Three Lesson Mini-Unit
By Janet Kelly
Standards
The standards that I am addressing in this unit are:
EL.00.RE.19-Listen to and experience a wide variety of children’s literature including alphabet books, informational stories, classic and contemporary literature, and nursery rhymes.
EL.00.RE.20-Demonstrate listening comprehension of more complex text through discussions.
El.00.RE.21-Understand, learn, and use new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly through orally -read stories and informational text.
EL.00.RE.22-Develop vocabulary by listening to and discussing both familiar and conceptually challenging sections read aloud.
EL.00.L1.01- Listen, make connections and respond to stories based on well-known characters, themes, plots, and settings.
El.00.L1.06- Retell, reenact, dramatize, or draw stories, or parts of stories.
EL.00.WR.02- Write by moving from left to right and from top to bottom.
EL.00.WR.03- Independently write many uppercase and lowercase letters.
EL.00.WR.07- Write (unconventionally) to express own meaning.
EL.00.SL.01- Recite short poems, rhymes, and songs.
EL.00.SL.07- Speak audibly
EL.00.SL.08- Look at listeners most of the time.
EL.00.SL.09- Listen when others are speaking.
K.1.1- Read and write whole numbers to 10.
K.1.2- Connect numbers, including written numerals, to the quantities they represent, using various physical models and representations.
OETS/ISTE 1b- Create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
OETS2b- Effectively communicate and publish to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
ISTE2b- Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
OETS/ISTE4b- Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
OETS5a- Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and digital technology.
ISTE5a- Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
OETS5b- Model and practice a positive attitude toward using digital technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
ISTE5b- Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
OETS/ISTE5c- Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
OETS6a- Select, use, and troubleshoot tools efficiently.
ISTE6a-Understand and use technology systems.
ISTE6b-Select and use applications effectively and productively.
NETS/T2a- design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
NETS/T2b- develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
NETS/T2c- customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.
NETS/T3b- collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
NETS/T3c- communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.
NETS/T3d- model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
NETS/T4a- advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
NETS/T4b-address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
NETS/T4c-promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
Lesson Plan-Johnny Appleseed
Day One
Objective: to have the students become familiar with John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed) and realize the importance of his life.
Hide an apple in a brown sack.
Have the children try to guess what it is.
Pull the apple out of the sack and tell the children that they are going to learn about Johnny Appleseed.
Make a KWL chart with the children. (What they know/What they want to know/What they learned).
Read the book Johnny Appleseed, by Reeve Lindbergh to the children.
Take the students to the computer lab and have them play one of the games on Crispy’s Apple Stand at: http://www.bestapples.com/kids/games/
Have the children watch the Johnny Appleseed video by Rabbit Ears Productions.
Teach the children the Johnny Appleseed song.
Have the students do the word puzzle that I made at: http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
Day Two
Read the book Johnny Appleseed, A Tall Tale, by Stephen Kellogg to the children.
Have the students practice the Johnny Appleseed song.
Show the class an apple and have them guess and make a graph as to how many seeds they think are in it.
Cut the apple in half and have the students count how many seeds are in the apple. Put this information on the graph.
Take the students to the computer lab and have them make and print out their class graph. Let them use any type of graph, (bar, circle, line, etc.) that they want. I put their graphs into a graph book that they get to take home at the end of the year.
When they are done with their graph, have them do the Find the Hidden Picture page of Johnny Appleseed at: http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/apples.htm
Cut several apples into different sizes and shapes and let the students make apple prints at their desks.
Day Three
Have the students practice the Johnny Appleseed song. Have the students record their singing on a tape. At the end of the year, I will give each student a copy of the tape that we made with the songs and poems that we learned during the year.
Read the book The Story of Johnny Appleseed, by Aliki to the children.
Take the students to the computer lab to make and print out the information on the class graph. Let them use any type of graph that they want.
When they are done with their graph, have them go to http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/mjohnnyposter.html to print out a poster of Johnny Appleseed that they can take home with them.
Have the students see what information they can find out about Johnny Appleseed on the web. Monitor them closely.
Have the students draw and write something that they learned from this lesson.
Have the students videotape themselves explaining the pictures that they drew.
Use this information to complete the KWL chart.
Use their pictures and video to make a Power Point presentation on Johnny Appleseed. Share this presentation with parents on Conference Night.
Assessment: I will know if my goals have been met by observing and listening to the students explain their pictures while making their videotape.
Reflection: The use of web resources and other types of technology enhance this lesson on Johnny Appleseed. Instead of just listening to books and doing worksheets, my students will have a more active role in this lesson and in what they learn. I have planned a lesson that will promote my students’ learning and creativity. They can choose what kind of products they will create for these lessons.
