Technology and Fitness in Balance

The technology available today is so exciting!  It's changing the way we learn, the way we connect and expanding our world view.  At MRE our goal is to get our students ready to take their place in a world transformed by technology.  Did you know many of the careers that will be available to them don't even exist today?  Not too long ago I heard about some of the expected positions.  The one that jumped out at me was "Rain Police."  Imagine needing someone who can police the use and movement of rain clouds!  Our kids need to be ready for a world very different than the one we joined as graduates.

This week my third graders took a step toward that future.  In the computer lab they learned to use Edmodo.com.  Edmodo is a social, educational network used by students to share ideas, explore teacher recommended websites, and much more!  Ask your student to show you this exciting online tool at home by logging onto Edmodo.com and typing in their KISD username and password (taped onto the inside binder pocket).  Be sure to use capital letters when typing in their password.  The links are labeled Math, Science or View at Home.  View at Home links are simply things we have already done at school or are enrichment links that I don't want them to spend time on during our limited school day.  All links are available to enjoy at home.  

While on Edmodo students should limit their comments to Math and Science talk.  We've spent a lot of time discussing what this means in class.  We are working on staying in the moment, soaking up all of the learning that is available, and limiting distractions that would rob us of the opportunity to enjoy Math/Science.  Appropriate Edmodo comments should share excitement, connections to concepts, those "a ha!" moments in our learning, or ask questions to help our understanding.  The students have really enjoyed Edmodo and are doing a great job sharing their thinking!

Through Edmodo students can also access a link to The Global Children's Challenge.  This experience will be an excellent opportunity to practice balance between being online and being physically active.  The kids will be joining children in classes around the world who will all be working as teams to increase their physical fitness by collecting steps to unlock locations on a virtual globe.  This is a special opportunity available to Mrs. Foley's classes via Fund for Teachers.  I am so excited about the potential to build community, develop teamwork skills, and enjoy all the benefits of regular exercise.  As a runner (slow, but steady), I've experienced the difference exercise can make in well being.  My hope is for all of us to come to school each day energized, even-tempered and ready to go!  

We will be talking about The Challenge on Monday in morning meeting.  Students will be given pedometers on Tuesday.  (Please don't tell them!  It's a surprise!!)  They will wear the pedometers each day from the time they rise to bedtime.  The pedometers aren't waterproof though, so bath time is a no go!  

Parents, I could use some help with this activity.  There was a limit of 33 pedometers per homeroom.  Unfortunately, we are currently 6 pedometers short of every child having their own.  If you are able to donate a pedometer, please let me know as soon as possible.  I plan to pass out the pedometers on Tuesday, but I would like to have any donated items by Monday night in order to gift wrap them before giving them to the children.  Later donations would still be appreciated, as I can still pass them out to students sharing pedometers.  Thank you so much for any help you can offer!

One last thing, I've started a Twitter account to share classroom hints, reminders, questions to ask your child about their day, and other hopefully helpful stuff.  This is my first year with a classroom blog and Twitter account,@Adventuresin3rd,  but I would expect the Twitter account to have more of the day to day information you might find helpful.  

Have a wonderful evening!