Kristi's+Play+Page

=**Welcome to my Play Page!** =


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Preschool Classroom Environment:

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/classroom_designer/cd_launch.jsp?RoomId=984746


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Technology For Young Children Name: DigiTales - Digital StoryTelling

Young children can use forms of digital storytelling to create, read, and share there own stories. This tool can be used in a variety of settings. For example, children can use these programs both at home and at school. Teachers can encourage the use of these tools to help with literacy skills as well as social issues. Programs that can help children create their own stories consist of: ImageBlender, Kidspiration2, and MediaBlender. Visit the following website for more ideas: http://www.digitales.us/tools/toolkits_kids.php

I feel an excellent use of these types of tools would be social stories. Children and teachers can use these tools to educate about social concepts such as playing with friends, sharing, manners, etc. It would not be appropriate to allow children to use these tools without first being taught to use them by and adult. In addition, young children will still need adult supervision and help when using tools such as these. If these programs are purchased and installed on a computer, typical web based concerns will not be a factor. Programs such as Kidspiration2 include pictures and clipart for children to use that are age appropriate and safe.

Rating: 4


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"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." - Greek philosopher

I love this quote. I think this is so true when talking about children especially. By watching children play, we can learn about their interests, their quarks, their likes and dislikes, their social skills, their gross and fine motor skills, their language skills, and so much more. When we watch how children play and interact with others, we can often have the opportunity to discover any underlying problems or developmental delays as well.

Another reason I love this quote is because I also think of it as in its application to adults. Imagine how much more you could learn about a person by watching them play with their own children, or engage in a game with friends. How a person plays shows a wealth of information.

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This is a short video where the importance of play is discussed. The supported organization (KABOOM) that is spoken of in this clip is an organization that builds playgrounds for children in various communities in need throughout the country. In the video, the importance of recess is mentioned as well as keeping kids moving and active so they are able to learn to the best of their ability. In addition, we know that in many of these communities, the children do not have access to proper, safe equipment. Therefore, play serves as a multitude of important purposes. Not only can play be educational, but it can provide a safe environment for children who would otherwise not have one. Playing can also help children fight obesity and other current childhood diseases.

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I found the information presented in this class to be very enlightening. We often forget about how very much value there is in something as simple as unstructured play. It's so easy to lose sight of it's importance in today's world full of testing, scores, and pressure from everywhere for students to "perform." I really enjoyed all of the valuable discussions we had each week. I'd like to say thank you to my literature circle group especially. You ladies were wonderful and I really gained a lot from your insight and ideas! I posted a youtube video below that you may find interesting. I just thought it was a little something fun that shows even adults can play and learn from it. Thanks, everyone!

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This is something called: Mission: Explore. They have one for kids too, but this one seemed funny. Those little books looked like fun. This may be fun to do with older elementary school kids...