Parents use Google Presentation to Write Stories for their Children
A Little Background
Our district is not a Google Apps for Education district. I did have the privilege to help prepare teachers for the arrival of chomebooks. Teachers created their Google Accounts for homework and when they arrived, we dove right into Google Drive. Everyone created a shared document and we randomly selected a teacher created doc to begin collaborating on. Ideas began to fill the page. English teachers could see students writing in Google Docs and sharing it with the teacher and other students to proof read. Teachers could see themselves using the comment feature to leave comments on student work. Teachers could see themselves carrying a lot less paperwork home with them. They loved the idea of not worrying about a specific tool to open up a word processing document to edit. "It saves automatically?" "I can see it on my smart phone!" Let's just say, I had really good time. I think the teachers did too!
All About Me Story
Two days later, I arrived early to set up for an after school session with teachers. As I walked into the library, I saw many parents working on the computers. They were lead by two of Literacy coaches I had in my session a few days prior. They were beginning a project with parents to help them write a story "All About Me Story" for their child.
Parents had been invited to attend every other week to work with them. They had prepared templates for parents and loaded them onto flash drives. There was a problem, the computers in the library did not have Microsoft Office.
The Principal, that came to my session, had the solution, why don't you try Google Docs? (Goose bump moment. YES!!!) The two of them took off. Parents were creating accounts or logging into their Gmail accounts and had their first experience with Google Drive. Let's just say creating the "All About Me Story" wasn't glitchy and no one lost their work. :)
It was a proud moment. I was able to see see the results one session had. It didn't just reach students, it reached parents! Too Cool!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Hello Crayon + Chatter Pix Kids
HELLO Crayon + Chatter Pix Kids
I have been enjoying app smashing for some time now. When you combine apps, educational fireworks fly in the classroom. If you haven't already, you've got to try HELLO Crayon and Chatter Pix Kids together.
I usually recommend HELLO Crayon when teachers are looking for a free drawing app in the elementary classroom. It has a few great features to make life easy when working with lower grades, there's undo and a fill can. Trust me, that saves a lot of time when illustrating. ;)
Drawing a character from a book or an example of what you have learned in class is something that can be accomplished with paper and pencil. When sharing this, I like to share Chatter Pix to allow students the opportunity to add their voice to their drawing. Chatter Pix records 30 seconds of audio and will make it appear like the picture is talking. You can also download the creation to the camera roll for FREE! This is a great way to give voice to our Pre-K students. Imagine them drawing a circle in HELLO Crayon, they turn it into something they have seen that is an example of that shape. Now they can explain how they know a whole pizza is a circle.
Check out the how-to my buddy Joe and I created and hear a few ideas for using HELLO Crayon in the classroom here.
Here is an example of something created by a 1st grader when she used Hello Crayon and Chatter Pix Kids. She explains the problem in the story Chrysanthemum from the point of view of the character, Victoria.
Check out our how-to video for Chatter Pix Kids and learn a few ideas for classroom use here.
I have been enjoying app smashing for some time now. When you combine apps, educational fireworks fly in the classroom. If you haven't already, you've got to try HELLO Crayon and Chatter Pix Kids together.
I usually recommend HELLO Crayon when teachers are looking for a free drawing app in the elementary classroom. It has a few great features to make life easy when working with lower grades, there's undo and a fill can. Trust me, that saves a lot of time when illustrating. ;)
Drawing a character from a book or an example of what you have learned in class is something that can be accomplished with paper and pencil. When sharing this, I like to share Chatter Pix to allow students the opportunity to add their voice to their drawing. Chatter Pix records 30 seconds of audio and will make it appear like the picture is talking. You can also download the creation to the camera roll for FREE! This is a great way to give voice to our Pre-K students. Imagine them drawing a circle in HELLO Crayon, they turn it into something they have seen that is an example of that shape. Now they can explain how they know a whole pizza is a circle.
Check out the how-to my buddy Joe and I created and hear a few ideas for using HELLO Crayon in the classroom here.
