Focus on the Maker

 

Last summer I spent a lot time thinking about and preparing for a year of remote teaching and learning.  One thing that became very apparent was that my focus would be less on the space and materials and more on the maker.  It brought to light how much time I spent developing and maintaining my classroom space and equipment during a normal school year.  While I felt the loss of not being able to teach from my beautiful maker space, it challenged me to focus on some new areas.  With limitations on materials for remote projects, I dug in deep to teaching the the design process.  With fewer classroom distractions, no passing time in the halls, no clean up/set up between classes, I had more time with students.  I brought storytelling back into my classes.  I focused on social emotional learning and really got to know my students.  I dare to say I even got to know many of my students better in this remote setting.  It was a rewarding, difficult and illuminating year.  My next challenge is taking what I learned from this year and using it to help shape my next year in education.

Design Tech Workshops

I will be leading a few workshops for WCS middle school students during the month of May.  All students will receive a kit with materials needed for the projects.  Space is limited, so sign up soon!

Design Tech Workshops 

Remote Learning Website

I have created a page to start sharing ideas for my students for remote learning.  It is a work in progress, but I have added a few activities for students to start next week.

Design Tech Remote Learning

Public Service Announcements

Check out some of the videos my students have created this year for their Public Awareness Campaigns!

Logos, T-Shirts, and Green Screen!

Here are some pictures of Public Awareness Campaign groups displaying their logos on t-shirts.  It was a lot of fun to jazz them up with a background using the green screen app DoInk!

Raising Awareness with T-Shirts

Most groups are finished with logo design for their Public Awareness Campaigns and have moved onto t-shirt design.  I'm so impressed with the work they are producing!

Brainstorming

Today a few of my classes were able to start brainstorming ideas for our Public Awareness Campaign project.  It was interesting to see what is of interest to this 7th/8th grade class.