tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38553006024014979362024-03-04T21:12:02.296-08:00Monkeying Around With TechnologyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-70841301156345190972012-05-27T13:45:00.001-07:002012-05-27T13:48:39.688-07:00I Love These Interactive Drawing Activities!<a href="http://www.drawastickman.com/" target="_blank">Draw A Stickman Episode One and Episode Two</a> have been around awhile, but I have to post about them, in case you didn't know about them. I <span style="color: red;">love love love</span> these websites, and think this kind of technology is the wave of the future. If you are not familiar with them, you are prompted to draw something as part of a story. Your drawing "comes alive", moves, and is part of the story. You have to try them now!<br />
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I would use these websites/activities in my second grade classroom first as a whole group demonstration, preferably with an interactive whiteboard or a computer projected for all to see. If you have a tablet, such as a Mimio Pad, that would make it easier to draw. Then, I would let students have at it during a center. Even though the story repeats each time, I still think kids would find this fun, and it allows them to be creative. When you are done with the episode, you have the option to share your story via Facebook, Twitter or email.<br />
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There are also iPad apps that match these episodes. Find out more about the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-a-stickman/id467614894?mt=8" target="_blank">original Draw A Stickman</a> app or the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-a-stickman-episode-2/id505295789?mt=8" target="_blank">newer, second episode</a> in the iTunes Store (both free).<br />
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I found a few other iPad apps that are similar in nature. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kidoodle-pirate-scribblebeards/id459203312?mt=8" target="_blank">Pirate Scribblebeard's Treasure</a> ($2.99) prompts you to draw something, such as "..two burly pirates for my crew." These creations move around a bit, too, when you are done, and they are saved within the app. Another app, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/magic-doodles-hd-lite/id510571107?mt=8" target="_blank">Magic Doodles HD Lite</a> (free) asks you "What is shooting out of the cannon?" or asks you to "Draw a rocket for the astronaut". The fact that there is not one right answer/design will make all students feel successful. No saving here in this app, perhaps in the paid one?<br />
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I am wondering how else I can incorporate these into my classroom? Part of cooperative learning, classroom community building? Stimulate writing? Prompt discussions? If anyone has additional ideas, or similar interactive drawing resources, please share!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-24197457366780045562012-03-26T17:16:00.000-07:002012-03-26T17:16:34.909-07:00Blog Challenge! Animal Photos = Writing PromptsI have stumbled across a fantastic idea! Everyone loves fun animal photos, right? They are perfect for writing prompts, yes?<br />
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Well, Larry Ferlazzo has started a <a href="http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2012/03/22/what-would-this-animal-be-saying-andor-thinking/" target="_blank">blog challenge</a> that exemplifies the power of sharing and inspiration that blogs, twitter, and even Pinterest have! Inspired by similar ideas from his PLN, Larry is asking teachers to submit a photograph that would be perfect to use in a "What is this animal saying or thinking?" activity. (I immediately thought of 6 Traits of Writing - Voice lessons) You must hop over to his blog <a href="http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2012/03/22/what-would-this-animal-be-saying-andor-thinking/" target="_blank">here</a> and see the awesome picture of a koala bear that got him started. Larry has contributed two pictures of his own dogs. Now, the challenge begins - can you find a picture to contribute?<br />
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Here is a link to a picture of a <a href="http://piccsy.com/2011/08/cabbage-leaf-cat/" target="_blank">silly cat</a> I found that I think would be great, too!<br />
I found that photo on Pinterest, and it took me to a photo sharing site I hadn't heard of before now. I am not sure about its copyright, so I am not including the actual photo here.<br />
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Speaking of Pinterest, I know I have seen several teachers creating Pinboards of photographs, creating writing prompts in the comment section. What a fabulous idea! If you know of any such Pinboards, please leave a comment below for all of us to easily find. I think I am going to start one now, titled "What Is This Animal Thinking?"!<br />
