Lesson Plan Supplemental Materials

I created a lesson plan for preschoolers using a QR code scavenger hunt.  The lesson addresses standards for Ohio Early Learning, pertaining to science and inquiry.  Children ages 3-5 will explore objects, materials and events in the environment.  The use of I-pads will be used in this lesson. Children will explore the playground outside and have a series of questions to answer using QR codes.
http://www.classtools.net/QR/qr_generator.php?fold=17&fname=HTGVk&diff=0

For the lesson, children in the classroom will be broke into 3 groups of 5.  I've created a fun spinning wheel with a list of all the students names to help pick the groups.  I've embedded the link to a QR code that will take us to the spinning wheel.
http://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?color=000000&bgcolor=FFFFFF&data=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.classtools.net%2Frandom-name-picker%2F29_HiSMJe&qzone=1&margin=0&size=400x400&ecc=L

This is the website used to create the lesson.

http://www.classtools.net/QR/teacher.php?fold=42&fname=6DRcA

My Technology Lesson Plan

My Technology Lesson Plan by Carrie Bayles on Scribd

https://www.scribd.com/document/346672261/My-Technology-Lesson-Plan

Reflective Wrap-Up

The classroom that I currently work in does not have access to technology.  Working with preschool aged children is very focused on hands on activities that encourage exploration and play, so using technology is not always encouraged. Parents worry about children being too plugged in, and want their children to have as little time as possible playing games or working on a tablet. We have had access to small technology items, such as a digital camera, or old devices that we can take apart or use in the dramatic play area. Including tablets or computers would be amazing! The key would be to limit the activities to no more than 20 minutes, and to be highly supervised by a teacher.   If I were able to have access to technology, I think that there are many different ways to use it with young children.  It could start off with simply reading an E-book during group time and working technology in slowly.
To be able to work more technology into a classroom environment, it requires support from the center.  The center I work at provides each classroom with an I-pad for the teachers to use for documentation and communication with parents or families.  We have used this with the children by allowing them to document some of their own activities and ideas. Having funding is always a problem, and not high on the list of priorities.  Children at that age do not have their own personal devices, so using more technology definitely requires money that the center doesn't have.  It would be awesome if we could have a small area with computers for the children to work with, no more than 2 would work. It would allow them to explore educational games, design art activities, use apps that explore coding and using a mouse to gain an understanding of that type of fine motor skill.
As a new teacher, and one that is still learning technology, I have discovered that there are simple ways to start adding more technology into a preschool classroom.  I have even discovered children's picture books that address coding and other computer language.  I have come up with more ideas to allow them to explore like engineers and get their hands on older devices to see what they look like inside.  I have used Pinterest to help me with lesson planning and have gained a better understanding of online classrooms and how that can be beneficial with different types of learners.  I am working with my center, and the other teachers to figure out ways to incorporate more technology into our school.  The challenges will always be there on a financial level, but if we are creative enough, it is something that I will continue to try and figure out.

Classroom Design

I designed my classroom for preschool age students.  The classroom is spacious enough to allow multiple stations around the room.  A typical preschool room has multiple tables and different areas for exploration.I  arranged the design with that same formula in mind, and have added areas for students to utilize technology.

The classroom spaces are separated from shelves, or off to the sides of the room.  The middle area is designed for free play type of ideas.  The corner area is reserved for the computers and would allow children to use computers or I-pads at their leisure. There are student tables and chairs so that the use of a television and projector are there if needed. I didn't include a teacher desk as preschool classrooms don't typically have that.  I wanted the classroom to be free from clutter, allow different  areas for comfort and learning, and to have enough space for technology areas.  

QR Code

http://goqr.me/

Tech Tool Review

Pinterest in the Classroom

I have not had a lot of experience using Pinterest.  Using it for the first time, I found that it is a really great site to explore to find different ideas for educators.  It's easy to search and the Pins created are relevant to the topic you are exploring.  I loved the different and creative sites on Reggio Emilia inspired activities and decoration.  It's very inspiring to see what ideas educators are using in the classroom.

I think that Pinterest is a marvelous tool for educators to utilize.  It allows you to communicate ideas and interests, with a visual component, and can influence teachers to try new and interesting activities.  It can also help parents to have more familiarity with what their children are doing and learning in preschool.  The pins that you choose to add to your board allow a reference point for other teachers, students and parents to view.  Pinterest provides an array of information.

I didn't experience any challenges when exploring Pinterest, in fact I found it pretty simple.  The biggest challenge I had was not going overboard pinning different sites on my board!

Now that I know more about Pinterest, I look forward to exploring it and using it more in the future.  I'm always looking for new ideas and creative activities to help students learn while having fun.  Pinterest is a fantastic resource for educators, students and parents.