Communication, Weebly, and Symbaloo

Busy, busy, busy! Teachers often take the summer months to further their education, read and research educational concepts, and assemble classroom resources. That is exactly what I have been doing and would like to share with others. After all, I appreciate all of the resources others have shared with me.

I have created a classroom curriculum page utilizing Weebly. There is page for each of the possible units the kiddos will cover over the school year. Each page includes links via Symbaloo, iPad suggested applications, and ideas as to what the children may choose to do when studying the unit.

First, I want to share a few key points about me and how the classroom I work in operates. There are some central beliefs, as I don't want my goals to be misinterpreted.

• Students in the classroom are their first teacher, the teacher is actually a guide
• Although I lay out a 'plan' of units, they are open to change as students' interests change
• Nothing can replace solid, hands-on, real-world experiences 
• Technology is a tool and not the only means to an effective education (although it is wonderful)
• I plan on integrating project-based learning topics this year, although it is not included on the site (yet)

The goal for this site is to communicate with families various activities and curricular events we will be discussing in class. Although I update my blog and the students update theirs, a central location with information seemed useful.

Please check over the site and offer any suggestions. I will be adding PBL ideas as the year progresses, as well as more sites on Symbaloo and iPad applications. This is just a start; a work in progress.

The Symbaloo pages I have created are all linked within the Weebly site, however here is a direct link if you are interested. 

Thanks in advance for any assistance and enjoy the remaining days of Summer!

Randi

Creepy, Crawly, Insect Unit

I love working with my kiddos during our insect unit! Although many children have an initial fear of insects, it is amazing to see the changes in their responses after learning more about them.

I haven't posted much lately because of my graduate program, but fortunately, I am completing a program that allows me to create usable and beneficial units in my classroom. The insect unit below is a sample I created for a language arts and math/science lesson that is enhanced with technology. I have included my insect unit Symbaloo which has several links to games and resources.

Insect Lesson Plan (utilizing iPads, My Story app)

Math/Science Lesson Resources (reviews of simulation sites and insect links)

Symbaloo Insect Page

I have borrowed so many wonderful ideas over the last year, I hope someone can utilize these! 

President's Day/Patriotism

I am working towards my Masters in Educational Technology at Boise State University. One of my first courses provided experiences in virtual field trips. I have created a virtual field trip that celebrates our country and fits well with president's day.

My virtual field trip of Washington D.C. includes information, videos, audio clips, and various links. I designed it with young children in mind. It can be completed as a whole group under guidance of the teacher for early childhood. Or, if you work with older student buddies, they could complete it together.

The home page provides directions and miscellanious resources.  

There is a page about the United States Capital.

The page on the White House links to a tour of the rooms.

The Washington Monument page provides basic information about its' damage and repairs. 

The page on the Lincoln Memorial includes audio and a picture slideshow.

I hope that others can find this page useful. It is wonderful to be a part of a professional program that encourages weekly creation of useful, technology, tools. 

Enjoy!