Room+2



In term 2, I will have another go at putting on pictures more regularly.//** **//The parents in my class now have my email and a few are contacting me in this way. For those, who are busy and use the computer, this is just another way to contact me to improve communication.//**
 * //At the beginning of this year, I finally had time to start up my// //class wikispace//**. **//__I__ began with designing a title page, which was fun and challenging but is far too big. One day I will return and figure out what to do about the size! I then made some pages especially for the parents in my class, with detail about how they can help their child at home. I sorted the permission system, which was not working for new entrants into the school and added class pages, but have difficulty downloading pictures, so have come to a stop (although I do try to update the site each week.) I have had some positive comments regarding the information on the site and hope this contributes to a positive home/school relationship and improved parent understanding.

March 1st- LT moddeled the coaching system using the program of powerpoint alaphabet book. T to continue the process over next few days. LT also modeled how to use the projector as part of shared writing to also have an ICT goal- for example how to use finger space. T is to try and use projector each day for shared writing. LT also modeled how to set up 3 of the laptop pods. T to try and use them before I next come in.

I did not continue on with this process as it did not fit the needs of my class. I did however start another programme, my Kidpix challenge. I have done this regularly over a number of years. It uses Kidpix, but can use Kidpaint or Paint as well. I now have a projector in my room and this allows me to demonstrate anything on the big screen and it is certainly much easier to do this with a large desktop. The children tend to be more focussed than when they are watching the smaller screen. The projector has been useful to demonstrate other games in this way however it does depend on whether the programme will run on the computer.
 * //March

The Kidpix challenge relies on expert helpers - this number grows as knowledge of the program develops - children learn off each other. Although most, but not all children in my class have access to a computer, when talking to parents and the children, the children are not always allowed to use the computer. At this level there are a number of children who are learning to use the mouse and navigate around a program. The games I use are curriculum related and are also used to develop these skills, as I roster groups or pairs on the computers,this encourages conversation, team work and support. The children who do know their way around the computer need to be able to follow the expectations and rules when using the computer at school, it is often these children who get into things they shouldn't. In a new entrant room we are continually developing computer language and vocabulary and reinforcing rules related to the care and use of the computer.

I am giving my more independent writers a chance to write in word and add a picture generated in Paint to the picture. I need to do this in a regular way next term. The other thing I tried to do this term was to start some sort of interaction between the New Entrant classes from the cluster. I set up the wiki page and let everyone know. We have been reading East Gore's blog and commenting on it while they have been reading our comments and commenting. The children are are keen to meet the class. It is great to see what they have been up to. It would be better if they could see our wiki as I seem to be repeating things and the problem with the photos has meant that we have been unable to download any as we write our comments at school. Will see if it is possible for East Gore to check out our wikisite with Sue.//**

M April 22. LT modeled to a group how to use easi speak to record how the group had sorted thier maths equipment in stats. They then showed the class how to use it. T plannning to use it over next week.

I loved using the microphone the following day. I took the chance to record myself, but would be happy for the students to do this. I used this during a Maths lesson. I took photos of the students with their work and encouraged them to describe what they had been doing. I was able to assess both their developing maths ideas and their oral language at the same time by replaying these and will plan further activities to develop these. I have recorded in writing form what the children said to go with a class display for the children to read and will also play the sound bites to the class in an effort to improve the oral language skills. I can see the use of this piece of equipment in the class all the time. Sound bites could be added to my wikispace but I can see many other uses for this as well.//
 * //25 April

3 May Planning for week in daily planner now h//igh//lights IC//T components. Now have to make sure I do it. Extras include using video clip for drama,// viewing of a painting for art and a time to add to our hokonui chatterbox wiki and being more specific with which activites used during maths and reading rotations.**