Room+2+term+3

I have had to make a new page here as something has happened to my page...I can't seem to edit it. Room 2 Term 3 A new class .... a new term... So what has been happening.

1. A new game to teach mouse skills has been great. This has been chosen and enjoyed a lot by all children especially those less confident and by a child with special needs. Great to teach these basic skills and concentration with a lot of interaction happening at the same time. Necessary skills..a different way to practise..engaging less confident children well.

2. Using the projector to extend games that are being played. The children are exploring on their own but often get stuck on a few favourites, the large screen allows for a quick demonstration on other activities available on the CD. The children are making better use of a wider variety of excellent Maths and reading activities. (Banning a favourite game that I feel has very little potential has helped as well!)

3. Using the projector and internet for other areas of the curriculum. I have done this in the past but with it being easier to view, it is less of a problem for all to see and they are not so 'squished'. We also searched for answers/photos and information. Art: we found examples of 3D art and sculptures. We also tried using Kidpix/paint to do the initial shapes for our dinosaurs. Not as easy as it appears, //we need to keep working on this area.// Topic/rocks/coal: pictures and photos and posters used to develop conversation/observation and discussions in the science/social sciences areas. Children interested, on task, all able to see details at the same time. Link with photocopier very effective and colour option great when required. To continue here next term to print only necessary photos for next set of lessons. Maths: Mainly used during Maths week to do challenges. Class focussed and thinking...//need to do this myself.//..perhaps a challenge for next term. My maths cds are pretty good covering areas we are covering, so I am quite happy to just use these as the children are rostered on the computer. //Have yet to put websites for children on Wiki ...another goal//. Ways of Growing: we are learning to think and ask questions...these are developing in complexity, we have also been trying to find some of the answers with one source being the internet. Music: the children are still enjoying singing with the Karaoke Learn to Sing DVD hard to work out if they are reading or not...//probably need to test it out somehow.// Current events//: mainly earthquake photos and maps of __high interest.__ Beginning to use utube...need to sort this myself properly first though.//

4. My biggest success is putting stickers on keyboard with the lower case letters on them. Also one on fullstop, enter, backspace, and question mark. My top writers are coping with this well. They are all writing more, very little stopping with a problem,(I still have a buddy) they are writing as much, if not more than in their books. Why? We teach lower case sounds first and these are what they know, they do not have to think what does the capital letter look like and now let's find it. Once the children are writing a sentence independently they seem ready to move onto this keyboard....from there I was able to work out the tracking changes system, although I am not doing much with this at the moment...my next step. I retype story underneath and this gives a very visual next step for writing for the child...I could add an ICT goal for this too...//I should take my creative writer challenge and adapt it for development in this area.//

//5.// I am still keen on the microphone. I planned to include it in some of activities mid term but either someone took it away or I couldn't find it. 'Yes I can do it another time'...but this doesn't seem to happen, when the moment is gone it is often gone! It will be wonderful to have one in the classroom as there are many opportunities to use it to improve learning and help the children think about their learning... I am looking forward to this.

6. I went to Sue's blog workshop was a great start...had a go and immediately got stuck...thought wikis were easier to problem solve on!! However with a little time these holidays have got back to it and with a little help and another way of downloading photos shown to me, I'm all go to try again next term....and find time to continually check permission slips...a never ending job that does hold us up at times. //I need to find a blogging time for the class as well.//

30 October...//Just for you Sue....////The final instalment in 100 words or less!!!!//

//Projector ...................... changed sessions in topic/arts/PE/computer skills...websites/photos utube..high motivation, keep it short 'n sweet for five year olds.// //Microphone.................... great for self assessment and formative assessment...adds well to multi media tasks.// //Mr Blobby/reflection clouds..... great development in reflection from students : biggest change this year for my class// //Syndicate planning................. developing systems,considering ICT/methods..still a way to go, better links now though// //Lower case keyboard..............makes a difference//

//There is a time to know __about__ things...// //there is a time to know __how to do__ things...// //and that time is when you __need it__.//

//Thanks for taking up the challenge Sue.// //You kept us going through thick and thin.// //You have done a wonderful job.//