Digital Citizens!

Good thing I don't believe in making New Year's Resolutions.  I might have made one to blog more... and I'd be epically failing!!! I KNOW all 50 (I mean 40, since at least 10 of those views were probably me!) of my readers have been anxiously waiting for a computer lab update! 

Picture this:

You are at the mall in the food court. Someone stands up with a poster size picture of the pizza they are about to eat and yell: "Best pizza ever!" #mallfood #greasy #lunchdate #shopping

You are in the audience at a school assembly; a girl is introduced and brought to the stage. She begins her speech by identifying the grungy girl sitting next to you. For the next 3 minutes she talks about how nasty, stupid, poor, dirty, and friendless the girl is! Everyone hears it. Everyone sees it. No one stops it! 

Both of the above scenarios seem a little extreme and a little silly. But in reality, both things happen daily on social media! Let's be honest, at some point, you have posted a picture of food you've eaten! I know I have.  As a society we crave "likes", "favorites", etc.  We crave the high we get from comments or responses (both negative and positive).  Social media such as Kik, Vine, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, and Snapchat consume our society.  

With the mass influx of social media, one might think our students should "know how to use it." The problem is, students know "how" to use it but they don't know etiquette for using it.  Due to the social media craze, I feel it is important to include digital citizenship into my curriculum! Our school counselor is required and finds it important to include digital citizenship  as well.  We decided to join together and co-teach digital citizenship. It has been a blast and we have done something a little different with each grade level. 

5th grade Digital citizenship lesson plans:

     OBJECTIVE:  When using social media, I can use online etiquette all the time.  I can define and recognize cyberbullying.

Students were questioned about the social media they use daily and engaged through a discussion all the different ones they use.  (I learned a few new ones)

We moved from the discussion into three different videos.  The first video is a rap song about ten online rules.  (Commonsense media.org is a great website for digital citizenship curriculum.  If you haven't checked it out, you need to do so!!) - Over sharing rap

After they listened to the a funny video about how to behave online, we moved into a video that defined cyberbullying.  It was very informative and told the kids how to respond to cyberbullying.  

The final video we showed...well you just need to watch it: Talent Show - Lesson on cyberbullying.  Between each video we had a discussion about the video and answered any questions the students might have.  

The activity that followed the videos was fantastic!  (Our counselor came up with it and made the cool items posted in the pictures below!)  Students were divided into groups of 2-3 and given a card with one of the ten rules for online behavior.  The kids had to come up with a skit explaining one of  the different rules.  Kids in the audience were required to identify which rule the skit represented.  The goal was to make sure eight of the ten were correctly guessed on the first time.  Not only did the kids have a good time, they practiced behaving properly online!  We wrapped up the lesson with summaries of what they learned.  

                  

4th grade lesson plans:

    OBJECTIVE:  When using social media, I can use online etiquette all the time.  I can define and recognize cyberbullying.

I'm sure you noticed the objective was the same for both fourth and fifth grade.  In fact, the beginning of the lesson looked exactly the same...okay fine, I never do any two lessons EXACTLY the same, but you get the gist!  We showed the same 3 videos and had the same general conversation.  

However, we did change the activity.  

The fourth graders were asked to use Kidpix to illustrate how to stay safe online.  The pictures turned out really good.  Here is my example for the class:

3rd grade lesson plans:

     OBJECTIVE:  When using social media, I can stay safe online and keep my computer protected from viruses.  I can define and recognize cyberbullying.

We decided our third graders needed something a little different.  Ginger found resources at Brainpopjr.  We used their free online Internet safety curriculum to guide our lesson.  Together we watched the online safety video.  Following the video, we had a discussion of the different things the kids could do to stay safe online.  As a class we took the quiz over the video.  The follow-up activity was letting students write about how they stayed safe online.  

At the end of class, the students watched the last video shown with the upper grades (Talent show: cyberbullying) and had a discussion comparing the video to cyberbullying.  Some of our third grade classes were really moved by the video and what they saw.

2nd grade lesson plans:

     OBJECTIVE:  When using social media, I can use online etiquette all the time. 

Really our 2nd grade lesson plans mocked the third grade lesson plans.  We used the Brainpopjr and watched the same video.  The activity at the end was also from the website but instead of writing, the students were asked to draw a safe website they like to visit.  

At this time, we are not exactly sure what we will do with first grade or kindergarten, but their digital citizenship lessons will be coming up soon.  

