ICT on prac

I utilised computers within the is unit to aid me in planning; by emailing ideas about incorporating ICT within the unit plan to my mentor teacher, along with the preparation of aspects of my Unit plan, i.e. Task sheets, Rubrics. I believe I incorporated the use of computers as teaching/learning tools in achieving and extending curriculum goals and ensuring equitable access, participation and outcomes for all students in their use of computers for learning. By being involved within the school community and attending all professional development workshops will hopefully keep me abreast of all that is occurring with the knowledge society and the rapidly changing world of technology within the curriculum. Although an interactive board was not available for this practicum it is something that I will endeavour to incorporate into my curriculum and hopefully gain the opportunity to master its use.

Early Childhood Education Cont.

Early childhood students learn best in environments where they have supportive relationships and environments. The classroom setting and the teacher are recognised as central components of complete and well rounded program units that are grounded in carefully and measured documentation. Every students has the control to transform their lives for the better based on the choices they make, students should be encouraged and supported in making appropriate choices and taking greater accountability for their actions.Young children’s positive nature to learning and to themselves as learners is essential for achievement in their education and future; especially at a time when their self esteem is continuously developing; this means incorporating choices into their units of work, which in turn enhances their development.

Early Childhood Education

Early Years Curriculum Guidelines define what children should know and be able to do within the Health and Physical Education and Information Technology areas. These standards provide guidance to teachers and enable them to plan informed lessons. Teachers can use these curriculum standards to assess what concepts need strengthening or re-teaching, or to identify when a new strategy is needed. Early childhood educators have historically valued and promoted child observation and program assessment within the Health and Physical key learning area along with Information and Technology key learning components as being an important factor of high quality programs for children. I believe that I had a thorough understanding of the EYCG which enabled me to provide a complete unit of work for the students.  After completing my prac placement it has confirmed to myself that Early Childhood Education is such a strong passion of mine it is becoming stronger with each year that is passing.  I can’t wait to be a qualified Early Childhood teacher.

A Glimpse of the Future Classrooms

A Glimpse of the Future Classrooms .  Today I taught the year one’s a history lesson on “what school used to be like”.  The children were intrigued with the idea that people used to use pens and ink pots to write with.  We also looked at slate boards and compared them to their own little white boards.  The children were horrified to here how children used to get the cane for misbehaving or left handed children were forced to write with their right hand.

I came across this site today about future classrooms and how technology will bring wonders into the classroom.  I wonder what the grade one children would think of this?

TeacherTube

I have found TeacherTube a great resource during my prac placement.

Tomorrow I am teaching the children geography, features of places.  The children haven’t been taught any geography at this stage of the term,  so the next five days it is up to me to get them ready for their geography assessment later this term.

I am teaching them:

What does natural mean?  It means all living and non-living things that are naturally on Earth.  It is an environment that hasn’t been changed by people.

What does constructed environment mean?  It is a human-made space in which people, work, and re-create on a day-to-day basis.”

http://www.teachertube.com/video/built-and-natural-environments-121115

Ten Tips For Student Teachers On Placement

I have found this great blog: Ten Tips for Student Teachers on Placement.  This might have been more beneficial 2 weeks ago.

  1. You are there to learn.  I have learnt so much during this practical experience.
  2. No staying out late on a school night.  I have had a lot of late nights preparing.
  3. Building relationships with your students.  It will be sad to say goodbye at the end.
  4. Observe other teachers doing their thing.  Ask lots of questions.  So many wonderful dedicated teachers out there given little credit.
  5. Keep up with your paperwork.  eek I think I have a lot of catching up to do next week.
  6. Never say ‘no’ to an opportunity to teach.  Never!!!!!!!!
  7. Planning.  So time consuming.
  8. Be professional.  Always.
  9. You’re going to get sick.  I did!!!!!
  10. Thank you. xxxxxoooo

Bee Bots

This week my mentor asked me to teach the year one students how to use “Bee Bots”.  I had never even heard of Bee Bots before, but this wasn’t going to stop me from giving it a go.  I was sent home with a Bee Bot to play with and my first reaction was that I thought they were a little unexciting.  But after a little research on the internet, I found this great youtube clip introducing Bee Bots to students.  With a little more digging around I found a whole range of lesson ideas.  Needless to say, the year ones loved the lesson on Bee Bots:  http://www.scoop.it/t/bee-bot-lessons-and-ideas

Much like Tracey I am feeling the pressure of neglecting my own family over the past 2 weeks.  I am looking forward to the semester break!!!

Putting it into Perspective

Well I came across this video on my Facebook page and it put everything into perspective for me.  I am feeling stressed and anxious about assignments, but just watching these beautiful smiling faces reminds me to remember to enjoy life and to enjoy the moments.  I hope you enjoy this youtube clip it certainly is one of my favourites.

My very first University lecturer responded to one of my fears of “What if I fail”.  She reminded me that it isn’t the end of the world and university assignment marks don’t define what kind of teacher you will be.

success-is-not-final-failure-is-not-total