Reflection
I chose this lesson for inclusion in this E-portfolio because it shows how a teacher can target multiple learning standards with one lesson and incorporate more than one technology tool within the same lesson.
Storybird.com provides an opportunity for students to write and share books that they have written. They type the text and choose illustrations from Storybird provided images. When finished, they may publish their works. Teachers may also create books to present during a lesson or share and read an already published Storybird book.
I created the introductory piece on Storybird. Students were presented with pictures and asked to solve the problem. They worked in collaborative groups, discussing the problems and solutions. I have used this portion of the lesson with my class. The only challenges were allowing enough time for students to discuss and encouraging active participation and listening by all.
The next time I use this lesson, I will definitely continue with the lesson plan as submitted. I would have partnered students create their own picture of a problem/solution using ABCya!PaintGo. This website allows students to create and paint their own pictures online, which is something that all five year olds love to do. They may choose to begin with a coloring page or a blank canvas. Then they choose from paint colors, tools, stickers, shapes, and other designs to complete their masterpieces. The finished products can be saved or printed.
Time permitting, I might add an extra step to the lesson by using the iPad app, Chatterpix. With Chatterpix, the students bring their paintings to life by having the characters talk using their own recorded voice.
As with any lesson, there are some challenges: availability of computers, time constraints for computer work and sharing, keeping all students actively engaged. The age of the students heavily affects the level of independency and engagement. Group or partner work for young children is often very difficult at the beginning of the year. Although problem solving and conflict resolution is a first quarter topic, this lesson may be better presented later in the year. It could then be used as a refresher/review lesson.
