Okay! So seeing as it's spring break I thought this would be a great opportunity to do a lot of my major project. However, first I thought I would reflect a little on what I've done so far.
First, I have discovered that yes I LOVE children but I think at some point in my life I would really really love to do something that involves baking. I will need a lot more practice first. But I think it's something I would really enjoy! Even if it's just a side job or for my students.
Second, baking is super expensive! Holy cow. Each time I take a trip to the store it's like $40. And that's per project! I love it, but no wonder bakers charge so much for their treats!
Lastly, I've attempted a few things so far and I feel I'm doing a pretty good job. I've found that they're not all perfect, but after a few attempts I get there and they look pretty good! Which is a great feeling. I'm pretty confident in myself that I keep it up I could be really good. Especially because I stress bake (and I'm stressed a lot) so I feel like if I keep that up I could do pretty well. (I hope that doesn't sound too cocky?! Haha)
Those are just some recent thoughts! Now I'm going to bake(:
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Learning Space!
Space can encourage the interaction of students and their learning because it opens up more opportunity. This is because when there is more space for movement and interaction students are free to open themselves up. I loved how in the one video they interviewed teachers to hear their reaction about more of an open space. The one teacher ever said how her students, from day one, seemed more open to one another with the rolly desks. They would be more apt to reach out and pull one another in to work together. Coming from the experience of being a student I know I am much more likely to work with others and use them as help, in a classroom, if we're already in a table together. This is because it takes away the pressure of whether or not we should be moving ourselves to work with others. One of the teachers, in the video, said it perfectly. Students will feel less trapped in a these seats, instead of a standard desk. I know, as a college student, that I have a certain way I ask when I am in a classroom with the "old style" desks. As opposed to more comfortable, interactive seating. On top of the interactive aspect we also need to look at how students feel in a more open environment like this. I really think students will benefit from the openness of these types of classrooms. This really opens up the feeling of the room to feel more homey. This allows students to be more comfortable in the classroom so that they can really focus on what they are learning. GAFE's give students more options to learn but all in one place. This is a great way to incorporate more technology into the classroom while providing a safe environment for the students to learn from. I say this because, the students now have access to thousands of apps already approved by teachers! Plus this can be accessed on so many different types of devices, as well as, at home!
Although I am in LOVE with the idea of this type of classroom. Especially the homey feel it gives to not only the students but to me, as a teacher, too. However, I cannot help but to fear somethings that could happen to my control in the classroom. There's definitely the fear that the students will try not be able to handle it or that they wont be doing anything productive within their groups. But we must get rid of these thoughts. We need to have faith in our students and what they are capable of. I would love to believe that they will take this opportunity to show us teachers how responsible they can really be, regardless of their age or maturity.
At the university one of the ways that I've really seen learning space incorporated is in one of my classes at Central Hower. The chairs are comfortable and were all in groups. At the beginning of the semester it was rows but now they have moved to groups. Which I love! I have two classes in this room and both are a part of my education courses. This way my classmates and I can work together in a subject that is so vital to our major! Another way is the union. The union provides great spaces so you can go and study, alone or together. As well as, enjoy a nice relaxing place that offers the ability to interact with others as well.
Although I am in LOVE with the idea of this type of classroom. Especially the homey feel it gives to not only the students but to me, as a teacher, too. However, I cannot help but to fear somethings that could happen to my control in the classroom. There's definitely the fear that the students will try not be able to handle it or that they wont be doing anything productive within their groups. But we must get rid of these thoughts. We need to have faith in our students and what they are capable of. I would love to believe that they will take this opportunity to show us teachers how responsible they can really be, regardless of their age or maturity.
At the university one of the ways that I've really seen learning space incorporated is in one of my classes at Central Hower. The chairs are comfortable and were all in groups. At the beginning of the semester it was rows but now they have moved to groups. Which I love! I have two classes in this room and both are a part of my education courses. This way my classmates and I can work together in a subject that is so vital to our major! Another way is the union. The union provides great spaces so you can go and study, alone or together. As well as, enjoy a nice relaxing place that offers the ability to interact with others as well.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Cool Tools Take 3
Okay! I am very excited about the cool tools I picked this week. The reason I am so excited is because the school I work out uses the website everyday!!! So I know that it is something I can 100% use in my classroom. The website I picked this week is ABCya! Word Clouds. It is a great, easy to use, website designed for children K-5. This website has tons of educational games for children to play that are fun as well! One of the reasons I like this website so much is because once you are on it all you need to do is pick your grade and then the games are all there. Just as well, there are voice controls that help explain what the student needs to do on whatever the game they are on. They also include large print and buttons to make it easy for children to navigate through the website! Also at the top of each game it gives a description on how that particular game works!
The game I choose to play (in the middle of the University Library...) was at the second grade level and called "ABC Slider Puzzle". It really was super easy and oddly entertaining...
You pick if you want to alphabetize lowercase letters or upper case. I chose upper case. Its on a giant puzzle like board and there's little arrows on the board to indicate where each tile is available to move. You then just move them around until they are in alphabetical order!
I will definitely be using this as a tool for children in my classroom. They are learning how to use the computer, as well as, different letter and word games!
The game I choose to play (in the middle of the University Library...) was at the second grade level and called "ABC Slider Puzzle". It really was super easy and oddly entertaining...
You pick if you want to alphabetize lowercase letters or upper case. I chose upper case. Its on a giant puzzle like board and there's little arrows on the board to indicate where each tile is available to move. You then just move them around until they are in alphabetical order!
I will definitely be using this as a tool for children in my classroom. They are learning how to use the computer, as well as, different letter and word games!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Cool Tools Take 2!
So this week I decided to go with the Pic Maker! It's really cook the out together these cool collages that you could really use for anything! You can incorporate text, pictures, background, boarders, emojis. Anything! The thing I really liked about it is that it's connected with google chrome! So all you have to do is added to the apps that are already on your google chrome account! (Which we all have google chrome accounts so this is perfect!). It's pretty self-explanatory. Once you add it, it takes you to the main page and you can get started! It asked to connect through Facebook (so you can share some of the stuff you make with your friends!) so I did that. Then you start on a blank page and you can add any/all of those things I talked about! When you hold your cursor over each icon it tells you what that icon does so there's no confusion!
The reason I really like this for my classroom would be so I could maybe make holiday signs, projects, labels, or even one for my classroom door! I think it would be cool to incorporate pictures of the students if they are being showcased for whatever reason! Like when I was in elementary school we always had a star student! So this would be a great way to showcase the star student by putting in text, icons, and a photo of that student!
I think the students would really benefit from an app like this if they were creating a project and needed to make posters they could on here in a fun and fairly simple way! I do think the kids would be able to handle this, I may have to do a little hands on work to ensure they understand it completely. But I don't think it would take long for them to get it!
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pic-maker/lcmgcbgahjfokkiniknnafmeoaolkfab?hl=en-US&utm_source=chrome-ntp-launcher (here is the link and you just click add to chrome!)
I'm going to tweet a picture of what I made with this app! It's kinda goofy but I was just playing around and I liked it!
The reason I really like this for my classroom would be so I could maybe make holiday signs, projects, labels, or even one for my classroom door! I think it would be cool to incorporate pictures of the students if they are being showcased for whatever reason! Like when I was in elementary school we always had a star student! So this would be a great way to showcase the star student by putting in text, icons, and a photo of that student!
I think the students would really benefit from an app like this if they were creating a project and needed to make posters they could on here in a fun and fairly simple way! I do think the kids would be able to handle this, I may have to do a little hands on work to ensure they understand it completely. But I don't think it would take long for them to get it!
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pic-maker/lcmgcbgahjfokkiniknnafmeoaolkfab?hl=en-US&utm_source=chrome-ntp-launcher (here is the link and you just click add to chrome!)
I'm going to tweet a picture of what I made with this app! It's kinda goofy but I was just playing around and I liked it!
Ebooks Ebooks Ebook
I would say Ebooks do improve children's writing. I say this, mainly, because children can create their own Ebooks and have them published on things like ITunes or Kindle. This is a great way for kids to express themsves. It helps kids get their creative juices flowing! I really liked what was said in the article on Mr. Smith, "We truly believe that students will learn more when they realize that people from the global community value their work". This really stood out to me because I think children really benefit from positive feedback. Not just from their families or teachers but from an outside source! It helps build their confidence to say, "I can do this!". I believe creativity and writing go hand and hand with one another and Ebooks go right along with that! When it comes to the writing proccess I believe this will help to really drill that into the children's heads. They will be able to use the writing proccess without even realizing they are doing so! This, fun and interactive, way of learning with help your students use their imagination and improve their ability to write. I think it's so cool that we can call our 2nd graders authors now! Obviously, as a teacher I would need to be fully up to date on these types of apps. It goes right along with TPACK. This would be my "tool" and if I'm not able to use my tool I dont know how my students would! This is like what they talked about in the article about Ebooks and TPACK. They talked about how teachers will have to stay more up to date and teach these new ways of doing things!
