The Clip Chart

I recently discovered the clip chart behavior plan on Pintrest. This chart focuses on encouraging good behavior to minimize bad behavior. Basically, the kids move up and down the chart based on their choices throughout the day. Good choices send them skyward, and poor choices bring them back to down to Earth. I plan on using this chart next year with my 1st graders!!!

Why haven't I done this before

I originally created this blog for the sole purpose of a Master's class assignment. However, since I have began my journey in the world of blogging I have decided that I will continue blogging even after my course is completed. I honestly have never been all that interested in blogging but after starting my blog an viewing other educators blogs, I think that this is something that I would like to keep doing. I am also planning to change the purpose of my blog. Technology will not be the only focus of this blog. I want to add classroom ideas and activities to my blog. I am very excited and I hope that other educators will benefit from my post!!!

Here is a link to my educational games wikki

Enjoy!! Feel free to add your favorite classroom games!!

http://k-12educationalgames.wikispaces.com/

Low Tech but Great Idea

I got this idea from Pintrest.com.

A new approach to students caught being good. When a student is caught being good or doing something "amazing" in class, take a picture of the student and e-mail or text it to their parents. This is a great way to keep parents connected and involved in their child's education.

Since the IPAD was first put on the market I have tried to think of how my students could use it in the classroom. This article gave me some insight on what the IPAD could be used for in the classroom.

http://www.teachhub.com/ilearning-using-ipod-educate?to-do-today=1

I can see my students creating podcast of themselves reading their favorite books and using audacity to record a class audio presentation.

QR Codes

    QR Codes in Education

 

Have you ever seen one of these funny looking squares before? Your answer is probably yes. This little square is called a QR or quick response code. QR codes are everywhere, in retail stores, museums, etc. When these two-dimensional codes are scanned using a QR App, you are sent to a website or given information. So how can this be used in the classroom?

1. Use the codes as a way for students to retrieve answers to their problems of the day. Students could scan the code and the answer will pop up right in front of them.

2. Read the room. Attach QR codes to different pieces of furniture or learning stations you have in the classroom. During center time students can scan QR codes to help them identify the words for classroom objects.

Check out this link to create your own QR code http://www.qrstuff.com/

My first Post

Ok this is officially my first post on my blog. I am a little nervous because I'm not sure how interested people will be in reading my blog but here goes.

I have taught kindergarten for 5 yrs. and I have seen the shift towards incorporating technology in teaching. I feel as though I have not done this to the best of my ability. Am I really preparing my students to compete in a world engrossed in technology?? Probably not. The purpose of this blg is to chronicle my journey to becoming a true 21st century teacher. I work with younger students so I will be sharing new and innovative ways for K-2nd grade teachers to effectively incorporate technology in their classrooms.