Taking off the Blindfold

In the beginning of our Visual Literacy Course we designed posts about what we thought about the pieces of the HoneyComb or the different courses that we have completed and how it relates to our classroom.  I was excited to learn about Visual Literacy because, as a Kindergarten Teacher, one can only imagine the amount of items that a student 'reads' by looking at the object.

We used a program called Canva.  If you have never used it- give it a try! It is amazing.  I created a Twitter post and just from that post alone- I gained 14 FOLLOWERS! WOW! An image really does have a 1000 words. Take a look at my post here.

Now came the really hard BUT amazing part of the course. We studied and learned about all the different ways that Visual Literacy can be displayed.  Visual Presentations, Infographics, Videos, etc. We had to design a lesson that we could use in our classroom to make a concept that is normally hard for a student to learn a little easier.  I went back and forth between math, language arts and science. I ended up with looking at one of the hardest things that we teach in Kindergarten, Vowels.  We don't have much of a problem with Long Vowels because long vowels say their name.  Short vowels on the other hand can be tricky. 

I created a lesson with Google Slides and used images that every Kindergartener- ESOL or General Education would be able to recognize. 

Take a look at the presentation here

I also made a youtube video explaining how to teach the lesson and why it is taught using the pictures chosen Here

Flipping NOT Flopping!

When I looked at the upcoming unit for our Cohort and noticed FLIPPED LEARNING... I looked like this 

I had no idea HOW I was going to be able to flip a Kindergarten Classroom. It took some researching and conversations on Twitter and Google+ to really get me thinking I could even come up with something to have the students watch. But then... I read the 4 Pillars of Flipped Learning and came across an article on Flipping a Kindergarten Room! 

After having a better insight of different ways that I could flip my room, I realized this wasn't going to be a Flop! I could add the videos into a rotation in my math class! That way I was able to help if someone got stuck because something technology wise happens or if the student is not able to understand the questions asked. I was beginning to feel more comfortable. 

My next step was to figure out which strand I was going to work from to make my videos. The first thought in my mind was TIME. Our students were going to be beginning the unit and I could try out the lessons with more than just one class. 

I started off thinking...WHERE CAN I PLACE THESE LESSONS?!?!?!?

I remembered that our school has Blackboard 24/7 where students go to access our online textbooks and lessons! Perfect place to upload lessons. 

I made my first lesson using the BrainPop. Jr videos and my second lesson using Powerpoint/Screencaster/Zaption. I am in love with Zaption! It is one of the best things I came across, right up there with EdPuzzle. I am learning so much in this course. 

Here is my Planning Form for my Flipped Learning Lessons. Feel free to use them, but please give me credit if you wish to copy or use in your school. Thank you.