Facebook in the Classroom

For those of you who do not know what facebook is I will explain. Facebook is a website where you can have a profile and make friends, similar to myspace. I had always used facebook to keep up with friends and family but my freshmen year of college a new way was shown to me. I was in a large history class and the professor made a "group" on facebook just for our class. We were able to go there and see notes, chat with others in the class and even ask our teacher questions. It was so easy to use and very helpful. I have thought about doing this in my class someday. Making a facebbok group that only my class could join. I could post homework, future assignments, and special events that may even be coming up. Not only is this helpful for the students but also for the parents as well because we all know that sometimes letters sent home by the students is not always received by the parents. If you are interested in viewing facebook and maybe joining all you have to do is have a valid e-mail address and go to www.facebook.com. The best part is, IT IS FREE!!

Music in the Classroom

I have always felt that young students should have the opportunity to experience as much as they can to find themselves and what they have interest in. One way is through music. Studies have shown that different types of music and promote moods. Such as loud face pace music makes people antsy and wanting to move. Other types like classical can inspire a calming mood. How can this be helpful you may ask? Well if you have 17 third graders who are working on a projects together you may want to play some music softly in the background. Also music can be a great way of remembering things. Things like the planets of the solar system can be put to a song to remember. SO music in the classroom is a defiantly a plus in my book.

Blogs in the Classroom

This semester I have learned so much about blogging and why it is useful. I think it would be great to have a blog for my class someday. I love literature and my class will read plenty of stories but we might not always have time to discuss it in class. That is where the blog will come in handy. The students can then go home and post on the blog their thoughts of the book and also comment on what others thought. This is also a great way for the students who really don't feel comfortable speaking up in class to say what they think without them being uncomfortable. That is how I think blogs could be very helpful.

Art in the Classroom

Art in the classroom is a great way to intergrate fun and learning. Another great thing about art is that you can use it in every subject. Math, history, english, and science. It does not matter. Art has a way of bringing students out of their shell. There are dufferent types of art projects you can do. Some as simple as coloring or cutting and pasting. All the way up to using paper mache. The range is huge so go and use your imagination.

Special Education

Some of you may wonder about children with special needs in your classroom, and what projects you would be able to use in the classroom. All the things I have mentioned before are great if you have students with special needs. Music and art are ways that they do not have to to be so strictly graded and can give a sense of accomplishment. The facebook and blog are ways that can have the parents help. Have them come in for a conference and explain what they are and how they can help. Most parents especially ones with children who have special needs will be more than happy to help. So do be afraid to try new things.