After posting my very first blog nearly a month ago, I had no clue when my next inspiration to write would come. I couldn't wait to start a blog a year ago, something I had wanted to do since being part of the amazing Apple Foundations Training last fall.
The week following my first blog in October, I decided I needed to be thinking about my next piece of writing. I put so much thought into what I thought my readers would want to read, (that's what I teach 4th graders about writing) I got writers' block. I began to reflect on my past week in the classroom and my blog topic fell in my lap.
We have been studying "The Southern Region of the United States" in social studies. Our current social studies curriculum and textbook have been with us for many years and are currently in the "cycle". The book contains a lot of good information, key word being A LOT. I decided with being so fortunate to be a 1:1 iPad classroom, I would divide up the curriculum and collaboratively have my students research and create a presentation using the app Keynote. I observed them for a few days working together creating their masterpieces. When it was time to present their Keynotes, I could not believe my eyes as I watched them present (teach) the material to each other. I sat back and watched my students being the teachers.
Friday afternoon was the big day. It was time for my students to take the summative essential objective over the southern region. This was a true test to me to see if they had learned the essentials of this unit. Many appeared confident as they prepared to take their test. They were all done with their tests relatively quickly as well. The day was soon over, and I packed up the finished tests to take home to grade over the weekend.
I am pleased to say that 21 of my 21 students achieved an advanced score on their social studies essential objective. First time ever! I truly believe that my students really learned the content by being given the time and tools to collaborate and create.
Students are the BEST teachers!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Where Do I Begin...
I sat down over two hours ago to begin my first blogging adventure. Now, I know how my students feel sometimes when I ask them to write. I am a 4th grade teacher and with that comes the state writing test every single year. The mode of writing for 4th grade is personal narrative, and they need to be able to produce a solid piece of writing to a given prompt in two, forty minute sessions. How hard can that be? Well, now I remember! I have spent the past two hours just trying to come up with a catchy blog address and spiffy title. It's a good thing I didn't have to stick to the 40 minute guideline. I would not have passed at the state level.
Two hours later (weak transition?), with the help of my husband (he will never admit it) I sit here finally writing my first blog. I wanted my address and title to include my name in a catchy manner, hook my readers, scream I am a teacher, include my techie passion, be motivational and inspirational, and you get the gist. The kindergarten teacher (was one for many years) in me wanted it to rhyme, "queenkeeneblogspot", the fourth grade teacher in me wanted something like "writingisempoweringblogspot", and with recently earning the privilege of being a 1:1 iPad classroom I wanted it to be something like "gogreenkeeneteamblogspot", you know, meaning we use less paper and save trees. According to the writing rubric (really my husband's laughter and sometimes silence) all my ideas didn't sound much like winning addresses or titles.
After much research of educational quotes, rhyming word books, "How to Name a Blog" websites, frustration, and much laughter it happened. I realized I just needed to "Keep Calm and Reflect On", and the words would come to me.
I am glad that I sat down with my computer and the Huskers tonight to begin this adventure. It was a win/win! There is no better way for me to become a better writing teacher than to reflect and write. The Husker win wasn't too shabby either. A big shout out to my hubby for making writing my first blog so much fun.
Side note: My students have been blogging all school year. Check out their blogs at kidblog.org/MrsKeenesClass14-15/
Two hours later (weak transition?), with the help of my husband (he will never admit it) I sit here finally writing my first blog. I wanted my address and title to include my name in a catchy manner, hook my readers, scream I am a teacher, include my techie passion, be motivational and inspirational, and you get the gist. The kindergarten teacher (was one for many years) in me wanted it to rhyme, "queenkeeneblogspot", the fourth grade teacher in me wanted something like "writingisempoweringblogspot", and with recently earning the privilege of being a 1:1 iPad classroom I wanted it to be something like "gogreenkeeneteamblogspot", you know, meaning we use less paper and save trees. According to the writing rubric (really my husband's laughter and sometimes silence) all my ideas didn't sound much like winning addresses or titles.
After much research of educational quotes, rhyming word books, "How to Name a Blog" websites, frustration, and much laughter it happened. I realized I just needed to "Keep Calm and Reflect On", and the words would come to me.
I am glad that I sat down with my computer and the Huskers tonight to begin this adventure. It was a win/win! There is no better way for me to become a better writing teacher than to reflect and write. The Husker win wasn't too shabby either. A big shout out to my hubby for making writing my first blog so much fun.
Side note: My students have been blogging all school year. Check out their blogs at kidblog.org/MrsKeenesClass14-15/
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