One of the main reasons I think using my own students Ebooks in the classroom is because it makes it so much more personal for the children and it's show the students whose books you're showing that their work is valuable and worth something. It's something they built! Just as well, it helps show the students how much progress they've made. The students are a me to see how their first book looks and how they can improve
What I found the most interesting about Jon's presentation was how he went about telling the kids that they were going to write a book. He told the kids how bad their writing was and then told them that they were going to write a book. This caused a reaction in the kids that they wanted their writing to be better in order to write their book because they wanted to be able to sell it. I really liked this because I feel like, as a teacher, that's something you could really use. I would love to do something with my future class to show them 1. how great they can be! and 2. make them want to do better because they know how many people will be seeing it.
One of the main reasons I think using my own students Ebooks in the classroom is because it makes it so much more personal for the children and it's show the students whose books you're showing that their work is valuable and worth something. It's something they built! Just as well, it helps show the students how much progress they've made. The students are a me to see how their first book looks and how they can improve
What I found the most interesting about Jon's presentation was how he went about telling the kids that they were going to write a book. He told the kids how bad their writing was and then told them that they were going to write a book. This caused a reaction in the kids that they wanted their writing to be better in order to write their book because they wanted to be able to sell it. I really liked this because I feel like, as a teacher, that's something you could really use. I would love to do something with my future class to show them 1. how great they can be! and 2. make them want to do better because they know how many people will be seeing it.
Major Project Week 3
Okay so this week I decided to try a layered cake. I've always wanted to but didn't really know how to. Its actually a lot easier than you would think. For this particular one all I needed was the cake mix, berries, and whip cream. I'm sure others may be more complicated, however, for this week I went with something semi summery to get my mind off the cold! (I've been doing that a lot lately.....)
Overall, I am REALLY pleased with myself! It was easier than I anticipated and in the end it looked really good. Which I was pretty shocked about... haha
A few things that I will need to keep in mind next time.... Although two layers of cake I will only need one box for the two pans. I ended up cutting the cakes in half to cut down on some of the cake. I thought it was way too thick! I need to take the Whip Cream out of the freezer a little before hand. It was able to spread. However, took a lot of effort and I had to kind of knead it before hand to make it go on smoother. This also make it difficult to spread on top of the berries once they were on top each layer. I pretty got it all over my hands! Also I wanted to use strawberries but they were frozen from being outside. That was very upsetting! All and all a good round, except those few things.
Here's the recipe I used! http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/food/triple-berry-cake
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Cool Tools First Go!
So for my first Cool Tools try, I decided to pick from the presentation tools. I went with Prezi. Which I had heard of people using in the past, but never have myself. Which is why I wanted to see what it was all about! This website is just like a presentation you would make on slideshow. However, there are a lot of different and cool ways you can do this! By cool and different I mean that there a bunch of different templates you pick from in order to make you presentation the way you want it. For instance, since I went through a bunch of different steps to get to my end product I chose the journey template. This template showed different "steps" you take to get to your conclusion.
I think this would be a great way to present information to children because its different from any other type of presentation that I've seen. Prezi has all these kind of "out there" layouts and when you go to a new slide it jumps all around to get to it. Which for some, older students, may be hard to follow or even annoying. However, for children that are already having struggling to hold their attention, I think this would be great! Even using the template I used today. If I were explaining to the children how we became the new world I could show the journey that took using pictures and videos within the presentation!
Yes! Students could definitely use this to create their own artifacts. Pretty much all ages could use this site. Its easy because every step you take it walks you through what you are doing for that step. For example, once you start it says "Choose your template". So you always know what you're doing. The only thing I got a little confused on was manuvering around the website. I say this because, yes making the actual presentation was easy, to me, I found it difficult to get from my finished presentation back to the home page and to another new one. Once I figured it out it wasn't difficult, however, it was just the initial getting there that I didn't like. I guess as a teacher this is just something I would need to explain. I really think if I was working with third graders this would be something easy to them! a second grade class would probably have more issues with it, or at least some of the students would.
Here is the main website: https://prezi.com
And then the artifact I decided to make this week! I used the pictures I took from my project and made a walk through of my results!
https://prezi.com/he7qtcr4oax_/bumble-bee-cupcakes/
I think this would be a great way to present information to children because its different from any other type of presentation that I've seen. Prezi has all these kind of "out there" layouts and when you go to a new slide it jumps all around to get to it. Which for some, older students, may be hard to follow or even annoying. However, for children that are already having struggling to hold their attention, I think this would be great! Even using the template I used today. If I were explaining to the children how we became the new world I could show the journey that took using pictures and videos within the presentation!
