Digital Citizenship in Kindergarten

We are teaching digital natives. Our students come to us knowing how to take a selfie, swipe on a screen and much more!

It can be a mixed blessing. As our classrooms become more integrated with technology, it is important to be mindful and think about what we are teaching our students as digital citizens.

Last year, I had the opportunity to become a Digital Citizenship Educator. The experience helped to raise my awareness about the topics that our youngest learners can handle in regards to Digital Citizenship. 

Next week, October 16th - 20th is Digital Citizenship Week. So, I thought I'd share how you can help create Digital Citizens in your classrooms. 

What does Digital Citizenship in Kindergarten look like? 

In my classroom, I kept the format simple. We usually watched a video on an element of Digital Citizenship. The Educator section on Common Sense has many to choose from. Afterwards, we had a class discussion. If possible, I created extension activities and anchor charts. 

I found out a lot about my students' interaction with social media, the internet and how they use their devices during our class discussions. This was truly eye opening. Their candor helped me with follow up lessons. 

If you think that teaching Digital Citizenship in Kindergarten is too soon. I'm sorry to tell you, it isn't. These discussions and lessons are important. I hope that by teaching this sooner rather than later, we will help alleviate the problem we see now with teens and social media. We are creating habits that can have a lifelong impact. 

If you'd like to learn more lesson on Digital Citizenship for young learners, here is a Thinglink I created. I highly recommend CommonSense.org for both educators and families. It has a wealth of resources for all ages.

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Coding with Kindergarteners

Coding with Kindergarteners?!

Okay, I know what you are thinking.  Kindergarteners coding?!  I must admit that I thought the same thing. I also thought how can I teach coding when I don't even know how? Coding requires computers, right?! Wrong!  I learned that you don't need to be a coding expert to teach coding. You can learn right alongside your students. Coding can be fun and engaging. It helps students to think critically, work with one another and to problem solve. Isn't that what we want all our students to achieve? While I am not a coding expert, I do believe that my role as a teacher is to give my students opportunities to partake in learning that will help them in their future. Coding does just that. Here are a few ways we explored coding in our classroom.  Computer Coding

Traditionally, we think of coding via the computer.  Luckily, we don't have to need to know a coding program like Java to code. Today, there are many resources for learners young and old to learn to code.   Code.org is a great resource and has a plethora of activities. In our classroom, we also use Kodable; a free resource for teachers and students. My students loved both of these.   Paperless Coding

Paperless coding or coding unplugged is a great way to introduce coding to young students. Students learn the basics of coding such as sequencing, patterns, directionality and following directions.   In our classroom, we used SitSpots and arrows. Students worked in groups to tell each other how to travel through the SitSpots. 

You could easily modify this by using something like this or use a resource like this one to help you plan your lessons.  What I liked about paperless coding is that students really began to understand the need for giving explicit directions.  Coding with Bots One of my goals this year was to go beyond the Hour of the Code in my classroom.

I knew that I wanted my students to code but I just didn't know how to fit it all in. I decided to incorporate coding into my math centers.  We used this Code and Go Robot Mouse. It was perfect for partner work. Students created a maze/path for Colby the Coding Mouse to find the cheese. What I liked about this bot was all the mathematical reasoning that was involved.  When I saw this Coji Bot which you code using emojis, I knew my class just had to have it. 

This little bot can be used with or without the app or device. Coji performs a series of movements based on how it is coded. It also responds to your coding via different emojis. Students loved this component.  

As I move forward teaching my students more about coding, I'd like to continue to incorporate new tools; thanks to Amazon Prime Day my Ozobot arrives soon, apps, resources and programs. I also want to set aside more time weekly to coding. 

Giveaway

I'd love to help you incorporate more coding into your classroom, too. If you are a Follower of my blog via any platform (Bloglovin', Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), I am giving away to one lucky follower either the Code and Go Mouse or the Coji bot. All you have to do is comment below with how you would incorporate this into your classroom. Leave your email address and I will pick a winner 7/19.

Please note: This giveaway is not affiliated with any of the above companies. These are products which I used and like. Open to US residents only. 

