3 AM GIVEAWAY!!!

Michelle over at The 3am Teacher is having an awesome giveaway!  Click on over to see the details!  PS  She has the greatest graphics and best freebies!

http://the3amteacher.blogspot.com/2012/04/super-size-me-in-good-way-best-ever.html

 

Digital Stories

My kindergarten students have been working on animal projects. This project has become very involved and I must say I became a little as we worked away on these projects.  Here's a break down of what we did.....

~Looked at animals and learned how to make observations.

~Discovered how to ask questions about our observations.

~Students worked in pairs to choose an animal and make observations and create two research questions about their animal.

~We then learned how to find key words in a question.

~Next, students found key words within their own questions.

~We worked together to find information on the internet.  We learned how to type in our two keywords with a "+" in the middle to find what we were looking for.

~Next, each group worked with me individually to research on the internet.  We discussed finding accurate information and learned how to be careful of inaccurate information. 

**I do want to remind you at this point.... these are KINDERGARTENERS......... 

~Then we printed the two sites they wanted along with some pictures.

~The groups then used the iPads to create digital stories.  This was the part I was not so involved in.  At this point in the year my students are very good at creating stories in StoryKit.  (Click here to read my review of StoryKit.)  The students took pictures of the printed pictures, recorded their voices, typed text, and created their own illustrations.

Click below to see some examples of the finished digital stories.  **You can click on the 'speaker' symbol to hear their voices!

Sharks  

 Deer    

  Seals 

Bald Eagles 

 Zebras

Giraffes  

Tigers 

 Raccoons 

Geckos   

Lions

I think the students did such a great job!

~Then the students took home a folder with all of their info, pictures, and guiding questions.  Along with this they took an 'animal info' sheet.  Instead of their typical reading/writing homework the students will fill out the info sheet with the support of their parents.

~Then students will create some type of display or presentation about their animal at home using their info sheet as help.  They could choose about anything create.  Sounds like many are creating posters.  Some said they are creating powerpoints.  We'll see what they come up with.  Then they will present their animal and information to the class.

So far the students have loved these projects and area already asking to do more.  I love how engaged they are in what they're doing.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!

What matters???

Ever wonder if what you're doing is making a difference in how your students learn????  How can you really tell???? Many districts are jumping feet first (or should I say 'check book' first) into the newly popular world of iPads.  I read with envy about the districts who are purchasing mass amounts of iPads and creating many 1-on-1 classrooms.  Can you see the drool on the screen????  Even though I am soooooooooooooooo envious I want to be able to say with some measure of proof that my work with iPads matter.  Do I think they make my students learn more? Do I think they help create better 21st century learners? Do I think my students are more engaged?

YEP, I do!

Unfortunately, there's not much proof out "there"!  ("There" being the land of peer reviewed scientific studies.)  

So, this kindergarten teacher is embarking on a teacher inquiry on the effects of iPads on student learning and engagement.  I will be reviewing student surveys, test results (compared to my neighbor not using iPads) from common assessments along with student gains on the STAR early literacy test.  

Wish me luck!  May the force be with me, break a leg, and anything else you can think of!

Parlez-vous francais?

I decided today to take a look at my 'stats' for this site.... I was so excited to have over 2,600 views on my blog. As I looked further into the stats look what I found.....

Over 700 views in France!?!?!?!? Je devrais peut-être changer de parler français? My French is a little (a lot) rusty, but I could try! Seriously, take a look at the views per country.... I feel like singing 'It's a small world'! Really?? There is someone is Malaysia who is interested in what this Ohio kindergarten teacher is doing??? 

Ok.... enough of my wide-eyed amazement... Here is my new trick for the day!

If you'd like to take a 'screen shot' of what is on your ipad simply:

• have your screen set to the pic you want to take a 'picture' of
• hold down the 'home' button and the 'power' button at the same time for a second
• You will hear a click of a camera (if your volume is turned up) and a flash of the screen
• the screen shot is now in your pictures!  Voila!

See full explanation here!

 Au revoir mes amis!

Can I play Angry Birds???

Well, I am getting more comfortable with integrating the ipads into my 'typical day' (as typical as kindergarten can get, at least).  My goal now is to get more efficient in:

•  passing out/students getting the ipads
• students knowing what specific app they are to use
• students actually starting on that particular app

I have one student who asks each day if they can 'play angry birds', another few who always want to play with "Talking Tom" who repeats everything (or the other 5 apps just like it with a different character, although I must say the dog and cat newscast is very cool!), a boy who wants to take pictures, and many kids who want to create a story on Toontastic. 

So, anyone have any great ideas for organization?  Some suggestions I have heard for the 5 ipads I have:

• Have the ipads assigned to a particular table for the day.  
• Put ipads in a tub that can sit on the table to lessen movement
• Have a checklist of apps you want the students to complete/participate in that day.

Any others????  I'm looking at trying out the three above.  Anyone else try this and have any feedback or hints?  I'll let you know how it goes...... Maybe I won't hear "Can I play Angry Birds?" anymore....... Funny thing is I don't even have Angry Birds on the ipads!