Have you ever wondered what children think about your words? I'm at the point in my life that my older child tells me. As we were leaving school the other day, I told someone we were on our way to a soccer game and "Hopefully, we'll get a big win." Well my older child says to me, "you just made it sound like my team was terrible." He interpreted "hopefully" into "the team is bad and we've got to "hope" for a win.
I tried to explain what I meant, but what was done was done. No matter what I said, it wouldn't change how he interpreted my words.
Before I continue... They did win, and played a great game.
But thinking about this small instance with my child, it made me also think about the words I choose each day with the children in my classroom, the adults I work with, the parents I conference with, etc.
Word choice is important. I am in the process of reading (slowly) a professional book called Choice Words. It is written by Peter H. Johnston. It discusses how our language as educators affects our students. He stresses that words matter and how we talk to our students matters.
Hopefully, I'll make good word choices with my boys this week. :)
Ginger
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Let's Teach Them to Fish!
"How can technology affect the learning process?" Now that's a good question.
It depends on many factors:
- who is using the technology?
- does the person using the technology know how to use it?
- is the technology being used to aid instruction?
- is the technology being used to enhance instruction?
- is the technology being used just because it is supposed to be used?
- is the technology being used so that students can process what they are learning?
- is the technology being used so that students can create a product?
- is the technology being used age appropriate?
- has the child been instructed on how to utilize the technology?
If I, as a teacher am the only one using technology it mostly affects my learning process.
If I, as a teacher use the technology to create lessons, and allow my students to use the interactive technology, then it affects student learning processes as well as my own.
If I, as a teacher teach my students how and provide opportunities for them to create a product, or allow them to research on a student friendly site, then their learning process is positively affected.
As I was writing this, I was reminded of this proverb...
Give a man a fish, he will eat for a day.
Teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.
Happy weekend!
Ginger
Monday, September 24, 2012
For the Love of Writing
Children need to learn to write in order to communicate. But seeds must be planted in order for children to blossom as effective and creative writers.
Children need...
If you are interested in learning more about teaching writing or Writing Workshop instruction, here are some valuable professional books.
Writer's Workshop Ralph Fletcher and Jo Anne Portalupi
What a Writer Needs Ralph Fletcher
Writing Essentials Regie Routman
But How Do You Teach Writing Barry Lane
The Reviser's Toolbox Barry Lane
Of Primary Importance Anne Marie Corgill
Cracking Open the Writer's Craft: Teaching the Art of Writing Lester Laminack
The Writing Workshop: Working through the Hard Parts (and They're All Hard Parts) Katie Wood Ray and Lester Laminack
That's a Great Answer Nancy Boyle
This list is just a beginning. If you have a favorite writing professional book, please comment and let me know. I am always looking for new books to read on teaching writing.
As I tell my children each day before they go off to write...
Happy Writing!
Ginger
Children need...
- a time to write daily
- to believe they are good at writing
- to know their writing is valued
- to share their writing with others
- to publish their work for others to read
- to learn about a variety of writing "genres"
- to have choices when writing
- to learn how to answer open ended questions
If you are interested in learning more about teaching writing or Writing Workshop instruction, here are some valuable professional books.
Writer's Workshop Ralph Fletcher and Jo Anne Portalupi
What a Writer Needs Ralph Fletcher
Writing Essentials Regie Routman
But How Do You Teach Writing Barry Lane
The Reviser's Toolbox Barry Lane
Of Primary Importance Anne Marie Corgill
Cracking Open the Writer's Craft: Teaching the Art of Writing Lester Laminack
The Writing Workshop: Working through the Hard Parts (and They're All Hard Parts) Katie Wood Ray and Lester Laminack
That's a Great Answer Nancy Boyle
This list is just a beginning. If you have a favorite writing professional book, please comment and let me know. I am always looking for new books to read on teaching writing.
As I tell my children each day before they go off to write...
Happy Writing!
Ginger
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sometimes I Just Feel Like Blogging
What? Did I say that? I believe I did. I'm home after a Friday at work. There's laundry to do, things to clean, and papers to grade, and I decide I think I'll just do my next blog while eating my oh, so healthy snack of chocolate covered raisins.
Anyway... on to the topic assigned.
How can technology innovations be sustained in schools?
I think this takes several factors.
First, the teachers have to want to utilize the technology in their instruction and have the necessary training to help them be successful using it.
Second, there has to be ongoing professional development to show teachers how to incorporate the technology in their daily instruction, and how they can let their children use it. (Maybe even time with a technology coach to go through the coaching cycle.)
Third, there has to be a time for observation of other teachers using the technology or of another teacher's students using the technology successfully. Maybe this would be a good place for peer coaching! :)
Fourth, there has to be money to replace broken or outdated parts or provide outside p.d. Like if a projector bulb goes out, there's got to be funds for that. Or if the batteries go out in a student response remote. Just a couple of examples.
Fifth, we need to ask teachers what they want. And encourage them to step beyond their comfort zone into the unknown if needed to grow as technology savvy teachers. We need to ask students what technology tools they'd be interested in learning how to use.
