Leah's+Page

Task 1 media type="custom" key="9490860"

Task 2

[]

Task3 media type="custom" key="9809521"

Task 4 media type="custom" key="9809769"

Task 5 media type="custom" key="9810081"

Task 6: Poddy Training

I think technology with children gets a bad rap and so I was excited to learn about all of these positive, developmentally appropriate experiences that teachers can use in their classrooms. I decided to explore using I Pod Touches in the classroom (ie. Poddy Training).

First of all, I think the name is hilarious and it would be a great conversation starter with parents at Open House or Conferences. I started researching this idea informally many months ago when one of my parents told me how her class got ipads for use in their reading support program (elementary grades). After hearing her talk, I knew when my old computers died I wanted to replace them with ipads.

After hearing about ‘poddy training’ in class I became intrigued and googled the topic. I found a podcast at [] that further explains how this program works. Also, I found [] which talks about the ipod program in a kindergarten classroom and has a blog that reviews a variety of apps and talks about success and failures of the program.

I think children would LOVE to be able to use an ipad or ipod in the classroom because it is a traditionally ‘grown up’ toy that many kids aren’t allowed to touch. I think kids would be able to figure out the technology quickly and enjoy using basic features, like the camera with ease. I also think children would enjoy playing on a variety of the apps that are available and it would provide another medium for them to learn through.

I feel that ipads would be more appropriate for pre-k children (rather than ipods) given the size. I also think it would be necessary to set clear rules about where and how children can use the technology. Like anything else, technology needs to be used in moderation. I think it would be a huge mistake to allow children to spend the majority of their day using the ipads. Another risk would be the cost. Ipads cost around $500 a piece and are fragile. It would be important to invest in cases and teach children how to care for the items. In order for a class to become poddy trained, the teacher (or teachers) must fully buy into the program and learn to use the technology with the children. This could be a risk if you have a teacher or assistant who is uncomfortable with technology or unwilling to learn.

Overall, I would LOVE to have the opportunity to poddy train my class and would rate this technology a 4.5/5.0 (due to the cost)

Task 8

= "For children, play is as natural as breathing---and as neccesary." -Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld =

This quote really is a no-brainer, leaving you thinking "Duh", however we are trying to shove so much down our children's throats that we are forgetting that the most vital thing for them to do is breath, play and be a child. If you haven't read Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld's book "Teaching in the Key of Life", you should! It is a must read (and easy read) for teachers and prospective teachers.

Task 9 This quick video quickly illustrates how important play is. I like that it focuses on the fact that children who are 'just playing' are really learning a wealth of information. I also like that it calls childrens play their work, after all doesn't everyone want to have a job that they love!

media type="youtube" key="I5TQ7cFUQ20" width="425" height="350"

Task 10

Play. It used to be four letters that summed up an American childhood. Today it seems as though it is something that many educators "devalue", parents don't have "time" for and children are instructed on.

As early childhood educators, it is our job to BRING PLAY BACK! Children learn best through direct hands on play experiences, not by filling in bubbles on a test. After all, Play=Learning.