Classroom Avatars!

I was recently told about Voki - an online site which allows you to create your own avatar and implement it into the classroom. You can choose from a heap of different characters and modify to create your own look. Or make a new character for different themes, like cowboys, pirates, police officer, anything you can think of! You can choose from a number of different languages and accents, which would be great for SOSE lessons! You can even upload your own voice.

I cannot wait to show my class... It could be some sort of a class mascot! Delivering class messages, or introducing a new topic to the class.

Here is my first try at making an avatar! Still need to tweak it a bit! Have a try and let me know how you go! How will you use Voki in the classroom?

Marble Run!

My friends and I made this marble run as part of a Technology unit we designed at uni.
I cannot wait to use it in the classroom!

Design Challenge 

Your overpopulated city needs a new above-ground transport system. Your job is to investigate the key factors in an effective transport system and apply these to a design of your own. Using your design, you will need to use recyclable materials and suitable tools to produce this system. You will critically evaluate the transport system and make modifications when necessary. This will be done in groups of 6. Throughout this process, you will complete an individual reflection log detailing your learning and understanding.

ABC Game

When I used to babysit, I had some very energetic kids that just would not settle down to go to bed. I used to think of a topic, animals for example, and they had to go through each letter of the alphabet thinking of an animal starting with that letter. By the time they got to Z for Zebra, they were usually fast asleep. 

I modified this activity and made 30 different category cards, and 30 different letter cards (put doubles of easier or harder letters to differentiate). You could even manipulate the categories to whatever you are working on in class. I made different backs for each deck to help shuffle and separate, and laminated them for a long life. The kids love it! I even took it to uni the other day, and it had adults addicted! 

Instructions: 

One card from each deck is turned over at the same time, and the players have to think of a word in that category, and starting with that letter. Whoever guesses one first, wins that category card, and the player with the most category cards at the end, wins!

Footprints

Art lesson on Self Identity

Students look at different colours and the emotions they portray and also at line and different shapes. They choose colours and line appropriate to their personality.

DIY Terrariums

I LOVE gardening. But as a full time student working two jobs, it's sometimes hard to keep my veggie patch going.

I was inspired by pinterest to plant something a little more low maintenance and something I could enjoy all the time.

Here's how I created my terrarium!

Leftover eggs? Eggs-cellent!

Now that the Easter holidays are over, what to do with all these leftover plastic eggs? I have seen some beautiful egg crafts on Pinterest and now have so many ideas! 

I managed to get all these eggs for less that $3 at the Spotlight sales last weekend. So here are some educational uses for plastic eggs within in the classroom.

Chalkboard Organisation

With the introduction of whiteboards and interactive whiteboards in classrooms, chalkboards are almost extinct. How sad!!

I bought a tin of chalkboard paint for another project, and was trying to think of some other uses for it.
I decided to make some labels for some jars, this way, I can keep some chalkboard in my classroom! My sister also gave me this wooden red apple, and I thought I might try and make it into a message board.

Tissue Paper Flowers

I made these gorgeous paper carnations last year. Perfect gift! Or to pretty up a classroom or desk. They're so easy, I might even try them with the kids...

Materials:

• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• 2 large bulldog clips
• Pipe cleaners 
• Coloured marker pen

Merry Grinchmas!

Christmas Classroom Decoration

My Mum made this beautiful decoration for hanging in my classroom at Christmas time. Reading The Grinch was always one of my favourite things to do at Christmas time!

Book Week Costume!

Alice in Wonderland     

I dressed up as the White Rabbit from the book and movie Alice in Wonderland for a costume party recently. Good idea for book week dress ups!!

     

Alphabet Pockets

I made these alphabet pockets for a lesson on phonics. They are made out of different cotton materials sewed together with stiffener. I then cut out the letters in felt and glue gunned them onto each pocket. I put velcro dots on the back so I could stick them around the room.                                                                                

In this lesson I cut out different pictures and the kids had to sound out the word and place in the corresponding pocket... A is for Apple. It did take a while to make but I was so happy with the results and know I will use them again and again for different lessons.  

Ideas wall

Book Plates

My new book plates!! Printed on labels so I can stick in the front cover of my professional resources and my ever growing collection of children's books.