Web Tools 2.0

Web Tools in preschool?

I have always thought of myself as an "old school" type of teacher. My students are the littlest of learners-and they get enough technology in the "ouside" world-so when they enter my classroom, everything is "hands on" and there is very little technology.  Then about two years ago, I was given seven I-pads loaded with "age-appropriate" apps and told that every student would be required ten minutes a week on the device.  Those I-pads did not get much use the first year-and even the second.  The students never seemed to miss technology-so if they didn't need it-then neither did I. 

Fast Forward a few years...

My students, up until the Pandemic, recieve ten minutes a week-we call it "I-Pad Friday's".  The apps are good extensions of our lessons and core academic material that they need. I now have a SmartBoard in my classroom, which I use every day...and I have discovered that there is a WEALTH of information, extensions and interactive material that I can share with my students...and I also discovered GoNoodle.  




GoNoodle to the Rescue!

When preschoolers first come to school, the transition is difficult.  For many, this is their first experince away from their parents.  I use GoNoodle to help students acclimate to their new "home away from home".  It is a perfect tool to utilize for focusing the attention of the littlest learners.  GoNoodle is based heavily on research and medical reports that directly link brain function and cognition with movement for increased academic success.   
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Transition to Pandemic Teaching.

When the Pandemic hit in early March of 2020, educators were forced to teach from their homes.  As a preschool teacher, who was not a "fan" of technology, I was forced to learn many new tools in order to help my students.  I used GoNoodle everyday.  The familiarity of the songs, and the happiness and contentment that they brought helped my little learners adjust to their new surroundings and a new way of learning.  Even though it was differnt, it was somehow the same.  As I continued my journey to fully remote and then hybrid model teaching, GoNoodle has stayed a constant.  I continue to find new ways to utilize the material in my classroom.  I hope you have an opportunity to use some of their material in your classroom.  

For more information on the impact of GoNoodle please visit: https://www.gonoodle.com/our-impact/ 

 

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoOctober 8, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    GoNoodle is one of the best programs out there for the littles! I was great to see that they are continuing to add new features and activities to reach more learners. I wish they would have had this when I was stuck inside with my students for indoor recess!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ryan WhitcombOctober 10, 2020 at 6:30 AM

    Hello Alyson,

    GoNoodle is an absolute blast and an exceptional resource to get students up and moving. In today’s times, GoNoodle is an asset to the instructional classroom, as the activities that are typically provided within physical education courses are scarce. This is due to the restrictions set forth by the State Board, and public health departments. To that end, the resources provided by GoNoodle foster excitement, engagement and flexibility, as you can participate in brain breaks that are properly distanced and do not require equipment sharing. Therefore, it sounds like GoNoodle is an asset to you, as a dynamic and engaging preschool teacher, committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for your learners.

    You have a fantastic way of explaining things and are always incredibly creative with your discussion posts (between the titles for each section; your descriptions; and, how you infuse each resource into teaching and learning within your classroom). Your external resource to the GoNoodle platform and embedding a presentation on the platform also helps acquaint teachers and professionals that may not have heard of your resource to the benefits of the program. Great work!

    I wish you continued success in your teaching endeavors this 2020-2021 school year! It sounds like you are doing incredible things for our future leaders.

    Respectfully,
    Ryan Whitcomb, M.Ed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Andrew SchmittOctober 10, 2020 at 6:34 AM

    Interesting, I think the need for transitioning is important for any age group. Bringing some fun into a warm up or cool down is important and is good preparation for "gearing up" to the next activity. I will look into some of the other activities in GoNoodle. Thanks

    ReplyDelete

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