Lastly, as teachers we've got to have the "want to" to be innovative with our technology use and integration.
I could probably go on because I just now thought about the professional development model that Haley told us about and its effectiveness, but I've eaten all my raisins and my younger son is hungry so I'm going to sign off for now.
Happy Friday,
Ginger
Anyway... on to the topic assigned.
How can technology innovations be sustained in schools?
I think this takes several factors.
First, the teachers have to want to utilize the technology in their instruction and have the necessary training to help them be successful using it.
Second, there has to be ongoing professional development to show teachers how to incorporate the technology in their daily instruction, and how they can let their children use it. (Maybe even time with a technology coach to go through the coaching cycle.)
Third, there has to be a time for observation of other teachers using the technology or of another teacher's students using the technology successfully. Maybe this would be a good place for peer coaching! :)
Fourth, there has to be money to replace broken or outdated parts or provide outside p.d. Like if a projector bulb goes out, there's got to be funds for that. Or if the batteries go out in a student response remote. Just a couple of examples.
Fifth, we need to ask teachers what they want. And encourage them to step beyond their comfort zone into the unknown if needed to grow as technology savvy teachers. We need to ask students what technology tools they'd be interested in learning how to use.
Lastly, as teachers we've got to have the "want to" to be innovative with our technology use and integration.
I could probably go on because I just now thought about the professional development model that Haley told us about and its effectiveness, but I've eaten all my raisins and my younger son is hungry so I'm going to sign off for now.
Happy Friday,
Ginger
Sunday, September 16, 2012
I Teach Students
A long time ago a wise person said, "When someone asks me what I teach I tell them students." Sure I am responsible for courses of study and content area, but I use those things to teach the children with which I work. Sure I use technology, but how does it help and affect the children in my classroom?
Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with planning, grading, reflecting, assessing, monitoring, preparing, analyzing...(and the list goes on...) I have to take a deep breath and remind myself why I put great effort into each of these tasks.
The children that were entrusted to me need me to
successful third graders.
One of the best professional books I ever read was Reading Essentials by Regie Routman. I try to reread it every summer to prepare my heart and mind to go back to school. This book helps me put things in perspective so that I put my student, the learner at the forefront of what I do. If you haven't read it this is one, I'd recommend you put on your professional reading list.
Ginger
Sometimes when I get overwhelmed with planning, grading, reflecting, assessing, monitoring, preparing, analyzing...(and the list goes on...) I have to take a deep breath and remind myself why I put great effort into each of these tasks.
The children that were entrusted to me need me to
- plan effective and engaging lessons for them
- grade their work and plan for activities based on their strengths and weaknesses
- reflect on lessons taught to refine practices to aid them in their learning
- assess them on what they know, and then do something with that data
- monitor their progress, for they are more than a number
- prepare for activities so we don't waste precious time
- analyze their work, assessments, behavior, and my teaching so we can ALL grow as learners
successful third graders.
One of the best professional books I ever read was Reading Essentials by Regie Routman. I try to reread it every summer to prepare my heart and mind to go back to school. This book helps me put things in perspective so that I put my student, the learner at the forefront of what I do. If you haven't read it this is one, I'd recommend you put on your professional reading list.
Ginger
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Best Practices in Technology!
Well here we are on a Saturday afternoon and I am listening to my AU tigers. They are ahead now, and hoping they continue to play well and end with a WIN! Anyway, on to best practices...
I have to admit that it was much easier for me to integrate technology for student use when I taught fifth grade. There wasn't much deliberation over "can they do this?" "Are they mature enough to utilize this?" We just planned for it and taught the children how to use the technology as a part of their learning process.
Moving to second grade was a transition especially when considering how to best integrate technology into their learning. I want these children of the digital age to feel confident in their abilities to utilize technology, and not just use it for games. Yes I know, games are fun. I like Words with Friends and that Where's My Water game as much as the next person. However, I want my students to see the value of the things they can learn and create through the use of technology.
My children are starting to use an app or two on my I-pad. This week children used the "Kids Doodle" app as a part of our Working with Words station. They would practice their spelling words. The children who haven't used it yet are just anxiously awaiting their turn.
I know this is just the beginning of the ways that children can use the I-pad. I love hearing from my awesome Samford classmates on how they are using I-pads (and other technologies in their classrooms for learning).
So what are best practices in Second Grade? I think looking at and way beyond the Technology Course of Study. Thinking about what the children can do, what they need to do, what we want them to be able to do. There are some interactive technologies that are very appropriate for the children. The use of the Smartboard to do learning activities is one example. I believe that second grade is very capable of using word processing skills and creating at least one PowerPoint slide, if not a small presentation. Can second graders research on the internet? Absolutely! The Google Safe Search site is awesome for young children to use.
In conclusion, best practices in integrating the technology are endless. Using it to teach children, using it to help children learn, using it to help children create, and using it to help children problem solve are just a few ways that technology can be utilized in the classroom.
War Eagle!!!!!
