A Teacher's Touch

Transforming Teaching with Technology

2009-09-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T09:18:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T17:52:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-31T18:52:00.000-07:00

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

The New Year

2008-07-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

For most people the new year begins on January 1st, but for those in the education field the new year begins in August or September depending on where you live. I'm getting ready for the new year by shopping (we teachers get really excited when Target, The Dollar Tree, Wal Mart, Dollar General....stock their shelves with back to school items). In my last post I mentioned that I was reading Debbie Diller's book, Spaces and Places. I went to my classroom yesterday with several bags of school stuff and looked around. As a kindergarten teacher I have a lot of teaching materials. I looked around and immediately thought about my resolve to reduce. (I must have forgotten that resolve as I rushed around purchasing scissors, name tags, teacher note cards, pasta (yes, pasta, I dye tons every year for sorting, patterning and counting), crayons, sorting trays, a new big book easel, not to mention the many books I ordered this summer from Amazon.com.
As I looked around my classroom, I thought it a bit ironic that I'll be doing a workshop for new teachers in our county entitled, "Teaching Cheap."
So, Happy New Year to my profession. My resolution is to take Debbie's words of wisdom to heart. The only problem with resolutions is that they are easy to break. What will happen when I receive the Back to School issue from Scholastic Book Clubs? Can I resist the promise of several thousand bonus points? I'll keep you posted, any thoughts you have are welcome.
Linda

A Child's Touch

2008-07-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of reading Spaces and Places by Debbie Diller, one of my favorite authors (educationally, speaking). I spend lots of money on my classroom; I am constantly buying books, both professional and children's literature. As I read through Debbie's book last night I began to wonder if all the stuff I think needs to be in my classroom really needs to be there. So, I will spend the next few weeks rethinking what is essential and what can be given away. I want my classroom to be a place where children enjoy learning and are developing independence as learners. I want my classroom to have "a child's touch." What are your thoughts on what's essential in a classroom? I'd love to hear from you.
With a teacher's touch,
Linda

A Mentor's Touch

2008-06-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

I just finished a two day seminar for mentor teachers with Kathi Ruh. She is a retired teacher, principal, consultant,.... But the most important thing about Mrs. Ruh is that she's an awesome presenter with a heart for new teachers. I also have a very special place in my heart for new teachers. My first day as a new teacher was quite an ordeal and the following days and months didn't get any better. I had no mentor to turn to in my new school; I probably wouldn't have survived without my paraprofessional. Though she was a new paraprofessional, she had a heart for children and compassion for me. But through it all I still wanted to teach children. The second year was better and by the end of my fifth year of teaching I actually felt like I was teaching the children, but more importantly they were learning! When I was asked to become a mentor I jumped at the chance. I wanted to be able to help new teachers and give them a shoulder to cry on and support when they needed it. Through the years I've welcomed many new teachers into my classroom and more importantly made many friends along the way. So, the past two days have been a refresher course for me, I feel a renewed commitment to new teachers. I also feel very sad, Louise Tolbert, my mentor and the lead mentor teacher in our school system is retiring. She has made such a difference in the lives of children, new teachers and veteran teachers. She will be missed by us all. My hope for the new year is that I might in some way touch the life of a new teacher and give her the support she needs as she grows as a teacher.
With a mentor teacher's touch,
Linda

2008-06-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

What does a teacher do on her vacation? My daughter (who is also a teacher), two granddaughters (one and a half and two and a half) went to see my cousin (who is also a teacher). Starla lives in Vicksburg, MS and normally when I visit, I immerse myself in the beautiful old buildings, museums and parks around the city. But this time my daughter and I made the wise decision just to visit. (Toddlers and historic items don't mix real well). So, when the girls were asleep, the conversation drifted where all teacher conversations go, to the "teacherly" life. We shared resources, told funny stories about our students, and shared our excitement about our summer break. But, we also started sharing our excitement about the new school year that will be here before we know it. That's the reason I'm a teacher, its not just a job, its a wonderful life. I hope I'll always feel the same way.
With a "teacher's touch,"
Linda