Teacg 21 Reflections

Teach 21 has opened a whole new world for me, the world of technology. I have learned new vocabulary , become more comfortable with the computer, and new ways of approaching teaching and learning. Whenever I am beginning to plan a new unit of study, whether it is math, science, reading or social studies, I look for what is available to help me to teach the concepts. I check out websites and look for manipulatives and games on the smartboard. I really have integrated technology into my classroom which would not have happened as quickly if I had not been a part of this workshop. My students, who get bored SO easily, have maintained more interest in whatever I am teaching. They have enjoyed helping me learn. Many times they have been the teachers. I think I have been a model for them for setting goals. I set the goal that I would learn something new on the smartboard each day. Many days they ask me what I learned "today". I think this is huge for them. I then will turn the question around on them and ask them what they have learned today. It makes them pause and think about the importance of learning and being open to it.

New Challenges!

I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in a new initiative at our school. We ( the teachers and administration) are learning new things about technology and how to integrate it into the curriculum. This is a HUGE thing for me because I have been slow to learn and use technology. So wish me luck and I'll take lots of help but this is so exciting. I know that my students and I will learn alot together.

Summer News

This has been a busy summer with visits to see my family, going to the beach, weddings and lots of READING. I hope you are having a fun summer and have been reading some good books. We have lots to learn and share with each other. Enjoy the rest of your summer!