Primary Tech Tools

I have so much exploring lately to find new tools that I can use with my second graders in the upcoming school year. Here are some that I have used before and can't wait to use with my new class! Blended Play This is a website that has six different games to choose from. The games can be played with up to six players (or teams). There are different game boards and once students choose their color avatar and team name, they compete to answer questions correctly. I love this site because questions can be preloaded or asked on the fly by the teacher. Once a question is ask, simply select whether teams got it correct or incorrect and the characters will move closer to their goal. To play, the teacher must create a login ahead of time. Each time I have played this with students, they get instantly excited! I like to play with students in groups. Each student has a dry-erase board and is responsible for making sure their answer matches their partners in order to get credit. This ...

August 14th will be the start of my tenth year teaching second grade. I can't believe it! When reflecting on my teaching career and thinking back to my first year teaching, it seems like just yesterday. I remember feeling nervous and excited, wanting to provide my students with the best resources and most engaging lessons. I was so worried about doing the best job I could. I also remember feeling overwhelmed. In a technology driven world, there are so many options, endless opportunities! How would I ever decide what worked for me and my classroom? I remember stumbling on a few great teacher blogs that were full of great tips, resources, and ideas. Those blogs led to other blogs and soon I found my way to TeachersPayTeachers and various teacher groups on social network sites. Many of them, I still use today. This is my attempt to pay it forward. I have participated as a consumer of information for these past ten years. All the while, I have barely contributed or taken part in the c...