We had a great time speaking with our new friends in North Carolina for half an hour! This conversation wasn't as successful as the other ones have been because their sound system wasn't as loud and clear as the other groups we've talked to, so we couldn't hear any of the whole-class responses or the "background" noise (I know that may sound silly, but hearing all of the kids and their teacher really makes us feel more like we are there with them!)
They had a lot of prepared questions for us about Texas, and we enjoyed answering. A side benefit I had never thought about was that my students are learning a lot more about Texas so that they can answer questions as experts!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Gadsen, Alabama
Today we talked to a fifth grade class in Gadsen, Alabama. They are doing a "50 States" Project. Their wiki is at http://50statesproject.wikispaces.com/.
Last week, we contributed facts about Texas to their site. Today we shared these facts, and they shared theirs about Alabama. Then there was a chance for Q & A, which was enjoyable until the end when one student asked if we were "ready to lose the national championship again"! It was actually really funny, although some of my students got pretty steamed! But it was a good opportunity to talk about not being sore losers.
Right now, the students are writing a letter to Ms. Howard telling about their experiences talking to students in New York and Alabama. Since we've been studying persuasive writing, they also have to share which place they would rather visit and persuade her why it is better.
Last week, we contributed facts about Texas to their site. Today we shared these facts, and they shared theirs about Alabama. Then there was a chance for Q & A, which was enjoyable until the end when one student asked if we were "ready to lose the national championship again"! It was actually really funny, although some of my students got pretty steamed! But it was a good opportunity to talk about not being sore losers.
Right now, the students are writing a letter to Ms. Howard telling about their experiences talking to students in New York and Alabama. Since we've been studying persuasive writing, they also have to share which place they would rather visit and persuade her why it is better.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Long Island, New York
We spoke with Ms. Mosele's 5th grade class in Long Island, New York today. It was AWESOME!!! It was so much fun to find out what we had in common and to share and learn information that was different or suprising. Their mouths dropped when we told them that we almost never have snow days, and we were surprised to learn that it's 30 degrees there right now and "pretty warm for this time of year".
Mr. Waldvogel (the librarian who set up this meeting) and I agreed that it was a huge success. We're hoping to maybe collaborate on a shared project in the future.
What an amazing experience for them to realize that there is a big world out there, full of people with similarities and differences!
My students are journalling about the experience right now. I will post some of their comments later.
Mr. Waldvogel (the librarian who set up this meeting) and I agreed that it was a huge success. We're hoping to maybe collaborate on a shared project in the future.
What an amazing experience for them to realize that there is a big world out there, full of people with similarities and differences!
My students are journalling about the experience right now. I will post some of their comments later.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
50 States Project
We have created a Texas State Facts page for Mrs. Goodwin's class' 50 States Project. We'll be talking with them tomorrow.
You can see our page on their wiki at http://50statesproject.wikispaces.com/Texas+State+Facts.
You can see our page on their wiki at http://50statesproject.wikispaces.com/Texas+State+Facts.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Meeting classes
We will be speaking with a class in Alabama on Friday. I'm excited! They are doing a 50 states project, so we will be answering questions about Texas (and hopefully asking some questions of our own). I just hope my kids aren't rude about the football game that will be taking place the night before!
On Wednesday the 20th we will be speaking with another class in Chocowinity, North Carolina. I'm also in the works with a librarian in New York state, but I learned that I have to be clear about what I'm looking for-- just a 15 to 20 minute meeting between classes, not some sort of on-going collaborative project. At this point, I'm not organized enough to work in-depth with another teacher to create an ongoing project.
On Wednesday the 20th we will be speaking with another class in Chocowinity, North Carolina. I'm also in the works with a librarian in New York state, but I learned that I have to be clear about what I'm looking for-- just a 15 to 20 minute meeting between classes, not some sort of on-going collaborative project. At this point, I'm not organized enough to work in-depth with another teacher to create an ongoing project.
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