This Week...

When Campuses Colide!

In my Math For Elementary Education class on Thursday nights we connect with BC3 main campus by using Interactive TV. You can learn about IT here.

The class is taught by Matthew Barker and in my opinion, he does a good job in making sure both parties have the same amount of interaction throughout the class.

This is a good way to bring people together that are trying to accomplish somewhat of the same cause. Although we have not talked about this specific type of technology in Tech for Ed, we have talked about ways to bring Connected Educators together and this is certainly a way to do so.

After doing some thinking I came up with ways you could use Interactive TV's in the elementary classroom

• Pen Pals
• Group activities with other schools in area
• Talking to college students about why they chose their major
• Talking to Important City Officials in the comfort of your own classroom (Being able to talk to a Mayor, City Council, even Governor of state)

But why is IT different than skype?

Although IT is still run off of the internet, it is actually built into the TV so it is easier for the children to see. The TV is special, so the chance of a glitch, shutdown, or lagging is very slim. It comes with a huge microphone to put on desk which makes it easy to hear what everyone in the class is saying. The speakers on the TV are also great. They are loud, and this also helps the "other side" hear what everyone is saying.

Having an IT in your classroom is definitely something to think about when you have a classroom of your own one day. Finding other classrooms that have them, and connecting could be something very valuable in your Early Childhood Class.

Peace, Love, and Happy Teachings - Miss Caitlin

What I made in Wordle!

(Click on the Picture to open it up bigger in Wordle!)

I made this in Wordle. It's from my favorite Anmial Collective song Bluish. If you've never heard it, take a listen, it's a beautiful song. I always listen to their album "Merriweather Post Pavillion" when writing lesson plans. It's an awesome album.











Peace, Love, and Happy Teachings - Miss Caitlin

A Twitter Find...

On Twitter Tonight, I found what I believe is to be of the most moving videos I have ever watched in my life. I follow a woman named Sabrina Stevens. She is a fourth grade teacher and I really enjoy what she has to say. I follow her twitter, her blog on here, and also her personal writings on my personal tumblr. Today, she posted a video about bullying that has seriously changed me.

My personal take on bullying:

My classroom will absolutely be a No Tolerance Zone. As an early childhood teacher, I want my classroom to be a safe haven to express yourself however you want. I've always been a little different growing up. And, most of my life I've struggled with being bullied. Up until I switched schools in 11th grade, I dealt with everything from name calling to vandalization of my house and parent's car. In elementary school I was bullied a lot because of my physical appearance, and this was something that haunted me even in Jr. High/High school. I've been called every name in the book, and it has taken a toll on me. Only recently have I made mends and came to terms that I am happy with the person I am today, and it is something that I work on everyday. I don't think that people understand just how much getting bullied effects a person. This, is why it is so important for me to make sure that from an early age my classroom understands that bullying is not okay. Being different is great, and everyone is beautiful in their own way.

After coming across this tweet, I stumbled upon this video. It sums up the effects of bullying and shares stories of people who were bullied as children

If you do anything with my blog, I hope it is to watch this video and share it with someone. I am so glad that I have this professional twitter account and follow such awesome educators to share things like this. I am glad this Bully awareness video was made. As Early Childhood Educators, It is our job to make sure that our classroom is a safe haven for our children. I will do whatever I can to put an end to bullying and make sure that every child in my class knows they are very special no matter who they are and what they look like.

By the way if you want to follow my teacher twitter it is - crazycatteacher

Peace, Love, and Happy Teachings - Miss Caitlin

Welcome to our Class!