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Computer
Needless to say, the computer has becoming an integral part of any classrom. I am daily using mine to research new resources for my students, to activate the SmartBoard (see later event), create exceptional lesson plans and check email to stay in contact with my teachers, students and parents. It seems teaching would be almost impossible without the computer. Although I do not quite believe this to be true, I do know I would have to relearn how to teach if I did not have computer accessiblity. -
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Second Student Teaching Placement
Christ Community Lutheran SchoolI have been blessed to be placed at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kirkwood, MO. The school is not on the cutting edge of technology, yet I have had the opportunity to explore new technologies and fine tune other skills. While there, I have taught 5th grade math and religion, 6th grade math and life science, 7th grade earth science and 8th grade physical science. -
7th Grade Earth Science
This week I started teaching earth science to one seventh grade homeroom. Topics included volcanoes, weather and seasons. -
Math + SmartBoard = Time Saved
While I use the SmartBoard daily in each science class, I find it most helpful in the 2 math classes I teach. One teacher is stuck in his ways, yet his “old school” methods show me the value technology truly has. My other math class is a polar opposite. I use the SmartBoard for notes, to give students board time (which they LOVE) & to correct homework. This is what saves time. The answers are in a PowerPoint which I freeze on the board, let students correct and then plug in grades immediately. -
8th Grade Physcial Science
While teaching this physical science class to eigth graders, I learned many new things as phsysical science is not my strong suit. Yet the challenge of teaching motion and forces proved to be an exciting adventure. -
6th Grade Math
Although teaching Saxon math does not provide much room for creativity from the teacher, this sixth grade class provides plenty of personality. -
Frog Dissection
While students were dissecting frogs in 6th grade science, they were instructed to document every step of their procedure and every organ or body system they identified. They then compiled all photographs into a movie using Window’s Movie Maker. This video served as students’ lab report in place of the traditionally used formal write up. Students were introduced to a new media form and were able to discover how video clips are created while ingraining their own creativity. -
Dissection Videos
After creating frog dissection videos, students then loaded their finished masterpieces to a private YouTube account that was created specifically for this assignment. With videos labeled as private, the privacy of the students was protected. The results of this project were amazing! I had one group who acted like mad scientists throughout their video while another used accents to create interest in their film. When given the opportunity, students imaginations flourished and it showed in the fan -
5th Grade Religion
Having both 5th grade classes provided interesting insights into the variety of dynamics involved in each group of students. I was also able to teach the same lesson twice each day and tweek mistakes on the second take. -
6th Grade Life Science
This class gave me the awesome opportunity to teach all of the sixth grade. The two homerooms would alternate days as CCLS works on a partially blocked schedule. Teaching a lesson two days in a row kept me on my toes as I never seemed to execute it the same way twice. I was surprised at the difference the students could make as one class is very well behaved while the other talks out much more. Yet, after some practice, I learned I simply needed to handle each class a bit differently. -
Sentio Reviews
Students have greatly enjoyed utilizing Smart Sentios. Previously, review day was dreaded, but with the Sentios, students love it! They finish the review at home and then enter their answers into the Sentio the next day before the test. I am able to get immediate feedback on scores and correct last minute errors before even handing out the test. Here again, Sentios save time and are also great for the students as they can rework missed questions as soon as the assessment is closed. -
5th Grade Math
The challenge here of following lesson plans and methods given to me allowed me to grow and discover techniques I do and do not like to use. Students at this level are drastically different than each other class as they need much more help and prompting throughout each class. -
Interviewing an Ecologist
Just this week, my students were able to interview an ecologist in Pennsylvania via Skype. Being in middle school my students were full of questions about animals I could not answer. I called on a favor from a friend and set up the meeting. Students were ecstatic to ask an expert. I collected their questions beforehand and then called on them to ask them in the live video chat we conducted in the science lab. Interacting with an expert gave students an new experience & answered questions. -
No Class Left Out
After evaluating this tool, I knew it was only a matter of time before I used it. The simplicity of the program made my life easy, even when adding a Skype speaker to talkative class. With Pamela, I was able to show the ecologist interview to both science classes when our speaker could only attend the one. With this program, it made the experience almost as exciting and real for the students who missed the live session. It also provided a way for a couple of sick students to partake as well.
