A Powerful Tool...

This year has been magnificent.  I've watched the kids grow up and develop into young problem solvers.  Their independence and willingness to tackle new ideas is truly inspiring.

The best thing leaned came from this little device.

I knew the power of having a Flip Camera in the palms of my hands to capture the precious moments and share with families and friends but it wasn't until I handed the camera to my darlings that I received a glimpse of my classroom or teaching through the students eyes.  

Allowing students to take the Flip and film anything they wanted became a tool for me to see their interest and what they felt was meaningful.  Some students simply read work on the wall, others explained their favorite place in class, one took the time to read our weekly focus wall.  

Have you ever wondered what kids are thinking about when you are teaching?  Hand them a video camera and allow the kids to film during your mini lesson.  I watched as one student zoomed in on words around the room as they appeared in the read aloud.  Another student mumbled the answers each time I prompted comprehension questions but this child won't raise their hand to participate AT ALL.  

The Flip was truly a powerful tool in my teaching success this year.  I am sad to report that Cisco has closed down their Flip division because of the power of the SMARTPHONE.  Here is an article from the NY Times that explains Cisco's decision.  This has only prompted me to create a DonorsChoose project this summer for another device with the same capabilities.