My students are 6 years old. They are energetic (13 boys / 7 girls). They are active. They can be loud. They are creative. They are impatient. They are sweet. They are demanding. They love to learn! They deserve to be provided the opportunity to learn in a way that is best for each of them in each circumstance. Often, but not always this involves using a screen of some sort.
- We practice letter formation on the iPads, but we also practice on personal white boards and paper
- We listen to authors and illustrators tell about their trades online, again we also look at paper books and have real authors/illustrators visit (though usually only once per year as it can be difficult to arrange)
- We communicate with other classes to share our learning on google hangout and Skype. We have also used the 'snail mail' to communicate and arranged a face to face visit at our school with a couple other grade one classes from our district.
- We share our learning and tell our story on our own blogs. Yes, this takes a commitment of time for grade ones to learn keyboarding and build the skills to navigate the blogging platform, but students help each other out of necessity (and a desire to share their story). Read hear about my first experience with Kidblog last year. We are currently loving the Draw&Tell app for the flexibility to add photo and voice at the same time. Students also have paper writing books that they record their thoughts in.
- We teach each other how to use the new tools whether they are digital or otherwise.
- We use manipulatives to build and explore mathematical relationships and then students can record their learning on the iPads.
- We use drawing apps to create art, but we also use a lot of paint, play dough, plasticicene, paper and glue, fabric etc.
I believe the answer is different for every classroom and each teacher and each student. It is about balance and choice. It is about knowing your students. It is about taking risks and learning along side students. It is exploring. It is asking questions. It is using the tools available to you. There are many screens in my classroom, but I am always questioning the purpose of using them.
I would love to hear your opinions on the issue of screens.
Thank you for your wonderful thought provoking post. I too struggle to make sure that I have balance in the classroom between technology, hands on activities, group work and written activities. I agree that it is about balance and choice. What activities to give up and what activities to keep. The day goes so quickly and sometimes it is hard to fit in everything that you want to do. When I first started teaching a wonderful administrator gave me excellent advice. She told me to always ask yourself "why" and "what is the purpose" when planning activities. I enjoy working with you and sharing ideas with you. You keep on inspiring me to be a "risk taker".
ReplyDeleteLora, as it has been said over and over again technology is a tool, and only a tool. Good teaching, with mindful thought and solid pedagogy can help a student do amazing things with that tool. While I love the opportunity I've been given to integrate technology into my classroom I try to keep a clear focus on the learning and not the technology. When you do that I think a better balance comes out. Listen to your gut, talk to others, talk to your students. Some where in there you'll find the answer that's best for you and your learners. And reread your final paragraph, it's a good one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog... it is clear that it isn't about the technology, it is about the learning... and that is the point! Tools disappear in the service of learning... we use whatever we need when we need it... and we help our learners (whatever their age) to do the same! Please keep reflecting on your practice and sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comment, Anne. Your presentation on Friday in Kelowna really resonated with me. I am thinking deeply about making the assessment for learning more visual for my young students. We will begin tomorrow by building an anchor chart together on what good readers do. I like the visual of the target for self assessment. Ultimately I would like to build a continuum for reading with my students that has a permanent place in our room. I look forward to further connecting with you about this!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Blog Post Shared By this Blogger! How to be a Primary Teacher and what is it like to be a primary school teacher in the 21st century? Well, it’s possibly very different to what you remember from school and definitely one of the few jobs in the United Kingdom that allows you to make a difference, and make the world a better place, every single working day.
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