Ginger
I have to admit that it was much easier for me to integrate technology for student use when I taught fifth grade. There wasn't much deliberation over "can they do this?" "Are they mature enough to utilize this?" We just planned for it and taught the children how to use the technology as a part of their learning process.
Moving to second grade was a transition especially when considering how to best integrate technology into their learning. I want these children of the digital age to feel confident in their abilities to utilize technology, and not just use it for games. Yes I know, games are fun. I like Words with Friends and that Where's My Water game as much as the next person. However, I want my students to see the value of the things they can learn and create through the use of technology.
My children are starting to use an app or two on my I-pad. This week children used the "Kids Doodle" app as a part of our Working with Words station. They would practice their spelling words. The children who haven't used it yet are just anxiously awaiting their turn.
I know this is just the beginning of the ways that children can use the I-pad. I love hearing from my awesome Samford classmates on how they are using I-pads (and other technologies in their classrooms for learning).
So what are best practices in Second Grade? I think looking at and way beyond the Technology Course of Study. Thinking about what the children can do, what they need to do, what we want them to be able to do. There are some interactive technologies that are very appropriate for the children. The use of the Smartboard to do learning activities is one example. I believe that second grade is very capable of using word processing skills and creating at least one PowerPoint slide, if not a small presentation. Can second graders research on the internet? Absolutely! The Google Safe Search site is awesome for young children to use.
In conclusion, best practices in integrating the technology are endless. Using it to teach children, using it to help children learn, using it to help children create, and using it to help children problem solve are just a few ways that technology can be utilized in the classroom.
War Eagle!!!!!
Ginger
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
T-E-C-H-N-O-L-O-G-Y
T is for technology
(Technology integration in the classroom has many possibilities.)
E is for energy
(Students love using technology. I love the question, "Do we get to use the ... today?")
C is for communicate
(Teachers can communicate with parents, students, and other educators through technology
applications.)
H is for hands on learning
(Students are engaged using applicable technologies from laptops to ipads to clickers.)
N is for new experiences
(Just think of all the learning opportunities we can provide through the use of applicable
technologies.)
O is for ongoing projects
(All we have to do is hit "save" and come back to it later! Papers don't get lost. Ahhh, one of the
true joys of saving files.)
L is for loving learning
(My students get so "pumped" when they get to use technology in the second grade. They look
forward to other learning opportunities.)
O is for opportunities
(I want to take the opportunity to use some of the things we've been learning about in our class, like lino and other things that I've learned from my classmates, like the movie app that Deanna told me about and Keynote.)
G is for "Gee this is really great"
( I just love to hear words like these come out of the mouths of my children when we've used a technology application.)
Y is for Yeah!!! for technology!
:)
Happy Tuesday!
Ginger
(Technology integration in the classroom has many possibilities.)
E is for energy
(Students love using technology. I love the question, "Do we get to use the ... today?")
C is for communicate
(Teachers can communicate with parents, students, and other educators through technology
applications.)
H is for hands on learning
(Students are engaged using applicable technologies from laptops to ipads to clickers.)
N is for new experiences
(Just think of all the learning opportunities we can provide through the use of applicable
technologies.)
O is for ongoing projects
(All we have to do is hit "save" and come back to it later! Papers don't get lost. Ahhh, one of the
true joys of saving files.)
L is for loving learning
(My students get so "pumped" when they get to use technology in the second grade. They look
forward to other learning opportunities.)
O is for opportunities
(I want to take the opportunity to use some of the things we've been learning about in our class, like lino and other things that I've learned from my classmates, like the movie app that Deanna told me about and Keynote.)
G is for "Gee this is really great"
( I just love to hear words like these come out of the mouths of my children when we've used a technology application.)
Y is for Yeah!!! for technology!
:)
Happy Tuesday!
Ginger
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
I Want to Be an Administrator?
I never thought when I was in college that I'd do anything but be a classroom teacher. Of course, I never thought I'd move "home" (I did) or teach in the community in which I live (doing that too.) So like the famous quote... "Never say never" :)
I decided that I wanted to get my EdS about a year ago and after much deliberation and coversations with different people, I decided this was the path I wanted to take in order to further my education.
I have always had an interest in curriculum and instruction. If I were to become an administrator then I would have an impact on curriculum and instructional decisions in my building. I am learning so much about the responsibilities of administrators through these classes. I find it quite fascinating and maybe a tad overwhelming. I am looking forward to learning more about instructional leadership.
Happy Wednesday!
Ginger
I decided that I wanted to get my EdS about a year ago and after much deliberation and coversations with different people, I decided this was the path I wanted to take in order to further my education.
I have always had an interest in curriculum and instruction. If I were to become an administrator then I would have an impact on curriculum and instructional decisions in my building. I am learning so much about the responsibilities of administrators through these classes. I find it quite fascinating and maybe a tad overwhelming. I am looking forward to learning more about instructional leadership.
Happy Wednesday!
Ginger
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
First Post
Well here we are in technology class entering our first post. Looking forward to exploring different aspects of technology integration and ways to help me manage all the technology and web 2.0 tools and web addresses that I find. Also, I am looking forward to reading my classmates posts. I always learn so much from them.
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