Reflective Statement I wanted to create a Voicethread video that my Headstart host teacher could use for parents that were unable to attend back to school night. My practicum is at a Headstart preschool program in a rural area in Upstate New York. The Headstart program works with families to develop school connectedness.
Voicethread is cloud based application that allows users to create a picture slideshow with text, voice and drawing accompanying your pictures. You can use your created Voicethread link and people can leave comments on the video. The Voicethread video that I created could be used at back to school night, a supplement for some parents and family members that have never been in the classroom and a way for the child to express her feelings about school. The Headstart program works to bridge the gap between home and school, as educators, we can work to help students, parents and the community feel more connected to the school. School connectedness and parent engagement are promising protective factors for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that “students who feel connected to their school are also more likely to have better academic achievement” (CDC). Voicethread has many different purposes in the classroom. Teacher could use Voicethread to “differentiate instruction while providing engaging choices to "show" learning, engage in conversation, and think openly and critically about content” (Dabbs: 2015). In the article, “Partnership for 21st Century Skills” the authors urge that educators are encouraged to “the integration of community… beyond school walls” (2009). Technology can be used as an easy way to get information, pictures and stories out into the community. I created a lesson plan with the ACEI and USA-ISTE standards in mind. By creating this Video, I wanted to exhibit leadership, by demonstrating technology infusion with Voicethread, participate in shared decision making with Lilly (the student) and community building with parents and teachers. In my lesson plan, I focused on using intentional teaching strategies and asking open ended questions. I was granted permission by the host teacher and parent of the child, Lilly. I created the Voicethread on my iPad. My goal was to take pictures of the classroom with Lilly and get her commentary, with the aid of open ended questions. I taught Lilly the drawing feature, she choose to use it to aid her counting. Voicethread is an exciting application that can not only ‘do cool stuff’, but can really help children, family and community feel connected to the school. References
Standards
This project intended to meet the following standards:
ACEI 3.3 - Instruction - Development of Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Candidates understand and use a variety of teaching strategies that encourage elementary students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. USA- ISTE: National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for All Teachers (2011): Standard 5: Engage in professional growth and leadership Performance Indicator: b. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision in technology infusion, participate in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership of technology skills of others. Document Ready
Download my reflective statement here:
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Photo Credit: Google Images
Preschool Tour Guide
Lilly gives us a tour of her preschool classroom.
Video Disclaimer: a three year old named Lilly gives us a tour of her preschool classroom. Parent permission was granted and SUNY Cortland "permission for photos and work samples" form was signed by Lilly's mother. Enjoy! Going the Extra Mile
I created another Voice Thread....
James plays the game: Is this a picture of an animal? A place? or a Flower? Video Disclaimer: Parent permission was granted and SUNY Cortland "permission for photos and work samples" form was signed by James's mother. Enjoy! Our Practicum Learning Experience Documentary Voice Thread Planning
Below are links to my lesson plan for "Preschool Tour Guide."
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Photo Credit: Krista Podolny
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