I think that by using the web to help me create lessons, I will have more time to devote to my students. They will also be learning by having fun. By letting my students use the web, they can learn that there is valuable information that can be learned by using it. They will also learn that there is a lot of information on the web that can be useful to them.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Evaluating Websites
Evaluating Websites
By Janet Kelly
I looked at the following websites on evaluating websites: Elementary CCs For Evaluating Websites, 5 Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages, and Kathy Schrock’s Critical Evaluation Survey-Teacher Sites. I found two of these sites on Kathy Schrock’s page and one in an article that one of my classmates posted this week. I decided to use Kathy Schrock’s evaluation because it seemed more complete and appropriate for the younger students that I work with.
I tried to look at two more sites on Kathy Schrock’s page, but was surprised to find out that the links didn’t work. One gave a message that the site was outdated (Evaluation of Internet Websites: An Annotated Bibliography-ERIC) and the other one could not be found (Bibliography on Evaluating Internet Resources).
15 Websites
KinderKorner- This website is produced by Victoria Smith. Ms. Smith is a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher in California. On her website, Ms. Smith lists a monthly calendar of lessons that she teaches, pictures of her classroom and students, teaching materials that you can buy, and teacher websites that she recommends. After going through Kathy Schrock’s Critical Evaluation Survey, I decided that I would recommend this website to other educators because it has up-to-date information and relevant lesson plans that can be used in kindergarten classrooms. The site is pleasing to look at and is easy to use. I trust the information that Victoria Smith puts on her site because she is an expert in her field. I do not see any bias on the part of Victoria Smith. I would use KinderKorner as a resource for expanding my lesson plans.
Google- This website is much more than a search engine. It also allows you to access books, maps, news, a language translator, videos, and images. It now also has a desktop application. I had a hard time evaluating this site using Kathy Schrock’s guide. It seems like most of the questions were not relevant to this site. However, I do like this site and would recommend it to others because it has different ways to obtain information through the site. For example, it can show you books on your subject as well as show you videos. I would use this site to find information that I am looking for. This is a very easy site to use.
Oregon Department of Education: Oregon Virtual School District- This website gives educators a place to find lesson plans, a list of professional development opportunities, tutorials on using ORVSD tools, and a place to share information with other educators. I believe this site would meet all the criteria on Kathy Schrock’s evaluation guide. I would recommend this site to teachers because it has lesson plans that are matched up to the state standards on it. It also has on-line classes that you can take to improve your teaching skills and knowledge. I would use this site to take the professional development classes.
American Library Association: Color With Leo- This site has interactive activities, coloring sheets, games, and lesson plans for educators. Using the evaluation guide, I decided that this site would meet all of the criteria that are required for a good site. It has a link that states the purpose of the site, which I believe benefits children. I would recommend this site to teachers because it has good activities for children to use that will enhance their learning. I would use this site to teach my students about art.
Enchanted Learning- This site is a great resource for primary teachers. It has theme units, printable books, summer activities, calendars and bookmarks to make, and little multi-language dictionaries that can be printed out. I believe that this site would meet all the criteria that are required for a good site. I would use this site for the printable books and multi-language dictionaries.
Starfall- This site is dedicated to teaching children how to read. It has interactive videos that teach children letter sounds, sight words, and how to sound out words. This site is highly recognized by experts and has been recognized as a top website four times. It meets the criteria for a good website, especially since the information is researched based. I would use this site to supplement my reading lessons.
Jan Brett- This website has links to videos that teach children how to draw different things and watch Jan Brett talk about some of her books. It also has printable coloring sheets and games, computer games, and a blog from Jan Brett. I really like this site and think that it has all the criteria of a good website. I would use this site for the math flashcards that is available on it. I would also use it to introduce my students to Jan Brett before sharing her books with them.
The K Crew- This is a good site for kindergarten teachers. It has thematic units, handouts from workshops they have presented (for example, Turning Your Technology Woes into Whoa’s), freebies, and a blog. This site is okay, but not perfect. It did not have a link back to the homepage on each page. It did not have a list of other resources that you could use. I think this would have been helpful. I would use this site for the workshop handouts that are on it.
Kinderpond- This site has links to theme units, discovery bags, units, center ideas, and a link to her favorite websites. I believe this site meets the criteria of a good website. It has a stated purpose and contact information for the creator. I would use this site to supplement my lesson plans.
ABC123 Kindergarten- This site has links to 65 observable verbs to use in lesson plans, classroom management, theme units, phonemic awareness, and teacher resources. Based on the evaluation guide, I believe that this is a good website. One thing I would change on this site is how the purpose of it is presented. It is listed at the bottom of the page in a small box with very small print. I would make this bigger so that it is easier to see. I would use this site for the educator links.
The Virtual Vine- This site has themes and units, Promethean Board resources, displays, printables, and teacher tips. I believe that this is a good website. The purpose of the website is stated on the home page in large print and is signed by the creator. It has a date that it was created and dates when it was updated. I would use this site for the teacher tips and the cooking with kids section.
