user to create comics online. It is similar to ComicLife, except its target audience is kids and it is free. After you have registered for the site (all you need is a user name, password, and email address) you can begin creating a comic. There are several layouts you can choose from for the comic. Once you choose the layout, you begin to add pictures and thought bubbles to the comic. Pikikids allows you to search for pictures from Flickr directly from its site. When you are pleased with your comic, you can save and publish.
Obviously comics can be a fun, laid-back activity for the students, but what are the educational benefits of a comic? A comic can be used to get the students to synthesize information. After students have read a passage from any book, either a novel or a textbook, they can show they understood the material by turning it into a comic. Students could also use the comic format to create a storyboard for a paper they are writing.
Sometime you just have to step back and allow the students to breath.
Posted by Carrie Kleber at 9:53 PM
1 comments:
kimheumann said...
Carrie,
This looks like a great site to use with students. I know that your students are older than mine, but I think I might be able to adapt it in some way or use it with peer helpers. I think that anything you can use to motivate kids to write in any way is a fantastic tool. I am focusing on writing so much this year with my students that I love any new ideas to use with them. I like your idea about using the comic to summarize their learning. Again, using a creative method to do something like this will not only motivate your students, but challenge them in new ways. Great site!
Kim
Novembe
Sometimes it feels as though my curriculum gets monotonous, and at those moments I need an activity or a lesson that can spice up the day. Being able to turn to a Web 2.0 tool at this moment is invaluable. Knowing that I have these days, I took time to ensure I found at least one Web 2.0 tool which would give my students and I break, but at the same time, still have educational benefits. What I found was Pikikids.
Pikikids allows the user to create comics online. It is similar to ComicLife, except its target audience is kids and it is free. After you have registered for the site (all you need is a user name, password, and email address) you can begin creating a comic. There are several layouts you can choose from for the comic. Once you choose the layout, you begin to add pictures and thought bubbles to the comic. Pikikids allows you to search for pictures from Flickr directly from its site. When you are pleased with your comic, you can save and publish.
Obviously comics can be a fun, laid-back activity for the students, but what are the educational benefits of a comic? A comic can be used to get the students to synthesize information. After students have read a passage from any book, either a novel or a textbook, they can show they understood the material by turning it into a comic. Students could also use the comic format to create a storyboard for a paper they are writing.
Sometime you just have to step back and allow the students to breath.
Posted by Carrie Kleber at 9:53 PM
1 comments:
kimheumann said...
Carrie,
This looks like a great site to use with students. I know that your students are older than mine, but I think I might be able to adapt it in some way or use it with peer helpers. I think that anything you can use to motivate kids to write in any way is a fantastic tool. I am focusing on writing so much this year with my students that I love any new ideas to use with them. I like your idea about using the comic to summarize their learning. Again, using a creative method to do something like this will not only motivate your students, but challenge them in new ways. Great site!
Kim
Novembe
bp11_2009113_peer response to Tia Foster
I was very excited to find this Web 2.0 site. The internet has lots of educational games, but sometimes kids get bored playing the same ones over and over so I like to find different ones as much as possible.
The people at the e-Learning for Kids site have met two of my requirements. It is pleasing to look at and play, and it is free. Since my school budget never goes far enough, free is very important.
I also like how the games are separated by subject and age level. There are games for children ages 4-12 as well as information for parents and teachers. The subjects include science, language arts, English language, math, health & life skills, and computer skills. The topics are relevant to the things that students should be able to do at each age level. The games are clear and easy to play. They are not too simple nor too difficult. They are easy to navigate and check to make sure that you didn't accidentally choose to quit the game. Additionally, it is available in 5 languages if you have a need for a different one.
In my classroom, I would differentiate the activities based upon need. For example, in the language arts courses, I could place my Tier III children on Learning Letters because they need to work on recognizing the alphabet. My Tier II children could work with the Word Recognition game to practice short and long vowel sounds. My Tier I students are pretty advanced this year so I could let them go to Putting Words Together first. When they get proficient at that game, I could move them up to Pronouns or Similar & Opposite Words.
In math, we have the option of reviewing counting, sorting and classifying or money. I would probably introduce these games as a form of review after I knew the students were fairly proficient.
Posted by Tia Foster at 12:49 PM
Labels: e-learning, free, game, language_arts, math, resources, technology, web2.0
1 comments:
kimheumann said...
Tia,
I agree that this is a fantastic site for kids and teachers alike. Strangely enough, during some off time during parent/teacher conferences I found this site as well and spoke to our IT about it. I like the very same things that you do. The range of levels for kids as well as the variety of different activities. The students in my class have such varied ability levels at this point, it is great to be able to differentiate for them on the web.
