I found the website www.p21.org very useful for all educators. When I entered the site I was a bit overwhelmed with all the information on the home page. I felt as if I was reading a different language. Once I went through each tab, I found the website was easy to navigate. There are many tools and resources that achieve the same goal which is to support today's 21st century student. I found the online resource Route 21 user friendly. It was easy to get a short summary on the skills and standards.
I was very amazed to see how many partnerships and sponsors are involved with P21. It is nice to see that educational companies, along with companies like Verizon, on the same page in providing support for the future of today's students.
I did not disagree with anything on the website. I would only suggest the website not have so much information on the home page. As stated earlier, it was overwhelming to see information that I was not familiar with on one page. I would recommend the website to others as a great resource to assist in teaching 21st century students.
I like that P21 includes life skills as a part of the framework. Often teachers focus on the thinking and learning skills and forget that life skills are a part of a well educated student. I think successful collaboration with others is important. I find myself focusing on collaboration and the thinking skills. I look forward to incorporating the "3Rs and 4Cs" into my teaching. I believe we all are currently doing the job, just lack resources in some areas.
27 May 2010
12 May 2010
To blog or not to blog
The more I read about blogs, the more I would like to have one for my classroom. This is my first experience with blogging and I can see the benefits. I thought I wouldn't be able to have a blog since I teach kindergarten. I think my blog would be more informative for the parents rather than students.
What purpose would the blog serve?
Since I teach kindergarten, the purpose of my blog would be more for the parents. Instead of sending my weekly newsletters home, I would tell parents to tune in every week for the class news. I also realize not everyone has access to internet so I would take note of those that need paper newsletters. The blog can be a space for parent questions, comments, or to share classroom ideas. Our kindergarten homework is fairly easy, but I would be available to answer any questions.
Is it a place for students to interact?
I don't see the students interacting with each other since they are five years old. The students may respond but it would be with parental help. I perceive more of a parental interaction with the blog. Parents can comment on each other's posts or ask me any questions.
Is it a showcase for their work?
Since the blog would mainly be viewed by parents, I would post a writer of the week section. The names would be anonymous, but it can show the yearly improvement of the students. It can also show parents examples of good writing. I would suggest to parents not post their child's work to keep the privacy.
How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
I would use the blog to enhance the weekly skills we are learning in the classroom. I would posts ways the parents can help the students at home in all the subject areas. The blog would be a great way for parents to ask me how they can help at home. I like the idea that all the questions would be where all could see.
I think next school year I will try to keep up with a blog newsletter. It is something I can do from home and hopefully wouldn't take up too much of outside teaching time. I really like the idea of helping parents. There are many parents that don't know how they can help in reading. The blog can definitely be a place for suggestions.
What purpose would the blog serve?
Since I teach kindergarten, the purpose of my blog would be more for the parents. Instead of sending my weekly newsletters home, I would tell parents to tune in every week for the class news. I also realize not everyone has access to internet so I would take note of those that need paper newsletters. The blog can be a space for parent questions, comments, or to share classroom ideas. Our kindergarten homework is fairly easy, but I would be available to answer any questions.
Is it a place for students to interact?
I don't see the students interacting with each other since they are five years old. The students may respond but it would be with parental help. I perceive more of a parental interaction with the blog. Parents can comment on each other's posts or ask me any questions.
Is it a showcase for their work?
Since the blog would mainly be viewed by parents, I would post a writer of the week section. The names would be anonymous, but it can show the yearly improvement of the students. It can also show parents examples of good writing. I would suggest to parents not post their child's work to keep the privacy.
How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
I would use the blog to enhance the weekly skills we are learning in the classroom. I would posts ways the parents can help the students at home in all the subject areas. The blog would be a great way for parents to ask me how they can help at home. I like the idea that all the questions would be where all could see.
I think next school year I will try to keep up with a blog newsletter. It is something I can do from home and hopefully wouldn't take up too much of outside teaching time. I really like the idea of helping parents. There are many parents that don't know how they can help in reading. The blog can definitely be a place for suggestions.
06 May 2010
The world of blogging...
Hello All! I am Tracy and teach kindergarten in Florida. (5 more weeks!!) This is my 5th year teaching but my first year in kindergarten. I do have to say, kindergarten is a different world, but it is enjoyable. This is also my first experience with blogging. I have many friends that have blogs but I never got into it. I think having a blog for classroom use is a great idea. I don't know any teachers that use one, but I will be asking around. What a great way to communicate ideas and thoughts with parents and others! I am always up for some advice about the blogging world! In what ways do others use technology in the primary grades?
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