Here is an example of something created by a 1st grader when she used Hello Crayon and Chatter Pix Kids. She explains the problem in the story Chrysanthemum from the point of view of the character, Victoria.
Check out our how-to video for Chatter Pix Kids and learn a few ideas for classroom use here.
Kind or "Kiss Ass"
Here's a blog post I wrote a long time ago. It's one that I kept in draft until I was ready to share, because I like to share happy things not things that bother me. Here's to my first post that I wrote while feeling angry.
Don’t mistake being positive, excited, kind and caring for being a "kiss ass."
I really need a second to vent and process something I heard.
I work with many people. I hear the advice, warnings, and gossip about people around me all the time. I chose to be an ear, I don’t really add to the conversation and I certainly don’t repeat it. I don’t like controversy. I prefer to bring people together. I like it when people accept each other for who they are and help each other out for our students.
One day, I served a school all day with a technology integrated session. I had a wonderful PLC with a few teachers that inspired me. I left feeling like technology was being integrated effectively. I felt that the students in their class were really blessed to have teachers that love teaching.
That same day I squeezed in time to meet with another teacher one on one. During that time it was expressed how happy she was now that she was no longer working with those “kiss asses.” How they came up, I don’t know, but those “kiss asses” happened to be the teachers that inspired me earlier that morning. They are happy, they are excited, they share, they give everything a try without complaining. I don’t know what happened between them, I’m not even going to ask.
I just replied by saying I’m really glad that you are happy this year and quickly moved onto the focus, the reason I was working with her. I did my job and tried to cheer, motivate, and inspire.
I began thinking about things. The same happiness the teachers expressed in the morning is the same kind of happiness I have when I’m excited to share something I have learned. I can hardly contain myself. They are kind and giving people. Oh, I could go on and on about the way these teachers give their time. I tend to want to take care of people too. It’s not because someone is important to everyone else or “popular.” I am kind to people that are important to me. If I go out of my way for you, bring you a Starbucks, meet you for lunch, or stop by to say, hi. I never have hopes of something in return. I don’t keep score or tabs. I do things because I want to and it’s a gesture that shows I care.
My vent is to say that I was offended, even though the comment wasn’t directed at me. I know people have said the same about me. Yes, I’ve been called a “Kiss Ass.” Off the top of my head, I remember hearing this after I meet with someone I care about, someone I consider my mentor. I met with someone who was there to teach and encourage me when I was a newbie. She also happened to be my principal at the time. When I hadn’t seen her at school for an extended time, I worried about her. Yes, the office staff kept us up to date on the details, but I contacted her and met her for lunch while she was recovering. I wanted to be there for her because I care about her as a person. Hearing that someone turned that into a reason to call me a “kiss ass” and assumed that I must have wanted something in return was very hurtful.
I’m really not sure how I could have peacefully stood up for those teachers without breaking the trust I had already built with the other. Really, I think it would be like standing up for myself. I didn’t stand up for myself by confronting the person who said I was a “kiss ass.” I simply ignored it and moved on with my life. I won’t let someone bully me out of being myself.
Get to know people for their heart. It’s a good way to learn what someone's intentions truly are. Judging someone without getting to know the person or the situation really isn’t the way.
Don’t mistake being positive, excited, kind and caring for being a "kiss ass."
I really need a second to vent and process something I heard.
I work with many people. I hear the advice, warnings, and gossip about people around me all the time. I chose to be an ear, I don’t really add to the conversation and I certainly don’t repeat it. I don’t like controversy. I prefer to bring people together. I like it when people accept each other for who they are and help each other out for our students.
One day, I served a school all day with a technology integrated session. I had a wonderful PLC with a few teachers that inspired me. I left feeling like technology was being integrated effectively. I felt that the students in their class were really blessed to have teachers that love teaching.