The people at the e-Learning for Kids site have met two of my requirements. It is pleasing to look at and play, and it is free. Since my school budget never goes far enough, free is very important.
I also like how the games are separated by subject and age level. There are games for children ages 4-12 as well as information for parents and teachers. The subjects include science, language arts, English language, math, health & life skills, and computer skills. The topics are relevant to the things that students should be able to do at each age level. The games are clear and easy to play. They are not too simple nor too difficult. They are easy to navigate and check to make sure that you didn't accidentally choose to quit the game. Additionally, it is available in 5 languages if you have a need for a different one.
In my classroom, I would differentiate the activities based upon need. For example, in the language arts courses, I could place my Tier III children on Learning Letters because they need to work on recognizing the alphabet. My Tier II children could work with the Word Recognition game to practice short and long vowel sounds. My Tier I students are pretty advanced this year so I could let them go to Putting Words Together first. When they get proficient at that game, I could move them up to Pronouns or Similar & Opposite Words.
In math, we have the option of reviewing counting, sorting and classifying or money. I would probably introduce these games as a form of review after I knew the students were fairly proficient.
Posted by Tia Foster at 12:49 PM
Labels: e-learning, free, game, language_arts, math, resources, technology, web2.0
1 comments:
kimheumann said...
Tia,
I agree that this is a fantastic site for kids and teachers alike. Strangely enough, during some off time during parent/teacher conferences I found this site as well and spoke to our IT about it. I like the very same things that you do. The range of levels for kids as well as the variety of different activities. The students in my class have such varied ability levels at this point, it is great to be able to differentiate for them on the web.
bp10_2009113_Web 2.0
As I search for new tools to use in my classroom, I found this site through one of my RSS feeds. How exciting! Technology is great! I seem to find myself focusing each week on something I can use to help teach writing in my classroom. Contrary to how it may seem, we do learn to do other things in my class besides writing. We typically write about small moments in kindergarten, but as I told my parents during conferences this week, as five year olds there are only so many small moments to pull from. I’ve started using photos to help jump-start our writing.
This week’s tool fits right in there. The website www.piklits.com provides the user with a plethora of photos to choose from. It lists several categories of words. A variety of nouns, adverbs, adjectives and other words are listed below to pull from.
The user can write sentences, rhymes, or simply just use labels to write about the photos. The photos are fantastic. There are pictures of nature, people, things, just about anything one can imagine. As I spend each day trying to find new ideas to motivate my students to write, I find that giving them a realistic photo to write about is making an enormous difference in the writing I’m getting from my students.
Each day I’m amazed at the writing each and every one of my students produce using the new ideas I’ve found during my research!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
bp8_2009112_Web2.0
Finding a third Web 2.0 tool was quite a searching experience. I try to find sites I can actually use in my classroom, I want my activities to be useful in my everyday life. Teaching kindergarten is my everyday life. Each day is a challenge to meet the needs of each of my 18 students. Their abilities and personalities are all different in so many ways. One thing we do weekly that my students love is have our older “Book Buddies” come to our class to read with or to my students.
As I was looking through lesson plans on the website Read Write and Think, I found one on “Book Buddy Biographies”. What a fantastic idea! During a brainstorming
session, students will create a list of personalized questions. They will then interview their buddy to answer the questions they generated. Afterwards, the books will be written and illustrated by the students.
Throughout the year we often take time to write notes or letters to our buddies. We send letters of encouragement during testing, we write thank you notes for them giving us their time.
The website www.readwritethink.org provides an immense amount of activities and lesson plans for teachers. It can be tailored by grade level, subject matter. As teachers we are always looking for new and creative ways to motivate and challenge our students. The use of Web2.0 tools gives us a new forum to search and share ideas, lesson plans, and activities to create better learning for our students.
bp7_2009112_Web2.0
Ekoloko is a Web 2.0 tools that I found during my research. It is a virtual community where kids are able to explore and discover the world both virtual and real. We as students at Full Sail have already had the opportunity to explore Second Life through one of our classes, but I think we agree that not all areas of Second Life are acceptable for kids. Ekoloko gives students a way to explore a virtual world.
Ekoloko give kids an opportunity to acquire values, knowledge and skills to be responsible and involved individuals.
After registering for the website, you are give an opportunity to create and personalize your own character. I chose the sex of my character, hair style and clothing and shoes before I began my adventures.
As a member of this community kids are able to chat and hang out with their friends.
Games can be played one on one or community style. There are several different areas where members can go on adventures and explore their surroundings. Characters can be advanced levels by game play which will appeal to many kids.
