A colleague (elementary library media specialist) and I were brainstorming ideas on how to introduce digital storytelling to grade 5 students. We went through the different subject areas of the grade level, brainstorming concepts that students may have recently covered. We searched and dug through websites trying to find one or two good examples to show to the students. Resources to support the digital storytelling project were also high on our list so we searched for planning sheets and rubrics.
After our conversation ended, I headed back to my desk and started reading through my e-mail. I found this reference, freshly posted, to share with her: Engaging Learners Through Digital Storytelling. It is amazing what comes across your desk when you least expect it.
This blog article provides resources obtained through a free online course where over 250 participants worked to create an online class portfolio. Participants contributed information on why to do digital storytelling, shared tips on using some free digital tools, and provided a list of recommended web tools to use. A Live Binder, Digital Storytelling for Young Learners is also available.
Education is a wonderful place to work and grow. Working with students to help them create a learn is a rewarding experience. Check out these resources and pick up a new tool or skill to help your students grow.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Safer Internet Day
This is the first year I have heard about Safer Internet Day, which is held on the second day of the second week of the second month each year. February 7, 2012 is the day this year with the theme "Connecting generations and educating each other". The focus of this international group is to promote safer and more responsible use of online resources among children.
I spent a little bit of time perusing the site. There are quite a few videos promoting safety, kits for schools that contain logos to promote the day, informational videos, resources to use for teaching (lesson plans, posters) and links to resources by country. The United States Safer Internet link contains activities integrating iSafe resources that help teach Internet Safety.
I am impressed to see this international effort to promote Internet safety. Too frequently I see students get lost in content on the Internet that is clearly not for their eyes. Unfortunately this pull to unsafe sites seems to affect the students who don't need any more chaos in their lives - students with other challenges who seek a place to belong but are doing this in an unsafe environment.
Share this site with at least one other adult and one child. As educators we have the opportunity to change the direction of our students. Thank you for all that you do to this end.
Just to add a little fun, here is the QR code for the site:
I spent a little bit of time perusing the site. There are quite a few videos promoting safety, kits for schools that contain logos to promote the day, informational videos, resources to use for teaching (lesson plans, posters) and links to resources by country. The United States Safer Internet link contains activities integrating iSafe resources that help teach Internet Safety.
I am impressed to see this international effort to promote Internet safety. Too frequently I see students get lost in content on the Internet that is clearly not for their eyes. Unfortunately this pull to unsafe sites seems to affect the students who don't need any more chaos in their lives - students with other challenges who seek a place to belong but are doing this in an unsafe environment.
Share this site with at least one other adult and one child. As educators we have the opportunity to change the direction of our students. Thank you for all that you do to this end.
Just to add a little fun, here is the QR code for the site:
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Happy Thoughts
Our sons like to have a "happy thought" before they go to bed at night. Parents will understand how at times this can be a difficult task. So, I'm going to add some "happy thoughts" to this blog to share. Maybe you'll find one that you can share with a child, or maybe an adult, to help brighten their day (or calm their night).
Here's our thought for tonight:
My oldest son recalled seeing his first shooting star at camp this past summer. He described it with a twinkle in his eyes of a child seeing an amazing sight for the very first time. "It shot right across the sky and then it was gone." Imagine the look in his eyes and that look is worth more than the words he used to describe the event.
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| Shooting Star |
My oldest son recalled seeing his first shooting star at camp this past summer. He described it with a twinkle in his eyes of a child seeing an amazing sight for the very first time. "It shot right across the sky and then it was gone." Imagine the look in his eyes and that look is worth more than the words he used to describe the event.
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