<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-4740313085764700482012-03-07T16:04:00.000-08:002012-03-07T16:04:06.040-08:00Add This To Math ListI knew I forgot a resource last time! It was really bugging me, too! And there it was the whole time, sitting on a sticky note on my computer desktop! Saw it today when I was "cleaning up", which really means copying and pasting notes/ideas from all my sticky notes to a word doc I have called "Sticky Notes"! I probably need a better system...anyway, check out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/numberboard2.swf">Primary Resources Number Board</a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">This is an awesome way to visually demonstrate expanded notation. Click on/select parts of a big number to build it. This clearly shows kids how to say big numbers, such as 3,628: 3 thousand, 6 hundred, twenty, eight. It is easy to see what each digit represents. I wish you could type in number vs. clicking on it. I wish there was an audio component. Yet, I am still going to use this. It would be neat on an IWB, with the kids at their desks writing numbers on paper or small whiteboards! It does require Adobe ShockwaveFlash.</div><br />
<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-13263915568202792482012-03-03T07:46:00.001-08:002012-03-03T07:47:06.371-08:00A Few Math Resources for Primary GradesOh dear...it has been too long since I updated my blog. I do apologize if you have been waiting or wondering...anyway, today I wanted to share a few math resources I came across recently. I think they would be perfect in a primary classroom!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/dogbone/gamebone.html" target="_blank">Give The Dog A Bone</a></div><div>This website activity asks students to find 10 hidden dog bones on a 100 chart in one minute. The trick is the chart is blank! A number is presented, such as 62. Students have to use their knowledge of the 100 chart, such as each row is worth 10, to hop around and pinpoint the number. This game would work well on an IWB or on a computer as a math center.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/starship/maths/games/place_the_penguin/small_sound/standard.shtml" target="_blank">Place the Penguins Game</a></div><div>Another great website, this time from the UK. This activity is perfect for developing understanding of big numbers and place value. You are given a choice if you want to play with 10's and 1's, called "units" or 100's, 10's and 1's. This is a great visual tool! Again, this would be wonderful on an IWB or an individual computer station.</div><div><br />
<a href="http://www.carstensstudios.com/mathdoodles/sumsstacker.html" target="_blank">Sums Stacker</a><br />
This website game, from Carstens Studio, needs Adobe Shockwave to play. I love this game, which is excellent for students who need a bit of a challenge with addition facts. Sums can be represented with dice, coins, or digits. Students click and drag values from three stacks, moving them around until they make the target sum at the bottom of the stack. There is a matching iPad/iPod/iPhone app available for $0.99, which has a few more options, including fingers and Spanish number words.<br />
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Hope you find one of these useful in your teaching!<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-30227128759578267522012-01-22T21:10:00.000-08:002012-01-22T21:20:00.848-08:00Penguins! Penguins!<div style="font-family: inherit;"><style>
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</style><span style="font-size: large;">I am obsessed with my newest app. It's like reality TV with animals! Pocket Penguins is a FREE iPhone app, but works just fine on my iPad as well. The California Academy of Sciences streams the Africa penguin exhibit in real time, and the user has the ability to switch between 3 live webcams. These penguins immediately captivated my son and me! We had fun predicting which penguin would jump in the water next or wondering why two penguins started fighting.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The iTunes description mentioned live feedings at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm, California time. Sure enough, just a minute or two after 5:00 pm in the Midwest, live sound came on and two employees started talking to the crowd and answering questions. We could see one biologist get in the water and hand feed the penguins. This Q & A show lasted about 15 minutes and the penguins were very active at this time! We checked in the next day at the earlier time, saw and heard different trainers and learned even more facts about penguins. I am not sure this is a 24/7 app, though. The underwater camera seems to be dark later at night. I assume the lights are off in the exhibit then.