Thursday, February 6, 2014

#Kinderchat: Tools & Tech for ABCs

#Kinderchat
The #kinderchat from December 2, 2013, discussed tools, toys and technology for ABCs and phonics. This topic interested me because it relates to early literacy and the different materials that teachers can use in their classroom. A lot of the conversation was about what teachers would like to have in their classroom. One teacher said that although she loves her students' journals, she would like for them to have blogging as an option. Another teacher said that he wished he did a better job of going outside more often; furthermore, he said the best tools are dirt, sticks, insects, and worms. What was so interesting to me was the variety of tools, toys and technology that are used for literacy the #kinderchat participants were discussing. One teacher wanted her students to use more technology whereas the other wanted to go outside and use materials through nature. Either way teachers can develop activities in which children learn more on literacy. 

Another tweet from a #kinderchat participant I thought was interesting was from a kindergarten teacher. He said that there is power in the opportunity to share and  his kindergartners will stand patiently in line for "DAYS" to sit in the author's chair. One other teacher said that she wished there was more time for her kids to talk and share their ideas. This aspect of the #kinderchat made me think of the activities we discussed in class. Shared reading and shared writing in small groups gives children the opportunity to share their ideas and work together to create meaning. In relation to the teacher who said his students will stand in line to sit in the author's chair, shared reading is a wonderful way to allow children to let their voices be heard.

Classroom books was another topic brought up in this #kinderchat. One teacher said that student created books are very effective for literacy development, whereas another teacher said Story Kits are great ways for children to bring stories home to share with their families. Scaffolding letter knowledge with each other is another important thing I read from the chat. Scaffolding is an important teaching strategy and one that allows children to explore their interests. For example, teachers can scaffold by doing before-reading activities that spark children's interests. This week in class I was introduced to books that are made by the class. This is a great way for children to be creative and express their ideas. Children can recreate a story through art; they can draw certain objects that relate to the story, or even ones that aren't related at all. Either way the child is making meaning of the story. The #kinderchat was interesting in that I was able to read different teachers' perspectives on effective ways for children to increase literacy skills.

#kinderchat: Tools & Tech for ABCs


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