Congratulations, Lorena! 

Coding is for everyone; even our youngest learners! I hope that you can incorporate one of these three ways to code with your students. 

Happy Coding!

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Using the Explore Tool with Young Learners

Have you tried the Explore Tool in Google Docs or Slides with your students?  If not, you must! What I like about it is that it is so easy to use; even a kindergartener can do it! 

This smart tool uses the content within your document to help determine the topic, related research and images as you Explore.  This allows young learners, like mine, to research and/or add images safely from within Google Docs or Slides. 

My students have used the Explore tool primarily to insert images. They type or use Voice Typing; another favorite, to create their document. Then, they simply click on the Explore icon and related images appear. My students find the one they like and press insert. The image is embedded into the document. 

Easy peasy. 

Integrating technology doesn't always have to be hard on you or your students with tools like Explore.

What are your favorite Google tech tools?

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STEM Resources for Little Builders

Are you trying to integrate more STEM into your classroom?  

Me, too!

I've gathered a collection of STEM resources for littles builders.  These are some of my favorite items for the classroom.

TECHNOLOGY FOR LITTLE BUILDERS 

Our students are digital natives. We know that they are using technology in and out of the home. Why not give them the best technology has to offer! These tools will challenge your students in new ways. 

Bloxels allows you to create your own video game by creating your own character using the Bloxel blocks and the Bloxel Builder app. This game combines both physical building and interactive online play. 

I am excited to use Learning Resources Code & Go Robot during Hour of the Code.  This little bot is a perfect way to introduce coding to my students.  

PlayOsmo has been a classroom staple for a few years. The games allow for collaboration and increases in difficulty. Tangrams and Words are classroom favorites.

ENGINEERING FOR LITTLE BUILDERS

STEM is all about constructing and creating. That is what I love about it.  These engineering tools have endless possibilities and uses.

Snap Circuits are an oldie but goodie. It is great for someone who likes to discover how things work. 

If you are working on force and motion, a Marble Run is a must have tool.  

Brain Flakes, Squigz, ETI Construction Toys, and MagnaFormers are perfect for open ended building. These toys are fantastic for the engineers in our classroom. 

Lastly, don't forget everyday items like cardboard boxes, paper, and other recyclable household materials. They are great for many STEM related projects that your students might work on throughout the school year.  

What I love the most about all of these STEM resources for little builders is that they help students become creators and thinkers.  We all know that this is what our students need the most; opportunities to shine.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.  

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Integrated Technology with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a timeless classic used by many in kindergarten and first grade classrooms.  

This year, I am adding a technology twist inspired by my reading of The HyperDoc Handbook: Digital Lesson Design Using Google Apps. 

I have created a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom hyperdoc which my students will use in Google Classroom. Students will watch a video of the story, sort letters in their name and even sing the alphabet song. This extension activity will be completed in small groups with me guiding them through the process as this will most likely be one of our first activities using Google Classroom and #GAFE tools.  

I am excited to see what other integrated technology lessons I create inspired by our learning.

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Creating Green Screen Videos

Have you ever wondered how to create a video using a green screen? Do you consider yourself a novice when it comes to some aspects of technology? If you said, yes to either of these questions, I felt the same way.

For the past few weeks, my class has learned all about the weather. I knew that I wanted my students to become meteorologists. I saw many creations like this one on Twitter that inspired me to stretch myself as a teacher and learner.

Using the app DoInk, I was able to layer a video and image with a few easy steps.

Weather forecast presentations. The class had a blast creating these. #doink #greenscreen

A video posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Apr 18, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT

First, I found an area in my room to film. I choose a small corner which did not interfere with our day to day learning. It was a large enough area where I could hang my green screen which I created by using this. Then, I filmed my students in front of the screen using my smartphone.

The app will merge your video and an image together to create the video.

Ta-da! You've just created a layered video! Save and your done!

I wish I could show you the videos my students created. They are as precious as they are. We had a viewing party of Friday as a conclusion of our learning. It was a great way to incorporate technology in a meaningful way.