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started investigating, trying to find other apps like this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took a chance and downloaded the Pocket Zoo HD app for $1.99 I was excited because it has 17 animals webcams from around the world. It seems some are just still shots, though. Due to time zone differences, all 17 webcams are not all on at once. The meerkats were fun to watch, though, running around, quite active. The camera quality was not the best on some these web cams. But since Japan is pretty far away, I will cut them some slack! I was a little disappointed, especially since it was a PAID app, but my son was not. We are definitely going to give it another try at a different time tomorrow! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found the San Diego Zoo app, and downloaded it because it was FREE. In the Media section, there are 3 webcams to choose from: Panda, Ape (which is an orangutan) & Polar Bear. The camera quality was pretty good. I haven't spent too much time with this app yet (cute penguins taking all my time!), but I'll let you know how it compares. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This reminded me of a super duper <a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=66972" target="_blank">Livebinder</a> I saw once over at this awesome blog: <a href="http://kbkonnected.tumblr.com/">http://kbkonnected.tumblr.com/</a>. Check out all these resources for webcams in the classroom! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, here comes the fun part - integrating these apps of webcams in your classroom! Where are they a natural fit? Science, and the study of animals, is an obvious answer. Can we be creative and bring them in other ways as well? One idea I am toying with comes from the <a href="http://pzweb.harvard.edu/vt/VisibleThinking_html_files/03_ThinkingRoutines/03c_Core_routines/SeeThinkWonder/SeeThinkWonder_Routine.html" target="_blank">Visible Thinking</a> website mentioned on the <a href="http://www.maggiehosmcgrane.com/" target="_blank">Tech Transformation</a> blog . I am new to these strategies, but I think I could incorporate it in this open-ended way: After watching the animal(s), students would discuss/write/draw:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> • What do you see?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> • What do you think about that?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> • What does it make you wonder?</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Any ideas out there for other webcam uses? Any other resources, websites or apps you would recommend?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-57034760166753122712012-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:002012-01-04T22:00:30.052-08:00Thank You for the Award!I am so excited that another blogger found my little blog and liked it enough to give me a Liebster Award for up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers! (I'd say 3 is definitely less, tee hee!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXDaV2tKxKETxYybaRJsBnr4pM6Fm_ksdFU-eoysagZFYHYSDU_mac8vmw2wpQ0XFQe3rUiXemwJxphIagn-ebi_UkfMDJ9C7vo1QAruz9WgRN7QP004PgiRTCGAqbprFJVI9OBW-PV5d/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-01-04+at+9.33.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="80" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXDaV2tKxKETxYybaRJsBnr4pM6Fm_ksdFU-eoysagZFYHYSDU_mac8vmw2wpQ0XFQe3rUiXemwJxphIagn-ebi_UkfMDJ9C7vo1QAruz9WgRN7QP004PgiRTCGAqbprFJVI9OBW-PV5d/s200/Screen+Shot+2012-01-04+at+9.33.51+PM.png" /></a></div><br />
Thank you Betsey Dixon over at <a href="http://trendytechtipsbd.blogspot.com/">http://trendytechtipsbd.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Be sure to check out her blog, I think it looks like another fabulous resource!<br />
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Here are the rules for the Liebster Awards:<br />
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1. Copy and Paste the award on your blog. <br />
2. Thank the giver(s) and link back to them.<br />
3. Reveal your Top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.<br />
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Now, I get to pass the award on to 5 deserving "baby" blogs...it is getting late now, so I don't have 5 yet...but so far...<br />
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1. Marcie at <a href="http://2ndgradewildabouteducation.blogspot.com/">2nd Grade Learning Safari</a><br />
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2. Heather at Swinging Through Second Grade<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://swingingthroughsecondgrade.blogspot.com/" title="Swinging Through Second Grade"><img src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j378/hdawntn/swinging2nd.jpg" alt="Swinging Through Second Grade" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />
3. Mrs. Lirette's Learning Detectives<br />
