I've been married for ten years and we have two boys and one girl. My oldest started first grade this year so it's been a new experience for me to have a child who is in the same grade that I'm teaching. My younger son started Kindergarten this year and my youngest started preschool. It's been a big year of change I am trying REALLY hard not to be "that teacher mom". I love spending time with my family and I'm always looking for new, fun things for us to do together (because who knows how long they'll love it as much as I do!). Fun Facts: I love exclamation points! Me and my three kids are vegetarian but sometimes swing pescatarian, I don't cook, and I don't use spoons (ever).
Greatest Tech Victory: At my last district I wrote an essay and was chosen to pilot a Mimio in my classroom (it's a few big steps below a SmartBoard). The story doesn't have a happy ending, however, because it was a pretty epic fail.
Greatest Tech Fail: I actually can't think of one major fail at the moment (I suppose that's a good thing?!). I've never been bad at using technology but I've never been the "go-to tech person" either. I'm just your average, middle-of-the-road, tech user.
Favorite App: Right now the app that I use the most in my classroom is Seesaw. It's easy for first-graders to use (which is super important) and is really helpful for allowing parents to be able to have a "window" into their child's classroom.
Tech Goal: This year I really want to find some solid apps and programs that I can have my first graders use effectively in our shared iPad environment. Then I want to work with my team to create some great lessons or units that use those apps/programs and align them with our curriculum so we can use them (and tweak them) year after year and share with other buildings!
I can relate to what you are saying about the introduction of the Mimeo. I remember when we first had SMARTboards installed in our classrooms. I thought it was such a great tool and the kids were so interested in this new tool, but when you think about it, it really allowed for limited student engagement. And now, that tool seems so obsolete. I like that goal of finding a few really great ways to integrate technology in meaningful ways. I think that makes a lot of sense. Pick a few powerful tools to teach your kids and allow them to use them really well to enhance and show off their learning. BTW - Seesaw is one of my favorites too!
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fun post to read. Your personality came through and I appreciate how you reflected on your experiences :)
ReplyDeleteI am thankful people like you teach first grade! It is not the grade for me! Welcome to the learning community of 677. I am glad you are learning with us. I hope we can all share and learn from each other on this journey.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about your Favorite App and Greatest Tech Fail. We usually hear success stories but it's nice to hear the stories about when tech doesn't work out too. I give you a ton of credit for taking a risk and trying.
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