That same day I squeezed in time to meet with another teacher one on one. During that time it was expressed how happy she was now that she was no longer working with those “kiss asses.” How they came up, I don’t know, but those “kiss asses” happened to be the teachers that inspired me earlier that morning. They are happy, they are excited, they share, they give everything a try without complaining. I don’t know what happened between them, I’m not even going to ask.
I just replied by saying I’m really glad that you are happy this year and quickly moved onto the focus, the reason I was working with her. I did my job and tried to cheer, motivate, and inspire.
I began thinking about things. The same happiness the teachers expressed in the morning is the same kind of happiness I have when I’m excited to share something I have learned. I can hardly contain myself. They are kind and giving people. Oh, I could go on and on about the way these teachers give their time. I tend to want to take care of people too. It’s not because someone is important to everyone else or “popular.” I am kind to people that are important to me. If I go out of my way for you, bring you a Starbucks, meet you for lunch, or stop by to say, hi. I never have hopes of something in return. I don’t keep score or tabs. I do things because I want to and it’s a gesture that shows I care.
My vent is to say that I was offended, even though the comment wasn’t directed at me. I know people have said the same about me. Yes, I’ve been called a “Kiss Ass.” Off the top of my head, I remember hearing this after I meet with someone I care about, someone I consider my mentor. I met with someone who was there to teach and encourage me when I was a newbie. She also happened to be my principal at the time. When I hadn’t seen her at school for an extended time, I worried about her. Yes, the office staff kept us up to date on the details, but I contacted her and met her for lunch while she was recovering. I wanted to be there for her because I care about her as a person. Hearing that someone turned that into a reason to call me a “kiss ass” and assumed that I must have wanted something in return was very hurtful.
I’m really not sure how I could have peacefully stood up for those teachers without breaking the trust I had already built with the other. Really, I think it would be like standing up for myself. I didn’t stand up for myself by confronting the person who said I was a “kiss ass.” I simply ignored it and moved on with my life. I won’t let someone bully me out of being myself.
Get to know people for their heart. It’s a good way to learn what someone's intentions truly are. Judging someone without getting to know the person or the situation really isn’t the way.
Monday, November 18, 2013
AR Flashcard Work Stations
Beginning Letter Sounds Work Station with AR Flashcards
AR Flashcards
Using AR Flashcards app can bring in a new spin on identifying things that begin with a letter sound. AR Flashcards are augmented reality flashcards. When you use the AR Flashcard App to view the card, something magical happens! An animal appears before your eyes.
This app also includes a “camera” button. This gives the user the ability to take a photo of the Augmented Reality animal that pops out of the flashcard. If you place items, words, or yourself with the card, you can capture a nice entertaining photo or a photo that shows understanding.
Beginning Letter Sounds Work Station
Set up a work station with a basket of items that include examples and non-examples of things that start with the letter ____. Allow students to work together to sound out the names of the items. Students should place items that begin with the given letter around the AR Flash Card. Students use the camera button in the app to take a photo of their work. Have students include a name tag in the picture to identify who completed the work. The photo will be saved to the camera roll. Consider having students help to build the work station by searching for an example and a non-example at home for homework and brining it to school. The item should fit into the palm of their hand. In the video below, Joe Meza and I share how to use AR Flashcards in a Beginning Letter Sound Work Station.
Phonogram Workstation
Set up a work station with words for students to read and recognize phonograms. Allow students to work together to read words and identify words that follow rules of the phonogram they are learning. Students should place words that include the phonogram sound with the given phonogram that is built using the AR Flash Cards. I share the example of using the -er sound of her in the video below. Students should use the camera button in the app to take a photo of their work. Have students include a name tag in the picture to identify who completed the work. The photo will be saved to the camera roll. Consider challenging students to write other examples they think about on paper and include them when they take the picture.
AR Flashcards
Using AR Flashcards app can bring in a new spin on identifying things that begin with a letter sound. AR Flashcards are augmented reality flashcards. When you use the AR Flashcard App to view the card, something magical happens! An animal appears before your eyes.