<center><a href="http://mrsliretteslearningdetectives.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/mrsliretteblogbutton.png"/></a></center><br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-14030823387221313682012-01-04T07:11:00.000-08:002012-01-04T07:14:10.433-08:00I Tried Sqworl!Have you heard of Sqworl? <a href="http://sqworl.com/">Sqworl.com</a> is one place you can go to organize your favorite websites in one place. What I like about Sqworl is that it includes a visual of the home page of the website you marked. I think for our little students, who might not be able to read as well, this would be helpful. I bet those student would likely remember what their favorite web page looked like. I also like that this set of websites is then given a short URL. You only need to bookmark this ONE website address in your lab or computers in your room, or share this ONE website address with your parents.<br />
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Check out my Sqworl for storybooks on-line! I think it could be used during a literacy block, in a listening center or during the Daily 5!<br />
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<a href="http://sqworl.com/gaav0m">http://sqworl.com/gaav0m</a><br />
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Hope you find this helpful!<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-44859662444195646872011-11-19T07:47:00.000-08:002011-11-19T07:47:00.401-08:00Kindergarten iPad AppsI have been neglecting my poor blog! Instead, I have been passing on ideas to teachers through Google Docs and Twitter. I will try to remember to post them here as well.<br />
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A kindergarten teacher I know just got an iPad for her class. She asked for some recommendations for literacy apps. Here is a short list of apps I suggested she download to get started. I will add more, as well as blog soon about apps for older students as well. ***Disclaimer: prices may have changed since posting<br />
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1. ABC Alphanbet Phonics - Preschool Kids Games Free Lite (free)<br />
This app is by Grasshopper Apps.com. It is great visually, very clear! Students listen to a prompt an select a letter by tapping on the screen. This company makes a lot of nice apps!<br />
2. Letter of Day Interactive Activities (free)<br />
This app is by Lakeshore Learning Materials. Includes a chant/poem for every letter, a "find the picture beginning with _" part, and a letter tracing activity.<br />
3. Beginning Sounds Interactive Games (free)<br />
This is another app by Lakeshore Learning Materials. It's a very neat activity, sort of like pulling a slot machine and then matching pictures to the letter of the beginning sound.<br />
4. Dolch Primer and Pre-Primer Sight Words: Learn to Read (free and paid versions)<br />
This app is by Steep Turn Software LLC. This is an iPhone app, but works on the iPad. The paid version gives you access to all the word lists pre-primer through 3rd grade.<br />
5. I Like Books (free)<br />
Another fabulous app by Grasshopper Apps.com! It contains 37 books in a nice, simple format. It has colorful photos, options for Read to Me, Read to Myself, or Autoplay. I like that the spoken word is highlighted as its read aloud.<br />
6. Alphabet Tracing (free)<br />
This app is by Oncilla Technologies. Students trace letters with their fingers, following a moving train, truck or worm to learn the correct formation.<br />
7. Phonics Awareness, 1st Grade (free)<br />
This app is by Bugbrained.com. I like the Segment section, using a bug's segments as a visual to break apart a word.<br />
8. Sight Word List - Lear to Read Flash Cards & Games (free)<br />
This app is by Alligator Apps.com. It is a simple flashcard app for sight words. It has many options for customizing lists and can be used preschool-3rd grade.<br />
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I hope you find something in this list that you can use!<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-60431045813016460352011-10-09T18:06:00.000-07:002011-10-09T18:06:29.248-07:00WonderopolisI stumbled across this website awhile back, and knew with it's name, <a href="http://wonderopolis.org/">Wonderopolis</a>, it had to be good! I just wasn't sure what a classroom teacher could do with it. Now, I have a few ideas!<br />
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Wonderopolis is a family and school friendly website. Each day, a new "Wonder of the Day" is featured. A short, interesting video starts off each day, followed by a few "Have you ever wondered...?" questions. These are perfect for stimulating thinking and opening discussions. After the "Did You Know...?" section, readers are asked to do something in the "Try It Out" section. The teacher in me likes the "Wonder Words to Know and Use" vocabulary section near the end.<br />
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What could a teacher do with this website? My first thought is that it could be used in an elementary classroom as part of literacy centers or the Daily Five. It provides authentic, interesting reading material. A writing component could easily be included by asking students to add a comment right on the website! Wonderoplis appears to respond back to the kids' comments. Or, students could record their reflecions in their own "Wonder" journal. Reading and writing with a purpose!<br />
