Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the advances in technology?
Is it difficult to keep up with it? How do you manage it as a parent or a teacher?
Technology is changing at too rapid a rate. There are new iphones, new apps for your computer and iphone. How do you keep up with it all?
There are many resources available to keep up with the changes in technology. The problem is finding the time to learn and keep up with it all.
At the same time, you need to decide what is appropriate for your children to use. You need to “experience” all the new learning apps before showing them to your child.
The other day my daughter asked me if she should use Starfall or ABC Mouse with my grandson. My suggestion was that she try a free trial with each and see which is a better fit.
For school age children, there are so many apps to choose from. In school we used RazKids for reading and DreamBox for Math. But there are so many more to experience.
If you are looking to review specific concepts in Math or Reading, take a look at ixl.com. You can search by grade level and concept and you can practice with 20 test questions each day. This is a great way to review for a test as well. Another popular one is Khan Academy. You can also use Quizlet with your child to help study for a test or master a concept in reading or math. There are many quizzes on reading comprehension by specific book that are also helpful on Quizlet.
If you are looking for some science help, check out generationsgenius.com or https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/lessonplans.html.
A go to for many lessons has always been Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr. Lessons are divided by subject area and grade. Each lesson includes a fun video explanation with questions and a worksheet you can download as well. My students have always loved Brain Pop. It is a great way to introduce a new concept and even good to leave for a sub.
So as a parent, how do you decide what sites you want your child to use? It is important to stay current with happenings in the classroom and try each of the sites they use so that you can discuss it with them and be involved in their learning. Many schools have subscriptions to NatGeoWild and Scholastic News which is part of their weekly lessons.
One of my favorite sites when teaching Math was CoolMathforKids.com. Each section is divided by grade level and concept. There are lessons you can use with accompanying games for kids to do at home as well. Be sure to check out Splashlearn.com and mathplayground.com as well. Kids love the lessons and always play the games (they can even be assigned as homework). An always go to one for me was mathgames.com when I wanted to give a child in my class a chance for some math enrichment.
Some suggestions for parents/educators:
1. Before assigning a lesson or game online, be sure to check it out yourself. Be warry of sites that have popups that children should not be exposed to.
2. When looking at sites check out any free trials so you can play with the games/lessons until you feel comfortable.
3. Talk to other educators/parents about sites they have used or sites they are warry of.
4. Spend time with your child as they first learn to use a site. Make sure they are comfortable before leaving them alone.
Check out this e-book: for more specifics on keeping up with technology changes in education: Navigating the Digital Classroom
Check out my store, Elly Elementary, for all your K-5th grade curriculum needs. I have resources for many of the March events that your class will love.
Join me on Facebook and Instagram. Let me know if you are looking for anything in particular. (Email: ellyelementary@gmail.com)
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