Today I'm here to share with you a favorite holiday project in my classroom. During the holidays, it's really difficult to keep the kids engaged/focused…but this project is always a hit! Kids beg to work on it -- and are dead silent and hard at work while doing so.
Here's a sample of a completed project!
To begin, students worked with a partner to fill out their story map.
They brainstormed ideas and had to come to an agreement before filling out their story map. From there, they went on to the actual writing of their stories. The kids knew what their end product would be--so while they work on their writing, they are also planning out which sentences will go on what page. Students were so excited about this part and couldn't wait to get into the lab!
Once students were done with the writing, we went into the lab so they could begin creating their digital story books. For this project, we used the program Pixie.
This is an awesome program because students were able to link up computer screens with their partners--so that they could both work on the illustrations at the same time. There are also many different clip art pieces the kids can use.
It took awhile for the kids to learn to work together on this program. Since most of them chose to work on the same page at the same time, they would often go and change out little images their partner had placed…or change the color of the text, etc. After awhile though, they figured out how to work together to compromise.
Since we could only work on this program in the computer lab, and that we had a limited number of days to work on it, this was incentive enough to get the kids to not argue and finish up their work in the given amount of time.
During the last week of school, we popped popcorn and watched all of the holiday movies! The kiddos LOVED it. Here's one more:
This was a great activity to do to keep the kids engaged during the holidays, but really, this could be enjoyed at any time throughout the year!
I'd love to know if you end up doing this with your kiddos :)
At my school, we have an awesome technology coordinator that is in the know of all new and cool technology programs out on the market. She even has a ton of tech tips up her sleeve that she is always willing to teach others about.
She started an awesome technology PD opportunity for all faculty on campus. I like to call it "PD on the Potty" but it's real name is "Learning on the Loo".
Each month, our tech coordinator will go around campus to every bathroom that is used by faculty members. She will place a learning sheet on the wall, directly across the toilet. :)
It cracks me up because the tag line is…Face it, there's nothing else to distract you.
I love all of her monthly tips that she shares because they are always super helpful, and are also usually things that I hadn't heard of, done, or tried before.
Today's tip is all about how to narrow your internet searches.
I had no idea that searching without quotations meant that you are searching each word separately!
Today I'm here again to link up with Farley for November's Currently!
Let's go!
Listening:
The AC. The weather has been so muggy lately that I've been having to run the air all day and all night.
Hence, my wanting for the weather to cool down ;)
Loving:
Just like Farley, I am stoked that Halloween is over. I'm not too big of a Halloween person, and look forward to it being done so that I can get ready for Christmas!! Now that it's officially November…I am just itching to decorate for Christmas!!
We will be away for the hubby's 30th B-day Celebration over the Thanksgiving weekend. When we get back, it'll already be December and our first weekend is already busy…so I'll be needing to decorate the house before we leave, so it's ready for us when we get back! Can't wait!
Thinking:
I just ordered a Silhouette Cameo and am thinking about all of the Holiday DIY projects I have on my to-do list. I just love crafting during this time of year! I've been planning them since the start of October ;)
Wanting:
The weather to cool down. Granted the weather only reaches the low 70s (midday), that's pretty cool for us here in Hawaii…but I want to start dressing in cute warm clothes :)
Needing:
To get to work!
I've put my work list off all day yesterday…I will get work done today…..
I hope. :/
Yummy:
I LOVE my mom's homemade stuffing. I mix it in with mashed potatoes. That is my favorite part of our Thanksgiving meals. I could totally go without the turkey..and just eat stuffing and mashed potatoes!
I'm so sad though because I missed Thanksgiving last year and will miss it again this year due to being away on Vacation. :/ Maybe I can get her to cook it before I leave ;)
Be sure to head over and link up with Farley. I'd love to see what you're Currently up to!
