Newsletter

Newsletter

UEN:
Not applicable

Ed Tech:
Standard 5
Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.


ISTE:
Creative Communicator
Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

Reflection:

Knowing how to create and use a newsletter is a necessary tool. I see the value in it as a teacher because it is a simple way to keep students and parents informed of activities, news and assignments. I'd like to keep my newsletters to one page and give my students a hard copy as well as email a digital copy to parents. From a parent's standpoint, monthly newsletters are appreciated, especially the digital versions that don't get lost coming home. My students should also be able to contribute to a newsletter. They could use a newsletter to collaborate on different jobs in a group assignment and create interesting projects to read.

Brochure: Author Highlight

Author Highlight Brochure: Dr. Seuss

Template

UEN:

English Language Arts Grade 3

Reading: Literature Standard 2

Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

EdTech:

Standard 5

Use technology tools (e.g., multimedia authoring, presentation, web tools, digital cameras, scanners) for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (3, 4)

ISTE:

Creative Communicator

I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats and digital media.

Reflection:

 I chose to make a brochure using Word. This is a fun and creative  way to display information. It helped me to become more familiar with Word. When I use this in my classroom, I will create a template with specific sections or categories my students should include. For example, in this author highlight brochure, I had 6 sections: Picture, Simple Biography, Famous Works, Interesting Facts, Favorite Book, and Book Characters. They will then do the simple research, design the brochure, and share their creation with the class. I think finding different ways of displaying reports is important. Not only does it expose students to a variety of possible assignments, it also helps to reach students in different ways, allowing different learning styles to take place. I enjoyed this project because I am a visual learner, and I love to see things laid out in front of me. It tapped into my creative side as I played around with the designing tools.



Flyer: Battle of the Books

UEN:

Elementary Library Media (K-5)

Strand 3 Library purpose and function

3.3 Contribute to a reading and learning community, including recommending reading materials to peers and respecting others’ reading choices.

EdTech:

Standard 7
Use telecommunications and on-line resources (e.g., email, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5)

ISTE:

Creative Communicator

I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats, and digital media. 

Reflection:

 I used Word to create an informative flyer encouraging students to join Battle of the Books. Word is a versatile tool that can be used in so many different ways. I chose Word because I was familiar with it. I think most students have used Word. However, it also was a little frustrating because I haven't explored the drawing/creating aspect very much. I suppose as I continue to use Word for different projects I will become more familiar with what Word is capable of. Students can use Word not only to write reports, but also create book report brochures and flyers. Allowing them to explore Word will be helpful for them in their futures.

Answer Garden: Health Education 6th Grade

I created an AnswerGarden and asked my students

"How do you manage stress in a positive way?"

UEN:

Health Education 6th Grade

1. The students will learn ways to improve mental health and manage stress.

EdTech:              

7. Use telecommunications and on-line resources (e.g., email, online discussions, web environments) to participate in collaborative problem-solving activities to develop solutions or products for audiences inside and outside the classroom.

ISTE:

Creative Communicator

I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats and digital media.

Reflection:

I'm so glad I was introduced to AnswerGarden! It is a fun and interactive way to begin a discussion and include all students. I love how it displays the answers. I found myself responding several times, and each time I was excited to find my answer displayed and see if it was ranked in the top answers. I will definitely use AnswerGarden in my class! One thing I love about it is how it can spark conversation. It allows students to bring all of their ideas into one big whole, and breaks up a topic into several different avenues. AnswerGarden is a fun way to take the stress out of assessing. Asking a question and seeing how many students get the answer right or seeing the variety of answers is exciting for everyone participating. One thing I wondered about, was if my students will have the technology at their hands to participate. The school I work in currently doesn't have 1:1 ipads for each student. Hopefully, with time, that can happen.