Monday, February 22nd-26th 2010 And so it begins.....

On Monday (22nd) we put their rough draft into effect. We have 2 stations set up for the kids to use. The recording studio is in the classroom where we have 4 computers placed throughout the class and the other station is the computer lab. One problem that we have run into is that the computer lab is so booked up that it is hard to get 1 1/2 hour time slots. It is greatly appreciated that our staff has been so cooperative!
I spent a good part of Sunday getting ready for this first day as I was unsure of what to expect. I made up folders ,to keep their rough copy, that also contain a checklist for them to sign (and get teacher's signatures) once each section has been completed. I needed to this so I know where everyone is at. Another sheet that has been included in these folders is another checklist for extra activities that they can work on when they are waiting and have nothing else to do until theyreceive help . I've learned over this week that this was not a necessity to do as they don't have much time at all when there is nothing to do. Maybe these folders will be used more closer to the end.
I think we have come up with a solution for the student I had to make adaptations for. The first day, she was not cooperative so we made some more changes and right now she has an alternate book read, has created figurines out of plasticine, and we have taken pictures to include in her digital book report. She does not spend the full 1 1/2 on this as it is too much. We will continue next week adding the pictures into her report.
I found the second day more frustrating as the students were at different spots as they were coming and going to and from the recording studio. I was not always able to answer the questions they had. Arlene and Kirk, though, felt this day went better as the students were understanding things better. We also have had peer teaching going on in the recording room and now the lab as well.
Helpful reminder for next time:
It is important to have the students create folders at the very beginning instead of having to go back and teach thm how to do this. It is better to do it all at once!

On Friday we talked, in the classroom, about the process involved in saving and retrieving pictures,etc.. This was very helpful and through repetition the students (and myself) will become more comfortable with this, I feel that they are doing better already. Kirk and I met on Friday (26th) and I am slowly feeling more comfortable with what we are doing.