We're getting there...

I worked on the center signs and management stuff today. I have all the center signs ready to print...I just have to finish putting the "What we are doing in the __ center" things together and get them all printed, laminated, and put up.

 center choices/management

Helen and I were going to work on scheduling...and we did talk some about it...but then we got involved in the SMART board movement and organization so we can get those out of here tomorrow.  All of them are together by which hallway gets 'em...and are labeled (by hallway), too.  Hopefully, after the meeting in the morning, we can get them relocated to their *new* homes (and we can go back to work on getting this place ready to roll).

SMART boards
 

Meanwhile, while taking a break from creating activities today, Didi worked on identifying the Maryland Technology Literacy Standards that we will be addressing in our wonderful  Multimedia Center...so, thanks, Didi! :) 

In case you're curious, here they are:

Maryland Technology Literacy Standards

Smart Table

• Students will explore and use the SMART Table to enhance learning by acquiring new content or reinforcing skills learned in their classroom. (TL Prek A.1.a & b)
• Students will participate in the SMART Table activity to encourage collaboration. (TL Prek 3.B.1)
• Students will explore the Smart Table activities to support learning goals. (TL Prek 3.C.1.a)

Smart Board

• Students will explore and use the SMART Board to enhance learning by acquiring new content or reinforcing skills learned in their classroom. (TL Prek A.1.a & b)
• Students will participate in the SMART Board activity to encourage collaboration. (TL Prek 3.B.1)
• Students will explore the Smart Board activities to support learning goals. (TL Prek 3.C.1.a)

Computer Center

• Students will use a mouse to perform computer functions, use the keyboard to type letters and numbers, and recognize symbols and icons used to identify functions (such as the arrow, printer, etc.) to develop foundations in the understanding and use of technology. (TL Prek 1.A.1.a, b, c & d)

• Students will explore and use multimedia tools to express original ideas with print, drawing, digital images, sounds, and/or personal recordings. (TL Prek 3.B.1.a)

iLearn

• Students will explore and use the iPad and iPod Touch to enhance learning by acquiring new content or reinforcing skills learned in their classroom. (TL Prek A.1.a & b)
• Students will explore the iPad and iPod Touch activities to support learning goals. (TL Prek 3.C.1.a)
• Students will use the iPad and iPod Touch to explore a variety of forms of digital content to learn information about a subject/topic. (TL Prek 3.C.1.b)

I seem to have WON the battle with iTunes...for now.

It would appear that I have been successful in my quest to put the Read to Me books into iTunes (on my desktop) and sync with the iPods.  

I also wanted to make it as simple as possible for everyone to be able to locate which story they wanted to listen to, so...

First, you will click on the "Music" icon (on the iPod)...since that's where the audio files for the stories will be.

screenshot of iPod

Then, you should see something that looks like this:

screenshot of books

If it doesn't look like this, make sure the "Albums" view is selected.  You'll note that there is a picture of the cover of each of the books.  Hopefully, this will simplify things for the students.  I'm hoping they will be able to match (with a little help, maybe) the picture on the iPod with the actual book on the shelf.

On Wednesday, I'm hoping to sit with Helen and start working out all the scheduling and other fun stuff to get this show on the road.