Education.com: - This site lists hundreds of activities that you can do with your students in all subject areas. It also has information on child development, printable worksheet, a place to ask questions, help on finding schools and colleges for parents, and information on on-line learning. When I first found this site, I was really impressed with it. However, when I went back to evaluate it, I wasn’t as impressed. One thing that really bothered me was the ads that kept flashing on the screen. The two ads I saw the most were for e-schools and HPV. Upon further research, I discovered that this site was really for parents and not for teachers. I believe the title of the page is very misleading. I believe that this would qualify as a good website for parents, but not for teachers. I probably would not recommend this site to other educators. I don’t think that I would use this site.
PBSKids- This site has games and videos on all subject matters. It also has printable coloring sheets, storytime, and music that children can listen to. Although this site has good activities for children on it, I don’t believe that it would qualify as a good website. There is no stated objective nor is the creator of the site listed. It does not contain a list of other resources or list dates that it was updated. I am not sure if I would use this site or recommend it to others.
edHelper.com- This site has printable worksheets on different subjects like library, telling time, and dot 2 dots. This site does not list the creator of it. It also does not list other resources that you can go to. I would use this site because it has great worksheets that I can use with my students.
SoftSchools.com- This site has printable games and worksheets on reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. This site does not list the creator, the date it was created, or if it has been updated. It also does not have a stated purpose. I would use this website for the math games that it has.
NOTE: When I started this assignment, I was filling out the Evaluation Guide for each website. Unfortunately, I was not able to get them to attach to this page. Or maybe, I just don’t know how to do that yet. Consequently, I had to go back to this page and just make comments.
By Janet Kelly
I looked at the following websites on evaluating websites: Elementary CCs For Evaluating Websites, 5 Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages, and Kathy Schrock’s Critical Evaluation Survey-Teacher Sites. I found two of these sites on Kathy Schrock’s page and one in an article that one of my classmates posted this week. I decided to use Kathy Schrock’s evaluation because it seemed more complete and appropriate for the younger students that I work with.
I tried to look at two more sites on Kathy Schrock’s page, but was surprised to find out that the links didn’t work. One gave a message that the site was outdated (Evaluation of Internet Websites: An Annotated Bibliography-ERIC) and the other one could not be found (Bibliography on Evaluating Internet Resources).
15 Websites
KinderKorner- This website is produced by Victoria Smith. Ms. Smith is a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher in California. On her website, Ms. Smith lists a monthly calendar of lessons that she teaches, pictures of her classroom and students, teaching materials that you can buy, and teacher websites that she recommends. After going through Kathy Schrock’s Critical Evaluation Survey, I decided that I would recommend this website to other educators because it has up-to-date information and relevant lesson plans that can be used in kindergarten classrooms. The site is pleasing to look at and is easy to use. I trust the information that Victoria Smith puts on her site because she is an expert in her field. I do not see any bias on the part of Victoria Smith. I would use KinderKorner as a resource for expanding my lesson plans.
Google- This website is much more than a search engine. It also allows you to access books, maps, news, a language translator, videos, and images. It now also has a desktop application. I had a hard time evaluating this site using Kathy Schrock’s guide. It seems like most of the questions were not relevant to this site. However, I do like this site and would recommend it to others because it has different ways to obtain information through the site. For example, it can show you books on your subject as well as show you videos. I would use this site to find information that I am looking for. This is a very easy site to use.
Oregon Department of Education: Oregon Virtual School District- This website gives educators a place to find lesson plans, a list of professional development opportunities, tutorials on using ORVSD tools, and a place to share information with other educators. I believe this site would meet all the criteria on Kathy Schrock’s evaluation guide. I would recommend this site to teachers because it has lesson plans that are matched up to the state standards on it. It also has on-line classes that you can take to improve your teaching skills and knowledge. I would use this site to take the professional development classes.
American Library Association: Color With Leo- This site has interactive activities, coloring sheets, games, and lesson plans for educators. Using the evaluation guide, I decided that this site would meet all of the criteria that are required for a good site. It has a link that states the purpose of the site, which I believe benefits children. I would recommend this site to teachers because it has good activities for children to use that will enhance their learning. I would use this site to teach my students about art.
Enchanted Learning- This site is a great resource for primary teachers. It has theme units, printable books, summer activities, calendars and bookmarks to make, and little multi-language dictionaries that can be printed out. I believe that this site would meet all the criteria that are required for a good site. I would use this site for the printable books and multi-language dictionaries.
Starfall- This site is dedicated to teaching children how to read. It has interactive videos that teach children letter sounds, sight words, and how to sound out words. This site is highly recognized by experts and has been recognized as a top website four times. It meets the criteria for a good website, especially since the information is researched based. I would use this site to supplement my reading lessons.
Jan Brett- This website has links to videos that teach children how to draw different things and watch Jan Brett talk about some of her books. It also has printable coloring sheets and games, computer games, and a blog from Jan Brett. I really like this site and think that it has all the criteria of a good website. I would use this site for the math flashcards that is available on it. I would also use it to introduce my students to Jan Brett before sharing her books with them.