Yes! Students could definitely use this to create their own artifacts. Pretty much all ages could use this site. Its easy because every step you take it walks you through what you are doing for that step. For example, once you start it says "Choose your template". So you always know what you're doing. The only thing I got a little confused on was manuvering around the website. I say this because, yes making the actual presentation was easy, to me, I found it difficult to get from my finished presentation back to the home page and to another new one. Once I figured it out it wasn't difficult, however, it was just the initial getting there that I didn't like. I guess as a teacher this is just something I would need to explain. I really think if I was working with third graders this would be something easy to them! a second grade class would probably have more issues with it, or at least some of the students would.
Here is the main website: https://prezi.com
And then the artifact I decided to make this week! I used the pictures I took from my project and made a walk through of my results!
https://prezi.com/he7qtcr4oax_/bumble-bee-cupcakes/
Monday, March 9, 2015
TPACK and Being A Teacher!
TPACK is something I've learned about in more than one class now. Last semester we spent quite a bit of time learning about it in Intro. to Exceptionalitites. There are multiple parts to TPACK that all combine together to make it up. T stands for technological knowledge. This is the partner, what tool you will use. The C stands for content knowledge. This is the what: what subject matter are you teaching. The P stands for pedagogical knowledge. This is the tool, how will you be teaching the students. The videos I found most helpful to explain the 3 parts of TPACK and how they all work together were TPACK 101 and TPACK in two minutes. These were really helpful in showing how the separate parts work together to deliver what the video described as "the sweet spot". This is the center of TPACK where all the parts work together to deliver the product!
Obviously I do not have my own classroom yet, however, I've been in an elementary school classroom from an outsiders perspective and as a student. Now looking at classrooms from an older, somewhat more educated, perspective I understand that everything in a classroom has a purpose. This is why as a teacher, whenever I am considering bringing in new tools, I have to ask myself how this will benefit my students. How can I use this tool to tach the content I need to teach my students. As educators, we want everything in our classrooms to benefit our students in the best way possible. So I guess the number one question I would ask would be how can I use this tool to the best of my abilities, for the benefit of my students.
One of the biggest issues with integrating tools into the classroom is teachers not being prepared to incorporate technology into the classroom. This is due to the fact that, when it comes to technology, there is a lot to know. Especially to teach it. If you are looking to teach something you have to have a pretty big grasp on the subject in order to teach it. However, my biggest issue with some technology is that this may leave come students out. I say this mainly because of the school I work at. At Leggett majority of the students there do not have a lot of the technology, that you and I have. This therefore hinders their ability to use these devices. Not only is the teacher now having issues using it but so is the student. When this happens teachers are now spending more time teaching students how to use these things instead of the content portion. Obviously this is not the case for every school, a lot of children are more technology advanced than I am. But I still think that is something we need to keep in mind! With, what I just said, in mind. When I am a teacher I plan to ensure that whatever I incorporate in my classroom is something I'm fully able to use AND explain. That way I'm not hindering my students because I'm incapable. As well I plan on using what I know will enhance my students learning by things they have access to. This doesn't mean that we aren't able to incorporate things that the children do not have at home. However, I feel we would need to incorporate them as more recreational first and then educational. For example, if we have iPads available to us, but the children have never worked with iPads before, I would want them to have access to them first by playing games and things. That way they become familiar with them before they are expected to use them to learn! On another note, if I am not able to explain a tool I would like to use in my classroom I will learn more about it and ensure I can explain it to my students before introducing it.
I guess my biggest question with TPACK is where do I start. Can I start at any of the three. Or is there a specific place I need to start. I worry about this because what if I have a great tool that I could really use in my classroom but I'm not sure of what subject to pair it with. Should I be starting with what content I want to teach and then decide the tool and the how I will get it across to my students or can I start from any angle. If I were to answer this right now I would say that you could start at any angle. It may be more difficult to start at one or the other, depending on the subject or tool or even how you are trying to convey, but it can be done. Or at least I think it can be done, I guess that is something I will have to look more into and figure out as a teacher!
Obviously I do not have my own classroom yet, however, I've been in an elementary school classroom from an outsiders perspective and as a student. Now looking at classrooms from an older, somewhat more educated, perspective I understand that everything in a classroom has a purpose. This is why as a teacher, whenever I am considering bringing in new tools, I have to ask myself how this will benefit my students. How can I use this tool to tach the content I need to teach my students. As educators, we want everything in our classrooms to benefit our students in the best way possible. So I guess the number one question I would ask would be how can I use this tool to the best of my abilities, for the benefit of my students.
