Dreams: Kindergarten Tech Plan and Activities: November 2006

National Educational Technology Standards

As a Student and a future Classroom Teacher I can use these standards and profiles as guidelines for planning technology-based activities in which students achieve success in learning, communication, and life skills.

ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students

The technology foundation standards for students are divided into six broad categories. Standards within each category are to be introduced, reinforced, and mastered by students. These categories provide a framework for linking performance indicators within the Profiles for Technology Literate Students to the standards.

Technology Foundation Standards for Students:

1. Basic Operations and Concepts

	Students demonstrate a sound operation of the nature and operation of technology systems.
	Students are proficient in the use of technology.

2. Social, Ethical, and Human Issues

	Students understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology.
	Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
	Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

3. Technology Productivity Tools

	Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
	Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

4. Technology Communication Tools

	Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
	Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and idea effectively to multiple audiences.

5. Technology Research Tools

	Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
	Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
	Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific task.

6. Technology Problem-Solving and Decision Making Tools, i.e., Software

	Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
	Students employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

From National Educational Technology Standards for Students: Connecting Curriculum and Technology, by International Society for Technology in Education in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, 2000-2002.

http://www.eastrock.org/nets.htm

http://www.ncrel.org/tech/nets/netsrubricp2.pdf

http://www.iste.org/inhouse/nets/cnets/students/s_stands.html

5 Science Ideas for Kindergarten Class

This Activites are Fun and Covers Various Science Topics. I would love to use this activities in my Student Teaching during Spring 2007.

Science Idea #1
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/insect/index.htm
Insect Corner: Insects are invertebrates. Their bodies are clearly divided into a head, a thorax, and abdomen. They also have three pairs of jointed legs and usually two pairs of wings.

Science Idea #2
http://www.bemboszoo.com/Bembo.swf
ABC ZOO: Click on each letter for letter to turn to the animal name it begins with.

Science Idea #3
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/NewPlants/index.html
New Plants: Plant your garden and watch it grow.

Science Idea #4
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/SolidsandLiquids/index.html
Solids and Liquids: how to change liquid into solid and solid to liquid

Science Idea #5
http://www.fossweb.com/modulesK-2/BalanceandMotion/index.html
Balance and Motion: Find out how things balance and how things move!

5 Language Arts Ideas for Kindergarten Class

This Activities Covers Different Language Arts Areas That Could Encourage Students To Learn And Have Fun While Working. Possible Ideas That I Could Use For My Student Teaching Spring 2007

Language Arts Idea #1
http://www.tvokids.com/framesets/nook_new.html?game=2&
For Listening and Following Directions: Spacial Concepts activity. Good whole class activity and then center activity.

Language Arts Idea #2
http://www.kinderplanet.com/alphlett.htm
Letter Matching Upper/Lower: Match lower case with upper case letters.

Language Arts Idea #3
http://www.kidport.com/GradeK/LanguagesArts/Workbook/LangK_MissingAlpha.htm
Letter Order: This is not a mouse activity. Use the keyboard to fill in the missing letters of the alphabet.

Language Arts Idea #4
http://www.kiddonet.com/gb/flash/phonics/Intro.html
Beginning Phonics: Listen to the beginning sound that you select and find the pictures that start with that letter.

Language Arts Idea #5
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/clusters/blender/index.shtml
Sounding Out Words: Blender says word and student must choose the beginning sounds and ending sounds separately to be blended together. This site is from BBC and makes it a bit difficult for some children to understand the words.

5 Math Ideas for Kindergarten Class

This Fun Ideas Covers Different Topics In Math That Should Be Useful In My student Teaching This Spring 2007

Math Idea #1
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/apple.html
Sorting: An apple game that allows students to match apples to appropriate baskets.

Math Idea #2
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/sesamestreet/games/flash.php?contentId=11013038
Sorting: Sort by shortest and tallest to go under the Limbo Stick

Math Idea #3
http://funschool.kaboose.com/
Numbers Recognition: Listen to the number that is said. Find the numeral that matches what you heard. Match the number with the right way to say it.Great for ESL.