The K Crew- This is a good site for kindergarten teachers. It has thematic units, handouts from workshops they have presented (for example, Turning Your Technology Woes into Whoa’s), freebies, and a blog. This site is okay, but not perfect. It did not have a link back to the homepage on each page. It did not have a list of other resources that you could use. I think this would have been helpful. I would use this site for the workshop handouts that are on it.
Kinderpond- This site has links to theme units, discovery bags, units, center ideas, and a link to her favorite websites. I believe this site meets the criteria of a good website. It has a stated purpose and contact information for the creator. I would use this site to supplement my lesson plans.
ABC123 Kindergarten- This site has links to 65 observable verbs to use in lesson plans, classroom management, theme units, phonemic awareness, and teacher resources. Based on the evaluation guide, I believe that this is a good website. One thing I would change on this site is how the purpose of it is presented. It is listed at the bottom of the page in a small box with very small print. I would make this bigger so that it is easier to see. I would use this site for the educator links.
The Virtual Vine- This site has themes and units, Promethean Board resources, displays, printables, and teacher tips. I believe that this is a good website. The purpose of the website is stated on the home page in large print and is signed by the creator. It has a date that it was created and dates when it was updated. I would use this site for the teacher tips and the cooking with kids section.
Education.com: - This site lists hundreds of activities that you can do with your students in all subject areas. It also has information on child development, printable worksheet, a place to ask questions, help on finding schools and colleges for parents, and information on on-line learning. When I first found this site, I was really impressed with it. However, when I went back to evaluate it, I wasn’t as impressed. One thing that really bothered me was the ads that kept flashing on the screen. The two ads I saw the most were for e-schools and HPV. Upon further research, I discovered that this site was really for parents and not for teachers. I believe the title of the page is very misleading. I believe that this would qualify as a good website for parents, but not for teachers. I probably would not recommend this site to other educators. I don’t think that I would use this site.
PBSKids- This site has games and videos on all subject matters. It also has printable coloring sheets, storytime, and music that children can listen to. Although this site has good activities for children on it, I don’t believe that it would qualify as a good website. There is no stated objective nor is the creator of the site listed. It does not contain a list of other resources or list dates that it was updated. I am not sure if I would use this site or recommend it to others.
edHelper.com- This site has printable worksheets on different subjects like library, telling time, and dot 2 dots. This site does not list the creator of it. It also does not list other resources that you can go to. I would use this site because it has great worksheets that I can use with my students.
SoftSchools.com- This site has printable games and worksheets on reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. This site does not list the creator, the date it was created, or if it has been updated. It also does not have a stated purpose. I would use this website for the math games that it has.
NOTE: When I started this assignment, I was filling out the Evaluation Guide for each website. Unfortunately, I was not able to get them to attach to this page. Or maybe, I just don’t know how to do that yet. Consequently, I had to go back to this page and just make comments.
Introduction/Standards Comparison
Introduction
My name is Janet Kelly and I am a student in the Masters of Science in Education Information Technology program. I am also working on my Educational Media/Library Science endorsement. This is my first semester in both of these programs. I am also working on getting my Oregon teaching license. I received a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree from Western Oregon State College in 1991.
I started volunteering in schools when my daughter was in preschool. As a volunteer, I worked with students in their classrooms, did classroom preparations for teachers, and helped with field trips. I helped coach soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading after school. I also helped with Girl Scouts, the Parent Teacher Association, and the Women in Science and Engineering program. I volunteered for eight years.
My first official job in a school was as a Special Education teacher assistant. During this time, I also did substitute teaching in preschool through sixth grade. I quit this job and moved to Washington State to get my teaching license. I have a Kindergarten through eighth grade teaching license. I did my student teaching in a first grade class. I have taught kindergarten and English Language Learners. I loved teaching kindergarten!
I have not worked for the last four years because I have been a personal caregiver for my parents. I am now ready to be working in a school again. I recently got a job as a Food Service Assistant in a high school. I am very happy to be back working in a school. However, I would like to be in a different position. I would like to be a librarian in an elementary school. I love books and think that I would make a good librarian.
Standards Comparison
I compared the National Educational Technology Standards for Students released in 2007 with the Oregon Educational Technology Standards released in December 2008.
I general, I found both standards to be very similar. In fact, the wording in both of them is exactly the same in most places. All of the Oregon standards are listed in the National standards.
The main difference is that they use different wording in some places and the National standards break down the student objectives more. Consequently, it gives more details as to what is expected of the students.
I was surprised to learn how much technology is being integrated into schools. I was especially amazed at how much technology students need to learn and be able to use efficiently. I am glad that this is happening. At my last school I never heard any one talk about standards or what we should be teaching our students, as far as technology goes. In fact, when I took my students to the computer lab it was up to me to find ways for them to use the computers. This was very hard because the district only bought two programs for kindergartners and they were going to get rid of one of them.
