Power Point/Group Presentations

I really enjoyed and felt very enlightened by the presesntations that were given in class this week. Doing the research for our own presentations was thought provoking as well. I used to think Power Point was too complicated and because of that I was totally closed minded to the possibility. The presentations that were given introducing the different types of Power Point activities gave me a very fun appreciation for this technology. Not only have I learned a new skill, I've grown in my close mindedness. These days anything and everything has to do with technology. By introducing students little by little to new types of the expanding technological world will benefit them greatly even in life outside of the classroom.

As far as working in groups went, I feel like it was very beneficial as far as splitting up work and making decisions. I always like to know other people's opinions in daily life so when it comes to something that we are ALL getting graded on, the collaborating was convinent. I like working in groups for so many reasons. My group was very on top of things. I felt like we all worked very well together.

**The children coming into the classroom on Thursday was so much fun and helped me to remember why I have chosen this profession.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Power Point

I have discovered that I really like Power Point. I think that it brings a whole new aspect of education into the classroom. By choosing the correct angle and form of entertainment, learning could be a very exciting thing. I think that makes a teacher more motivated as well...to know that she/he could be getting through to the students. I think sometimes teaching is somewhat like parenting. Its kind of a "thankless" job. But when you see that you're affecting people, its encouraging! Power Point is a wonderful tool. It even allows the teacher get into their creative outlet!!

Digital Cameras in the Classroom

I will admit, technology used to scare me. Especially computers. My dad was a teacher when I was growing up and I always loved to help him record grades in his HAND WRITTEN grade book. He even gave me my very own grade book so that I could play school, which I did, everyday! So, when it started to become popular to record grades on the computer, I was highly disappointed because I was not schooled in that area. Since I have been taking this computer class this semester I have broadened my horizons. I am now a huge advocate for anything that can help me to effectively educate my students and give them an understanding of where technology is taking us.

Digital cameras are a God-send for me. I LOVE THEM!! I mean, really! How did I ever allow someone to take a picture with me in it without approving it first? Boggles my mind ;)!! As I read through the 100 Ways to Use Digital Cameras in the Classroom (or something like that), I found some very good ideas. Choosing 5 to elaborate on is tough for me.

1. TAKE PHOTOS TO PROMPT CREATIVE WRITING
I think this is an excellent way to teach students to think outside the box and not write about the "norm." I think it gets pretty boring to hear about the same old thing from every student, so I believe it will really help to give them some better ideas.

2. TAKE PHOTOS OF BULLETIN BOARDS OR CLASSROOM IDEAS FROM OTHER TEACHERS.
I love learning from other people. And obviously, as in all career fields, there are those that have been doing it longer and thus have become successful. I would like to understand how they do things and with permission take photos of their classrooms to use for ideas in my own classroom.

3. TAKE PHOTOS OF STUDENTS AND PUT ON NAMETAG ON THEIR DESK SO THAT OTHER STUDENTS AND SUBSTITUTES WILL LEARN THEIR NAMES.
I like this idea too because I am a very visual person. It is the way that I learn myself so I would like to take that and use it so that it will help my classroom run a little bit more smoothly.

4. CREATE A "WELCOME TO OUR CLASSROOM" BOOK.
I think this is a cute idea to use in my classroom. It would be good for Open House night and also to have parents get involved or atleast know what goes on with their children while they are at school.

5. LAMINATE PHOTOS OF EACH STUDENT FOR VOTING, SELECTING PARTNERS, CHOOSING CENTERS, ETC...
I think that this idea is a great way to keep things fair when using a selection process. Students will be less likely to complain which will help the classroom to be more productive.

**Another idea that I got from my neice Madison's 1st grade teacher was very interesting. It was a Mother's Day presentation. Mrs. Lee, the teacher, put together a video of the daily in's and out's of the classroom for the mothers of her students. I thought it was a wonderful present and a fabulous idea.