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| Introduction |
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| Overview |
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| Narratives |
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| Exhibits |
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Reflection  |
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- Every February we incorporate a Bear Unit, which is an extension of our study of animals and living things. (First Grade Science Curriculum) Mrs. Tidswell’s Mitten Project was an exciting way to use technology in helping students learn and understand about bears and their habitats.
The technology resources allowed our students to use their multiple intelligence's to research and create a PowerPoint presentation about bears. In small groups, (3 to 4 students) the students were able to make their own choices and decisions regarding their bear slide show. What a great way for students to gain leadership and cooperative learning skills! They delighted in choosing their different backgrounds and fonts. Mrs. Tidswell and I were so pleased to see the quiet and shy students open up and get more involved. Through the use of the Internet the students were able to investigate bears and collect some of the their pictures. The students were able to use the drawing tools (Paint) to draw their own bear pictures. This helped those children who had difficulty with fine motor skills. Also, students were able to scan pictures they had drawn, and they were proud to see their drawings on the slides. Some students were able to act out their bear, and with a digital camera, use these pictures on the slides. The students used their thinking and writing skills to write and type information on each of their slides.
Giving the PowerPoint presentation to the parents and other classes was a marvelous culminating event. The children were so excited about what they learned and they proudly presented their information. They had such confidence and poise. It was a great way to show our parents that we are effectively using technology in our classroom.
The parents were very pleased and proud of their children.
I am amazed at what these first graders accomplished! In contrast to previous years, these first graders had a much better in-depth understanding of bears and their habitats, due to the use of our technology resources. Also, the students learned new computer skills and they have more confidence using technology. This Mitten Project was a wonderful and exciting learning experience for the children, Mrs. Tidswell, and myself.