New Apps in the Classroom

Over the last couple weeks, I have implemented some new technology into my classroom.  Here are the  (free) apps and how it went:

1. Too Noisy - This is an app that measures how loud your students are.  There is a meter that moves with the noise and a happy face that begins to cry when the noise level gets too high.  The background also darkens and becomes stormy when the kids are too noisy.  I began using this app to combat talking and noise in the hallways.  I hold the iPad over my shoulder so the kids can see it as we walk to their specials.  If they are able to keep the happy face happy, I give them all a point on Class Dojo.  It has worked amazing well!  They are all so in tune to the app and watching the meter.  It has changed how we walk down the hallway:)

2. Math Fight - This is an app that allows students to compete against each other with their math facts.  It begins with a countdown and then gives them both the same math problem.  It gives three choices of answers on the bottom and they need to click on the correct one.  Whoever gets the right answer first gets the point for that round.  Each round gives 10 problems.  At the end of the 10 problems, the one with the most right answers wins.  I started using this app to help the kids increase their knowledge in math facts.  So far we have just been using the addition problems.  The kids absolutely love this app!  I have never had kids so excited to do their math facts.  They love choosing a partner and then trying to beat them.   I have the iPads out during my center time and they enjoy competing and trying to beat their previous scores.

Classroom Management - What Works in Schools

After reading Chapter 8 The Teacher-Level Factors, in Marzano’s What works in Schools, I have a greater understanding of teacher-level factors and the impact that an effective teacher can have on student achievement.  The decisions I make as a teacher strongly outweigh the decisions made at a school level (Marzano, 2003).  After reflecting on this chapter, I decided that I wanted to implement two of Marzano’s classroom management strategies into my first grade classroom to improve student achievement.  My main emphasis was to be present and intentional in this implementation process.  I chose the first strategy, establishing and enforcing rules and procedures, because it had to do with my AR topic.  Throughout the past few weeks, I remained consistent with my students when it came to enforcing rules and procedures.  I carried my iPad around with me throughout the day to keep track of any behaviors that I needed to address with them.  Doing this assisted me in remaining consistent with my expectations and consequences. 

            The second classroom management strategy I implemented was carrying out disciplinary actions.  I worked hard to be consistent and I no longer gave out warning to those students who were off task.  I simply had them move their clothespin down and followed through with parent contact if a take a break was needed.  I also focused on using my nonverbal cues to reduce student behaviors.  This worked well as a quick visual reminder for those students who were off task. 

            The action steps in Marzano’s chapter 8, What Works in Schools, were a great reminder of how our classroom rules, procedures and disciplinary actions should be addressed in an elementary setting.  I took time during our days to review the importance of being a kind, polite, helpful and respectful friend.  We took time to not only review classroom rules, procedures and disciplinary actions but also to model and practice them.  The actions experienced over the past few weeks have guided me and my students to recreate and to maintain a learning environment that is conducive to successful instruction (Brophy, 1996).

December New Strategy

My new strategy I used this month was part of my AR research topic of classroom management.  I found an app called Too Noisy and put it on my iPad.  The app is a visual for the kids when they get too loud.  There is a meter that measures the noise level and when it gets too loud, the screen gets dark and stormy and the smiley face starts to cry.  I use it especially when we are walking in the hallways - the kids love it and it really helps keep them quiet in the hallways.