QR Codes

What is that jumbled square picture popping up everywhere?  It's a QR code which stands for Quick Response. QR codes create a fast way to get information to your cell without typing. This is a simple technology that is easy and affordable for educators and students.  Use a free smart phone app like QR Reader for iPhone to take a picture of the code. 



Kaywa QR-Code is a free code generator that creates a permalink and embed code. Next year I am adding a QR code similar to this one as the first frame of my Back to School Prezi.  Parents can instantly access the presentation anytime they need it.  Try this one out--it will take you straight to my classroom blog!  How could you use QR codes to make information more quickly accessible?

Phonemic Awareness Resources for K-2

Parents and teachers wants reliable games for students to practice reinforcing skills they are learning in the classroom. For my Kindergarten class, I want them to have daily, independent practice.   Phonemic awareness skills are strong indicators of how well children develop reading skills.  The Internet has over a million "educational" gaming sites, but only some live up to the expectations of being rigorous and relevant.  At Professor Garfield, students have six choices for reinforcing phonemic awareness skills such as rhyming and phoneme manipulation. Each game reteaches the skill using examples and non-examples and offers immediate feedback. 

iPads in the Classroom

Need more ways to use your iPad in the classroom?  Check out 58 Interesting Ways to Use an iPad in the Classroom by Tom Barrett (found on Kleinspiration--an awesome resource!).  I am looking into Story Buddy, Finger Count, and iTranslate TODAY!

Add a Little Silly

This month in Kindergarten, we are learning how to name physical attributes (hair color, eye color, freckles, etc.) and be proud of our differences.  Build Your Wild Self is sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society in partnership with New York Zoos and Aquariums.  Children can begin by choosing attributes that most resemble themselves, then they can go wild and add alligator snouts or butterfly wings--or both! After making choices in over 15 categories, students can send their creation to a friend (or the teacher so you can save the jpg), print, or start over.  This could be a great beginning to a creative writing piece.  So go ahead, and build your wild self!!