Last week, one of our lessons focused on understanding that the angles in a triangle add up to 180 degrees and finding the measurement of an angle given the other two angles. Because engagement (or lack thereof...) has been something of an issue during math class lately, I gathered the kids on the carpet with their notebooks, sat on a little stool by the screen, and showed triangles and problems right there. The kids used colored markers to copy the work into their notes (colored markers are pretty AND using color stimulates the brain! Who knew?!), and I used different color "pens" on the tablet. They were SO engaged, loved all of the color, and I loved that I could teach the whole lesson facing them almost at eye level without needing to turn my back to the board or hover by the overhead projector.
I've also loved using the tablet in Writing Workshop. Usually I do my mini-lessons on chart paper by my easel, but any time I'm planning on modeling revising or editing text, it's a BIG PAIN to write whole paragraphs on chart paper. BLEH! A few weeks ago, I typed up one of my students' first drafts of a narrative we're working on. His work was GREAT, but it was all one paragraph! I projected the typed version on the screen, and we worked together to edit it (using editing marks) on my tablet. This week I wanted to work on basic editing, so I typed a quick letter to the kids about my weekend, and again we edited it together. I've used transparencies in the past for editing practice, but I HATE making them, and again I reeeeally hate being chained to the overhead.
I. love. my. tablet. I'm sure there are many more possibilities for using it in my classroom, and I can't wait to figure them out!
Awesome !
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great addition to the classroom! I have a Promethean, but would love a tablet to go along with it!
ReplyDeletehow fun!!! you seriously sound like the most creative teacher ever. i would have loved math if it were taught to me like that! haha!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Can you teach me math? ugh seriously hate math.
ReplyDeleteCool ideas. It's got me thinking on tablets now.
ReplyDeleteWe are currently considering the options in the smart board, iPad, Mimeo debate at school. So, a well timed posting.