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Using Blogs in the Classroom: The Stick Factor
July 2, 2008
Before my 4th graders left for summer break, I had them reflect on what they remember most from technology class. It 
was a good opportunity for me - their teacher - to receive my own tech grade.
I must say, it was a humbling exercise, but one I highly recommend.
By using a class blog as the portal, here's what stuck in their minds as most memorable:
#1) Road to the White House - This was a collaborative project whereby we selected students to represent each of the presidential candidates and a reporter to conduct the debate. This, they loved.
#2) Keyboarding/Typing - This exercise is one they unanimously dreaded and preferred to use Dance Mat Typing. For learning how to type/keyboard, Dance Mat wins every year.
#3) The Mystery of Foxville Webquest, by Teri Knutson, was a winner for the girls. They had to unmix the crazy town of Foxville by solving a mystery. I, too, had a blast with this activity because I was able to show the students how to report their findings, the way real reporters do. I also videotaped each group presentation.
#4) Has far as software goes, their favorite was GollyGee Blocks. Honestly, I am not fully convinced that software is the way to go - since there is so many free resources online. However, if/when the Internet goes down, it's always good to have a back up plan. What back up plan do you have?
#5) In September, the students used Kidsclick to research ancient civilizations:
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
Ancient China
Ancient Egypt
Ancient India
Ancient Mesopotamia
I actually had to be reminded about this one project which was integrated into their social studies curriculum. Students created powerpoint presentation based on their research.
#6) During the month of November, we focused on GIVING, and also visited Toys R Us with a $500 (pretend) budget. This project tied in beautifully to their math curriculum and this was - according to them - a FUN project.
A) Students may only purchase 1 gift for each person - for a total of 10 people
B) Students should ONLY buy gifts for friends and family, not themselves.
C) As much as possible, students should stay in the range of $500. Try to stick to your budget.
D) Sorry, girls. Currently, Webkinz is NOT being sold at Toys R Us. Interactive fun puzzles
#7) Here is one of my favorite activities: Have Fun With Math Day! On this day, we spend the entire class period just drilling math and ranking the sites we thought were the most fun.
Slider puzzle and beat the clock
Tangrams online
Test your memory out with this game
Table Times
The math build-a-bug site…you will have to click
GeoRainbowGuess your best – math questions
Unjumble the math facts
Odd one out
I'll have more blog highlights next week. This list is becoming a little too overwhelming for me.
Posted by Amy Bowllan on July 2, 2008 | Comments (0)
