I might need some help or suggestions

Okay, sometime during the school opening presentations during the first 2 days of school the Gates staff will learn how to blog and create their own blogpost! I've been asked by our new principal to lead this exercise. I know that for those teachers who've never blogged, it will need to be clear and easy to do. We plan to use blogging for professional conversations, sharing lesson plans and ideas, and evaluate programs and events during the year.

Vocabulary Ideas in Computer Class K-4

I saw Judith's post and it always helps to have more ideas on teaching vocabulary. In computer class, we have lots of words that students must learn to facilitate using technology tools and programs.

These are two ideas I use:

1. On the smartboard, we match terms using visual images on a variety of equipment and specific programs taught in the lab. It's just a matching exercise and students must state what it is used for. I have this set up under my content so the kids can learn the terms quickly, and usually we review the words in the first 2-4 minutes of class. For Kindergarten and Grade 1, it may take 10 minutes at first, until they get used to doing this.

Using illustrations to show vocabulary is very engaging and kids love to display their work. In grades 2 and 3, one vocabulary word on a card is given to students and they must go to Kidpix to draw the significance of the word. They must also put the word in large type on their drawing. I try to use verbs and adjectives for this task.

For grade 4, students will do an illustration of a concept being studied in Social Studies, and then use 2 or 3 vocabulary words with a definition. I give them a list of words to choose from and we review the words ahead of time. Often, the list of words will be given to me by their classroom teacher. This easily covers words such as - the Congress, monument, branches of government.

What I have found over the past few years, is that children love to draw and depict meaning.

Don't Hesitate to Try Blogging

Hi everyone :-)
I hope you've enjoyed a great summer. The reason for this is so you can learn how to blog and comment on any topic of interest. There are also a few links for you to try on the left side of this page that offer great ideas in using technology in the classroom. If you have any cool web sites or ideas to share with our staff, please post them on your blog. Lots of things can be added on your postings using tools or gadgets.

The above comment will be part of a presentation to be given in the beginning of school for the staff. The Gates staff will be introduced to blogging for professional development and sharing of ideas.