Math Idea #4
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/123order.asp
BeginningNumeral Counting: Numeral ordering

Math Idea #5
http://www.aaamath.com/fra16-fractions.html
Fractions: A simple practice for children first learning fractions. Using fourths, it demonstrates how the colored section is the key to the top number and the total boxes (4) are the key to the bottom number.

Computer Management Ideas For Kindergarten Class

All Management Ideas are Assisted By the Classroom Teacher or Assistant

I will have students plan their use of the computer before they get on it. For example, they should plan searches (write down key words, etc.) before getting on the Net.
Use the one computer as a station with pairs/groups of kids. This works well if you are doing projects or problem-based learning. Students work on the project, and the computer is one of many activities to solve the problem or do the project.
I'll use the computer for whole class demonstration or as a lecture supplement. Tom Snyder software is created for this plan. Net sites can be used this way as well. I'll need a projection device such as an LCD panel for this. If you have a parents' group, explain to them the purpose of the LCD panel and they may help raise the money for it.
Have students plan their use of the computer before they get on it. For example, have them storyboard, write, or draw their project before putting it on the computer.
Think about how you schedule time on the computers. Remember equal opportunity. If you let the students who finish work first go to the computer, the students who are kinesthetic learners and need to be on the computer don't get the chance.

Computer Scheduling Ideas For Kindergarten Class

Put a timer and a student roster next to the computer. Teach the students how to set the timer for 15 minutes and to tap the next person on the shoulder when they are done.
Have a student who serves as "Computer Assistant." If students have a question, they are to go to the Computer Assistant for help. If the Assistant doesn't know, then they can ask the teacher.
Have a class schedule posted where students rotate at 15 minute shifts all day, even during direct instruction. This schedule is at different times during the week, so students don't miss the same class instruction each day (Student A starts Monday at 8:15, Tuesday at 10:00, Wednesday at 12:30, Thursday at 1:45, and Friday at 3:00). Since they are in the classroom while working on their assignments, they still hear all the necessary instruction.
Demo new software or projects using some sort of projection system.
Design projects to be completed in small parts, so that directions do not become too complex. Have instructions clearly spelled out and in small chunks.
Create templates for projects so that independent work can occur.
Use peer teaching. Each week have a different student in charge of the computer. They should have learned whatever program is used that week.
Most kids are so fascinated with technology that they'll teach themselves just about anything you can load on them, as well as work peacefully together for fear of losing computer time. A small team of kids can have a corresponding team that works with them, with each team sharing with the other what they learned while the other was otherwise occupied either at the computer or with conventional classwork.

One Classroom Computer Ideas

Room Arrangement
Easy student access
Easy teacher access for presenting, modeling, and process writing etc.
Away from direct sunlight, water, magnets, and chalk dust
Easily supervised
Provide enough space for small group interaction
Management / Scheduling
Consider equity
Sample methods are:
Use 3 x 5 recipe card file with student names to identify computer users for each day. Have students cycle through to complete project. (Color coding Monday through Friday with student names many be helpful.)
Take weekly schedule and assign open blocks to students.

Consider the project when allowing computer time. Some projects many take more time.
Be creative when seeking additional available computers.
Provide opportunities for cooperative learning.
Post computer rights and responsibilities, guidelines for help, and expected behavior near computer station.
Display posters using computer terms and commands.
Emphasize the importance of preplanning so that time on the computer is efficiently used.
Create two folders, one for completed projects and one for work in progress. Have a checklist available so that, after each session, students can indicate whether project is complete or additional time is needed.
Use peer partnership/mentors/volunteers
Consider having students work in pairs or small groups.
Consider computer skill and specific assignment when pairing students
Change partnerships according to needs.
Students need time away from the computer for brainstorming, planning, and revising project.
Peer critiquing of computer projects is a key.
The use of "trained experts" among class members is helpful.
Consider the use of computer buddies to introduce new computer skills.
Trained parent and community volunteers can provide assistance with more involved projects.
Classroom modeling
Model computer project for the week.
Provide a sample of the completed work for that session.
Provide students with a step by step checklist. Have students sign and attach the checklist to completed project. Be sure to include a proofreading checklist.
When teaching a computer skill, templates can be very valuable. When using a template, each student or team can rotate through the activity and the original will not be altered or lost. This allows for a more self-guided lesson.

