This week at Bethware was very exciting and fun! My class went to the library and to computers this Friday. The librarian read them a book out loud, and she was great. Then they get time check out books themselves. On the computers they get to play educational games, and they were all very focused and quiet, the entire time they were on the computers. It is amazing to see how engaged kids get with computer games. Once they were back in the classroom, they had novel reading time, after they went over morning work. They have their own novel notebooks, with notes they are taking on the novel. Mrs. Scoggins hates guided reading, because she usually does not have enough helpers for it to effective. I actually got to help the only EC student in our class with her reading comprehension test, and that was very special! It took us about 30 minutes to finish the test, but it was well worth it. Then I got to have my own group of students to help with their Eureka Math, and they were the 4 lowest performing students in the class, and keeping them focused was a real challenge, but we made it through. I got to use my teacher look so much during that math time.
Since I noticed how engaged my students were during computer time, I wanted to research some different computer games, that my students could play during this time. Right now, they only have math games, but I want to see what it all out there and free for teachers to use.
The website, Math Playground, has a ton of different computer games for kids of all ages and grade levels. This website is also linked directly with common core standards, so that is a big plus! The next website I found is called Common Sense Media, and what is interesting about this one, is that there are different tabs along the top for students, educators and parents. So if the parents do not understand how to do something, they can pull up this tab and see how it works to help their kid. This website is also strongly aligned with Common Core, and has tons of games and activities that the students can play. The last one I found is called Room Recess, and it does not just have math games, but also reading, writing, spelling and math games. This website covers all areas, so you could even individualize the learning for each student, by making them play a game in the area they may not be strongest in.
Finding computer games that are specialized to our students needs would fit into the NC Teaching Standard 4. Facilitating learning in the classroom, and bring technology into the classroom, is a big part of standard 4, and what we are doing during our computer times in specials.
http://www.mathplayground.com/
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/common-core-friendly-math-apps-games-and-websites
http://roomrecess.com/
It is amazing how engaged students become when technology is involved. I've noticed that with my class. When it is time for using the Ipads, they are completely focused on what they are doing, and they are always asking me when it is time to use the Ipads. I think that it is very awesome that you were able to help the EC student with the test and also help a group of students with finishing their math. It always feels awesome when the teacher lets you be involved with what they are doing, and it is also excellent practice!
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteI like that you got to experience specials with the kids. It is good to be informed of what goes on in these pull outs! Awesome job on observing, but using what you observed to broaden your horizon and find ways to reach your kids. I am definitely going to look into the three websites that you shared. My PDP last semester was based on tech tools for the classroom. I would like to add these resources to that list(:
Thanks for sharing!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI've yet to be with my students while they are in the library during specials time, so I'm so glad you gave us a rundown! It sounds like things are going great with your classroom, and you are learning a lot about the structure of this team/school. I'm glad that you picked up on their engagement during computers, and instead of chalking it up to the generation, you did some research to apply it to your future lessons! That is great!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the titles of all your blog posts! It is nice to have a good laugh every once in a while. I loved reading about how well you are enjoying your clinical experience and how you are getting to work with some of the students, I think it is great!! I also really liked how you incorporated a technology piece into your blog that the students love to use, computer games! My class is all about getting to have computer time and playing those educational games. My teacher uses it for an incentive to get her students to do what she wants them to do. I will definitely be checking out the sites you listed and talking with my CE about some of these to see if she is familiar with them. Great post!!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the share. Remember, tech will never be a replacement for a good teacher. How do you plan to use this resource to enhance and not replace student learning?
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE JOKES! They make me smile all the time! I'm glad to read about your clinical experience. It's great that you are getting to work with your students and get an idea about the Eureka Math. I know its tough because this is my first time seeing it and the first time for my CE. It will get easier to understand and I know you're going to do great with it. I really enjoyed the research of the computer games that you included. Those will be very helpful and beneficial during student teaching. Great post!!