I've really enjoyed the digital citizenship units over the past month and have been left thinking about my online etiquette.  I challenge you; watch the rap again and really think about the information you post online.  Think about the next picture of someone else you post...did you get permission?  If it were you, would you want it up? Before you post every 30 minutes, stop and think about the reader.  Be wise when online and remember, you are an example for your students and kids.  Social media can be great, but it can also rob us of human interaction causing us to crave more and more "likes!"

Critical Condition

I find myself having deep conversations with some friends lately. A reoccurring theme seems to be one I've touched on before but a lesson I'm still learning. 

L-O-V-E vs. Criticism

Think about the love Christ calls us to have, an Agape love! A love for others that stirs a generosity in us and a servantlike heart! 

We are surrounded by people longing to be loved, and a people created for love.  

As one conversation with my friend progressed, I began to realize a simple but critical truth: we may want to be loved but we sure struggle to show others.  As humans we are extremely critical of others and their decisions because of our insecurities and inadequacies.  When we criticize, many times we find ourself saying something unkind to or about that person. Well, this poses a problem, a problem that bleeds into all areas of our lives. 

Through harsh criticism, we tear down a community, a community that needs each other for survival. Many days I have to stop and ask myself if I am accepting the strengths of others or looking for their faults.  In the same way I am not perfect, neither is anyone else.  BUT that is okay!  I must find their strengths and the beauty God sees in each of the challenging individuals.  God has called me to be accepting and loving, that is exactly what I am working on doing!  This critical condition is definitely a work in progress - two steps forward, 3 steps back!

I challenge you, when you find yourself being critical of others, stop and think, pray for them rather than criticize them.  When we are intentional about loving others and loving them, we do not have time to be so critical.  Along with loving our co-workers, we need to work to build one another up. Ask yourself: Have you passed along a positive note?  Have you encouraged someone?  Have you complimented something you've seen fellow teachers do?  Are you willing to carry the load for a fellow teacher instead of criticize their inadequacies?  We really need each other to make it through all the ups and downs of education!!  

Resolutions...or NOT!?!

I'm not about New Year's resolutions; in fact I'm not sure I've ever had one! Granted, as a teacher, January is just the middle of the year!! Each August I plan new things to work on in my class or things I want to change. Maybe you would call these "new year's" resolutions. This year is a little different because everything is new! 

Here is a brief overview of my visions for the computer lab this semester! 

All of my class will be participating in digital citizenship classes. I'm partnering with the counselor at my school to provide Internet safety and anti-cyberbullying education. 

- Fifth grade is going to complete their colonial movies. Then they will move into research, followed by weather forecast videos. 

- Third grade is going to...well I'm not quite sure yet! Maybe...they will learn some research skills! 

- Second grade is going to focus on typing and finish the Dance Mat levels. Once they finish all levels, they will begin having races to increase WPM. 

- First grade is going to work on labeling and identifying parts of the computer. After that they will be introduced to Kid Pix and work on a curriculum based activities. 

- Kindergarten is going to be participating in a study of the benefits of coding. (Meaning they will be coding and doing computer programming.) I am crazy...really I am! 

** Fourth grade tech club is going to work on programming a Botball robot for competition!  (I have to learn C++ programming!! Advice anyone??)

I'm excited about the new adventures this year will bring in the computer lab! All ideas will bring learning for the students and me! 

Whether or not you are like me with resolutions, something about January always brings a rejuvenated spirit ready to push through another semester, a semester unnecessarily filled with testing anxiety for so many sweet children.  Whether I'm in a new job or not, I always look forward to returning to my precious students! I hope you've taken time for God, time for yourself, and time for your family and are ready to return as well. I know the end of the holidays can bring feelings of sorrow for some, but no matter what the circumstances are I pray you find renewal enough to come back to school. January is a time to pour out energy! I challenge you to have the energy to show everyone the extraordinary teacher you are!! 

Here are two pictures of my relaxing and fun Christmas break!  Enjoyed LOTS of family time.
         

Code Much?

A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting at my kitchen counter pondering what I should do with a couple grades in the computer lab! I found myself on Twitter and Pinterest searching for a lesson idea when I found an article about Hour of Code!! December 9-15 was the international hour of code.  (I'm all about supporting curriculum in the computer lab but sometimes you just have to do something fun.) Thankfully, there is freedom in the lab to go in multiple directions. I decided I was going to have Kindergarten-5th grade code.  Kindergarteners coding?  Yes, I AM crazy!!!