Three Classroom Computer Ideas

My Classroom Computer Center

Computer Center Ideas

If your classroom is like most, you probably have one to four computers set up in a learning pod. This arrangement works well for setting up an independent activity center where students complete tasks you've assigned. In my own classroom, I set aside 40 minutes each day for students to work on center activities such as the computer center. If you can't spare this much time, you can still make use of a computer center during "down times" such as during roll call or journaling time each day.

Making a Computer Center Work

Before you begin planning your personal center strategy, it helps to think about the dynamics of your classroom. Do you use learning centers regularly? If so, you'll find your students adapt quickly to using a computer center. If centers are a new concept in your room, take the time to discuss with students your procedures for moving to and from the computer center as well as how they should hand in completed center activities. Think also about your daily schedule. How many days will it take for every student to visit the computer center? Posting a computer schedule with times for each student helps keep the "Is it my turn yet?" questions at bay. Finally, think about classroom arrangement. If a small group of students will be using computers while the rest are at their desks, make sure the computers don't become a distraction. Inexpensive headphones can help, as can rotating monitors away from the classroom. By preparing yourself for the mechanics of maintaining a computer center, the time your students spend there will be much more productive.

Here are some of my best tips for making computer centers work:

Tip 1: So that you don¹t have to reinvent the wheel each year and so that students can use the computer center independently, write directions for computer activities on index cards or poster board and laminate them.

Tip 2: Try to create activities that correlate to your current studies - you may want to check your teacher's guides for suggestions of related computer activities. Once you come up with a great idea, make a note in your subject area guide so that you'll remember to use it when you come to that unit again next year.

Tip 3: When it comes to activities for your computer center, start with lessons that can be completed in one session. It helps to give all students a chance to have success with several simple computer assignments before trying their hand at a long-term project.

Tip 4: Before assigning an activity try completing the assignment yourself, or even better, find a student to test the activity for you. (Volunteers for this job are never hard to find in my room!) This will let you know if the activity can be completed in the time you've allotted and if your directions are clear.

Tip 5: Select a student to be the "Computer Expert" each week. Allow this student to complete the assignment first and then answer any questions that may arise while other students work through the activity. This helps free you from the role of task monitor while allowing your students to become mentors for one another.

Tip 6: Agree on a signal that students can use if they need help while working on a task. My favorite is to place a brightly colored plastic cup next to each computer. When students need help, they place their cup on top of their computer as a signal for assistance. Once they've gotten help, the cup is placed beside their computer again.

Computer Center Activity Ideas

Great ideas for your computer center activities are boundless. At the start of the school year, create scavenger hunts that help students learn to use an application while exploring the features available. This not only helps you learn which students are comfortable with computers (and will make great computer aides), it also helps build student confidence with the applications you plan to use all year long.

WebQuests are another fun activity that can be used for most any subject. Create a list of questions for students to answer, then bookmark a list of Web sites for them to use in their search. The Scholastic Web site has several great WebQuests to get you started!

Don't underestimate the value of those tried and true applications like word processors and drawing programs, either. Without a lot of software training for students, you can create an unlimited number of activities for virtually any subject. My favorite center activities almost always start with the words: "Draw a picture to illustrate..." or "Write a letter to a friend explaining..."

The activities that you create don't have to be long or involved. In fact, some can be ongoing. One of the activities my fifth grade students enjoy most is the never-ending story. At the beginning of the week, I type a story starter on each of the computers in our center. As students rotate through the center, they each add a paragraph to the story. On Friday, we spend the last period of the day reading the stories aloud.

Other ideas include creating illustrations for science terms that can be posted on a bulletin board, typing and illustrating sentences using spelling or vocabulary words, or drawing representations of fractions, decimals, or percents. The most important thing is that you give the students an opportunity to share what they've accomplished, which ultimately reinforces the concept of the computer center as a place to learn. And who knows, you might just impress your principal enough to get another computer or two!

Computer Lab Ideas for Kindergarten Class

I found this website that includes many fun activities that contains Math and Literacy Activities for different student learning levels and preferences in the Kindergarten class using the Kid Pix Ideas. I would refer to website during my Student Teaching at Spring 2007.

http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/KidPixIdeas.htm

Types Of Software That I Would Use For Kindergarten Class

All software is not created equally. Some programs might be effective for some instructional goals for some students, but not for others. My job as an educator will be to distinguish what is appropriate for my classroom under various circumstances.