One of the biggest issues with integrating tools into the classroom is teachers not being prepared to incorporate technology into the classroom. This is due to the fact that, when it comes to technology, there is a lot to know. Especially to teach it. If you are looking to teach something you have to have a pretty big grasp on the subject in order to teach it. However, my biggest issue with some technology is that this may leave come students out. I say this mainly because of the school I work at. At Leggett majority of the students there do not have a lot of the technology, that you and I have. This therefore hinders their ability to use these devices. Not only is the teacher now having issues using it but so is the student. When this happens teachers are now spending more time teaching students how to use these things instead of the content portion. Obviously this is not the case for every school, a lot of children are more technology advanced than I am. But I still think that is something we need to keep in mind! With, what I just said, in mind. When I am a teacher I plan to ensure that whatever I incorporate in my classroom is something I'm fully able to use AND explain. That way I'm not hindering my students because I'm incapable. As well I plan on using what I know will enhance my students learning by things they have access to. This doesn't mean that we aren't able to incorporate things that the children do not have at home. However, I feel we would need to incorporate them as more recreational first and then educational. For example, if we have iPads available to us, but the children have never worked with iPads before, I would want them to have access to them first by playing games and things. That way they become familiar with them before they are expected to use them to learn! On another note, if I am not able to explain a tool I would like to use in my classroom I will learn more about it and ensure I can explain it to my students before introducing it.
I guess my biggest question with TPACK is where do I start. Can I start at any of the three. Or is there a specific place I need to start. I worry about this because what if I have a great tool that I could really use in my classroom but I'm not sure of what subject to pair it with. Should I be starting with what content I want to teach and then decide the tool and the how I will get it across to my students or can I start from any angle. If I were to answer this right now I would say that you could start at any angle. It may be more difficult to start at one or the other, depending on the subject or tool or even how you are trying to convey, but it can be done. Or at least I think it can be done, I guess that is something I will have to look more into and figure out as a teacher!
Major Project Round 2
Okay, I tried again! This week I decided to make some sprin cupcakes to lighten up everyone's mood with this weather! For this week I was more concerned with progressing my frosting than the actual cupcakes themselves. Therefore, I didn't use any special recipe for the cupcakes. I used a box of cake mix for the recipe (funfetti of course!).
For the frosting I used a recipe I found on Pinterest! (http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/09/24/classic-white-frosting-recipe/) it was pretty good! Alittle too sweet for my tastes. I think next time I try and make this recipe I will use alittle less powdered sugar! I bought a good coloring called "lemon yellow" (because it was all Walmart had for yellow) but I decided that didn't look "bee hive" enough for the cupcakes. Therefore, I went to Joann's and got some "butternut yellow". This was much darker and actually made the cupcakes like like bee hives!
I was REALLY nervous to start frosting because I wanted them to turn out better than last week... Haha so I watched a few tutorials online first. I found this account on youtube/twitter called "My Cupcake Addiction". And these tutorials are awesome! The lady who posts the videos makes some really cute stuff and it's easy to follow along with her! I already knew I wanted to make bee cupcakes so when I started watching her one tutorial about cupcakes and she had bee cupcakes on it I was ecstatic!
I'm very pleased with my progress in frosting this week! Stay tuned for my next blog, I'll have pictures of my cupcakes!
For the frosting I used a recipe I found on Pinterest! (http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/09/24/classic-white-frosting-recipe/) it was pretty good! Alittle too sweet for my tastes. I think next time I try and make this recipe I will use alittle less powdered sugar! I bought a good coloring called "lemon yellow" (because it was all Walmart had for yellow) but I decided that didn't look "bee hive" enough for the cupcakes. Therefore, I went to Joann's and got some "butternut yellow". This was much darker and actually made the cupcakes like like bee hives!
I was REALLY nervous to start frosting because I wanted them to turn out better than last week... Haha so I watched a few tutorials online first. I found this account on youtube/twitter called "My Cupcake Addiction". And these tutorials are awesome! The lady who posts the videos makes some really cute stuff and it's easy to follow along with her! I already knew I wanted to make bee cupcakes so when I started watching her one tutorial about cupcakes and she had bee cupcakes on it I was ecstatic!
I'm very pleased with my progress in frosting this week! Stay tuned for my next blog, I'll have pictures of my cupcakes!
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