Please note: DoInk did not ask me to write about their product. 

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Creating a Hyperlink to Use In Google Classroom

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.  

The possibilities are endless.  

Would you like to see what the document looks like?  Click here for a sample of how you could use Brain Pop Jr. to introduce US symbols.  

Have you tried using hyperlinks with your students?  I would be fascinated to see what you are doing with your students. 

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Guided Drawing of Ruby Bridges Plus a Technology Twist

If you read my last blog post, you know how I feel about the gift of education.    Ruby Bridges was one of many brave children who paved the way to end segregation in schools. I believe that my students can identify with Ruby Bridges due in part to her age when her parents responded to a request from the NAACP and volunteered to her integrate within the New Orleans school system.   This year, I plan to try something new when teaching about Ruby Bridges. My students do so well with guided drawing that I have decided to create a guided drawing of Ruby Bridges.

Usually guided drawing lessons take about 30-45 minutes.  I give step by step directions and monitor students as we go along.  I like my students to draw in pencil (no erasers).  Afterwards, they use a black marker to go over their pencil markers.  Finally, they color. For this lesson, students will make her bow out of construction paper and glue on after they have completed coloring the entire project. Here is a video giving you step by step directions of how to draw Ruby Bridges.   (My videographer was my 8 year old son so please excuse some of the shaking.) 

You could do the exact same lesson with your students using their iPads if you are 1-1.  Students would open a drawing app; I used Sketchbook and follow along as you gave them directions.  Once completed, they would save it to their camera roll.  Then, they could upload it to Seesaw and either add text or record their learning.  


 Please share with me if you use this in your classroom. I would love to see what your students create.

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Creating With ThingLink for Education

Have you heard about ThingLink? Thinglink allows you to turn your images into stories; Common Core writing at its best. This web based platform can be used via the computer or on a mobile device.  To get started, you will need to register.  Be sure to register as a teacher. Educators can use the site for free and have their students use the site as well.  You are ready to start.  Upload an image or video and begin creating! This interactive platform is easy to use.

Here is the Thinklink that I created about myself. (If viewing on a mobile device, you might need to tap on the picture to view.) I plan on adding this to my classroom website as a way to introduce myself to families this upcoming school year.  I also hope to have my students create one about themselves. Since I teach kindergarten, I may ask our upper grade buddies to assist us or do this later in the year.

The possibilities are endless! 

This is the ThingLink my son created about our recent vacation trip.  Isn't this a great way to write a paragraph without feeling that your are writing a paragraph?!

  

I hope you'll explore this resource.  This is a great technology tool that allows our students to create, think and collaborate.

Happy Teaching!

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Google Classroom Tips for Young Learners

In a previous post, I shared about using Google Classroom in my kindergarteners. Today, I am going to share a few classroom tips for using Google classroom with our youngest learners.

Tip #1

I can't say how important it is to model.  In the beginning, I would model and my students would do the same step right after me.  As they became more proficient, I could show several steps.

For example, I would show them how to find the Google Classroom tab to open up the app. Then, they would do the exact same step and wait.  

As students became more comfortable, I was able to give a mini lesson and then, let them get to work.  The first few minutes of them getting started was always filled with high energy.  Once, they settled in, they became much more settled in their work. 

As with all good teaching, modeling is important.  

Tip #2

I would suggest that you begin Google Classroom after you have taught routines and procedures.  I always tell my students, "Slow and steady wins the race." I think it is true in this case.  Google Classroom is a tool that can enhance learning.  

I did not launch Google Classroom until the second half of the year.  This was well after my students had some basic computer skills such as the ability to log onto their Chromebook, click and were very familiar with using other sites for learning. More importantly, young learners need to have at least some alphabetic knowledge and writing skills.    

This year, I hope to launch Google Classroom earlier in the school year.  This is only because I feel more comfortable with using it. It took me some time to get familiar with the platform and to be willing to try it out.

Tip #3 

In order for this to be successful, you will have to make time.  I purposely planned at least an hour at week when first starting. The time actually increased as we began to create larger projects and work collaboratively.  

