My First Mystery Skype Experience

Today I had my first Mystery Skype experience.  My students had so much fun and it was a great opportunity for us to apply our new learning to a real life situation.  When I say Mystery "Skype", I actually mean we did a Google Hangout.  Myself and the other teacher have gmail accounts through our district so this format was a better fit.  I have known this teacher since high school and it was so fun to work together.

The goal of Mystery Skype was to determine the location of the other class using landmarks, positional words, and our district map.

PREPARATION

- I created a Google Doc to collaborate and share ideas with the other teacher.  In the document we listed which standards to address in the unit and picture books to use throughout the unit.
-Once it got closer to the date, each class created 5 questions to ask the other class and 5 clues to help determine their location.
-We printed a map of our district in poster size to display in our classrooms.
-I made cards for my class to use when the other class asked us a question.  A green card means yes and a red card means no.

THE DAY OF

-Make sure all devices are ready.  I did a test run to make sure there weren't any last minute technology glitches.  

-Remind students what the experience will look like and any goals for your learning.

-Have fun!  A student in my class said "this is the best day ever!"  I asked her why and she said, "because we haven't done this before".  Students crave new experiences and connections.  

FUTURE CHANGES

Although I created the questions and clues with my classes, it would have been more beneficial for students to see them posted on the board instead of me reading off a paper.  There is always something to improve on, but I am thrilled my students enjoyed the experience.

Happy (almost) Friday!

Taking Charge of Your Professional Development

After reading Ashleigh's post, I knew professional development would be the perfect topic for my #CompelledTribe blog post.  I am a beginning teacher and love to try new things in the classroom.

The key to making professional development meaningful is personalization.  Professional development should not be boring or redundant.  The best professional development motivates, encourages, and inspires you.  Immediately after, you will want to implement your new learning.  Here are a few ways I take charge of my professional development:

Last year was my first year of teaching and teaching blogs were a huge source of inspiration for me.  I loved the community of teachers and unlimited ideas for primary teachers.  Many of the ideas I implemented in the classroom came from teaching blogs.

I always wanted to start a teaching blog, but with last year being my first year  I thought it would be too much to take on.  I waited until July and The Positive Teacher was born!  Blogging has been a strong reflection tool for me.  I also joined the #CompelltedTribe and I really enjoy collaborating and the feedback I receive.  Of course "meeting" new teachers has been a positive too!

 I noticed the district I was working in created Twitter accounts for each school and began to use it as a tool.  I am a curious person (especially when it comes to technology), so I decided to check it out.  I created my account last summer, @ABond013 and haven't looked back.  Here are a few benefits:

-Building your Professional Learning Network (PLN).  

-Tailoring your Professional Development to your own needs and desires

-Participating in Twitter chats.  I love Twitter chats because there is always someone that stretches my thinking and makes me consider a different perspective.  At first the chats overwhelmed me so I sat back and observed for a few weeks.  Once I got the hang of it, I participated every week.  After 8 months of participating, I moderated my first chat. I based the chat off a book study and it seemed that the chat went well.

Many teachers have an Instagram account to showcase what is going on in their classroom.  The best part- it is SO simple.  I love to scroll through my feed to see what my teacher friends are up to.  In an instant I have an "a ha" moment. 

After one of my teacher friends told me how cool Voxer is, I knew I had to try it out.  Basically it is a walkie talkie app.  You can participate in individual or group conversations.  I prefer to hear someone's voice so I enjoy using this app for quick questions or conversations.  I talk to one teacher friend almost everyday.  

Just for fun...

I found another {beginning} teacher in my district that is eager to try new things like me.  Since both of us are doing our mapping unit soon, we plan on doing a #MysterySkype with both our classes.  It will be a new experience and I can't wait!  I am all about extending learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.  Right now I teach Kindergarten so let me know if you have any suggestions or tips!