A Vision of K-12 Students Today

 

Thank you, Mrs. Cronan and Mrs. Ward, for sharing this video during our January professional development.  This is a great reminder about our role in creating 21st century learners!

I Nook...Do you?

Recently, our library purchased several Nooks for teachers to checkout for students to use in their classrooms.  Several teachers took advantage of the opportunity, including Mrs. Keel's classroom.  These kindergarteners loved reading along and listening to stories on the Nook.  Teachers are incorporating the Nooks in to stations, small groups and lit circles.  Thank you, Mrs. Hollis, for helping us find new ways to connect students with reading!

Morning Messages through QR Codes...

Fourth Grade teachers have implemented using QR codes as a part of their Morning Messages and Morning Work.  Students use the classroom iPad to scan a new QR code each morning to reveal a problem of the day or a review from the previous day's instruction.  Teachers rotate developing the QR codes among subject areas - Math, Science, Reading/Language Arts, and Social Studies - so that students experience a variety in their review then share the codes in their grade level.  Today, all 4th graders were working on the same math problem as a part of their morning work.   Teachers created QR journals using composition notebooks cut into thirds.  The morning hustle and bustle now includes students at breakfast, conferencing with the teachers, AR tests, trips to the library and QR codes.  Way to go, Fourth Grade teachers, on finding new ways to foster independence and engagement through using technology in your classroom! 

    

How will you teach me in the 21st century?

How to Keep Students on the App of YOUR Choosing...

Below is the link which explains the Guided Activity setting on your iPad.  This setting will allow you to control the app students use on your classroom device. 

http://heidisongs.blogspot.ca/2012/11/how-to-keep-kids-on-app-of-your-choice.html

Fappulous Apps

Below are a list of apps teachers recently shared during Appy Hour.  Be sure to check these out and don't forget to keep a list of apps you want to share at the next Appy Hour...

Reading/Language Arts Apps

• Grammaropolis - reviews parts of speech
• Puppet Pals - create stories using, add voices and animation to enhance your text
• Wordball - videos and games to review phonics skills (from the creators of The Electric Company)
• Zooburst - digital storytelling tool that creates pop-up books
• Bluster - vocabulary building game from McGraw-Hill
• K12 Timed Reading Practice ($1.99) - timed fluency passages leveled K-4

Math Apps

• Khan Academy - instructional videos for reading and language arts
• My Math App - flashcards for math
• Splash Math - fun ways to practice skills and available for 1st-5th

Science Apps

• The Water Cycle - interactive app showing the four stages of the water cycle

Social Studies

• Atlas for iPad Free - world maps on your iPad

Teacher Apps

• Teacher Kit - personal organizer for teachers (track behavior and students, organize your class, etc)
• Stick Pick ($2.99) - classroom management, student engagement, monitor questioning and student responses
• Common Core Standards - national common core standards in math and language arts
• Who Had What? - create and manage a checkout system of items in your classroom (scans the barcode on a item or add your own items)
• Educreations - a white board application to create lessons

Other Apps

• AppsGoneFree - free apps of the day
• Dragon Dictation - converts spoken message into text
• 10,500+ Cool Facts - random facts to be used as fact of the day, morning messages, brain busters, etc.
• Sticky Note - sticky notes for lists and reminders
• Corkulous - cork board for your device

Appy Hour

What happens when you take...

Chips & Salsa + IPads + Umbrella Drinks + Teachers + Time to Share = Technology and Collaboration in Action



Our school is finding new ways to collaborate and share how teachers are Powering Up here at WPES.  We hosted Appy Hour after school as a time to share ways teachers are using their IPad, Apple TV and apps in the classroom.  This time was not a required faculty meeting; but instead, teachers were given time to simple share apps they have found or ways they are using their devices in their classrooms.  Teachers shared apps for classroom management, content area apps, and apps to help review and remediate skills.  This was such a fun, relaxing way to share and learn from each other as we teach in a digital age!
  

It Begins with the Teacher...

If you give a WILDCAT an IPad...they'll take their classroom to a whole new level!  That is exactly what is happening here at White Plains Elementary School.  Teachers and administrators are discovering ways to incorporate technology into the learning process so that our students are not only engaged in learning, but applying up-to-date skills, which will help them become productive, tech-savy citizens.  Teachers were surprised with a  scavenger hunt prior to Christmas Break where they discovered a hidden stash of IPads providing one for each teacher for use in their classrooms.  These IPads will benefit teachers through classroom instruction and classroom management, as well as creating an environment where, not only students, but teachers are also actively engaged in utilizing new technologies in their classroom to meet students needs.  Teachers were also given Apple TVs for their classroom.  Additionally, teachers were given a full day of professional development relating to using their IPads, Apple TVs, websites and apps.  Our WPES Wildcats are ready to Power Up!