This app also includes a “camera” button. This gives the user the ability to take a photo of the Augmented Reality animal that pops out of the flashcard. If you place items, words, or yourself with the card, you can capture a nice entertaining photo or a photo that shows understanding.
Set up a work station with a basket of items that include examples and non-examples of things that start with the letter ____. Allow students to work together to sound out the names of the items. Students should place items that begin with the given letter around the AR Flash Card. Students use the camera button in the app to take a photo of their work. Have students include a name tag in the picture to identify who completed the work. The photo will be saved to the camera roll. Consider having students help to build the work station by searching for an example and a non-example at home for homework and brining it to school. The item should fit into the palm of their hand. In the video below, Joe Meza and I share how to use AR Flashcards in a Beginning Letter Sound Work Station.
Phonogram Workstation
Set up a work station with words for students to read and recognize phonograms. Allow students to work together to read words and identify words that follow rules of the phonogram they are learning. Students should place words that include the phonogram sound with the given phonogram that is built using the AR Flash Cards. I share the example of using the -er sound of her in the video below. Students should use the camera button in the app to take a photo of their work. Have students include a name tag in the picture to identify who completed the work. The photo will be saved to the camera roll. Consider challenging students to write other examples they think about on paper and include them when they take the picture.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Modifying my Child's Homework
Torture
At the beginning of the school year, I felt like homework with my first grader was torture. It still isn’t where I’d like it to be, but it’s a work in progress. It will be a gradual change.
Homework is the same every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I believe I know what my child needs a little extra help with. I really wish I could focus her “homework” time on creating scenarios and problems for her to solve, as a way to connect what she is learning to the real world. I wish we could invest that time together to Blog more, make movies, write digital stories, or even create our own games. For now, her homework is what it is, a way to reinforce what she is learning in the classroom.
On Mondays and Tuesdays my 6yo spends about an hour and a half completing homework. She must write her spelling words (8 in English and 8 in Spanish) 3 times each, complete a math work sheet (front and back) and read a book that is sent home with her. These books usually include her spelling/vocabulary words, but are not challenging for her. The stories don’t have a plot and are not exciting. You literally have to make up what your favorite part would be by looking at the pictures. They are not stories that encourage my child to love reading.
(I’m human) After raising my voice at my child saying, “focus”, “do your homework,” “stay on task,” “I don’t want to be here all night watching you write your words,” and hearing my daughter tell me, “I HATE homework,” I knew we needed to talk with her teacher. I emailed her and scheduled time to meet with her after school. I wanted to kindly inform her about what was going on. My daughter and I were frustrated.
Asking For Change
I wondered if her teacher would allow me to modify my daughter’s homework. After all, I do work with my child at home. If she was going to spend that much time on homework, I wanted her to have the opportunity to create something.
After kindly sharing my concern, I explained that I would like the opportunity to switch things up a bit. I told her I would never ask her to provide extra materials or provide different homework. I know how hard she works and how many students she has. I told her that my passion includes technology integration and allowing students the opportunity to create things that they are proud of. I said, “I’d like to begin using technology with her to study and learn during homework time.” Her teacher said that would be okay. I promised to email evidence or send a note on the nights we modified homework.
First Change
A few weeks ago, I asked my daughter if she would like to try something different with her homework. I set my laptop down at her homework desk. We substituted handwriting her spelling words for typing her words three times each. I loved teaching her how to change the font style, font size, use the “tab” key, and print a document.
The following night, my daughter asked if she could print her homework. “Print, NOOOOOO”, I thought. I was sure she wanted to hand print her spelling words. Oh no, she had her heart set on, printing her homework on the printer. Tuesday night spelling words are completed pyramid style, as requested. That evening, she learned how to center her words to make a pyramid.
Since then, she has learned how to use the character keyboard on the MAC to accent letters when typing her Spanish spelling words. She is doing this independently now and wants to learn how to type without looking at the keyboard. She wants to learn! She wants to do this homework. Typing is still new and exciting to her.
