Learning With Mrs. Parker

Instagram has become one of my favorite ways to share what is happening in my classroom. Here are a few Instagram photos I shared this week my IG account.

Recently, I became one of our school's writing coaches. The program we are using has some scripted activities but allows us to teach creatively and to use practices that best support the needs of our students. My kids are loving the TPR that is included throughout the unit.

IG

Do you ever wonder what you look like while teaching? Here is a snippet of a recent writing lesson. #iteachk #iteachtoo #teachersofinstagram #thmpride #teachersfollowteachers

A video posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 21, 2016 at 7:40am PST

Instagram has become one of my favorite teacher resources for "must have" items. I am using these Scoop Rockers with a few of my kiddos who have difficulty during whole group lessons on the rug. I am finding that they are more focused and less disruptive.

When the Scoop Rockers you have been seeing on IG match your classroom colors you know it was meant to be. #iteachtoo #flexibleseating #thmpride #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 18, 2016 at 8:06am PST

This bulletin board is one of my favorites spots in my classroom. I can easily change out what is on display. Currently, hanging are our first research reports. I love that I can integrate technology but also continue to do age appropriate arts and crafts.

We completed our first research reports. On the blog I explain how I use hyperlinks to let my students independently research via #googleclassroom. #iteachk #iteachtoo #TechinK #teachersfollowteachers #thmpride

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 22, 2016 at 5:38pm PST

I think that the most teachable moments sometimes come at the spur of the moment. My students were captivated by this lizard. It became our classroom pet for the day.

The class found this lizard at the beginning of the day. It became our writing topic. #teachersofinstagram #iteachtoo #iteachk #teachersfollowteachers

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 23, 2016 at 5:47pm PST

Finally, here's a pic I shared of our city during a typical California winter.

San Diego #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #lwmrsparker365

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 27, 2016 at 5:24pm PST

Do you love Instagram? I'd love to connect with you there too. Follow me on Instagram.

I'm linking up with Doodles Bug Teaching.

Happy Photo Sharing!

Hyperlinks. What are they? And, why would you use them in the classroom? More specifically with Google Classroom.

A hyperlink, more commonly known as link, is a word, phrase or image that you click on that takes you to another site or document.

I have been using hyperlinks with my kindergarten students for several reasons. First of all, this is one way to deliver content to my students that does not involve me. Students are able to learn using 21st century skills; collaborating with a peer or group while using digital tools. Students have as much time as they need when the assignment is given via a platform such as Google Classroom. I am a facilitator rather than the person delivering knowledge. Students are given full responsibility of their learning.

Creating a hyperlink is easy. I like using Google Slides but any #GAFE tool would work. First, I create a directions page and embed the link usually on an image like seen below. To do this, you would highlight the word or image and go to Insert link.

Easy peasy.

When students access their document via Google Classroom, they would see the directions page first. By using a simple icon and the words Click Here, students know instantly what to do. When students click on the hyperlink, the link will appear on the bottom as shown. Students click the blue linked line and are "taken" to the site that you directed them to.