Kids become part of the ekolokian community, where they can hang out, play games, explore or just have fun. Being part of the community brings with it an awareness and responsibility to the environment they reside in.
Given the environmental awareness these days, this a great site to help students become more aware of environment issues that face the world today. It can help them become more knowledgeable about how our choices affect the world around us.
bp6_2009112Web2.0
When looking through Web 2.0 tools, I find it challenging to find something that is educational and appropriate for my kindergartners. Since they come in all different ability levels it is sometimes difficult to find a site that can meet the needs of the lowest to the highest student abilities. Having readers, pre-readers and non-readers presents a challenge when finding an activity that all students can do.
Raylit.com is a fantastic site that addresses the educational needs of all levels of students. Raylit is geared for parents and children however would be great for a struggling student or ELL student. It offers over 750 games, videos and topics.
Topics include analytical skills involving matching, sequencing, colors, and shapes.
English language activities include upper and lower case letter recognition, sounds, blends, sight words, rhyming words, pre-reading skills, and comprehension.
Math activities include number recognition, counting skills, comparison of numbers, more and less, basic addition and subtraction, and writing numbers.
There is a section on general knowledge and science with video clips about animals and insects, marine life, plants and flowers, seasons. It covers places such as beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, rivers and deserts. It has videos about professions such as firefighters, doctors, astronaut, and police officers.
As I think of the uses of this program in my classroom, I see the endless possibilities with students who have limited English. It uses the child’s name, and has a plethora of pre-reading and math activities. During my reading group time, it would be a great activity for an ELL student who is not quite ready for an actual reading lesson.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
bp5_2009112_Flickr_Lesson_plan
The lesson plan I found that incorporates Flickr is called, "Five Card Flicker." (http://tr.im/fivecard) The lesson is a writing lesson for 8-15 year olds. The site deals 5 Flickr photos, and the student chooses one, it deals again, and so on until there are 5 photos in the set. Now the student uses the photos to tell a story, the student must find a way to connect the photos in their writing.
As a kindergarten teacher, I would adapt this activity by choosing just one photo. We write about small moments (thngs we know or have experienced). However, during our reading time, we use the strategy of reading the pictures in the book. This allows non-readers the chance to "read" just like the others. Using a photo for writing falls into the same category, we can write about what we see. I would post the photo on my promethean board so it is large enough for all students to see it, and we would write about what we see. All students will see something. More advanced writers will write with greater detail, while beginning writers might just write I see a cat.
bp4_2009112_Social_Networking
We as teachers realize more and more each day the benefits of using the internet as an instructional tool. We must find a way to organize our references, information, and websites that either already use, or want to use. Using a Web-based bookmarking tool as a component of instruction allows teachers to provide visual cues for students and present high interest, meaningful material from the internet (Forbes 2004). Using a bookmarking tool allows the teacher to spend less time running around to each computer typing in urls, and more time on the actual activity.
Using online bookmarking allows you to access your bookmarks from any internet connected computer (Page 2007). Using planning time in your classroom to find and preview sites can then be transferred to computer lab via your online bookmarks.
Social bookmarking tools make it possible to learn and share things more efficiently and allows users to become much more portable – not tied to their desks or even laptops to access their links (Gordon-Murnane 2006). On the whole, using a bookmarking tool allows the teacher to become more concise with their prep time, which in turn allows students to explore sites and activities on the internet.
References:
Forbes, L.S. (2004). Using web-based bookmarks in K-8 settings: linking the
Internet to instruction. The Reading Teacher, 58(2), p148-153.
http://search.ebscohost.com
Gordon-Murnane, L. (2006). Social bookmarking, folksonomies and web 2.0 tools.
Searcher, 14(6) p. 26-38. http://search.ebschohost.com
Page, L. (2007). A ‘del.icio.us’ way to use bookmarks. Information Today. Retrieved
from http://www.infotoday.com/linkup
Using online bookmarking allows you to access your bookmarks from any internet connected computer (Page 2007). Using planning time in your classroom to find and preview sites can then be transferred to computer lab via your online bookmarks.
Social bookmarking tools make it possible to learn and share things more efficiently and allows users to become much more portable – not tied to their desks or even laptops to access their links (Gordon-Murnane 2006). On the whole, using a bookmarking tool allows the teacher to become more concise with their prep time, which in turn allows students to explore sites and activities on the internet.
References:
Forbes, L.S. (2004). Using web-based bookmarks in K-8 settings: linking the
Internet to instruction. The Reading Teacher, 58(2), p148-153.
http://search.ebscohost.com
Gordon-Murnane, L. (2006). Social bookmarking, folksonomies and web 2.0 tools.