What’s Next
My next step is to begin brainstorming more ideas that will keep her engaged while practicing her spelling words. I want exciting and fun learning experience for her. Will we create a spelling game? Will we write a song together? Will we make a spelling movie? Who knows, but anything is more exciting than writing spelling words 3 times each.
Parent/Teacher Conference
During the actual parent/teacher conference at my daughter’s school, her teacher said that my daughter secretly handed her a note I had written when she turned in her homework typed. My daughter was scared to turn it in. She reassured us that it was fine. :) She really does have a wonderful teacher. I’m so glad I asked her if we could modify the homework.
At the beginning of the school year, I felt like homework with my first grader was torture. It still isn’t where I’d like it to be, but it’s a work in progress. It will be a gradual change.
Homework is the same every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I believe I know what my child needs a little extra help with. I really wish I could focus her “homework” time on creating scenarios and problems for her to solve, as a way to connect what she is learning to the real world. I wish we could invest that time together to Blog more, make movies, write digital stories, or even create our own games. For now, her homework is what it is, a way to reinforce what she is learning in the classroom.
On Mondays and Tuesdays my 6yo spends about an hour and a half completing homework. She must write her spelling words (8 in English and 8 in Spanish) 3 times each, complete a math work sheet (front and back) and read a book that is sent home with her. These books usually include her spelling/vocabulary words, but are not challenging for her. The stories don’t have a plot and are not exciting. You literally have to make up what your favorite part would be by looking at the pictures. They are not stories that encourage my child to love reading.
(I’m human) After raising my voice at my child saying, “focus”, “do your homework,” “stay on task,” “I don’t want to be here all night watching you write your words,” and hearing my daughter tell me, “I HATE homework,” I knew we needed to talk with her teacher. I emailed her and scheduled time to meet with her after school. I wanted to kindly inform her about what was going on. My daughter and I were frustrated.
Asking For Change
I wondered if her teacher would allow me to modify my daughter’s homework. After all, I do work with my child at home. If she was going to spend that much time on homework, I wanted her to have the opportunity to create something.
After kindly sharing my concern, I explained that I would like the opportunity to switch things up a bit. I told her I would never ask her to provide extra materials or provide different homework. I know how hard she works and how many students she has. I told her that my passion includes technology integration and allowing students the opportunity to create things that they are proud of. I said, “I’d like to begin using technology with her to study and learn during homework time.” Her teacher said that would be okay. I promised to email evidence or send a note on the nights we modified homework.
First Change
A few weeks ago, I asked my daughter if she would like to try something different with her homework. I set my laptop down at her homework desk. We substituted handwriting her spelling words for typing her words three times each. I loved teaching her how to change the font style, font size, use the “tab” key, and print a document.
The following night, my daughter asked if she could print her homework. “Print, NOOOOOO”, I thought. I was sure she wanted to hand print her spelling words. Oh no, she had her heart set on, printing her homework on the printer. Tuesday night spelling words are completed pyramid style, as requested. That evening, she learned how to center her words to make a pyramid.
Since then, she has learned how to use the character keyboard on the MAC to accent letters when typing her Spanish spelling words. She is doing this independently now and wants to learn how to type without looking at the keyboard. She wants to learn! She wants to do this homework. Typing is still new and exciting to her.
What’s Next
My next step is to begin brainstorming more ideas that will keep her engaged while practicing her spelling words. I want exciting and fun learning experience for her. Will we create a spelling game? Will we write a song together? Will we make a spelling movie? Who knows, but anything is more exciting than writing spelling words 3 times each.
During the actual parent/teacher conference at my daughter’s school, her teacher said that my daughter secretly handed her a note I had written when she turned in her homework typed. My daughter was scared to turn it in. She reassured us that it was fine. :) She really does have a wonderful teacher. I’m so glad I asked her if we could modify the homework.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Educreations + Background Eraser= ∞ Digital Storytelling Ideas
One of my favorite apps to share is Educreations. It is app that students can use to explain their understanding, present what they have researched, or even tell a digital story. I like to pair a few apps to allow students to use their own drawings from an external drawing app to create their stories.