Monday I got to school and put a sign on my door. I created an "I can" statement based on one I saw online and I found a coding activity for each grade. 

Fifth, second, and third grade were on Tynker.com.  My fifth graders were given the opportunity to choose any activity from the website. My second graders did "Puppy Adventure" and my third graders did "Candy Quest."  Talk about loving what they were doing.  I had several fifth graders come in during recess just to do more coding.  SCORE!!!  The kindergartners and first graders used botlogic.us.  The kindergartners were on the iPads doing the activity while the first graders logged onto the computer.

Overall, the week went splendid and we had a lot of fun participating in Hour of Code.  I was so impressed with the requests to continue coding or about coding at home.  You know you’ve inspired kids when parents text you pictures of more completed certificates.  Here are just a few of the certificates from the week.  

The delight from so many of my kids really has me thinking about the direction I want to go in the computer lab.  How do you balance creating and making the curriculum fit but at the same time, truly igniting excitement in students? As I prepare for next semester I am truly searching for more engaging tactics and ideas to engage students who find school to be boring.  I want to inspire students and get them hooked on learning.  I love watching kids’ eyes dance with excitement when it comes to learning, new books, or a computer program.  Be looking and watching for the new ideas that come from the computer lab!!  

I also encourage you to try something new in your classroom.  Make the new thing exciting and engaging!  Coming from the classroom I know you can turn most things into something fun and engaging.  (Now long division is another story...seriously haven't ever been able to come up with something fun for that one!)  In one of our regular ed. classes the students participated in a technology activity to learn transformations.  Those kids were so excited to come show me what they were doing and I LOVED IT!  I also heard from their teacher they did significantly better on that particular topic when tested.  I love seeing kids enthusiastic about what they are learning...do something different and fun next semester to appeal to your students!!!

Word….

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do was "grown up" things?  I'm picturing my nephew who wanted to write like us, so he scribbled on a paper.  Or the other nephew pretended to talk on the phone because he saw us on ours.  Over the past few weeks, I introduced my students to something that made them feel like they were learning a "grown up" thing.  In fact, I heard many of them say, "My mom (dad) uses this sometimes."  The excitement (in most of them) was fun to see.

I introduced both the 3rd and 5th graders to Microsoft Word.  In fact, we learned Microsoft Word was one of many word processing programs.  Then, the students were given the opportunity to explore some features and share what they learned.

My fifth graders were introduced to Microsoft Word and explored the font section.  The assignment was to write a short story using figurative language and insert clipart to illustrate the story.  I taught the students how to format the font, indent the paragraph, go to next line with return, and insert clipart.  Over two class periods, we explored the different formatting options in chunks.  Their short stories with figurative language and matching picture were cute.  (Shh…don't tell the boys I said their stories were cute!)

My third graders were just going to learn to format the font this go around, but the enthusiasm to explore all aspects of Word changed my mind during the first 15 minutes of class.  You see, after I introduced Word and showed the students how to format the font; I sent them to their seats to explore.  It took about five minutes before they were running from computer to computer (YES - some were REALLY running in my lab) and yelling at each other to "check this out!" It was at this point, I revamped my plans!  (It really is ALL about flexibility!!)  I decided to give the kids 20ish minutes to explore and play before sharing with everyone (on the big screen) what they learned.  Once everyone shared, they went back to their computer to try new things.  In a couple classes, we had SOOO much to share, we didn't have anytime that day to try the new things out.  The next week they were able to explore the features their friends had taught them.  I think their favorite thing was using the "glow" feature.  Oh and I learned some new tricks too.  Did you know there is a button you can push and it "un-formats" all you have highlighted?  I sure didn't.  Once the kids had time to explore, they were given the task of writing a book summary.  They were allowed to insert clip art that matched their summary!

(Word wall)                                      (Large version of Word for easy explaining)



Although I am sharing more of my lesson plans in this blog, I do want to leave you with a couple of thoughts…

1. Find something that really excites the kids - and once you do…pounce on it!  Let them explore.  I know I have more freedom in my schedule than classroom teachers, but if kids are bored, they won't be engaged!
2. Be flexible in your plans.  Take cues from your students about their needs!  Allow them to share if that is why they are running around your room!
3. Do something fun and engaging in the next 8 days!  You need it! The kids need it!
4. Let your kiddos teach you something!  They LOVE IT!!!
5. Remember what it was like to be a kid…and how you wanted to be grown up!

