Evaluating 21st Century Skills

I had the chance to browse a website called Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The URL for this website is: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/index.php. This site intrigued me because I am a new learner when it comes to 21st Century Skills and learning.

I was impressed with the amounts of information that was provided under each topic tab. I also felt the graphic of the 21st Century Framework was a bit confusing to interpret until I clicked the "Learn More" link under the graphic.

Another useful resource for me on the website was a Power Point presentation. I clicked the "Tools and Resource" tab on the homepage then chose the "Speakers Bureau" link. There is a P21 Presentation that will appear around the middle of the screen. Once I clicked the link I was able to get a more simplified explanation on both the 21 Century Skills and MILE Guide.

As a teacher in Ohio, I was excited to see information about Ohio under the "State Initiatives" tab. I was able to find information about the state of Ohio and what is being done to promote 21st Century learning. Although Ohio is improving in 21st Century learning in the classroom, there is still lots of changes and improvements to be made. I feel the same about myself and what I am trying to promote 21st Century learning in my classroom. Each day I think about how I can encourage 21st Century learning to my young first grade minds. It can be a challenge at times, but little by little this learning is taking place in my room!

Overall, I feel this website provides plenty information about what 21 Century Learning is and what schools are doing to improve. There is also information about professional development opportunities for teachers to attend. I don't feel, however, that a teacher could find lessons or activities on this website.

Using Blogs in the Classroom

Hello one and all! For my assignment in my online class I was asked to post an idea of how I would use a blog in my classroom. Here are two of my thoughts...

I teach first grade. Since I am new to blogging, I my first goal would be to use a blog to post important information about my classroom. I would create a blog that would have our classroom constitution, spelling and vocabulary words, weekly homework, the school handbook, Ohio Academic Content Standards, etc. This would be a place of reference for my students and parents. Even though my school district has their own web page, I feel that a classroom Weblog would definitely be a way to customize information for my room.

My other thought was to be able to post various projects, writings, and other classroom activities onto my classroom blog. This would be a way for students to see their work "displayed" somewhere other than in the hallway. I also think that I could slowly begin to demonstrate and teach my students to upload information onto a blog.

So there are my thoughts. Again, I'm new to the blogging world and I look forward to other thoughts and suggestions on incoorperating blogs into a young elementary classroom.

misterteacher.com - SMARTBoard Mini-Movies & Student Activities

misterteacher.com - SMARTBoard Mini-Movies & Student Activities

Teaching Ideas - Free lesson ideas, plans, activities and resources for use in the primary classroom.

Teaching Ideas - Free lesson ideas, plans, activities and resources for use in the primary classroom.

Smart Board Information and Activities

Hello fellow teachers and students. My name is Mrs. Winner and this is my first ever experience creating my very own blog. I thought I would begin my first blog with a topic I really enjoy talking about, the Smart Board.

I use a Smart Board every day in the classroom and my students really enjoy playing games, completing assignments, and having a hands-on experience.

I want to share some of my everyday activities with you and I would love to hear some fun Smart Board ideas from you too!

My students sign up for lunch each morning marking a T for tray or a P for pack next to their name (I pull up a class list). This is also my way of taking attendance. I know a student is absent if they have not marked a letter next to their name.

I also use a website called Storyline Online which can be found at http://www.storylineonline.net/. I use this website a few times a week. Storyline Online is a website that has celebrities reading children's books. My students love listening to the stories while they look at the illustrations on the Smart Board. Usually my class and I watch these stories right at the end of the day as a relaxing conclusion to the day.

Another way I use the Smart Board is during center time. I often use a website called The Kids Page. Here I pull up interactive jigsaw puzzles for my students to complete. My students love this activity and I too love the activity because it promotes teamwork and sharing. The link is http://www.thekidzpage.com/onlinejigsawpuzzles/. You will find seasonal puzzles for each holiday too!

Of course my students and I use the Smart Board while focusing on reading and math. I use the technology and websites that go along with our McGraw Hill Treasures series. We also use www.pearsonsuccess.net to complete interactive activities that corresponds with our Pearson math series.

These are just a few of my fun activities and ideas that my students love to use on the Smart Board. I would love for each one of you to share your thoughts and ideas!