Step 1- Draw a character
Use a drawing app to create a character that you would like to manipulate or move in Educreations and save it to your camera roll.
In the "What's Appening" tutorial below, I used the Hello Crayon App to draw a frog character. It's easy to use and it's FREE.
Step 2- Erase the White Background
Use the Background Eraser App to erase the background your illustration and create a .PNG image file. It's very easy to use if the background is one color. With this trick, you can bring in a nice, full screen picture to use as a setting in Educreations, then use your own drawing as a "puppet."Check out the "What's Appening" tutorial on Background Eraser below.
Step 3- Create a Digital Story in Educreations
Create a digital story in Educrations by bringing in your own characters and moving them as you record. Check the "What's Appening" tutorial below. My buddy shares his genius as we bring all three apps together.
Step 1- Draw a character
Use a drawing app to create a character that you would like to manipulate or move in Educreations and save it to your camera roll.
In the "What's Appening" tutorial below, I used the Hello Crayon App to draw a frog character. It's easy to use and it's FREE.
Step 2- Erase the White Background
Use the Background Eraser App to erase the background your illustration and create a .PNG image file. It's very easy to use if the background is one color. With this trick, you can bring in a nice, full screen picture to use as a setting in Educreations, then use your own drawing as a "puppet."Check out the "What's Appening" tutorial on Background Eraser below.
Step 3- Create a Digital Story in Educreations
Create a digital story in Educrations by bringing in your own characters and moving them as you record. Check the "What's Appening" tutorial below. My buddy shares his genius as we bring all three apps together.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Replacing my iPad Screen
My iPad had an accident 3 weeks ago. I couldn't believe it. It was my fault, no child was involved.
It takes time. I had to wait two weeks before I could find the time to work on my iPad without any distractions. I didn't expect the glass to break more when removing it. If I had to do it again, I would use more heat, take more time, and have a set of gloves that fit snug. I was careful around the camera, wifi antenna, home button and digitizer. I made sure not to touch the LCD screen with my fingers and used a can of air to keep it dust free. Before sealing the iPad up, I powered it on and made sure that my camera, wifi, home button, and touch screen were working properly. Upon success, I smiled. Accomplishment! Yay!
Honestly, now that I've done it, I am going to be even more careful with my iPad. I don't want to repair an iPad screen again.
After debating all of my options, I decided I wanted to replace my iPad screen myself.
What I Ordered
I ordered my replacement kit before doing my homework. I am not recommending this product, just sharing that I decided to take a chance with the Zeetron iPad 3 Digitizer Glass Screen Kit from Amazon. Prices varied, I took the time to read reviews and made my decision based on that alone. I'm sure I will discover the quality of the screen over time. I hope I made a good choice.
If I would have watched the YouTube videos I list below before ordering, I probably would have ordered from DirectFix or iRepair Fast. They have additional parts (that can be damaged during the repair) that I didn't consider ordering before this project. Both companies also have a mail-in iPad repair service.
If I would have watched the YouTube videos I list below before ordering, I probably would have ordered from DirectFix or iRepair Fast. They have additional parts (that can be damaged during the repair) that I didn't consider ordering before this project. Both companies also have a mail-in iPad repair service.
Doing my Homework
These are the videos that I watched to teach myself how to repair my iPad. Each video has something different to offer. In my opinion, the first two, make the repair look much easier than it is, but offer good tips and share important information about what to look out for. The third video leaves nothing out. It is 1hour and 20 minutes long, because you see the entire repair of an iPad with a cracked screen and a damaged corner.
My Experience
 |
| Cracked iPad Screen |
 |
| Tape was used to hold broken glass together and guitar picks to help keep the adhesive sepearated from the glass |
 |
| New screen installed |
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