Students in a class could all respond to the same "Wonder of the Day", thus having the chance to read each other' comments. Another option would be to let students search the categories on the side for a wonder that appeals to their interests. Give students time to explore, and have them share with their class what they learned.<br />
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What other ways can these Wonders be incorporated in the classroom?<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-20448623221867204092011-09-09T13:18:00.000-07:002011-09-09T13:18:20.436-07:00Great Resource for VideosI believe videos or video clips can be a great educational tool. Obviously, they appeal to visual and auditory learners. Yet, they can also help build background knowledge for all students and explain tricky concepts more clearly. Videos lend themselves to students making connections or asking questions. Learning becomes more relevant when students are shown real life examples.<br />
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Where can teachers find awesome videos, appropriate for school? Have you heard about <a href="http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/">PBS Learning Media</a>? What a fantastic resource for digital resources, and it's FREE! There is a very simple registration process, and then you have access to thousands of videos. There are also photographs, audio clips, and interactives you could use with any IWB. <br />
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Hope you find something there you can use right away!<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-19714313979099301812011-08-29T19:51:00.000-07:002011-08-29T19:51:04.906-07:00I Took Pictures of My Caterpillars, Now What?It is Monarch butterfly time across the district in which I teach. Teachers are taking digital photographs of their class caterpillars. Now what? In the following list of ideas, students will create various products while applying what they have learned!<br />
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Comic Life Deluxe (software)<br />
(Mac Users Only) Did you know our district has a site license for version 1.5.5? Pictures are easily imported into a comic strip. Students can use captions and word bubbles to share what they learned or write a creative story. Perfect for the Six Traits of Writing skill "Voice".<br />
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<a href="http://blabberize.com/">Blabberize</a><br />
Students will apply what they have learned about different stages of metamorphosis when they make the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis or butterfly talk about itself. An email is needed to make an account to save and share (students could all create/save/share under an account created by the teacher).<br />
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<a href="http://fotobabble.com/">Fotobabble</a><br />
Upload photo(s) to the website. Students can add their voice over the photo, sharing facts about the caterpillar or butterfly in the photograph. There are many sharing options, including a given URL, email option or embed code. This site requires the teacher to set up an account.<br />
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<a href="http://picfont.com/">PICFONT</a><br />
Use this website to quickly upload a photograph and place text on top of it. Perfect for labeling parts! This can be shared easily with a given URL, saved as .jpg, or choose from many more options.<br />
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Make a trading card at <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/deck.php">Big Huge Labs</a><br />
Photos are uploaded into a trading card. Add text and save. Then, it can be emailed or saved as a .jpg. How about a different trading card from each stage of development?<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-4131626566730760582011-08-23T21:46:00.000-07:002011-08-23T21:46:03.934-07:00Continent ResourcesEven though I believe the fun, magical part of technology integration happens at the higher end of Bloom's thinking skills, there are times when the work needs to be done at the lower levels first. My son's homework involved studying the names of the 7 continents. I thought, surely there must be some way to integrate technology into this practice, to help him UNDERSTAND and REMEMBER? Here are my favorite on-line games to do this:<br />
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All of these on-line games would work well for individuals to learn/practice/review. They could be projected for the whole class, using the mouse to manipulate items OR with an interactive whiteboard or tablet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.playkidsgames.com/games/findContinent/default.htm">Play Kids Games - Find Continents</a><br />
There are written questions at the top, such as "Where is Asia?". Click on a colorful world map to answer. I wish it had a voice asking the questions as well.<br />
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<a href=" http://www.playkidsgames.com/games/continentNames/continentJig.htm">Play Kids Games - Continent Names</a><br />
