Smart Technology for Smart Students

July 2010

- Jessica Samet, Kindergarten Teacher

 

 

Being my first year at Shlenker, there were many things I was looking forward to in my new professional home. Small class sizes, a strong administration, and solid aligned curriculum throughout the school were all at the top of my “I LOVE THIS PLACE” list. It wasn’t until I accepted the job that I discovered the icing on the cake: all three Kindergarten classes were getting Promethean Boards! It was like Chanukah 6 months early! My mind went crazy with ideas of how I was going to be able to use this larger than life, interactive tool in my new classroom. The other Kindergarten and PreK-4 teachers and I received Promethean training over the summer and quickly learned that the possibilities are endless.

 

Each day, the Kindergarten and PreK-4 teachers used the boards to teach skills across every branch of our curriculum. Math, reading, writing, handwriting, science, and Jewish studies were all technologically enriched with this incredible tool. Daily calendar math, hands-on enVision games, full screen sized Handwriting Without Tears paper, and interactive books just scratch the surface of what our kids got out of having these boards in our room.

 

Pam Seitz, a fellow Kindergarten teacher, says she loves incorporating her board into Reader’s Workshop. “I can easily turn a phonics lesson into an interactive ABC workstation, and my kids love it,” she said, “the dueling pens allow for two students to use the board at one time.”

 

PreK-4 teachers are just as enthusiastic about having this new technology. They enjoy being able to create, print, and send home graphs, morning messages, and class news.

 

In addition to Kindergarten and PreK-4, all three first grade classrooms have Promethean boards. Before school begins in the fall electronic boards will be in 2^nd through 5^th grade rooms. The teachers are excited about being trained and can’t wait to implement this exciting addition to their classrooms.