Storybird : Create and Share Stories!

It's the final week of my ICT AQ! Can't believe how quickly this month went by. One more month of summer left before we dive back into our classrooms. 

For one of my final assignments, I thought I'd check out Storybird. I had heard about this program from the Primary teachers in my school, but had never tried it. I thought it wouldn't be applicable to my Grade sixes but I was proved wrong!

Great, great tech tool to use for presentations of any kind; there are three formats to choose from - picture books, longform books, or poetry. Royalties are paid to the illustrators whose artwork you use. The artwork that is available is stunning so even if you do not have a story in mind to write, these illustrations can spark your imagination. 

Develop your creative confidence and try Storybird out!

My Storybird Presentation

Reflection upon Engaging Parents & Communities using ICT Integration

GAFE : Google Drawing

When I introduced Google Applications with my Grade 6 students, it was met with great enthusiasm! By the end of the year, they were experts in using Google Docs, Google Slides (Online Powerpoint), Google Classroom and the benefits of Google Drive.

A few months into the school year, I showed them how to use Google Documents to write out assignments and charts. In fact, one of the first assignments they had to complete for me was to filling in a chart with their name and topic of interest for a project. I 'shared' the file with every student and they simultaneously added their information. 

The next assignment I gave them was to write their short story on Google Docs. Each of them created their own file and 'shared' it with me. Even if they weren't complete their story, I asked them to share it; this allowed me to see their working documents and provide them feedback.

This September, I would like to introduce them to Google Drawing. I was given an ICT AQ assignment to create a classroom map and it was really use-friendly! The gridlines allow you to align your objects and shapes. I could see this being a great tool for tables and mind maps. 

--Ana

Free Powerpoint Alternative: PowToon

PowToon Presentations

This summer, I decided to take on an AQ course to explore the Integration of ICT in our classrooms and schools. As we prepare our students for the future, it is essential that we teach and learn with technology. Strategic integration of these technologies will allow students to successfully engage with the global community. It also allows us to differentiate our teaching to meet the needs of all our learners. 

PowToon is one of the tools I have found to be really user-friendly and fun! The basic features of the program are free to use, and allows you to download the presentation you create as a PDF. It is essentially Powerpoint, but with the ability to add images, cartoons, and music to the presentation. There is a wide range of items you can select from their library! Also for those of you that find themselves limited to fonts on other programs, the font styles on PowToon are endless! 

New Teacher Blogging!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

As a new teacher in this profession, I thought I'd start a blog to document my journey. I am passionate about teaching and learning, and it excites me to read about new pedagogies, programs, Apps and strategies to implement into my classroom. 

I currently teach Gr.6 Extended French and am always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to engage my learners. I believe in a pedagogy that motivates students to become responsible and empathetic global citizens, critical thinkers that do not take information at face value, and innovators by sparking creative confidence.

-- Ana 

I've been following @sylviaduckworth since the beginning of my teaching journey. How great is this Sketchnote? Follow her blog at eTools for Language Teachers. Her Flickr has all of her other great sketchnotes: Sylvia Duckworth Flickr