Transforming Teaching with Technology

Welcome to the BPW Transforming Teaching with Technology. I love technology; finding resources that help me plan engaging activities for my students and sharing my finds with fellow educators. These are some of the resources I've found that I hope will be helpful to you.

Google

http://www.google.com/

Masher

http://www.masher.com/

Live Binder

http://www.livebinder.com/

Kids Ed Websites

http://kidsedwebsites.com/

180 Technology Tips

http://www.180techtips.com/index.htm

Wordle

http://www.wordle.net/

Awesome Clipart for Educators

http://www.awesomeclipartforeducators.com/

Storyline Online

http://www.storylineonline.net/

Zamzar

http://www.zamzar.com/

Clipart ETC

http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/

Carl's Corner

http://www.carlscorner.us.com/

Gameboards

http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/gameboard.htm

The Reading Lady

http://readinglady.com/

Real Player

http://www.real.com/

The Cornerstone Touch

I can't believe we've been in school over 3 weeks. The children are learning quickly. Our school is now a Cornerstone school and I'm amazed that my kindergarteners can discuss schema. They actually grasp the meaning: everything they know about. I read Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller this summer and I'm reading it again. We will go slowly, but I'm excited about the opportunity to learn more and become a more effective teacher. If you have participated in Cornerstone training or just love Debbie Miller, I'd like to hear from you.

The Dr. Seuss Touch

We didn't get to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday on Monday last week. We were home celebrating a rare snow event instead. It doesn't often snow this far south, but it's always a treat for the boys and girls in my classroom when it does. The children participated in many learning activities last week, from alphabetizing the characters from The Cat in the Hat to making oobleck and observing the properties of liquids and solids. The most rewarding incident happened on Friday afternoon when several of the students asked me to leave out all the Dr. Seuss books in a basket so they could continue to read them. That's the magic of Dr. Seuss, they are timeless classics, beloved by young and old. Thank you Dr. Seuss for creating books with unique characters written for young and old.

Music in the Classroom

My room is filled with music all day every day. When we "wash cars" to "Car Wash" the children are crossing the midline (using their left arm to wash the right side of the car and vice versa.) This forces both sides of the brain to talk to each other. There are many studies that support the use of movement and music to enhance learning. One of my favorite books is Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen. I have used Dr. Jean Feldman, Jack Hartmann and Steve and Greg's music in my classroom for years. My newest find is Heidi Butkus, she has produced sight word and music cds and Dvd's that are wonderful. My kindergartners have learned to recognize and spell many many sight words this year. Another great source of music with visuals can be found on You Tube. I have downloaded many videos there featuring a company called "Let's Start Smart." You can find more information about Heidi's music at www.heidisongs.com.

A Touch of Technology

As the 2008-2009 year begins, all schools in our district have computers with internet access and many schools have smart boards, digital cameras, camcorders and other technology. The question arises, how do we use the new technology we've been given to enhance learning in the classroom? What do educators need in order to use and to help students use technology effectively?
This class will endeavor to help you answer these questions. Your mission is to explore new ways to use technology in your classroom, design a powerpoint or use a multimedia program of your choice to share with the class on Day 4, and design a project for your students to use technology to showcase their learning.
There are endless possibilities for technology integration in the early childhood classroom. What can you imagine?? Post comments before our next class.
With a touch of technology,
Linda

The First Day of School

I always have a little trouble sleeping the night before the first day of school and this year was no exception. New beginnings are wonderful, but always a little challenging. I wasn't disappointed this year, I have a class of wonderful children all eager to learn new things. We didn't get everything accomplished that I planned for today, but we read several stories, sang some songs, got acquainted with each other and most importantly got to lunch on time! During the summer I directed most of my posts to teachers, but now that focus will change. I want this blog to be a place where parents and anyone interested in the education of young children will fill free to respond. If you have a concern, a question or comment feel free to leave your comment here or email me.
With a "teacher's touch,"
Linda McCardle

The New Teacher's Touch

I spent yesterday presenting workshops for our school district's New Teacher Orientation. I wanted to inspire the new teachers in our district and give them some nuggets of wisdom as they start their teaching career. I'm not sure if I accomplished my goal, but I left with great excitement about the up coming school year. Earlier this summer I watched an episode of Ellen Degeneres, the show featured Alferd Williams, a 70 year old first grader and his teacher Alisa Hamilton. It touched my heart and I found a short video on You Tube about Mr. Williams. I shared it with the teachers that attended the workshops. Each time I watched the video, I thought about the child that will really need me to give him or her extra help, an extra hug or praise for even the smallest accomplishment. I will be meeting my new students next week and you can be sure the inspirational story of Alferd Williams and his teacher will stay with me for a long time. If you need some inspiration for the new year click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eGIKMGKBO8
Linda