My name is Janet Kelly and I am a student in the Masters of Science in Education Information Technology program. I am also working on my Educational Media/Library Science endorsement. This is my first semester in both of these programs. I am also working on getting my Oregon teaching license. I received a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree from Western Oregon State College in 1991.
I started volunteering in schools when my daughter was in preschool. As a volunteer, I worked with students in their classrooms, did classroom preparations for teachers, and helped with field trips. I helped coach soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading after school. I also helped with Girl Scouts, the Parent Teacher Association, and the Women in Science and Engineering program. I volunteered for eight years.
My first official job in a school was as a Special Education teacher assistant. During this time, I also did substitute teaching in preschool through sixth grade. I quit this job and moved to Washington State to get my teaching license. I have a Kindergarten through eighth grade teaching license. I did my student teaching in a first grade class. I have taught kindergarten and English Language Learners. I loved teaching kindergarten!
I have not worked for the last four years because I have been a personal caregiver for my parents. I am now ready to be working in a school again. I recently got a job as a Food Service Assistant in a high school. I am very happy to be back working in a school. However, I would like to be in a different position. I would like to be a librarian in an elementary school. I love books and think that I would make a good librarian.
Standards Comparison
I compared the National Educational Technology Standards for Students released in 2007 with the Oregon Educational Technology Standards released in December 2008.
I general, I found both standards to be very similar. In fact, the wording in both of them is exactly the same in most places. All of the Oregon standards are listed in the National standards.
The main difference is that they use different wording in some places and the National standards break down the student objectives more. Consequently, it gives more details as to what is expected of the students.
I was surprised to learn how much technology is being integrated into schools. I was especially amazed at how much technology students need to learn and be able to use efficiently. I am glad that this is happening. At my last school I never heard any one talk about standards or what we should be teaching our students, as far as technology goes. In fact, when I took my students to the computer lab it was up to me to find ways for them to use the computers. This was very hard because the district only bought two programs for kindergartners and they were going to get rid of one of them.
Evaluation Tool and Website
Post -> Evaluation Tool
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 11:49 AM
The evaluation tool that I used to evaluate my websties was Kathy Schrock's Critical Evaluation Survey-Teacher Sites. It can be found at: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/pdf/evalteacher.pdf I choose to use this site because it is more detailed in the evaluation of websites for teachers. It asks questions about the pictures, photographs, sounds, and content of the website. It also asks about the creator of the website and pedagogy.
One website that I really like is KinderKorner. It can be found at: http://www.kinderkorner.com/themes_and_units.html. I really like this site because the creator, Victoria Smith, is an expert in her field and has lots of usable information on her site. She has themes, units, suggested books to read on different subjects, information on discovery packs, websites for teachers, and more!
Post -> Web Page Evaluation Tool and Resources -> Re: Web Page Evaluation Tool and Resources
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:05 PM
Thanks for sharing the website on grammar. What a cool website! I know that children. regardless of their age, like to watch videos. What a fun way to learn about grammar without having to sit through a boring lesson. I especially like the SchoolHouse Rock videos. I grew up with them and still can sing them.
Post -> Web page evaluation tool -> Re: Web page evaluation tool
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:20 PM
Samantha,
Thanks for sharing the Dr. Seuss page. I had a lot of fun going through the various pages. When I taught Kindergarten, I was always looking for good sites to use with my students and this would definitely be one.
I like that your evaluation tool uses a scoring system to rate the quality of websites. My evaluation tool didn't do this, but I think that I can modify it so that it does.
Post -> Eval Tool & Website -> Re: Eval Tool & Website
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:30 PM
Thanks for sharing this website. It has a lot of neat stuff for teachers. I especially like the section on science experiments. Thanks!
Post -> Eval Tool -> Re: Eval Tool
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 09:12 PM
Lori,
Thanks for sharing this website. I like the amount and the variety of lesson plans that are on it. It is hard to find a good website to use with my kindergartners. I will definitely be using this one in the future.
Post -> eval & site -> Re: eval & site
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 09:23 PM
Thanks for sharing this website. I had a lot of fun going through it. I especially liked the sections on pet care for children and the teacher resources. I can definitely use this site with my younger students.
Post -> Kindergarten-ALA Checklist, Starfall & NG for Kids -> Re: Kindergarten-ALA Checklist, Starfall & NG for Kids
by Janet Kelly - Sunday, July 11, 2010, 09:56 PM
Thanks for sharing the National Geographic site. This looks like a fun one. I am always looking for good sites to use with my kindergartners.
Re: Evaluation Tool
by Carolyn Pitt - Friday, July 9, 2010, 10:16 AM
I like the Kathy Schrock evaluations. I want to begin with one and then switch to the one I chose at the ALA website.
I looked at your website choice mainly because I have a friend who teacher kindergarten and I thought she might be interested. I think she will enjoy this link very much.
As I was scrolling through the website, I also noticed all the picture books that were displayed. I really appreciate that because I teach through picture books and because the pictures along with the story help support my bi-lingual students. So I bookmarked this site for me too!
