iPADS IN OUR CLASSROOM
What a stimulating and successful start we have had to the year. The children are beginning to make a successful transition from using devices for entertainment, into embracing them as an effective learning tool. They are gaining a greater understanding of the difference between acceptable use at home, and acceptable use at school. This is very much an ongoing experience and this is just the first phase in a three year process.
During the first semester, our program is focused around defining how and when it is appropriate to use devices for learning. Understandably, the children want to use them all day, every day but this is not practical, or appropriate. At the end of this semester, they are able to choose when and how to use technology in a practical way, and we are seeing a positive shift in the children's approach to devices in a classroom context. The children are able to access many programs to collect and collate information, and we are even seeing some exciting uses of technology to present information. This will be further expanded in the coming terms.
We are thrilled with the responsible and mature way the children have handled this learning, and we are looking forward to embarking on the next steps, along with them.
During the first semester, our program is focused around defining how and when it is appropriate to use devices for learning. Understandably, the children want to use them all day, every day but this is not practical, or appropriate. At the end of this semester, they are able to choose when and how to use technology in a practical way, and we are seeing a positive shift in the children's approach to devices in a classroom context. The children are able to access many programs to collect and collate information, and we are even seeing some exciting uses of technology to present information. This will be further expanded in the coming terms.
We are thrilled with the responsible and mature way the children have handled this learning, and we are looking forward to embarking on the next steps, along with them.
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What did you do at school today?
Learning is a process which needs learners to discover, experience and consolidate. In the classroom this means that we will be spending most of our time on the mat, playing with concrete materials and talking. Paper and pencil learning has its place in the process, usually to show what we have discovered.
Two brains are better than one!
Frequently in our classroom the children will be working in small groups. They will be discussing problems, generating ideas, designing solutions, testing hypothesis and modifying processes. It is almost impossible to learn effectively in silence. Children need to verbalize their ideas, and more importantly, they need to listen to the ideas of others. They will by design, complete their 'thinking' on whiteboards and then erase this at the end of the session. Less paper, more thinking, more learning. This will mean that your child may come home at the end of the day and when you ask the question "What did you do today?", you may get a very honest answer "Nothing!"
'Play' is the most effective method of learning. We learn by doing.
'Play' is the most effective method of learning. We learn by doing.
Elevate their thinking.
Reading and remembering is important, but being able to synthesize and create is even better. Embedded in the process of learning in our classroom is opportunities for your child to combine ideas, and develop their own pathways to achieve outcomes. A very famous educational theorist named Bloom developed a system of looking at thinking and learning.
If you would like to learn more, visit our classroom and discover with us.
If you would like to learn more, visit our classroom and discover with us.
Academic and emotional intelligence
Being intellectually generous is the cornerstone of a successful classroom. In all circumstances, students need to be aware of their community and offer their understanding for the benefit of all.
In the classroom context, this means that students need to be able to listen to each other, question circumstances and assumptions and quietly offer their ideas. Respecting the opinions of others works positively towards respecting self. This can be difficult for young children. Much of the world of a Junior Primary student consists of constantly being escorted, having needs met by an adult, having disputes resolved by a third party and not having to reflect independently upon action or consequence.
With these things in mind, much of our classroom process is mindful of emotional independence and academic interdependence. Cooperative activities, dynamic problem solving, collegiate sharing amongst students happens on a daily basis. The children are encouraged to actively find solutions, instead of focusing on problems.
In the classroom context, this means that students need to be able to listen to each other, question circumstances and assumptions and quietly offer their ideas. Respecting the opinions of others works positively towards respecting self. This can be difficult for young children. Much of the world of a Junior Primary student consists of constantly being escorted, having needs met by an adult, having disputes resolved by a third party and not having to reflect independently upon action or consequence.
With these things in mind, much of our classroom process is mindful of emotional independence and academic interdependence. Cooperative activities, dynamic problem solving, collegiate sharing amongst students happens on a daily basis. The children are encouraged to actively find solutions, instead of focusing on problems.
Respect
Respect is an integral part of a successful community. The classroom is a community and the children are constantly responsible for exercising and demonstrating a respectful attitude.
Respect in D2 encompasses respect for self, respect for others, respect for environment and respect for belongings. If they are mindful of this at all times, a school days is filled with opportunities which arise from good choices.
Respect in D2 encompasses respect for self, respect for others, respect for environment and respect for belongings. If they are mindful of this at all times, a school days is filled with opportunities which arise from good choices.