Snapz Trial Run

Here's my 1st attempt at using Snapz. 

It really does look okay on the student computers.

Drip

Several weeks ago when studying solids and liquids, I told my class that when it snowed we'd make a movie of a snowman melting. Last Wednesday there was enough snow to make a miniature snowman, but I was at tech cadre. By Thursday the snow had melted, but the kids hadn't forgotten the missed opportunity.

Instead we made a movie of an ice tube melting by taking a picture every minute for 50 plus minutes. This was after securely fastening the camera and clearing the area of all kids except those rotating in to push the camera button. If the camera is securely fastened, how does it move? I have no idea, but the kids' level of excitement might have something to do with it. Next up, adding audio.

As much as they enjoyed today's ice tube melting, the kids haven't forgotten the promise to make a melting snowman movie. One of my kids told the class, "Now next time it snows everybody needs to wear gloves." I don't think he's planning a miniature snowman either.

What It All Means According to Will Richardson

Chapter 9 of Will Richardson's book Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classrooms talks about the now what.

Some of the areas that sparked my interest:

• Authentic, collaborative work and learning by all students-bye, bye busy work
• Reading is becoming a more active process-gear up the higher level thinking skills
  
• The definition of writing is changing-not just pen and paper
  
• 5 C's for teachers: Connectors, Content Creators, Collaborators, Coaches and Change Agents (I especially like the idea of being a connector.)
  

Change even at the 2nd grade level which of course means excitement, anxiety and work for teachers and students alike.

Christmas and Marzano

Using Marzano's 1st instructional strategy of identifying similarities and differences, my 2nd graders created a VoiceThread comparing the celebration of Christmas 200 years ago with our traditions today.

Web 2.0 in the Primary Grades

How many Web 2.0 tools can you use in a 1st grade classroom? Listen to Kathy Cassidy’s presentation “Using Web 2.0 Tools in a Grade One Classroom” from the K12 Online Conference 2008 for a great start.

Kathy shared how she has used blogs, Flickr, podcasts, Bubbleshare, wikis and other tools in her 1st grade classroom. Blogging buddies from other countries and cooperative stories on wikis that include parent writing especially caught my ear.

Two Writing Teachers

My PLN has grown to include the Two Writing Teachers blog. A 4th grade teacher and a writing coach focus on teaching kids to write with their motto Write-It’s Good for You. And they practice what they preach. These 2 prolific writers blogged 22 times in the last week alone.

While many of their postings are beyond second grade, they still inspire me and stretch my thinking. They also remind me of the importance of being a writer myself. Besides, they gave “A Chat with Mary” by our very own Mary Frazier an I Heart Your Blog award so how could I not think they’re wonderful.

Just One More Book

My newest favorite podcast subscription is to Just One More Book. The podcasts are 2 people talking in their favorite coffee shop about the children’s books they love and why they love them. Also included are interviews with authors, illustrators and other book people. The corresponding web site has a searchable archive of podcasts by categories, authors, illustrators, books and interviews.

While there are many places to find reviews of children’s books, I like the casualness of Just One More Book plus the wide variety and the interviews. With most of the podcasts being less than 10 minutes, they’re just right for sharing with your class.