Welcome to My World: Web 2.0

This class has truly made me realize how important integrating technology into the classroom setting can be.  Whenever we learned something new, I couldn't wait to go into school the next day and try it out with my students.  There has been so much positive feedback not only from the students, but from parents as well.  Blogger, web 2.0 tools, digital storytelling, Class Dojo, and the list goes on...I'm so happy that I was able to take my first teaching experience to the next level, all through technology.  I will, without a doubt, continue to implement all that I have learned in this class with my students every chance I get.  Because honestly, in today's changing world, we are responsible for making sure we teach our students as best we can - they are our future!  And not only that, Google Docs and Google Sites have provided me with an easy to use form of communication that I will be sure to share with my colleagues.  Welcome to the world of technology, where every teacher should be are aware of the importance of technology in the classroom.   

Puppet Shows for Everyone!

Looking for something fun and educational for your students?  Well if you have access to iPads, you're in luck!  Puppet Pals, a fun, free app allows your students to choose characters, backgrounds, and special effects to create a scene from Fairy Tales and beyond!!  But the best part?  Your students can animate their characters and create a story line.  Once they record their puppet show, they can even share it with the class!  If you're willing to upgrade, you can download Puppet Pals Director's Pass for just $2.99.  Director's Pass allows you access to the many different possibilities -- holiday themes, magical characters -- the possibilities are endless!  

Earth Week: Success!

Earth Week in second grade was a complete success this year!
Being able to get the students outside in 70 degree weather was perfect -- and the fact that they learned all about the history of Canton was an added bonus! Hiking the Rails to Trails path for two miles was a bit of a stretch, but it was a much deserved day that everyone got to enjoy!

Font Frenzy

So here's the thing...it seems that in ALL of my spare time ;) I like to search for new and exciting things to use in the classroom on Pinterest.  I'm not sure why it took me so long...but I've just discovered how quick and easy it is to download tons of new fonts that upload right to Microsoft Word.  Clearly, the teacher in me is pretty excited right now!!

Connecting with Teacher Bloggers is a great way to find such amazing resources!!  Who would have thought :)  An Apple a Day in First Grade provided me with some pretty basic, yet fun teacher fonts...but my favorite fonts came from Teach Junkie - I had 26 fonts to choose from!  The download process is really easy, too!  Simply click on the download button, open the file, then install the font.  As easy as 1,2,3...but if you're still having trouble, check out this tutorial on A Turn to Learn.  

In Room 20, We Have Fun!

As a way of wrapping up our second grade Poetry Unit, I decided that putting together a class poem and creating a digital story would just what the students need.  I'm so happy that my students were able to experience the art of digital storytelling because they LOVED the result.

So, here it is...I hope you enjoy it as much as my class and I did!


           

Voki in the Classroom

                                    

And...here it is!  One of many great Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom.  Voki is a tool that can be used to introduce students to a lesson, a concept, an idea...basically whatever you want!  Don't like a character?  Change it!!  Voki offers so much to choose from.  And not only that!  Voki is user friendly, too!  Students of all ages can create a character, record, type, or even call in what they want their character to say, and voila!  Voki at your fingertips!

Diigo Doozy

With technology on the fast track, Diigo's got you covered.  Great ideas, tips, news articles, and so much more...Diigo is the place to store!  Need to find something in a pinch?  Simple, just search for a key term or phrase and Diigo brings you there.  Check out my Diigo library to find many resources to use in the classroom! 

Digital Storytelling with a Prezi Twist

Simple and to the point, here's a Prezi that I created about Digital Storytelling...

             

Need more great Web 2.0 tools to help with your Digital Storytelling? Only2Clicks has your answers!

Behavior Management Problems?

Need to find a new way to keep your student's behavior on track?  Check out ClassDojo and begin creating your class list.  Students having a good day?  Reward them with positive behavior points.  Students off task?  Let them know. Check out this ClassDojo video to learn more!  

                                                                                                                                

Digital Celebration

It's been quite the experience putting together my first digital story...and I have to say, I LOVE it!! I can't believe that I've had such an amazing tool, Windows Movie Maker, stored on my computer since the day I bought it!  Now...for anyone who's ever thought of how hard it must be to put together a movie, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  There are many great programs to use, and from what I've heard, they're all user friendly.  MovieMaker, Photostory 3, and iMovie, - just to name a few - provide the opportunity to combine photos and/or videos along with music and voice-over...a combination anyone can get used to!  Actually, the hardest part of this entire experience is finding the perfect pictures and videos to use!

Next month, the entire second grade team and I will set on our next journey to teaching our students about the History of Canton, Connecticut.  So clearly, I thought it would be very fitting to create an introductory video to prepare the students for what is to come :)

Here it is...any thoughts?



After creating my first copy, my rough draft, if you will, I used Google Docs and created a survey form.  Consisting of a few simple questions, I wanted to get an idea for what others thought of my creation.  The feedback I received was very helpful...and very much appreciated as I finalized my video :)

I'm very happy to say that I am proud of the way my digital story turned out, and I CAN'T wait to share it with my students!!  However, the next time that I put together a digital story, I want to see how it will turn out with some actual video in there.

Once Upon a Time...

Once Upon a Time there was a second grade teacher who couldn't wait to begin the Fairy Tale unit.  So happy to say that that our unit has finally begun!!

Just thought that I'd share a couple of posters that I created to use with my students.  Yes- I found the ideas for these posters on Pinterest, but here's what I came up with :)  You can also find more resources posted to my Once Upon a Time board on my Pinterest account.