We did all our work in class rather than asynchronously.  This meant that I had to embed technology into my teaching and into my students learning. I had to think "outside the box" and somewhat outside of my comfort zone.  For example, when learning about 2 dimensional shapes instead of make an art collage with paper, we used Google Drawing to create our art.  This was all new.  

I hope that these tips encourage you to give Google Classroom a try with your students.  If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Teaching!

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Google Classroom in Kindergarten

Have you tried Google Classroom? Google Classroom is a blended learning platform for schools. It is part of the Google Apps for Education (#GAFE) tools.  

I never in a million years imagined using it with kindergarteners. But, guess what?! I did!

I was amazed with my students ability to navigate the system and its overall ease of use.  

Via Google Classroom I am able to give my students assignments, links to websites and send announcements.  We primarily used Google Classroom to learn about various Google tools such as Google Docs, Google Drawings and Google Slides.  Yes, you could use Google Drive to get to these tools but Google Classroom is much less work and easier to navigate.  Trust me. I tried both ways.  

What I loved about this platform was that it gave my students the opportunity to create, collaborate, learn and explore. Students discovered that they were capable of creating digitally.  

Rarely did students finish assignments in one sitting.  That was okay. I made sure to provide time throughout the week as well as to make sure that the assignment did not have an immediate due date.  For early finishers, I was able to differentiate by adding a writing component, having them help other students or giving them a different assignment.

Our culminating assignment was to create a Google Slide presentation about an ocean animal.  This assignment allowed my students to show their mastery of many of the skills that we had learned over the course of the school year. 

Want to learn more about how to get started with Google Classroom?  Sailing into Second Grade has a great blog post about Google Classroom basics.

Happy Teaching!

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Document Student Learning with #SeesawEdu

As a teacher, I like to collect samples of student learning.  A portfolio, in my opinion, is the best way to document student learning. Using portfolios allows me to keep samples of student learning at a moment in time but also over time.  I use them to help with grading, share with parents at conferences and to help me revise my instruction.

But, what if you could do this digitally?

Recently, I discovered an app that allows you to gather and collect student learning digitally.

Seesaw is a FREE app that can be used via your smartphone or iPad.  After watching this quick video, I was ready to create my class, add names and get started.

It is very user friendly. In fact, I began using it immediately in my classroom.  I taught my kindergarten students how to take a photo of their work using the iPad and record themselves.

Here is a sample of a child's work.  (Please excuse all the background noise.  We are busy learning.) 

Students and teachers are not limited to only taking photos and recording.  I think that Seesaw has combined some of my favorite apps features into one. You can take a video, draw and add notes. You are also able to use videos and images from any other app which has generated a photo or video onto your camera roll.

Source

One of the features of this app is that you can communicate directly with parents.  Parents are give a unique link to their child's work via the Parent Access app.  I am currently testing this with one parent to see how it works for our classroom and school dynamics.

I also like that you can assess this app from any mobile device.  This means that I can view my students' work from anywhere and anytime.  This is very convenient.

I am so happy that I stumbled upon this app during my Twitter chat with my #TeacherFriends.  It  really is worth trying and experimenting with in your classroom.


Happy Teaching!

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New Osmo Game - Masterpiece

Kids Tech Device Osmo Launches Masterpiece

Masterpiece

Using Osmo's reflective technology, Masterpiece will guide you as you draw line by line to recreate a photo or images of your choosing.  All you'll need is the Osmo device,  and Masterpiece app.

Watch this video to see how it works.

I love how you can combine images to create a unique drawing.   What's best is that this app is free for Osmo users.

Masterpiece has been created for people of all ages.  You are only limited by your own creativity.  I can't wait to take this into my classroom and see what my students create.

To learn more about using Osmo in your classroom, read my previous blog post.  

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Assess with Plickers

Have you heard of Plickers? Plickers is a free teacher created app that uses an internet connected mobile device and a student's unique Plicker card.  Teachers create questions.  Students use their Plicker card to select an answer and hold it up as the teacher scans the cards using an iPad or smartphone.  Data is reported and collected instantly!