Click and drag the continent name onto its correct spot on a colorful map. Again, a verbal cue would have been helpful.<br />
<a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/World_Continents.htm"><br />
Sheppard Software</a><br />
Different levels, beginning with a tutorial - click on continent and oceans to learn name. Level 1 - Click on correct continent or region. Level 2 - Drag continent or ocean (like a puzzle piece) onto map. Personally, I think Level 2 is easier than Level 1! Level 3 - Type the continent or ocean name.<br />
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<a href="http://www.softschools.com/social_studies/continents/map.jsp">Softschools</a><br />
Drag and drop the continent names onto a map.<br />
<a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/geographygames/copycat/"><br />
Kids National Geographic - Copycat</a><br />
A "Simon" like game using the 7 continents. Have students say name aloud to help them learn where the continents are and distinguish which one is which.<br />
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Anyone know of any others?<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-25071586555272199672011-08-18T19:01:00.000-07:002011-08-18T20:49:51.341-07:00Back To School IdeasIt's Back To School Time! Teachers often begin with a variety of "getting to know you" activities. Here is a list of ideas to integrate technology early this fall and use the 21st Century skill of "CREATE" with your students.<br />
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1. Pixie 2 (drawing software)<br />
Students can use the drawing tools, stickers and stamps to create a self-portrait to share. Pixie 2 has built in templates that could help focus this, including "I Like", "I Dislike", "My Family", and "I Am Good At". A voice-over can easily be added to the picture using the record button in the Option menu!<br />
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2. Comic Life Deluxe (software)<br />
Students can create comics introducing themselves. There is a nice "All About Me" template on the wiki: <br />
http://comic-life.wikispaces.com/Templates<br />
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3. Wordle (free!) www.wordle.net<br />
Students can create a word cloud using words that describe them or words that are important to them. If the students leave their names out, you can play "Guess Who?" with the Wordles.<br />
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4. Voki (free version w/ads or paid subscription) <br />
http://www.voki.com/<br />
Students create an avatar. Voki allows their voice to be recorded, making the avatar talk. Students can also type their text to be spoken. Then, the Voki can be embedded on other websites or blogs or accessed with a URL. <br />
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5. Blabberize (free! teacher should register, kids can make blabbers under that account) www.blabberize.com<br />
Students take a digital picture of themselves (or anything!) and make the mouth move as it talks! You are given a URL to see it or a code to embed it in a blog or on a website!<br />
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+1 More! <br />
6. Glogster (free! Teacher needs to register class) www.glogster.com<br />
Students can create fabulous "All About Me" posters here. Use their fantastic graphics and backgrounds. Then add text, upload digital photos, embed URL's, videos and sound files. Glogs can be shared in many ways when complete!<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-10872598872302136252011-08-08T22:01:00.000-07:002011-08-10T13:05:31.699-07:00Love This VideoI stumbled across this 4 minute video when I was researching C21 skills at the <a href="http://www.p21.org/index.php">Partnership for 21st Century Skills website</a>. Peter H. Reynolds' artwork and storytelling clearly and thoughtfully explains the BIG 4C's - Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Don't forget to print the free .pdf poster, too! I will refer to it often as I think of integrating technology into the classroom,<br />
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<a href="http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1007&Itemid=239">Above and Beyond</a> video<br />
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<a href="http://s1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/?action=view&current=NewSignature.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g367/tstreicher1/NewSignature.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3855300602401497936.post-74469765451472127562011-08-07T13:58:00.000-07:002011-08-07T13:58:30.960-07:00First Post!I am about to start a new, one-year position as a Teacher Technology Leader. I am going to miss being in a classroom everyday, working with eager students and fantastic teammates. But, I am excited to "monkey around" with technology everyday. It is my hope to post ideas and resources here for all to use.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3