Selecting Software for Young Children

For young children to use computers successfully, select software that is developmentally appropriate, that is, consistent with how children develop and learn. Researchers agree that software for young children should:

Encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving
Reflect and build on what children already know
Involve many senses and include sound, music, and voice
Be open-ended, with the child in control of the pace and the path

These characteristics fit the way that young children learn.

Adult participation and guidance are important. Monitor the amount of time children spend at the computer, and talk with them about their activities. Involve young children in selecting software that matches their interests, and try not to overwhelm them with too many choices.

Open-ended and Programmed Learning Software

Children learn by experiencing, and so need to be interactive with the computer. Open-ended software gives children the opportunity to

Explore
Discover
Make choices
Find out the impact of their decisions

Appropriate software should help children reflect on what they already know. Children using open-ended software showed gains in many important areas, including intelligence and nonverbal skills. They showed more wondering and hypothesizing, problem solving, collaboration, and motivation, and a more positive attitude toward learning.

Programmed learning or drill-and-practice software resembles electronic worksheets or flashcards. Non-developmental software encourages more competitive behavior, and can discourage creativity and exchange of ideas. Such programs should be used for limited amounts of time, not as the major focus of computer use.

Select Software with a Purpose in Mind

Software should support the curriculum; it does not provide the learning. Drawing programs, children's graphing programs, and storywriting software are examples that rely on the child to do the creating.

To use computers effectively, select software that supports your goals and philosophy of teaching, enhances the curriculum, and helps children solve problems independently.

Even young children can use children's drawing and writing programs or visual reference materials to be active and creative. These programs are well-suited to educational use. Computer games and "edutainment" programs–software that claims to educate while entertaining–do not add to the educational experience of a child and are not necessary in this setting.

Software can influence cooperation and motivation, as well as how children interact with each other. Think about the experience you want children to have or the learning you want to build on, and select software carefully to encourage certain types of learning experiences.

Preview software to see whether it is appropriate and supports instruction
Other teachers, knowledgeable colleagues, and conference sessions on using computers in the curriculum at your level are good sources of information for software that fits the way children learn

How Do I Maintain The Computer/s

Here are a few maintanance methods that are simple to follow and do's and dont's that could be shared with Kindergarten Students and Staff.

Basic Computer Maintenance Methods In A Kindergarten Classroom and At Home

Be aware of problems that can arise with different parts of a computer system, and know how to avoid them.
Teach students appropriate behavior around the machines.
Cover computer in the classroom, there is often a chalkboard, and there are always children, even dustless chalk creates fine grain dust, and children bring in and kick up their fair share of airborne particulates.
Use a surge protecting power strip to plug in the various components of the system. Unusual “spikes” in the electrical power supply can “fry” the circuits on the computer chips. Surge protection devices can be purchased at little expense and will save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars worth of damage.

General Do’s and Don'ts with Computers with Kindergarten Teachers and Students

Don’t smoke around the equipment, and keep it covered when not in use.(Teachers)

Keep food and drink away from the equipment. This is a difficult one for children and adults alike. Crumbs and sticky liquids can gum up the works.

Use a damp cloth when you dust down the various machines, so that the dirt is carried away from the machine.

If the keyboard is separate from the system unit, hold it upside down while you clean it.

Kindergarten Project Assessments/Rubrics

This Website offers assessments/rubrics specifically targeting the Kindergarten grade level.
Topics offered are simple to apply for classroom use.

Kindergarten Topics:

Communication in Kindergarten
Fine Muscle Development
Kindergarten Rubric for Emergent Reading and Writing
Large Muscle Development
Math Development
Participation in Creative Arts
Personal Development and Work Habits
Play and Social Behavior

I believe this rubrics are age and grade level appropriate for Kindergarten. This sample rubrics would be useful during my Student Teaching this spring 2007. The rubrics will show the present level of the each student in various developmental areas.

http://web.rbe.sk.ca/assessment/Rubrics/#kindergarten