Tech for Kids

The first two weeks back in my placement have been fun.  It was a jump to go from 8th graders to 1st graders, but I am trying to just celebrate the kids and their discovery.  During this time, I've been thinking a lot about the students that would most benefit from additional technology in the classroom.

Student A is severely visually impaired.  I discovered some Braille apps that I think would be beneficial for A.  Because A can see with the aid of glasses, I feel that A would benefit from using Bumps-A Braille Guide.  This application shows the Braille letters on flashcards.  All 26 letters are displayed on the screen.  You can single tap a letter to see only that letter.  Additionally, the user has the power to turn on or turn off the English letter corresponding to the Braille letter (this is just an example of one of many Braille applications).  I believe this program would support some of the work this student is doing with other professionals in the building.

Student B is a Spanish-speaking ELL student.  I believe this student would benefit from utilization of the Voice Memo app.  My master teacher or I could record ourselves reading books aloud and modeling our thinking.  This student would have extra practice listening to us and looking at the words.  B would hear us reading with expression - something he could use to help build his fluency.  Additionally, B might enjoy being recorded reading as well to hear himself reading.

Student C is a student that needs reinforcement in reading and math.  I found many first grade math applications - C would benefit from additional work around place value.  Also, there are many apps related to sight words, which could help bolster C's reading fluency.

Before any of these three students had access to technology, they would need some training on how to appropriately treat and use it.  I also feel that a frank discussion would need to be had with the class to let them know (without any specifics) why certain students get to use the Touches.  I also feel these students would need to have an adult presence nearby to help them as they explore the apps and continue their learning.

(I am still feeling unsure about use of technology with first graders.  I've seen the wonderful tech work of the students in Canada; however, I feel that so much of our learning is done together as a class.  I think it would be difficult to have these students working separately without having an adult right next to them - something that most schools cannot provide.)

Concrete Examples

I learned about the importance of giving students concrete math examples.  It was interesting to think about the fact that math is taught from abstract to concrete, instead of the other way around.  Almost all other subjects are approached in this manner.  What a powerful point.  I plan to do more reflecting on introducing concreteness into my math lessons.

I am still wondering about the comment, "Subtraction is just addition in the opposite direction."  I understand the concept, but I think it might be difficult for kids to grasp.  They may realize they just go the other way on a number line, but I would probably argue that they aren't truly understanding what subtraction is.  I am also wondering about the process for bringing multiple strategies into a classroom. How do you determine which strategies to use?  How many do you introduce?  Which ones?  Why?

I feel that our work with manipulatives today translates directly into use of manipulatives in the classroom.  As I previously mentioned, I'm doing a lot of thinking around integrating concrete examples in my math lessons.  Knowing which manipulatives to use and how to use them to give children concrete experiences is key for an educator.  Guess I'd better start brushing up!