Searcher, 14(6) p. 26-38. http://search.ebschohost.com
Page, L. (2007). A ‘del.icio.us’ way to use bookmarks. Information Today. Retrieved
from http://www.infotoday.com/linkup
Monday, November 2, 2009
bp3_2009111_Web2.0_Tools
As I looked through the Web 2.0 tools and websites, I found myself drawn to two different websites. Both websites allowed the user to create a book. The first website, Tikatok allows the user to use illustrations created by the user(or in this case the user’s students) to illustrate a book. I found this website to have limitless possibilities. As a kindergarten teacher we spend time each day writing about our “small moments”. Moments in our lives that we have experienced. We use the small moments to teach the kids to write about what we know. It’s difficult enough to get them comfortable with writing, but to have them have to choose a topic is very frustrating for a beginning writer. Just last week, we created a class book on Halloween safety, using ideas we generated during a brainstorming session. Tikatok would be a fantastic tool to actually publish our class book. For a small fee, just $2.99 for a downloadable ebook, we could turn our writings into books to share with each other. It is possible to turn class writings into hard cover books as well.The second site I looked at, storybird.com was another site dedicated to creating books. However, this site provided illustrations. This would be a great activity to do with the class on the Promethean board (smart board). The pictures are a great starting place for a brainstorming session to create a short story to match the illustrations. During our reading lessons we always take a picture walk of the books we read together, but also as part of something else we do instead of centers, I teach my students to read the pictures of a book. For the students who can’t read yet, reading the pictures really empowers them. This would be something that every student would be able to contribute to.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
bp2_2009111_RSS_ Feeds
I have always considered myself fairly advanced for my district in the area of technology. I am always one of the first to join in the new opportunities that are offered to gain new things for my classroom and teaching. However, as I make my way through the classes in EMDT I find myself amazed at just how wrong I've been. From all the activities we've done, to the websites and now blogs, I find myself in uncharted territory.Choosing RSS feeds for my website, was about like ordering from a French menu. I don't speak the language and just couldn't figure it out. After many frustrating moments, quite a few tears and having to put the computer down and walk away many, many times, I think I have it figured out.RSS feeds are simply a much easier way to stay up to date with the websites and information I normally have to "search" for in my "spare" time. Now they are right there ready for me to read, use, etc.I have initially chosen Modern Learning, Free Technology for Teachers, Edutopia, Edublogger, and Elementary Teachers Resources. As you look at the titles, the why's should be self explanatory.All have to do with making my life simpler as a teacher and a student. Modern Learning is filled with many articles that pertain to my life as both a teacher and a student. Several of the articles I've read and reviewed for my classes at Full Sail have come from there. Why not have it at my finger tips. Free Technology for Teachers offers insight into many differentprograms, websites and activites available for teachers. Most school districts do not have unlimited funds available for technology and any way I can find to supplement what I have with no cost to them or me is obviously beneficial. Edutopia offers a variety of articles regarding education today. Edublogger is an avenue to share ideas with others regarding different topics in education today. Elementary Teachers Resource has unlimited lesson plans, activities and ideas to be implemented throughout the school year. They all have unique information that will be beneficial to me as I continue on my journey as a teacher and a student.
bp1_2009111_Blog
In today's digital world, keeping and holding the attention of students can be challenging at best. Teachers face that challenge each and every day in all grade levels. Finding tools to enhance engagement, keep focus, and challenge students is every teachers goal in the classroom.The use of Web Logs or blogs can be a tool that teachers can use to do many different things.A classroom blog can be a powerful way to combine the best of education with the best of technology and use both in a creative way to motivate students (Wells 2006). Giving students that forum to see their hard work published in a way that others can see, can be a powerful motivator for student achievement. In a classroom where everyday writing is a focus, a blog can be extremely useful. Giving students a platform to express themselves, while knowing others can read, see and respond to their ideas can be both motivating and powerful. It may also give students the added incentive to do their very best so that others can see what they are capable of. Another great side benefit of a classroom blog is parental involvement. The use of a blog can increase both the communication and participation between the student, teacher, and parent as they navigate through the educational process (Wells 2006). Parents can be actively engaged participants in their child's reading and writing instruction and learning through the blog.Another great use of the blog can be for the teacher. The blog has such a user friendly format, even those who are digital immigrants can figure out how to use them. The possibilities are limitless for the classroom and beyond. The blog provides a great forum for posting information vital to the current class topic, reinforcing strategies, and even introducing new topics and concepts. Using a blog is a great way to provide both remedial and enrichment activities to both students and their families.References:Wells, L. (2006). BLOG IT: AN INNOVATIVE WAY TO IMPROVE LITERACY. Reading Today, 24(1), 40. http://search.ebscohost.com
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