Reflection 3/22

What a great day. It's so fun to see and hear all of the wonderful things my amazing colleagues are working on.  It's always great to see all of the wonderful ways technology is being integrated into the classroom.

Reflection on Student Writing

Timing really is everything...I was finally able to have my students write a third person narrative about an explorer they studied from our Explorer's unit.  Each student was required to research a specific Explorer and create a Power Point on that explorer.  As an end of unit activity, they then wrote thier essays.  I was excited to brainstrom with them about the things they thought were important during the age of exploration.  I made a list of many of their ideas on the board so they had a direction, and then they began writing.  I feel like the kids really knew what their setting was, as well as many of the problems that there characters were going face.  I didn't get to share their essays with my group, but I am really excited to see the outcome.  I feel like the kids were able to integrate their understanding of the Age of Exploration with the writing standards.  Their writing shows a deeper level of historical thinking, as well, they are using strong vocabulary within their writing.  I am glad to see all they can do with this new informatino. 

Helms Wordle

I really like this very usable application.  My favorite things are learning about new uses for technology, as well, how to apply it to instruction.  Thank you for this great tool.

Assignment

I can't believe we are already into week four! I loved all of the amazing information we learned in our week long session (althougth I wish I had that last week of summer, too !!)  The thing that I loved the most was the "American Hero's" lessons.  I really found value in making sure the kids know who shaped our country.  I have brought Hero's into the classroom, by introducing our "Eagle Way" Character Traits through Hero's.  I created a Glogster of Clara Barton and had her represent 'Courtesy'. The kids now mention her often and have other examples of the things she has done to show courtesy.  They also were able to connect her to the world around her because I provided a link to the American Red Cross.  There is a You-Tube video link to what the Red Cross does today.  I was so excited to use what we learned and add the technology piece to the lesson.