Thank you for posting it.
Re: Evaluation Tool
by Michelle Doring - Friday, July 9, 2010, 05:14 PM
Thanks for sharing. I have seen this site before, but it's not on the list I use frequently and it should be! I especially like how she includes recommended books for each theme, because I am gradually building my theme-related book collection, and it's hard to know where to start. With these recommendations I can just order them all from the library and save so much time.
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 11:49 AM
The evaluation tool that I used to evaluate my websties was Kathy Schrock's Critical Evaluation Survey-Teacher Sites. It can be found at: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/pdf/evalteacher.pdf I choose to use this site because it is more detailed in the evaluation of websites for teachers. It asks questions about the pictures, photographs, sounds, and content of the website. It also asks about the creator of the website and pedagogy.
One website that I really like is KinderKorner. It can be found at: http://www.kinderkorner.com/themes_and_units.html. I really like this site because the creator, Victoria Smith, is an expert in her field and has lots of usable information on her site. She has themes, units, suggested books to read on different subjects, information on discovery packs, websites for teachers, and more!
Post -> Web Page Evaluation Tool and Resources -> Re: Web Page Evaluation Tool and Resources
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:05 PM
Thanks for sharing the website on grammar. What a cool website! I know that children. regardless of their age, like to watch videos. What a fun way to learn about grammar without having to sit through a boring lesson. I especially like the SchoolHouse Rock videos. I grew up with them and still can sing them.
Post -> Web page evaluation tool -> Re: Web page evaluation tool
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:20 PM
Samantha,
Thanks for sharing the Dr. Seuss page. I had a lot of fun going through the various pages. When I taught Kindergarten, I was always looking for good sites to use with my students and this would definitely be one.
I like that your evaluation tool uses a scoring system to rate the quality of websites. My evaluation tool didn't do this, but I think that I can modify it so that it does.
Post -> Eval Tool & Website -> Re: Eval Tool & Website
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 12:30 PM
Thanks for sharing this website. It has a lot of neat stuff for teachers. I especially like the section on science experiments. Thanks!
Post -> Eval Tool -> Re: Eval Tool
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 09:12 PM
Lori,
Thanks for sharing this website. I like the amount and the variety of lesson plans that are on it. It is hard to find a good website to use with my kindergartners. I will definitely be using this one in the future.
Post -> eval & site -> Re: eval & site
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 8, 2010, 09:23 PM
Thanks for sharing this website. I had a lot of fun going through it. I especially liked the sections on pet care for children and the teacher resources. I can definitely use this site with my younger students.
Post -> Kindergarten-ALA Checklist, Starfall & NG for Kids -> Re: Kindergarten-ALA Checklist, Starfall & NG for Kids
by Janet Kelly - Sunday, July 11, 2010, 09:56 PM
Thanks for sharing the National Geographic site. This looks like a fun one. I am always looking for good sites to use with my kindergartners.
Re: Evaluation Tool
by Carolyn Pitt - Friday, July 9, 2010, 10:16 AM
I like the Kathy Schrock evaluations. I want to begin with one and then switch to the one I chose at the ALA website.
I looked at your website choice mainly because I have a friend who teacher kindergarten and I thought she might be interested. I think she will enjoy this link very much.
As I was scrolling through the website, I also noticed all the picture books that were displayed. I really appreciate that because I teach through picture books and because the pictures along with the story help support my bi-lingual students. So I bookmarked this site for me too!
Thank you for posting it.
Re: Evaluation Tool
by Michelle Doring - Friday, July 9, 2010, 05:14 PM
Thanks for sharing. I have seen this site before, but it's not on the list I use frequently and it should be! I especially like how she includes recommended books for each theme, because I am gradually building my theme-related book collection, and it's hard to know where to start. With these recommendations I can just order them all from the library and save so much time.
Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom
Post -> Pros and Cons of Technology in the Classroom
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:35 PM
I found this article on Google, under pros and cons of technology for children.
http://m.www.helium.com/items/1749865-pros-and-cons-of-technology-for-children
I think that technology is important for children to learn, but in moderation, and after they have learned the basics. Children need to learn how to use word processing, but first they need to learn how to write with a pencil and paper. Life is easier when you can use a calculator, but first you need to learn how to do math on your own.
I agree with everything in this article. One thing that surprised me about this article was the mention of instant gratification. I believe that the author makes a valid point, I just never thought about it in regards to classroom technology. I think that this is giving children the wrong idea about real life. There is always waiting involved with living.
Children are becoming heavier in our nation and I can't help but wonder how much of this has to do technology. Are we making life too easy and/or sedentary for them?
Post -> technology in the classroom -> Re: technology in the classroom
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:07 AM
I agree that the author of this article is very much against using computers in classroom. It almost seems like she is paranoid of computers. I understand her fears, but do not agree that it is as bad as she claims. I think that using computers in the classroom can be beneficial for children. Children need to be computer literate in order to succeed in later life.
