imove

Our newest project is making a movie with imovie. Students are working on movies about our community. For time and convenience, I did the leg work by taking pictures of our community. I took pictures of places in our community and surrounding area. Students are using the photos to make a movie.

First, they had to plan by using a storyboard graphic organizer. They organized photos and wrote out what they were going to record about each pictures on the storyboard. This took them about three class periods. Some students even had to make phone calls to local businesses and ask questions about it to ensure accuracy in their work, while planning.

Next, students used a flash drive and put the photos into iphoto. From there they placed them into imovie and organized their photos into the photo track.

Third, they recorded their descriptions of the photos on to imovie. Finally, they had to edit their work. In addition, their movies will be uploaded to a global project that my class is involved in.

This project is an example of project based learning too. Students used writing across the curriculum, social studies, and 21st century skills.

Wordle and Reading

Today students read a passage in their novels; then created a character Woodle using http://www.wordle.net/ They were assigned to write words that described the main character in their novel. A brief discussion was given about words that we use to describe characters first.

Wordle allowed students to use their creativity to show what they know about a main character in a story, as well as improve their vocabulary and knowledge of descriptive words. Furthermore, it was a quick check of comprehension skills without answering questions. Their finished product will be used for a grade, and placed outside the classroom as artwork.

Project Based Learning

Our leadership project is a great example of project based learning. I covered numerous standards in this activity from Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and Technology Skills. Students were engaged in the research because they used the Internet. They enjoyed creating the keynotes because it allowed for creative thinking. Finally, they were extremely excited about the Wax Museum performance. They had to problem solve on how to make a costume that portrayed their character. A wonderful youtube video called "Colonial Day-How to Make a Costume" helped them come up with ideas.

On the day of the performance, students were more then ready to display their work and what they learned; as well as very proud to show their knowledge of Social Studies concepts and technology.

Students did a great job of acting and remaining calm during their Wax Museum performance even when older students tried to distract them. Good job, class! I'm proud of you.

Researching

For the past two weeks students have been working on their leadership projects. They have researched their leader using the Internet. Written a paper describing the qualities of the leader and accomplishments. Then compared themselves to their leader. Finally, they have prepared a keynote about their leaders.

The cumulative activity will be to hold a "Wax Museum" next week. Students will portray their leader and have their computers set up with the keynote running; so they can be viewed by our visitors.

I will post the results of the "Wax Museum" later.

Computers as a Tool

Students need to learn that computers are a great tool to be used for everyday things. Today students used their computers to look up unknown words they found in their reading. They had the choice of using www.dictionary.com or their dashboard dictionary on their Mac. When writing, I often have them use these tools to enhance word choice by using dictionary.com thesaurus.

In addition, students have started a research project on leadership. They have been assigned a leader; and are learning how to research using the internet. We discussed valid websites earlier in the year, so they know what to look for. This type of activity allows students to learn social studies skills while practicing reading and writing skills.

One key concept to keep in mind is most elementary students aren't ready to do research without guidance. Therefore, I prepared them with a folder and cards before turning them loose on the internet. They have specific items to research; for example, childhood history, leadership qualities, and interesting facts. Again they have been give a time limit of three days to complete their online research. Also, I am on my feet and walking the room while students are researching. They need to be aware that the teacher is watching and paying attention to what they are doing.

Guidelines, preparation, time tables, and teacher monitoring help elementary students achieve success while completing an online research project.

Creating a Podcast

The first step to creating a podcast is to write your material and practice reading it. Once again we're working on writing skills with a little reading fluency sprinkled in just for fun. We have paired up with another class this time since they are working on some of the same skills we are.

Students were put into groups and assigned to write a podcast on the circulatory system, respiratory system, or how to keep the systems healthy.

After writing and practicing, students will record podcast using garageband. They will be allowed to add a few pictures to their work. Finally, podcast will be shared with iTunes and put on classroom ipods. Students will be given four and one half science class periods to complete the work.

Often when using technology, students must be given a time limit for project completion. This keeps students on task, and provides the ones seeking total perfection a cut off time.

Reading, writing, science, collaboration, and student engagement all in one lesson. That is smart teaching!

Just Plain Fun

Some days students think technology is just plain fun. Today students used science websites to reinforce concepts learned and to discover things that they would never discovery otherwise.

Students used the following website to review concepts on the human body. http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/systems.html

They also used Ed heads to conduct virtual surgery. http://www.edheads.org/ This is as close as they will get right now to conducting real surgery. Maybe someday a few will grow up and work in the medical field. It was extremely humorous to watch this activity. Right away you know who could handle a medical job in the future and those who can't. However, all enjoyed the websites and thought them to be just plain fun! Check it out for an amazing experience.

Using Interactive White Boards

In my opinion every technology rich classroom should include an interactive white board. It is just one more avenue to engage students in learning. They can be used in all subject areas, and are extremely easy to use.

This week I made a Tic Tac Toe game for reading; then used it in a small group situation. I could have very easily used it with my whole class as well.

Students reviewed text structure today by using the Promethean Board and the activotes. I divided the small group of six into two teams. Students took turns reading the text. As a team they had to decide the text structure; then they used the acitvotes to select their answer. My rule was everyone on the team had to have the correct answer before they could put a game piece on the Tic Tac Toe game. If one team did not get the answer correct, the other team could vote on the answer and steal a turn. Kids loved using the activotes and moving the game pieces on the borad.

Scavenger Hunts

On Tuesday students completed a scavenger hunt. I find sites on the Internet that relate to our classroom curriculum; then I create a scavenger hunt worksheet that goes along with the site. These worksheets include directions for navigating the site and comprehension questions. I always create the questions in sequential order related to the text students will be reading.
This week they used the site at Kids Health to learn about the heart and how it works.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/heart.html