After visiting Point England and Panmure Bridge Schools last year I came back into the classroom with much enthusiasm and eagerness to give my Year 5/6 learners far more ownership of their own learning. I feel very lucky to now have the opportunity to upskill myself now in the coming 9 weeks. My students already have many skills and I know I need to continue to enthuse them.
As a teacher who has been using Hapara and Google Chrome over the last four years, I know that I can easily navigate my way around these sites, but I can see that there are ways to streamline what I am doing. I spend a long time creating reading and math activities. By using the voice text to typing tool I can really help my students who struggle with getting ideas down. It has made me question the importance and emphasis that is put on spelling. Is it okay for kids just to be using voice to text? How would I implement this within the class so that is was not distracting to other learners? I am keen to try this tomorrow and give the kids the opportunity to see how much more writing they could do.
I realise that I need to be working smarter and more efficiently within my planning. What can I do less of that is better and far more engaging for my students? I am really looking forward to revising what I have learnt on day one and am really looking forward to the next session. I don't know how I am feeling about an exam in nine weeks time!
Such honest comments Michelle. It is fantastic that the day has empowered you to make changes using new skills that you have learnt to make less work for yourself. Your poster looks great and maybe you will be able to share some of that new learning with your students. The voice to text is wonderful and your questions are justified. Maybe this is a discussion you could have with teachers who use this tool?
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, it was great to host you in Auckland last year and then to spend the day with you at the DFI last week. Thanks for sharing what was of value to you from this session. As you note, you have invested so much in empowering your learners and it is timely that you get the opportunity to invest nine days in your own learning and networking with colleagues. Have fun with Gerhard this week.
ReplyDeleteDorothy