Kristi Meeuwse's Blog (9)

One of the great things I’ve noticed in the last 2 years is how my teaching has evolved with the use of the iPads.  It’s been a gradual shift, but the way I am using them now is different than the first pilot year in 2011.

In the beginning, I was focused on integrating the iPads into our day and was very much “app” oriented.  We had a lot of success that first year and my …

Decisions should be based on facts, objectively considered. -Marvin Bower

I posted here recently my students’ reading scores.  Obviously, we are excited about them.  Student achievement and closing the achievement gap is our top priority.  School-wide, our MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) scores are up.  

What other positive things are we seeing…

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in new eyes.” -Marcel Proust

A recent conversation between 2 of my students went something like this:

“I saw a python in my yard over spring break.”

“No way! Pythons don’t live here.”

“Yeah huh I really did. I bet you $10.  Have you ever seen one?”

“No. Only on tv.”

“Dude, come look on my iPad. I will show you one.”

At that point,…

“Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.”-Willa Cather

This week, I stepped into the world of blogging on the iPads with my kindergartners. Through KidBlog students can blog in a safe and secure way. The website states “Kidblog’s simple, yet powerful tools…

Sorry, this isn't a blog post about boating in the beautiful Charleston area. The anchors I'm referring to are anchor charts.  

Anchor charts are valuable visual support tools to assist students in learning new concepts.  Teachers and students may refer to them all throughout the year.  When we are working on new content in our Reading and Writing Workshop mini lessons, anchor…

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss

I thought it was appropriate to start this post with a quote from Dr. Seuss as it is his birthday month.  There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book.  In fact, I’m often sad when I finish a book.  I miss the story and the characters.  As a teacher, I want to instill that love of reading into my students.

I’ve spent most of this school…

Wow!  I downloaded the Splashtop app today on my classroom iPad.  There is a free version, but it is very limited.  The full version is $2.99.  This app allows me to not only control my computer remotely but I am able to see my entire desktop on my iPad.  I can use my iPad to see my desktop, use my regular web browser with Flash (!!)  and all of my bookmarks. I can also open all of my documents. Because my laptop is connected to my Smart Board, I am also able to remotely control my Smart…

I am a Kindergarten teacher in an iPad pilot and I thought you might be interested in hearing straight from the source how 1:1 student devices, specifically  iPads, are not only increasing student achievement, but also changing the culture of teaching and learning in the 21^st century classroom. 

Many resources are needed to create a positive, successful learning environment, not the least of which is a teacher who seeks to make the environment rich in learning…