Post -> technology in the classroom -> Re: technology in the classroom
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:47 AM
The author of my article also listed some drawbacks to using technology in classrooms, but she presented them as issues to be aware of and not to be paranoid of. She stills believes that technology should be used in classrooms. I also agree with this. The author of your article focused on computers and the internet and I can't help but wonder how she feels about using other types of technologies in the classroom.
Post -> The Digital Face of 21st Century Curriculum -> Re: The Digital Face of 21st Century Curriculum
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:49 AM
I do not agree with the author on why schools were formed. However, I do agree that it is important for children to be able to be able to process information and learn how to use this information. Especially since there is so much information available to them. If they do not know how to get and use the information that they need, they will never be able to function in out highly technological world. Their futures depend on learning these skills. This article reinforced my belief that technology should be used in today's classrooms.
Post -> Creative Teaching with Internet Technology -> Re: Creative Teaching with Internet Technology
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 12:06 PM
I agree with the advantages and disadvantages that were listed in this article. It reinforced my belief that there is a place for technology in our classrooms. I like that you listed things that you have learned from your own personal experiences. Especially the basic skills that our students need to know when working on computers. The author of my article also talked about how time-consuming technology can be, but she looked at it from the point of view that people spend too much time on computers, etc. I am a little surprised that she did not talk about the time that it takes to teach children how to use the different types of technologies.
by Janet Kelly - Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:35 PM
I found this article on Google, under pros and cons of technology for children.
http://m.www.helium.com/items/1749865-pros-and-cons-of-technology-for-children
I think that technology is important for children to learn, but in moderation, and after they have learned the basics. Children need to learn how to use word processing, but first they need to learn how to write with a pencil and paper. Life is easier when you can use a calculator, but first you need to learn how to do math on your own.
I agree with everything in this article. One thing that surprised me about this article was the mention of instant gratification. I believe that the author makes a valid point, I just never thought about it in regards to classroom technology. I think that this is giving children the wrong idea about real life. There is always waiting involved with living.
Children are becoming heavier in our nation and I can't help but wonder how much of this has to do technology. Are we making life too easy and/or sedentary for them?
Post -> technology in the classroom -> Re: technology in the classroom
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:07 AM
I agree that the author of this article is very much against using computers in classroom. It almost seems like she is paranoid of computers. I understand her fears, but do not agree that it is as bad as she claims. I think that using computers in the classroom can be beneficial for children. Children need to be computer literate in order to succeed in later life.
Post -> technology in the classroom -> Re: technology in the classroom
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:47 AM
The author of my article also listed some drawbacks to using technology in classrooms, but she presented them as issues to be aware of and not to be paranoid of. She stills believes that technology should be used in classrooms. I also agree with this. The author of your article focused on computers and the internet and I can't help but wonder how she feels about using other types of technologies in the classroom.
Post -> The Digital Face of 21st Century Curriculum -> Re: The Digital Face of 21st Century Curriculum
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 11:49 AM
I do not agree with the author on why schools were formed. However, I do agree that it is important for children to be able to be able to process information and learn how to use this information. Especially since there is so much information available to them. If they do not know how to get and use the information that they need, they will never be able to function in out highly technological world. Their futures depend on learning these skills. This article reinforced my belief that technology should be used in today's classrooms.
Post -> Creative Teaching with Internet Technology -> Re: Creative Teaching with Internet Technology
by Janet Kelly - Monday, July 5, 2010, 12:06 PM
I agree with the advantages and disadvantages that were listed in this article. It reinforced my belief that there is a place for technology in our classrooms. I like that you listed things that you have learned from your own personal experiences. Especially the basic skills that our students need to know when working on computers. The author of my article also talked about how time-consuming technology can be, but she looked at it from the point of view that people spend too much time on computers, etc. I am a little surprised that she did not talk about the time that it takes to teach children how to use the different types of technologies.
Introduction
Post -> Introduction
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:04 PM
Greetings! My name is Janet Kelly and I am just starting the Masters in Education Information Technology program. I am also working on getting my Educational Media/Library Science endorsement. I am currently not teaching. However, I do have a K-8 teaching degree from Washington state. It has been several years since I have taken any technology classes, so my goal is to get up to date on the new technologies that are now available to us. When I taught, I used the internet to help me expand on my lessons. One strength that I have is my willingness to learn more about the internet and how I can use it to teach kindergartners
Post -> Introduction -> Re: Introduction
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:37 PM
Carolyn- I am curious how you use the internet with your 5th graders. Do you guide them through it or just let them work on their own?
Post -> Intro -> Re: Intro
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:40 PM
I taught kindergarten for two years and absolutely loved it! Do you have any ideas on how to use the internet with such young students?
Post -> Intro to Me -> Re: Intro to Me
by Janet Kelly - Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 07:14 PM
Jen- How would you like to use the internet with your young students? By the way, are you also taking Mary's class in the morning?
