Image journaling in Social Studies

One of the most powerful ways to integrate technology, social studies, and language arts is through the use of image journals. I was first introduced to this by Tracey Greggs from NC DPI. In an elementary conference, she spoke on how to use images to teach perspective in social studies. It is also a great way to get students writing. If we tie this in with a blog, students can respond to others perspective and truly begin to generate discussion!

So here is your exercise...

Of the three pictures seen here, which one do you most identify with and why??


Picture from dailykos.com/storyonly/ 2006/3/16/142347/548



Picture from fastblogit.com/ tags/war,iraq



Picture from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/06/16/wus16.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/06/16/ixnews.html

How to be a Diva...

A pearl forms when a tiny particle finds itself in an oyster. This tiny particle or organism enters the oyster when the shell is open for feeding and respiration. As the oyster layers the particle with mother-of-pearl, it forms a rare and precious jewel. Technology can be that particle for teachers. On its own, technology is useless and dull. But for a teacher with an open mind, technology can be layered with curriculum standards, best practices, and a willingness to learn in order to transform teaching into a captivating, inspiring art.

How can you begin to cultivate your own "pearl" of a classroom?