After trying several times to get a hold of each other, Wesley and I finally connected late Tuesday afternoon. We discussed in more detail what we would like the session to look like, again deciding that math is the best subject area for our classes (mostly because of my students’ levels of English). We swapped ideas and Wesley was very open about integrating my money unit into our collaborative lessons. I sent him my Smartboard money lessons that I am using with my students so his students can get a better idea of what level we are at cognitively when they are developing problems for us.
We have rescheduled our classroom conference session for Monday, December 8th because Wes had an appointment this afternoon. We are hoping that Dave or Joe will be able to join us! I am especially excited for this session because I feel as though my students are becoming more comfortable with the use of the Smartboard.
I use popsicle sticks with their name on them to choose turns (otherwise the chaos ensues, and research has shown that while we are unaware, we can unconsciously choose the same students all the time.) They have recently started using the “skip” pass when they aren’t feeling particularly comfortable. I still do a little gentle coaxing ;)
I am using the Smartboard in multiple lessons a day and had been setting up and taking down several times a day. This all seemed ridiculous, so for the 3rd time this year I rearranged my room. My students seem to be as keen to rearranging as I am, thank goodness! Since then I have set up my Smartboard in a permanent (for now) location. I also did some trouble shooting by setting all of the brakes, and taping off a “hot box” that leaves room for the students to work on the board. (I also created a “bubble” for myself that cannot be popped- mostly for sanity reasons).
I’d like to try the Smartboard as an independent reading and math center, but I’m still unsure if they can handle the responsibility. Maybe after the new year.
