Tehnology Tip Tuesday

I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' again for their Teacher Week.

This is the first year that I have had any sort of really good technology in my room, so even though I'm computer literate at home, I haven't brought it into the classroom as much. But I thought that I would share with you what I have done.

1. I have a Kindle. And I talked about it incessantly with my kids last year. I showed it to them, and demonstrated some of the fun features. I even had kids bring in their Kindles and Nooks to use for reading. I love that the new Kindles can be had for $79. Someone could write a grant to get some for their class ;), as I truly believe it made reading more fun for some of my kids.

2. Don't underestimate the power of Google. Google has so many features that are helpful, from Google Docs, where you can create surveys and forms for students to answer to Google Images, to show different pictures of things to Google Maps. Google even has a books site where you can search books, and even download or show books to your class (some of them will take you to Amazon or B & N to buy the book, but they do have free ones.)

3. Blogs! I have gotten so many ideas and things from blogs this year. And it saved my bacon when I was thrown from K-1 to 4th a day before school started (I found blogs Mid-October), and I think has made me a more creative teacher. Google has helped introduce me to the blog world (I was looking for more information/help on Four Blocks, and it took me to 4th Grade Frolics instead...and I've never looked back:)

4. Pinterest! I've been able to pin things for units that I knew were coming up, and been able to access the idea at school and do it with my kids. It's also helpful for my imaginary wardrobe :)


I hope that my techy tips have helped you out!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn