Tool #4 - Google Tools

1. Google Docs.
I really enjoyed watching the video where teacher's shared the ways they used it. I think it will be wonderful for students in the upper grades as they learn to edit and publish! :) In Kinder I think I'll use it the most as a way of working out documents with my team. I created a document where we can keep our team planning minutes. We are among those who send emails back and forth making changes as we share ideas and plan for the next weeks learning. Google Docs will definitely simplify things. :)
2. Google Reader
Google Reader also seems like it will be a very convenient tool for communication with the staff and the growth of my PLN. I'm sure I said this in tool #2 but this blog is something I know I can benefit from all year and not only for the duration of this class. One cool thing I noticed is that you don't necessarily have to past the URL into the share space. You can just click on "Follow" when reading someones blog and find it in Google Reader later. Amazing how it's all connected.

Tool #1: Getting Started in the Classroom

Whew! That was intense! OK. So I've never made an Avitar before and I think it was pretty cool. I really liked being able to change the colors, clothing, hair, body-style etc. I wanted more options, but it was fun. I think that Kinder students would have a blast creating Avitars. We could use them in the begining of school as a way to introduce ourselves. Students create self portrait and write about themselves and then transfer it to an Avitar, record a voice message and present it to the class on the projector. I'm sure after that experience we could use them throught the year to discuss different content areas. As for the blog itself I'm still thinking of an appropriate way to introduce it on a kindergarten level. Any ideas?