 |
| (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) |
"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do.
Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children."
- Alex Haley
Grandparents Day is right around the corner and I can't think of anything else that will be drastically different in a classroom for a grandparent to experience besides....TECHNOLOGY.
So here's to Grandparents and technology in education -- a few ideas that infuse technology while celebrating the presence of our older generation.
Idea #1: Have students use KidPix and teach a grandparent how it works. Grandparents can tell students about their favorite activity when they were the same age and together they can create a masterpiece.
Idea #2: Brainstorm a list of questions to ask grandparents and have students refer to the list when using iMovie, Photo Booth or Garage Band in order to record an interview with a grandparent.
Idea #3: Have students show grandparents how to use Animation Ish. Try to create an animation with the same number of frames as the age of the grandparent.
Idea #4: Using iPods or iPads? How about letting kids create a story with grandparents using StoryRobe. Or draw a picture using Doodle Buddy. Or play a Math game. Or...just explore ANY app!
Idea #5: Got a SMART Board? Don't hesitate to use it! Grandparents will flip over this cool tech tool.
Whether you're brainstorming popular words / phrases between now and "the good old days" (i.e. "wow" vs. "jeepers") or mapping out where grandparents live, Notebook will work wonders showing how technology in education can hook the 20th century learner too.
I promised myself I'd stop at five big ideas so I'll close with a
welcome rap performed by students at Southdale Elementary in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (Anyone who knows me, knows I'd be all over this -- I can see all kinds of potential with this kind of stuff...)
It's Grandparents Day
And we're here to say,
We love our grandparents
In a major way.
So sit right down
And take a seat,
We'll put on a show
That can't be beat!
Some grandparents are skinny.
Some eat a lot.
Some are funny.
Some are not.
Some short, some tall,
Some big, some small.
It doesn't matter,
We love them all.
Grandparents Day is full of fun
For you and me and everyone.
So you'll excuse us if we shout "Hurray!"
Because we're certainly glad you came today!
Enjoy -
Patsy Templeton
ptempleton@orinda.k12.ca.us
