Technology (Kristen Sharpe)

Dear Kristin Sharp,
A little birdie told me that you have been teaching our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about some "high tech" computer capabillities during Media. could you share with the rest of us about it?
Love, Julie



I have been teaching the kids how to create digital stories using many of the exciting programs found on the Macbooks, such as Photobooth, I-Photo, I-Movie, and Safari. The kids are so excited when they enter the media center and see the computers set up that they can hardly contain themselves! They just can't wait to get started! I am amzed by how engaged the fchildren become in their work when they are on the Macbooks. They inspire me with their amazing creativity and ability to use a computer. In addition, using technology has eliminated almost all behavior problems because the kids want to be there.

To introduce the kids to the Macbooks, I teach them how to create a slideshow using pHotoboth and I-Photo. they have a blast taking pictures of themselves and distorting the photos. the objective is for them to create a slideshow with at least five pictures, music, and trasitions.

The second time I see a group of students, I teach them how to create an I-Movie. Currently the kids are conducting an author study and recording their research on the I-Movie program. the computers have a built in camera and microphone, so all they do is sit in front of the screen to record. Then the kids choose the clips they want and edit them. to complete their movie, they add a title page, music and transitions.

The kids have been working so hard during media! I am proud of their creations and determination to complete a project.

I am really enjoying working at chets Creek Elementary. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to be here. I have learned so much from the Chets Creek team. It is truly a dream job!
Mrs. Sharp

Technology in Math/Science (Melissa Ross)

QUESTION: Dear Melissa Ross:
The word around school is that you use a lot of technology in your teaching. Please share your wisdom. What form of technology do you use (i.e., Elmo) and how do you incorporate that into Math/Science instruction? Debbi Harbour

I use a lot of different kinds of technology daily. I use my document camera, projector, and the Internet for everything! Once you have played with it a little, it's not that hard to use, I promise! I use the camera for a lot including:


Read alouds so the kids can follow along. There are a lot of great ones online too.



Mini-lessons to demonstrate how to use a manipulative (example - showing kids how to make 15 cents using coins) or how to put something together for a Science experiment. Check out this great site for online manipulatives for any grade level.



Take pictures of the way to set up cards for a card game they play for Math ahead of time so I can have it posted during the work period.

If they are all on the carpet for the min-lesson and I need to show them something somewhere in the room, they can't see from the carpet, I turn the head of the camera so that it is filming whatever I need to show them. I then have one of the kids go and point to that item. When they are "on camera," they think they are on WCEE - They love it!

I leave anything I have written for my mini-lesson up during the work period.

Background information for science lessons. Here are some great sites on worms, space, science clips, or National Geographic for Kids.

Calendar Math Reinforcement. Guess My Number and Math Playground.

During closing I use it to have students share a piece of work (strategy they have worked on, etc.) It saves a lot of time because they don't have to rewrite it. Their handwriting also gets neater during the work period because they want to put their work up. I then take a picture of the work with the camera to post on my blog or to e-mail parents.

I also use it for fun to play math games - Place 23 cubes under the camera - freeze the image, remove cubes, unfeeze it. How many cubes were removed?

I use other technology such as podcasting, blogging, interactive websites, CPS system, computerized chalkboard, smartboard, etc., but I probably shouldn't take up the entire book. Come see me if you are interested in more!


Melissa Ross

Blog Videos (Debbie Harbour)

QUESTION: Dear Debbie Harbour,
I have heard good news about your blog! I heard that you posted video of your students reciting (or acting out?) nursery rhymes. I would love to add video to my class blog. Tell me how you did this!! Eager to learn, Jenny

Once you do a video on your blog, you are hooked!! I love the little video clips and only wish I could have shared in my child's day that this provides our families. Here's how to begin:

*The video I shoot comes from my little Canon digital camera. If it is from a regular camera (video), I am not sure with the actual download of the clip into your computer. KK does have some resources that may help you to get your video into .WMV, .AVI, .MOV, of .FLA (I don't know what these mean.

1. Download your video to your computer.
2. Go to http://www.teachertube.com/ and sign up (it's free)
3. Go to UPLOAD.
4. Here you will fill out the title, description, tags, and channel. Press continue.
5. Browse your computer for the video and press upload. This takes quite some time.
6. Now your video has been added to TeacherTube. Copy the text (html) that is Embed your video.
7. Go to your blog - post. Paste in the copied text directly into your post section.
8. You are done! YEAH! If you want you can also view all your saved videos on TeacherTube under My Files.

If anyone ever needs help - just ask. Happy Postings! Debbie Harbour

Blog Comments (Jenny Nash)

Question: Jenny,
We love the idea of blogging but we don't know where to start. How do you write a note to a new teacher? Deb and Michelle

WOW! First of all, THANK YOU so much for choosing me! I feel lucky to be the 1st to write in the book & the 1st to wear "Tink"!! It has been a lot of fun to wear & I have received a lot of compliments on it! (Not to mention causing Quite a commotion in my daughter's Pre-K class!!)

As far as adding a comment to my blog, it is really very simple. Underneath any post (article) you will see, in bold (and Italics, I think) where it says "0 comments." (Or 1 or 2 or however many!) Click on this! :) A pop-up "box" will appear. this is where you can enter your comment information.

Something to remember... I have set my blogs to require comments to be moderated. Your comment will NOT appear immediately. I will review it and "ok" it to be published as soon as possible. (This is to prevent inappropriate comments on our blog.)
Hope this helps!
Thanks!! Looking forward to reading new comments!!
:) Jenny