My Kindergarten students have become these amazing, independent and enthusiastic writer’s and illustrator’s. We only have 1 and 1/2 days left together, but my students decided to create their own informational book about a topic they choose. So this is what they did!
Some amazing things started happening right away! Wow!
My students used iPads to do a Google search about their topic. The idea came from my students because this is something we have used throughout Kindergarten in regards to our learning. We have had many conversations about “how to” do a Google Search. Simply…. My students tell me they are doing a Google Search. Then they type in photos of…(their topic). They navigate the gallery of photos independently to choose what they are looking for. Through this process and experience of interacting with their ideas, they create and design what they want to write about. For many of my students this is new learning, they choose topics that they are interested in. The engagement is high and everyone is so enthusiastic about what they are discovering.
Let’s Google Tornado so we can see what a real one looks like!
As an educator I am reminded about the importance of developing a culture that supports and promotes my students individual ideas. Through their ideas and interests they become self directed. As I listen to the many conversations that are happening throughout my classroom I am impressed with the vocabulary my students are using as well as what they are learning. One of my students said,”Mrs. D. I read this all by myself”, “Did you know that…”, “I did it, I drew a toucan!”.
Making Observations About The Text Features
This is authentic learning at it’s best. Everything that I am observing this time of year are reflections of our year together. Not only am I noticing the skills in regards to reading and writing that are happening, but it is what my students are doing with their skills that counts for me. The application of knowledge and independence is really remarkable.
Tomorrow I look forward to sharing our informational books. We will be creating a video of the importance of having choice and writing about what we want to know. Of course we will be “tweeting out” to our friends too about what we learned.
A Scientific Drawing On Google!
Ahh…… Kindergarten Life is so inspiring. What a grand year it has been!
kindergartenlife 
I like the idea of researching a topic of high interest. What about the schools that do not have ipads? What about good old library book research? I am a bit dubious of ipad use in kdg. It is too easy. Kids don’t have to look at several different sources to determine which one is best for their reading level and area of interest.
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