I absolutely loved photostory. I think that I will be able to use this quite a bit in my classroom, especially since my 4yr-old students always love to see themselves in/on something. I know my daughter will also love it. I also really liked exploring itunes. I have an ipod and I use itunes quite a bit, but I didn't realize how much more it could offer. It is very exciting. Here is my portfolio of podcasts/videos that I would use in either my classroom or professional development.
1. itunes: Sesame Street-Rhyme--This video podcast has the characters talking about what a rhyme is and singing songs to demonstrate and have the students practice rhyming. Good to introduce rhyming, show easy ways that kids can rhyme, and practice making up own rhymes. WSTS 1,3,4,6,7
2. itunes: Sesame Street-Dance--This video podcast stresses the importance of exercise and taking care of ourselves. Good to use as both information for the students, but also as a management tool (I use a lot of music and movement to keep the kids focused and excited about learning). WSTS 2,4,5
3. itunes: Storynory-Twister--This audio podcast talks about tongue twisters and gives stories that demonstrates tongue twisters. Good to reinforce letter sounds, rhyming, and nonsense word making. WSTS1,2,3,6
4. teacher tube: Pay Attention (video)--Great for professional development, especially on differentiating teaching. WSTS 9,10
5. teacher tube: Elephant Song by Eric Herman (video)--This video sings a song and has animation that has children interact with the adult to talk about what makes various animals what they are (i.e. elephant is elephant because has a trunk and stomps through woods). Good to engage interaction of students, learning of animals, assessing knowledge of students of animals, problem solving. WSTS 2, 3, 4, 8
I am also so glad to be learning so much about google. I think it is my new favorite thing on the internet. Thank you for making this class so accessible and doable. I feel very confident in exploring and trying all of these activities--so much so that I'm working on my own website. Something I would never have done in the past.
Sheri S.