Something a little different

Technology “happens” for both students and Miss Ladwig each day of the school year. If you glanced at my lesson plan book, you’d see “SB” written in frequently over the course of a week. The “SB” stands for SmartBoard™.

The SmartBoard™ is used nearly every morning before school for spelling games or geography activities. The only class that we haven’t used the SB for is Phy Ed! I’ve looked for “Jesus” pictures or ready-made SB religion lessons that will enhance Christ Light. There aren’t too many available for download.

We’ve used the SB in science to view physics experiments and in social studies to get a closer look at The Constitution. Interactive spelling activities are a normal part of many mornings from 7:45 to 8:00. It took a year, but every math lesson has a SmartBoard™ file. The lessons that were created last year get tweaked to be sure that everything still applies. English and reading lessons aren’t as interactive, but it still is nice to be able to visually present the lessons and assignments. That often helps “straighten out” potential problems. The SmartBoard™ isn’t the easiest way to show drawing techniques, but it’s better than just telling the children what they will be doing.

Another favorite use of technology is Google Earth™. Science and social studies have both benefitted from its use. We’ve taken looks at the oceans, national parks, foreign deserts, and rivers around the world. We’ve even used Google Earth™ to locate places closer to home, like Emanuel Lutheran School. If you haven’t checked out Google Earth™, try it sometime. You will probably enjoy it as much as the children.

This has been just a tiny snapshot of the use of technology in our classroom. Want to know more about technology in the 4^th grade room? Just ask. 

God's blessings!

Jeremiah 17:7-8

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
   whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
   that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
   its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
   and never fails to bear fruit.