“When we see teachers and students learn how to properly share content, and how their global audience takes note, it is amazing how students’ interest and motivation soars.”
Now Classrooms K-2 book
What I am thankful for…
As a mom, I am thankful that my children’s teachers use Twitter to share what happens in the classroom.
As an educator, I am thankful that teachers worldwide share their ideas on Twitter.
As a classroom teacher, I am thankful that I found a way for my students to share, in their own words, both to their teacher, parent and other students all at the same time through the free app, Seesaw Learning Journal.
My journey on how to “properly share content”-
It all started with Twitter. When our district started first using Twitter years ago, it was something that some teachers gravitated to and others stayed far away from. For me, I logged on and was simply an observer for a while. I sat and watched what others were doing in their classroom and how they were sharing information. Then one day, I got brave. After checking my “Do not photo list” I decided it was time to post about my classroom
Here are my first two posts from 2013:
What I realized quickly, was that people were watching. My district was watching, my bosses were watching, other teachers were watching and parents were watching. Twitter was the first avenue I used to help parents and others understand what happened in the kindergarten classroom. It was a way for parents to engage in a rich conversation with their children about something that happened during their day.
I found a way to share my experiences with a local and global audience, but I needed something that the students could do with more independence.
In 2015, I was introduced to Seesaw. Again, I went to a class about it and then…I waited. I am not sure what got me to try it for the first time, but I am beyond happy that I did. What I realized quickly, was that when I used Seesaw, “students interest soared” and SO did their learning.
Here is an example from one of my first years using Seesaw. This is a non-English speaking student. It shows how he was able to collaborate in a meaningful way with his peers to better understand a challenging science concept. I chose this video for the blog because I think it shows how collaboration and use of technology also has a hands-on, personal side. Imagine the social-emotional learning and cooperation that happened at this center while this student was creating this video: Collaborating, communicating, critical thinking and creativity. He as doing it all. The best part is, that as a teacher, I could evaluate his understanding of science vocabulary and concepts (at a convenient time for me) and his parents could hear what his was doing in school.
The power that we have as teachers when we find the right tools is truly amazing. When we can share what is happening it the classroom with peers, parents, teachers and the world, the desire to learn truly deepens. It is my hope, you will read this today and become inspired to try something free…and new… that can be life changing in your educational career!
Tell us about your experience on Twitter using #nowclassrooms and tag me @MrsHatlen
