I am moving to standard three come this September which is better sweet for me. I am sad because I was very attached to my last classroom but now I have to relocate. But I am happy because it will be my first experience at standard three so I am looking forward to the change.

I am looking forward in getting started in setting up a Reading Program at my school.The school is in need of a school's reading program as our students are not performing well. If you have any suggestions on what I can do, you can make a comment on my blog.

Frustrated Lesson Planner

I am truly facing my true test in this course which is the writing of the lesson plans. I am trying to write my lesson plan and it seem like I am not getting anywhere with my lessons.
I am sure about the content of reading but I am not sure about all the things I can do with the different Web2.0 tools. I have several problems. I am not sure about what the different tools can do and also what I can do with the different tools. The only tool that I seem to be sure about is the e-book.
I am frustrated in planning my lessons. I have never felt so worn-out by anything in my life. It is probably a good thing because I am praying a little harder to get through this last stage of the course successfully. I would like to get some suggestion on the usage of the various web2.0 tools.

A Feeling of Success

I must say that my favorite class for the entire course was when we had to make an E-book. It did capture me and sustain my interest throughout. In the other sessions, at times I was frustrated because I did not quite grasp the use of the technology .But in the session on E-books; I understood what I had to do. I was so eager that I decided to start it at home. To my realization I did not have many pictures in my clipart. I eventually create my E- book which to me was my greatest accomplishment in this course.
I must say I feel that it can be a good tool for working with Struggling Readers. Students who Struggle with Reading need to feel a sense of accomplishment in reading, in order for them to persevere at reading. I feel the use of e-books in the teaching of reading will help them feel that sense of accomplishment that will in turn motivate them to read

Thanks UWI !

I would like to thank the University of the West Indies for having Dr. Conrad lecture on it takes a village to raise a reader and a writer. Many at times when children do not succeed in reading and writing, no one wants to take the blame for their failures.
But, aren’t we all responsible for kids success or failure? Therefore we all need to be responsible, and fulfil our duties to our nation kids. Because when they fail the blame will not be one person’s shoulder. We all will have to shoulder the responsibility. So in the words of Dr. Conrad it takes a village to raise “A reader and a writer.” We are all villagers in that village and we need to fulfil our role as villagers in that village. We all have to collaborate to ensure all kids become capable reader and writer.

The Way Forward

Many have been debating whether it was a good move by the Government that all the children who sat the Secondary examination and pass should be given a laptop. I am happy that our students will be joining student in other countries who have been using their lap tops at school to support instruction for a number years.
But, I have a couple questions that I would like to get your views on concerning the use of laptops in the classroom. Will there be training for teachers who lack the technological and pedagogical knowledge in implementing programmes that infuse technology in teaching and learning? Will there be technical support staffs attach to schools to guide the teachers along the way? What role the leadership of the school will play in planning and implementing such programme? Will assessments match new literacies expectations so as to motivate our teachers in the frequent use of the technology?
I would like to get your views.

Ebooks and the Struggling Reader

Ms. John is trying so hard to help Jaston with his reading. All that she tried seem to be in vain as Jaston still struggle with his reading. She was about to have tea when she heard a knock on the door.
Ms. John: Who it is?
Betsy: It’s Betsy.
Ms. John: Oh gosh! She muttered to herself as she open the door.
Betsy: Girl, let me tell you this. I was reading this article on eBooks and I said to myself that this can help Jaston with his reading. The article said that e book is great for students to create their own story which will definitely motivate them to want to read. It will help the child in learning skills such as main ideas and sequencing. They will be able to have a greater connection to the text as the text is prepared by them. Ebooks also utilise animation in the story and sound effects which makes the story more interesting and thus motivate the struggling reader to read. The child can better tract the print and get visual representation of the story.
The fabulous thing about it you can make use of PowerPoint. I know that just using power point will peak your interest as your school do not have internet. I know by the way your eyes are open that you are definitely interested but you will have to read up on it to get more information. I recommend that you read the article in the reading teacher2007 –Created electronics books: Integrated technology to support readers with disabilities. Also you need to check the web for other information on eBooks. Remember to bookmark any useful information that you get on the web.
Bye.
Ms. John: Thanks Betsy and see you later.