Assessing with Plickers is a great alternative to traditional means of data collecting.

I used Plickers to create a formative assessment about American symbols.  The questions I asked my students were created to help inform my instruction.  We took this as a pre-test and will take it again at the conclusion of our unit.

Here is a sample.

What I like about it is that I can ask all or a group of my students questions.  Since their Plicker cards are unique, students are less apt to "copy" each other.  Students also love the fact that technology is incorporated.

To learn more about Plickers, this video was very helpful.

Teaching American symbols is one of my favorite units.  Read more about our writing and craft ideas from these previous posts.

My students are learning more about America. Many know very little. We made these hearts to go with the book I Am America. #iteachtoo #teachersofinstagram

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Feb 19, 2015 at 8:13pm PST

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Computers in Kindergarten

Classrooms around the country are becoming 1-1 classrooms.  My classroom is no different.

To prepare, I took a course on Blended Learning.  Honestly, I was skeptical.  I could not envision my students nor I using the computer with them on a regular basis.  Although, the course was aimed at older grades, it gave me the knowledge I needed to integrate, set up, and use computers in my class.

We've been using Chromebooks regularly in our classroom since mid-October.  The first few weeks were not easy.  I had to rethink my teaching, how I ran my small group instruction and teach my students the basics of using a computer such as logging in.

I decided to use the rotation model as a way to integrate computers into our school day.

A photo posted by Mrs.Parker (@learningwithmrsparker) on Oct 13, 2014 at 8:25am PDT

The last half of our day is dedicated to small group learning.  During math time, students work independently on the computer or work with a partner at math centers.  The next day, we switch.

Computer time is embedded within our literacy centers.  While on the computer, they are using web based tools such as iReady, IXL, and Moby Max.  These programs monitor their progress and adapt as needed.

Although, I am 1-1, I rarely have all the students on the computer at the same time.  I would rather they are working on age appropriate skills using more traditional methods.

I think that it is important that my students have the opportunity to learn independently but to also work with others in a social setting.  I purposely try to create or purchase center activities that will make learning fun.  I want them to be just as engaged if not more so while working at centers with their peers.

I must admit, my students like using the computer.  But, I find that they still want me to acknowledge their learning.  Although they may earn a medal or a congratulations, it is my thumbs up or verbal praise that they seek.

Honestly, that makes me so proud.  Computers may be entering our classrooms but it can not replace me.

source

Happy Teaching,

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#Osmo Review and Giveaway

Recently,  I was asked to review Osmo; an interactive iPad game that uses real objects within the digital realm.  I have used this with my own child and with my students.  I love how this game is not limited by age or grade. Rather, it appeals to all ages because it uses logic and creativity.

Osmo comes with a reflector, a base for your iPad and supplies for two of the three games. Set up is easy.  I recommend that you install the free apps (Tangrams, Words, and Newton) prior to playing.

My students were very curious as I was setting up our classroom iPad for them to work with me.  First, we tried Tangrams. The objective is to build the picture as shown on the screen. The colored tangrams coincide with those displayed on the screen.  For some of my students, this was a bit difficult but with the help of a friend, they were able to create.  This is a perfect game for developing spatial relationships and learning how objects can be moved and rotated to build.

Next, we tried Words.  Words comes with letter tiles and has preset word games which you can play.  This is perfect for my 7 year old but not so great for my emerging readers.  Thankfully, Osmo  lets you create your own set of words to use; myWords.  All you need to do is upload a picture and add the word.

Artwork by Whimsy Clips.

This was a bit hit!  Not only were they engaged and wanting to build the words.  They were learning.  They literally clapped and cheered after each word we built. They had so much fun that they begged to play the same game over again.  As teachers, we know that it is not often that our students want to repeat the same lesson again.

Osmo is a great tool for the classroom. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to use one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2014 in my classroom. And, now, you can too! The folks at Osmo have generously offered to giveaway one to you.

Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurry so that you can begin the new year in your classroom using this fantastic iPad device.


Good luck!




Please note: This is open to US residents only.  
I received an Osmo device to use in my classroom for this honest review.  

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