Before we start posting about our learning this year I think that we should pause and take a look back at what we learned last year. I have had all summer to reflect on this past school year. I thought that time would give me a more objective perspective, but I still have only one word to describe it - AMAZING! It was a year of tremendous growth for my students and myself. So many incredible things happened, but I am going to highlight just a couple.
It began by systematically infusing technology into instruction. We started with edmodo and digital citizenship. They learned to take control of their own learning both in and out of school.
We participated in our first global project through edmodo and wikispaces with Crazy Crazes. Where they compiled our “favorites” and “crazes” and presented them in different ways. They became deeper thinkers as they searched for information on subjects and curated it with the help of Livebinders. Communicating their learning came next and they rose to the challenge!
We then started a class blog to better communicate with our families, friends, community, and world. It wasn't long before they had their individual blogs. They took to it like fish to water! We decided to participate in the Student Blogging Challenge this past spring and that really springboarded their writing. They learned to help each other, using their combined strengths to be better together. If you haven't already done so, please take a minute to visit their blogs an witness their learning and creativity.
I have a class that loved to talk and share so why not try backchanneling? It was a fabulous addition to our discussions on the novels Touching Spirit Bear, and Wonder. They used todaysmeet to discuss questions that they wondered about.
Finally, we had the opportunity to participate in our first mystery skype. It was challenging, but fun. Especially because we were able to be part of the first Teach Like a Pirate Day at Utica Junior High School with Prinicpal @McLane_Ryan. It was fun to watch their faces as the other class guessed towns so close to ours. We will certainly start with map reading this September!
A big Thank You to my students parents for entrusting me with their children. They are truly a blessing! Their desire to learn permeated each day and their enthusiasm energized me to find new and better ways engage them. I look forward with great anticipation to this year!
It began by systematically infusing technology into instruction. We started with edmodo and digital citizenship. They learned to take control of their own learning both in and out of school.
We participated in our first global project through edmodo and wikispaces with Crazy Crazes. Where they compiled our “favorites” and “crazes” and presented them in different ways. They became deeper thinkers as they searched for information on subjects and curated it with the help of Livebinders. Communicating their learning came next and they rose to the challenge!
We then started a class blog to better communicate with our families, friends, community, and world. It wasn't long before they had their individual blogs. They took to it like fish to water! We decided to participate in the Student Blogging Challenge this past spring and that really springboarded their writing. They learned to help each other, using their combined strengths to be better together. If you haven't already done so, please take a minute to visit their blogs an witness their learning and creativity.
I have a class that loved to talk and share so why not try backchanneling? It was a fabulous addition to our discussions on the novels Touching Spirit Bear, and Wonder. They used todaysmeet to discuss questions that they wondered about.
Finally, we had the opportunity to participate in our first mystery skype. It was challenging, but fun. Especially because we were able to be part of the first Teach Like a Pirate Day at Utica Junior High School with Prinicpal @McLane_Ryan. It was fun to watch their faces as the other class guessed towns so close to ours. We will certainly start with map reading this September!
A big Thank You to my students parents for entrusting me with their children. They are truly a blessing! Their desire to learn permeated each day and their enthusiasm energized me to find new and better ways engage them. I look forward with great anticipation to this year!