It's been ages since my last post! Naughty me. However, I plan to improve! It's been a really busy term with production and things. I've continued using ict in the classroom and I've continued finding it a challenge. I have enjoyed exploring all the great websites we have been discovering, and adding weekly games appropriate to the childrens learning to my literacy programme has been easy (except finding the time to explore everything as much as I would like!) The challenge comes in the extra time using the log in system- the children are logging in as anyone, and it's a pain getting back to my log in with the appropriate thing bookmarked. And also fixing things when they navigate off the page the game is on. I really don't like taking time away from my reading groups and not sure how to manage this more effectively.

I love using the IWB each day for writing. The children are good at giving feedback to the writer, and it keeps their own feedback skill polished when its their turn with their buddy.

Have tried using cameras in independent activities several times recently without much success. They don't always follow instructions well, and need an adult with them as they learn. Some more close guidance would help I think, but time constraints have been great in the last few weeks. However, I have some ideas for the last few weeks of term, so I hope to get things up and running, and a few things added to our class blog.

Watch this space!

Get a Voki now!

Still working away at my goals. Used IWB for writing this week, with learning intetions and my modelling. Was great to have saved and to go back to. Did a bit of 'revealing' to encourage them to remember what a recount needs to have. Would like to scan childrens writing in next, and do a bit of critiquing. Maybe a child could writie on the board for the day? Might try that.

Found a good website for word level work- cvc words and letter clusters. Heaps of online games and print outs.

Update

Well, here we are in May and I'm just getting back to the blog! What a busy term! I'm still going with my goal of trying to use the IWB for everyday things in my room- I don't always remember. It's been frustrating when I load flip charts/ programmes on to the IWB lap top, and the next time I start it they're gone! Most annoying having to waste time sorting it out, and not sure why this keeps happening.

Additional goals include

• Check out the extra equipment in my room (apparently I have a slate, scanner etc)
• Use the IBW for voice recording
• Use scanner to critique childs writing
• Work with kids to find a way for them to save things on Kidpix so I can find them again
• Chd to follow instructions when using flip videos independently
• Setting up our classroom blog
• Using ICT purposefully in our brain unit

Do you think thats enough to keep us busy? Guess I have to teach reading and writing in there too!

Progress!

Well, have used my IWB for different things this week, with success! The kids love the roll in the morning, and are getting more familar with the board. Using a flipcart to order instructions was great. Had a few issues with getting things to go properly, which turned out to be plugs in the wrong place ect, so while embarressing(sorry Della!) I learned from it!

This week I'm using digital cameras tied in with reading and writing, hopefully with kids photos and recordings of thier comments as a class resource on the IWB at the end. Maybe I could put it onto the room 2 blog when set up. I need to get used to doing things that aren't on immediate display in the classroom and think about ways to revisit work done this way.

My other goal this week is to remember to use the board for 'on the run' whole classs teaching, such as spelling, or a mind map.

IWB

I went to a IWB 'beginners course' yesterday, and had a great day! Was fantastic to spend some time with expert help finding out what I could do, and now have some great ideas and some knowhow about how to make the IWB a more intregal part of the teaching and learnin in my room. Already have the photo roll up and running, ready for monday, as well as 2 other things!. Now lets hope it all works smoothly...

I played a you tube clip of a monarch butterfly on my IWB today for the first time. And it went without a hitch! Was great to be able to so easily show the children what they missed when our butterflies emerged. Got some good writing too! Also enjoying our new computer, though still a lot to discover about it.

Trying a link!

Check out these games !

The Kahekatea tree.

The Beginning!

How exciting! A new adventure! I'm really looking forward to trying some new things.