Website

I am really excited about this week's activity.  Initially I struggled with manipulating the selected formatted site.  Once I got the hand of it I kept wanted to play with it a bit more.  It is amazing the possibilities that this site could ofhttps://sites.google.com/site/shorelineelementaryfirstgrade/homefer to parents.  In addition, it would allow me to easily post important documents and information and know that parents would receive this information.  First graders are just starting to learn responsibility.  So often a parent will call and have no idea that there was a field trip, party, or conferences because the note never got home.  I created this website to help all my parents become more involved with their child's experience within the classroom.  This is only a taste of what the site would and could include.  I would love to post pictures and maybe even silly stories about our day.  I find as a parent and a teacher that I miss out on that important "pick-up" conversation with my own kids.  If I could offer parents some of the little things that occurred during our day it could help them connect with their child.  I hope you enjoy my site!  Again, it is only a beginning!   Here it is....https://sites.google.com/site/shorelineelementaryfirstgrade/home

This is mapping of our yearly first grade expectations that are currently in place.  I created this to present to the first grade staff.  In this type of format is very easy for the eye to see that our monthly expectations are not all weighed the same.  This is the initial map that I would present and would hope that it would create discussion as to ways that we could improve our yearly outlook.  The next step after the months were looked at would be to add addition information to the map.  This information would be activities that are set into place for each of the monthly expectations.  Again, we would then re-look at the map and decide where we need to focus our efforts.  We would visually be able to see where we need to add/change activities.  The last step would be to add the GLC's to each of the areas.  We would need to go back to the web and also our GLC's and make sure that all aspects of the GLC's were covered.  Once this full map is complete it would be easy for staff to create specific units that would be used for each expectations.  This is a great visual for new staff coming in or old staff to stay on track!

Screencasting and Microsoft Word

Screencasting! What fun. It was difficult to think of how to have first graders use this tool. I do think though that first grade teachers could really benefit from this tool. Instead of going down to a teacher's room to explain how to embedd a graph within a microsoft document I could send them this video. The video would allow them to follow along step by step.

Expected Map

Map





View Tour of Whitehall's History in a larger map

History Lesson via Maps

I chose to do a lesson plan that would not only allow the students to use MyMaps, but also learn about the History of Whitehall. I would have them work in groups. Groups would start by researching the city of Whitehall using various resources. Then, they would take the information and develope a map using MyMaps. They would chose 5-7 of what they felt were the most important historical points of Whitehall. They would use this map to present to the class the History of Whitehall.

Podcasts and Education

Podcasts? That is how I first felt when hearing the term and researching them. I couldn't quite wrap my brain around the concept. Then, I started looking into the various types of podcasts and actually listening to some Podcasts. I have to say I picked this specific podcast for 2 reasons. First, I liked that it was a panel of people versus one voice. Secondly, I enjoyed the topic at hand. It was refreshing to hear various people discuss technology and the different ways technology plays a role in our society and also history. Check it out! The title is "Using Technology to Achieve Ambitious Goals." Enjoy.

Our Lovely State

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