Post -> intro -> Re: intro
by Janet Kelly - Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 07:17 PM
Do you have any particular websites that you have found to be very useful to teachers?
Post -> Introduction -> Re: Introduction
by Janet Kelly - Friday, June 25, 2010, 05:55 AM
Hi Ryan,
Why do you think librarians are treated so badly here? Do people just not see the value of having librarians in the schools? What made the difference in Bellingham? Thanks for the encouragement! I am looking forward to becoming a librarian.
Janet
Re: Introduction
by Ryan Harrington - Thursday, June 24, 2010, 08:12 PM
Hi Janet,I am a librarian at Oaklea Middle School in Junction City. I think it is great you are working toward the endorsement. Unfortunatly, Oregon isn't very kind to librarians. I managed to keep my job for the past two years, but it hasn't been that way for a lot of us. I used to live in Washington (Bellingham) and they valued librarians a whole lot more. It is a great job, though, and I wouldn't trade it.Good luck!Ryan
Re: Hi Carolyn! I am curious how you ...
To: Janet Kelly
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: 06/27/10 09:18 PM
From: Carolyn Pitt
When I first started working with it, I would let the kids work with searches and see what they could come up with. The searches were not structured enough for my boss so I changed in a hurry.
Now I often give them some websites that I have checked. But when a question comes up they may go look up information with the understanding if anything inappropriate pops up the monitor is turned off and I am notified. That way I can see what they deem as inappropriate. We used to get some strange pop ups but the district filters are much better now.
Usually when there is a question I help them decide what to search for and when they open one of the first three sites, it is ok.
When I do projects, I give them some websites to use. That saves time and the websites are checked.
I hope I am not repeating myself. I can't remember if I answered this already.
Carolyn
On 6/22/10, Janet Kelly wrote:
Hi Carolyn! I am curious how you use the internet with your 5th graders. Do you guide them through it or just let them work on their own?
This email is a copy of a message sent to you at "WOU Online"
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:04 PM
Greetings! My name is Janet Kelly and I am just starting the Masters in Education Information Technology program. I am also working on getting my Educational Media/Library Science endorsement. I am currently not teaching. However, I do have a K-8 teaching degree from Washington state. It has been several years since I have taken any technology classes, so my goal is to get up to date on the new technologies that are now available to us. When I taught, I used the internet to help me expand on my lessons. One strength that I have is my willingness to learn more about the internet and how I can use it to teach kindergartners
Post -> Introduction -> Re: Introduction
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:37 PM
Carolyn- I am curious how you use the internet with your 5th graders. Do you guide them through it or just let them work on their own?
Post -> Intro -> Re: Intro
by Janet Kelly - Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 11:40 PM
I taught kindergarten for two years and absolutely loved it! Do you have any ideas on how to use the internet with such young students?
Post -> Intro to Me -> Re: Intro to Me
by Janet Kelly - Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 07:14 PM
Jen- How would you like to use the internet with your young students? By the way, are you also taking Mary's class in the morning?
Post -> intro -> Re: intro
by Janet Kelly - Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 07:17 PM
Do you have any particular websites that you have found to be very useful to teachers?
Post -> Introduction -> Re: Introduction
by Janet Kelly - Friday, June 25, 2010, 05:55 AM
Hi Ryan,
Why do you think librarians are treated so badly here? Do people just not see the value of having librarians in the schools? What made the difference in Bellingham? Thanks for the encouragement! I am looking forward to becoming a librarian.
Janet
Re: Introduction
by Ryan Harrington - Thursday, June 24, 2010, 08:12 PM
Hi Janet,I am a librarian at Oaklea Middle School in Junction City. I think it is great you are working toward the endorsement. Unfortunatly, Oregon isn't very kind to librarians. I managed to keep my job for the past two years, but it hasn't been that way for a lot of us. I used to live in Washington (Bellingham) and they valued librarians a whole lot more. It is a great job, though, and I wouldn't trade it.Good luck!Ryan
Re: Hi Carolyn! I am curious how you ...
To: Janet Kelly
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: 06/27/10 09:18 PM
From: Carolyn Pitt
When I first started working with it, I would let the kids work with searches and see what they could come up with. The searches were not structured enough for my boss so I changed in a hurry.
Now I often give them some websites that I have checked. But when a question comes up they may go look up information with the understanding if anything inappropriate pops up the monitor is turned off and I am notified. That way I can see what they deem as inappropriate. We used to get some strange pop ups but the district filters are much better now.
Usually when there is a question I help them decide what to search for and when they open one of the first three sites, it is ok.
When I do projects, I give them some websites to use. That saves time and the websites are checked.
I hope I am not repeating myself. I can't remember if I answered this already.
Carolyn
On 6/22/10, Janet Kelly
Hi Carolyn! I am curious how you use the internet with your 5th graders. Do you guide them through it or just let them work on their own?
This email is a copy of a message sent to you at "WOU Online"
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