21st Century Kindergarten Launch

Student Objectives:

*Learn operation of digial equipment
*Exercise instant recognition of words and signs
*Compose age-appropriate writing of story with pictures
*Identify the alphabet, beginning, middle, end, characters, main idea, problem, resolution
*Discuss the significance of the Peldge of Allegiance, sing patriotic songs, and celebrate our nation.

Project 1- Students will be introduced to camera and operating procedures. They will be allow to take multiple pictures in the classroom, assess the clarity, and delete,then reshoot. With parental consent cameras can go home for assigned class project. Students will be assigned two letters of the alphabet, they will photo two subjects within the community that begins with that particular letter. When there assignment is completed, they will assist myself in placing pictures into a slideshow. Each student will help in making the slideshow by finding words, clipart, text movement, etc... for their particular letters with my assistance. When slideshow is completed, it will then be presented to parents and other Kindergarten classes in the building.

Project 2- "Three Billy Goats Gruff"
Class will read the book in a Read Aloud Setting and discuss the characters, main idea, and setting. Then choose acting parts and practice acting out the story. When the drama is ready to present, we will video and critique our performance. Then we will perform it again with the corrections made with the first presentation. The narrator of the story will also tell the beginning, middle, end, characters, main idea, setting, and conclusion. This will be developed into a DVD and a copy given to every student who participated in the drama.

Project 3- Students will make a patriotic video to send to the troops in Iraq. First we will say the Pledge of Allegiance, then sing the National Anthem. We will be dressed in patriotic clothes and make posters to hold while we sing. Then we will perform an acronym with AMERICA. Each student will take a digital camera and take pictures of five things they enjoy due to our freedom. These pictures will be developed and then the student will speak about each picture and why they are thankful for the troops keeping us safe. The students will also ask three questions each. These DVD's will be sent to the troops in Iraq. Hopefully they will respond and we will begin a penpal relationship through technology. Also, we will video an interview of the Kindergarteners interviewing a recently returned serviceman from the Iraq.