Tuesday 29 September 2015

Thinking Backwards & Forwards (PTC 1)

Reflecting on my use of e-learning/ICT against the PTC

Key Question: How do I/can I use e-learning/ICT to establish and develop working relationships with my ākonga, their whānau, and my colleagues to support the learning of those I teach?

What a question! Having spent a considerable amount of time lately reflecting on my practice and trying to set goals for my use of ICT and e-learning in 2016 I thought it would be wise to think about how my current use of ICT and all things e-learning helps meet the requirements of the PTC. So here goes...

Where do I start? Like all things, it is easy to fall back on what you know. For me, it is the PYP Key Concepts. As it is with my class, I stress the importance of just how great these 8 concepts are! I find myself consistently applying them not only to school but to life in general. With that in mind, it is time to attack PTC 1. 

 

Criteria 1: Fully registered teachers establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of all ākonga.

Key indicators: Engage in ethical, respectful, positive, and collaborative professional relationships with:
- ākonga/learners
- teaching colleagues, support staff, and other professionals
- whānau and other carers of ākonga/learners
- agencies, groups, and individuals in the community.

1. Developing relationships with students

What? So What?
- Using a class blog to create an anywhere, anytime learning environment.
- Students have been able to use e-learning tools to share information about themselves providing a way for me to connect with them and discover some insights into who they are. I have used tools such as as Survey Monkey to provide students opportunities to contribute ideas and opinions.

Now What?
- Consider introducing individual blogs for students (2016) What are the implications of this? How will this develop/modify my programme? Who do I need to ask for permission?

2. Developing relationships with parents/whānau and the wider community

What? So What?
I found it both a challenge and a success this year trying to use e-learning tools to develop on-going relationships and interaction between home and school in order to support learning in my class. The class blog has been successful in providing anytime, anywhere access for parents/whānau to engage with their children's learning. It has been a useful way of sharing news and information directly and in one space. The use of e-Portfolios and the links to these provided on the blog have enabled parents/whānau to participate and provide feedback on their child's learning anytime. 

Now What?
- Thinking about ways in which I can foster/use social networking tools such as Twitter/Facebook to further encourage a positive relationship between home and school.
- Considering how I could use tools like Survey Monkey and Google Forms to capture the thoughts and opinions of the wider school community.
- How to more effectively engage parents/whānau and the wider community in reflecting on the use of e-portfolios.

Monday 28 September 2015

Twitter for teachers! - 1st Tweet





Sunday 27 September 2015

The Element - Sir Ken Robinson


Recently, I have found myself attempting to complete a number of books that have found themselves neglected whilst the daily grind of teaching has taken their place. I have found The Element - Sir Ken Robinson to be a fantastic read! 


Taking The PYP Forward (Simon Davidson & Steven Carber)


While working in Germany I had the opportunity to get my hands on a copy of this amazing book. Thankfully I was able to have it shipped to NZ in time for the holidays =) I totally recommend it as a 'must read' for any PYP educator.

My particular favourite is the chapter titled 'ICT in the PYP ' written by Greg Curtis & Jason Cone. As ICT is a particular focus for mine, I found this chapter incredibly insightful and reaffirmed the need for teachers to grow and develop in this area.

Wednesday 16 September 2015

Sexuality Road - Discovering Me (PD Meeting)

Activity 3 
- Heads down then thumbs up for yes and down for no


Diamond Dilemma Cards


Suggestions:
- Leave a few cards blank so that they can fill in their own words
- Work in single sex groups

Lesson 6 - Relationships
Main aim - talk about discrimination that they may experience
Find a safe space in the classroom
- Leave out the quiz!



Lesson 9:
- Do not teach Sam and Jessie's night in or Jordan's story

Note:
- Dear Mrs Q - Feel free to leave any out if you feel comfortable
- Send home brief outline prior to every lesson

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Writing Workshop - Gail Loane

Teachers can get bogged down with OTJs.
First thing: able to identify levels, and able to see progress.
What response do I get from my writing? Why this response? If nothing happens for the writer, nothing will happen for the reader.

Need to be beyond basic.

Time on surface features vs deeper features? It depends on what is their greatest need.

"I'm sad" -> How would I know? What were you feeling/thinking? Could you add that?

Is a "good level 2" for a 6year old the same as a "good level 2" for a 12year old?

One Minute's Silence
Many action verbs. Very descriptive. Very engaging for students.

What deep learning do we want to get out of this? What writing would they use? What do I want to teach about writing? Imagery. Activating nouns. Strong verbs. Specific nouns.



Poem about Gallipoli

In one minute's silence
- 2 perspectives
- activated nouns / powerful verbs
- hyphen to join 2 adjectives before a noun (slouch-hatted)
- phrases (back of beyond)
- mad scrambling?? Hmmm

Sunday 13 September 2015

YouTube Audio Library



I consistently find myself struggling to find audio to add to my presentations. I have always been reluctant to download songs and use them (copyright etc.) however YouTube has proven to be a saving grace! YouTube Audio Library is a collection of tunes and sound effects which can be used as background for videos or presentations. Most importantly, it is child friendly and you can search by genre, mood, instrument, and duration. To download, just click on the arrow pointing down.