Geometric Shapes

This week Shayla and I took pictures of Geometric shapes, and then we came up with definitions for five of them. We made a book online about our shapes and it was so fun!! Kids would absolutely love turning one of their projects into a book. We used iPhoto to make our Shapes Book, but you can also use ComicLife and MS Word. We also took our pictures of shapes and made a comic. It was hilarious. I was not able to upload the comic and pictures, but will when I figure it out. Comics are so fun to make, and I know that students would do anything to make one. I think that a lesson plan that includes making an educational comic is an awesome idea, and I can't wait to do it in my own classroom. :)

Digital Photography

I had a really good time working with fotoflexer and toondoo this week. I had no idea that kind of software was available to use for FREE on the internet. It took me awhile to get used to the different tools available, but after I got used to them I had a lot of fun with them. I first started out in Picnik, and then went into Fotoflexer. I liked Fotoflexer more than Picnik just because it was more user friendly. I think it also had more tools to use.
I think the digital imaging software would be so fun to use in the classroom. I would love to take pictures of my students, and then teach them how to enhance their own photos. If I end up teaching an older grade, like 3rd-5th, I think that they would be able to enhance their photos on their own with my guidance. If I teach a younger grade, I would do it on my computer and use a class picture. I would pull the projector screen down and work with the students by having them tell me what to do with the picture. There are so many possibilities with this kind of software.

Our Video Podcast

This is our video podcast. I was not here to help with the final editing, but Shayla did a great job on her own. It is titled Oil Spills.

Graphic Organizers

Today we learned about creating and using graphic organizers. This is such a helpful learning tool. I had no idea this was available. I created a couple of organizers today. One was from a website on the internet, and the other was from some software that we used a free trial with. I can't wait to use this in my classroom. The kids will love creating graphic organizers to help them learn. The site that is free is http://www.text2mindmap.com/ The software that can be purchased is titled Kidspiration. These are amazing learning tools.