This week I’d like to highlight a program we have on
practically every computer in the building, yet is one of the least
utilized. That program is Kidspiration.
It is installed on every computer in the Mac Lab as well as both HP laptop
carts. Most teacher computers should also have it on them making it convenient
to create lesson templates to use with students.
Kidspiration is a powerful tool that enables students to
create graphic organizers such as word webs, concept maps, tables and Venn
diagrams to organize information and demonstrate relationships within content
areas. With these tools students can create models of life cycles, demonstrate
their understanding of food chains and food webs, classify the three main types
of clouds, etc. These tools lend themselves to outlining the paragraphs in a
research paper, performing word sorts, doing a character analysis,
demonstrating knowledge of cause and effect as well as fact and opinion and
vocabulary.
Kidspiration contains a database of lessons in four categories:
Reading and Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. There are more than
3,000 symbols in the program to provide visual support for the concepts taught.
Students can even create their own symbols as well as import photographs to use
with lessons. There are lesson templates that correlate directly with our
curriculum. First graders can demonstrate their understanding of Goods and
Services as well as what it means to be a citizen. There is a template that second graders can
use to identify U.S. Symbols. Third
graders can compare and contrast Native American tribes. Fourth graders can
categorize powers in the three branches of government. These are just a very
few templates available to teachers that can be edited to fit many subjects.
Kidspiration also has a Math View category filled with
virtual math manipulatives such as base ten blocks, fraction bars, pattern
blocks, and color tiles for them to practice math reasoning and problem solving
skills. There are also a variety of math lesson templates where students can
practice skills in the following areas: place value, adding and subtracting,
building expressions, multiplication and division, comparing fractions,
measurement and symmetry.
Kidspiration is extremely easy to use. Students find the interactive
technology highly motivational for demonstrating their understanding compared
to completing worksheets. Atomic Learning is an excellent professional
development resource. It breaks down the features of the program into short
manageable tutorials that are easy to understand. Remember, teachers can
receive tech hours for completing Atomic Learning modules and exploring new
technology.
Below I have listed a number of online resources provided by
Inspiration, the parent company of Kidspiration, that provides a repository of
lesson templates across the curriculum.
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