Thankful

As Thanksgiving break comes to a close, I decided it was important to share my "Thanksgiving thankful list!" (Usually my mom puts this on the fridge and I act too cool for it. She didn't do it this year and I actually think I missed it!)

Here is my list...

1. My God, who offers grace to a sinner such as I. 

2. My family!! Immediate and extended.  I could get specific, but you'd get bored. 

3. Shopping trips with my mom! 

4. Snuggles from my nephews!

5. Phone calls from my brothers!

6. Wisdom from my dad! 

7. Sisters ... I waited a long time for these

(Okay...some family members needed special mention!)

7. A job I love and miss on breaks.

8. A warm house I can call my home! (Okay fine, my parents' house!!) 

9. Friends who love me even though I'm ridiculous sometimes! 

10. My bed...it's just right and no other bed compares. Yes, some call me the Princess and the Pea! 

11. Food, more than I need. 

12. Laughter! 

13. This semester of grad school is over after tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

14. My Health!

15. Heaters. Thanks dad for turning it up!

16. My reliable car to get me many places. 

17. The gift of life. 

20. A boss that loves God, her teachers, and the students. 

21. Coworkers who I can call friends. 

22. 650ish kids who keep me young and on my toes. 

23. Kind words and notes from students. 

24. Smiles. (They really are contagious...not quite as much as "bathroom" in kindergarten, but pretty close!) 

25. Sunrises - Every morning there is a new picture painted in the sky! 

I could probably go on...but I'll let you make your own list. I'm sure many of you did during this holiday week but I encourage you to be thankful always. God has given us so many things to be thankful for even in this hurting world! The attitude of gratitude can turn a frown upside down! 

Kindergarten Circus

Some weeks I really question my job title and this week was one of those weeks! I’d like to re-write it to include circus clown, lion tamer, both!

Over the past few weeks I felt like Kindergarten had finally settled down! We've made life cycle pictures, color posters, and number cards. We were learning computer terms. With computer terms we practiced syllables, and letter sounds. The kids had been actively engaged and could finally put up their iPads on their own.  I changed my lesson plans up, and for the past two weeks, we haven't actually gotten on iPads.  Instead, we played "TECHY" (BINGO) and practiced finding letters on a keyboard.  It's really gone considerably well and this past Thursday was the last day of my rotation with those lesson plans. 

A little over a week ago, my principal decided to do an observation during kindergarten! Let's just say she suggested I tape off an area for the kids to sit in or get a rug! (Jumping beans might have been her description!) "Give a little bit more structure!" she suggested.  "Other than that you are doing great."  So I taped the floor off and carried on!  The classes seemed to like the tape and I was back to feeling pretty good about Kindergarten.

Then the other day happened…and I think I might have grey hair now! How in the world are kindergarten teachers still standing when the day is done? 55 minutes and I'm exhausted. I really feel like anyone could have grabbed a seat, eaten popcorn, and enjoyed the three-ring circus going on in my class.   

Act 1: Initial Corral!  Getting everyone in the room! Sometimes they just decide they love their classroom teacher SOOO much, they don't want to come in. I coaxed, I bribed, I loved, I encouraged, I told! I seriously looked like the most ridiculous clown at the circus. 

Act 2:  Acrobats in Action! The acrobats put on quite the display today, crawling through and around! Back flips off chairs ...(okay back flips didn’t really happen!) 

Act 3: Confetti Blast! The kids enjoyed the confetti shower…maybe it was in celebration of the acrobats? Or maybe it was out of disgust for the game of BINGO.  Whatever it was…BINGO markers make great red and white confetti.

Act 4: Little Drummer Boy! Quite the beat slamming the door can create! 

Act 5: Runaway snot!  Caught just in time by the ringleader! (Uh disgusting...I barely do my own snot let alone other people’s snot)

Act 6: Juggling iPads is just not the same as professionals juggling flaming batons.

Intermission: The lion tamer swept in and played some silly kid songs! They sang along, danced and got LOTS of wiggles out.

Act 7: The silent letter hunt! Paper keyboards and the alphabet song (Oh and Skittles!) Which reminded me why I love even kindergarteners! 

Although it was CRA CRA (as my fifth graders from last year would say) looking back, it makes me laugh...laugh out loud even! I survived and no one was harmed or caged, we even learned what the monitor is; that's all that really matters. I'll do it again tomorrow and keep loving my job!