I have enjoyed learning and using a blog for this class. I have mentioned several times that I will likely use this to communicate with parents. Our school websites were disabled by accident and I miss being able to use it as an avenue to post general information, share picture, homework, etc. As a 1st grade teacher, I don't see a lot of value for my own students, though it is not wise to underestimate my young learners. Every Wednesday we have the use of our school COW (computer on wheels). Every student has a MacBook---the possibilities are endless. They really are amazing!!!
This class was great for me. I appreciate the flexibility I have had!! It has been a lot of fun to experiment without extreme pressure of deadlines, etc.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Bye Twitter Updates and Blog Articles
I removed a couple of gadgets that I believe were cluttering my space. I changed my background design and really like the orange. I needed a change.
I have read a couple of articles with regard to blogging. The first one was taken form the International Reading Association. It is called, HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking. It talked a lot about supporting literacy programs in alternative ways. What a great method. Students need the experience with technology and here literacy skills are promoted. Students develop internet communication skills bridging the gap between in-school and out-of-school literacies. Not bad.
The second article I found was published be the National Council of Teachers of English. This one is entitled, New Voices: Linkin' (B)logs: A New Literacy of Hyperlinks. Hyperlinks creates ease moving from one page to another. Which reminds me, I have not successfully added the RSS feed to my blog. I can't quite rap my head around this yet, but I am working at it.
As for blogging in my 1st grade teacher world, I see it more as a parent communication tool rather than and educations tool. However, for older students, I see the benefits of using blogs to promote learning. In my case, I believe that this mode also promotes learning, just in a very different kind of way. My mode is more of a way to assist with the home connection--which is very important and lends itself to all kinds of opportunities.
I have read a couple of articles with regard to blogging. The first one was taken form the International Reading Association. It is called, HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking. It talked a lot about supporting literacy programs in alternative ways. What a great method. Students need the experience with technology and here literacy skills are promoted. Students develop internet communication skills bridging the gap between in-school and out-of-school literacies. Not bad.
The second article I found was published be the National Council of Teachers of English. This one is entitled, New Voices: Linkin' (B)logs: A New Literacy of Hyperlinks. Hyperlinks creates ease moving from one page to another. Which reminds me, I have not successfully added the RSS feed to my blog. I can't quite rap my head around this yet, but I am working at it.
As for blogging in my 1st grade teacher world, I see it more as a parent communication tool rather than and educations tool. However, for older students, I see the benefits of using blogs to promote learning. In my case, I believe that this mode also promotes learning, just in a very different kind of way. My mode is more of a way to assist with the home connection--which is very important and lends itself to all kinds of opportunities.
Life Moves Fast
This term has been quite a challenge for me. It just seemed to snowball. Fortunately, I have understanding people in my life who have offered me flexibility. Whew! As I attempt to catch up I have still been working at adding a counter as a gadget to my blog. So far, not so good, but I am still trying. I still really like the idea of using a blog to communicate with my classroom families. I haven't done anything yet, but I plan to!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Blogging
Blogging has been great! I think I am going to create a blog for my class and share it with parents. I really like how you can get information out there quick and with very little effort. I have come across some other teacher blogs that I am enjoying. Here is one...
http://elementaryteacherblog.blogspot.com/
http://elementaryteacherblog.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 16, 2011
New Journals
These are our new journals.
We are ready to write and we are working very hard to use
punctuation, spaces between words, and spelling high frequency words!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Blogging
I am really having fun with this class. I wish I had more time to play, but perhaps I will over the three-day weekend. I am getting so many ideas from others and am also hoping I am keeping up with the class requirements. Happy Blogging!
Monday, January 10, 2011
How can I use this...
I am thinking of how I can use this kind of forum to communicate with parents. Our school district offers teachers a website via School Center, but I don't really think that it is very user-friendly and from what I can tell, limited. So far, this seems a lot easier to use even though I am still learning how to use it. If anyone has any input, I'd love to hear (read) it.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Whew!
What a week it has been! First week back at my school and first week back with online and WOU classes. I took 9 hours last term, but was only able to find 7 hours of needed coursework for this term. I have to admit, I am off to a slow start. One of my other classes is off and running---much like this one. I have to catch up this weekend along with my lesson planning, assessment data analyzing, laundry, and everything else. Not complaining, thinking aloud, er, well, typing and announcing!
Today went so quickly. We had our 7/8th grade buddies come down and read in our classroom. We had an assembly and P.E. It was a busy day. I loved being back at school. I missed my students over the break. Ya, I enjoyed a more leisure schedule, but after a while I need to return to a routine.
2011 is looking good, busy, but good!!
Today went so quickly. We had our 7/8th grade buddies come down and read in our classroom. We had an assembly and P.E. It was a busy day. I loved being back at school. I missed my students over the break. Ya, I enjoyed a more leisure schedule, but after a while I need to return to a routine.
2011 is looking good, busy, but good!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
About Me
So far so good! I have a new gmail account and a blog! Hooray!
I am Maureen Seifert and I am a first grade teacher at Pioneer School. This is my sixth year teaching and I am passionate about my work. I enjoy my students and their families. They challenge me and make me strive to be the best I can be. I am currently working on my master's degree and reading endorsement. I enjoy technology and am excited to explore Blogs in Education.
I am Maureen Seifert and I am a first grade teacher at Pioneer School. This is my sixth year teaching and I am passionate about my work. I enjoy my students and their families. They challenge me and make me strive to be the best I can be. I am currently working on my master's degree and reading endorsement. I enjoy technology and am excited to explore Blogs in Education.
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