Game Based Growth

Online Games for the Future Classroom:

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1. Jeopardy Review Game- https://www.superteachertools.net/jeopardyx/
     -A fun way to have the class interact and review for a subject. The game is easy to create by inserting questions and answers. Another plus is that it is very visual and enticing to learners.

2. Quizlet- quizlet.com
     -Quizlet is used as a memorization tool and is beneficial both individually and when used in the classroom. This site incorporates flashcards, games, and tests for an interactive learning experience.

3. Vocabulary Games- http://www.playkidsgames.com/vocabularyGames.htm
     -This site contains many different types of vocabulary games, which are very helpful for students remembering or recalling words and definitions.

4. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire- http://readyteacher.com/millionaire-for-schools/
     -Using the original music and sound effects from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, this website offers educators the opportunity to have a fun classroom experience of quizzes and review.

5. PBS Kids Interactive Whiteboard Games- http://pbskids.org/whiteboard/
     -This site is divided into various subjects and has many problem-solving games under each heading. It is simple for teachers to choose a subject, because the games include labels (description, levels, and topics included).

Prompt on iY Generation:

     As learners have progressing into the iY generation, it is noticeable that memory connections have increased over the years. Due to the growth in technology, learners have been impacted in a more visual way. Through the usage of games, collaboration, and media, students are able to more easily engage and learn in a way that is beneficial to them. In knowing this, educators are able to implement teaching methods and strategies, pushing their students to new educational heights. Also, it is important for teachers to not only use the technology that helps their students grow in their memory connection, but they need to add in different ways of teaching. This encourages students not to get stuck or trapped in the same way of learning, but gives a variety of ways on how to approach new and old material.

Biblical Integration:

~"To all the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." 1 Corinthians 9:20~

     In this verse, Paul becomes like others not to benefit himself, but to benefit those that he has been working to reach. This act of selflessness is one that teachers should strive to emulate. Those who have gotten to the point of being an educator have the role of influencing and inspiring their students in a life-long way. This means that teachers need to have the desire and motivation to do what they were called to do.       Working with a diverse group of students calls for a large amount of individualized attention. Due to this fact, teachers must be humble and sacrificial in their work to truly devote effort and time into caring for each learner, as well as, their needs, interests, and strengths. 

     Paul is not the only example of a great Biblical character becoming less so that the people may become more. The ultimate model of this gracious act is Jesus! He lived among sinners, to die for sinners, and gave the gift of eternity for sinners. None of this was for the benefit of Himself, but was because He was and is merciful and loving towards the people whom He created.

     Just as Paul and Christ laid down what they had for the people, so should teachers follow in their footsteps and put their students before themselves. In doing this, learners will be able to flourish in their education and have the opportunity to be inspired to also act selflessly. 

Videos for the Classroom

     In this day and age, kids are becoming more visual in their learning. Educational videos help classroom learning goals come alive for all students and encourage them in their educational journey.
     The list of video channels below are all beneficial to teachers, and are collections that I look forward to using in my future classroom:

1. Magic School Bus
     This channel is a classic educational video site. A teacher could easily tie in a related video to whatever topic they are teaching on. Not only are these videos informative, but they are set up as a story, which makes it easy for students to follow along and learn.
2. Disney Educational Productions
     The Disney Educational Productions channel engages students, because it includes characters that they are familiar with. This makes learning even more exciting. The channel gives the teacher the tools they need to really inspire learners. It also includes favorite sites such as: School House Rock and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
3. PBS
     Great for any age, the PBS channel is stocked full of relevant classroom information videos. There is also a PBS Kids channel which aims toward providing videos for younger ages.
4. Educational Rap
     Many of us are able to remember an educational song from when we were younger. This channel is helpful, because catchy raps are able to stick in students' minds for long periods of time. It includes many different subjects to choose from, which would help any teacher engage his/her students through song.
5. VeggieTales Official 
     A true favorite for all ages, the VeggieTales channel cannot be passed up. If teaching at a Christian school or church, these videos do a great job of explaining Bible stories in a way that young kids are able to understand and enjoy.

    All of these channels contain videos that have the ability to be weaved into lesson plans and can spark many discussion about various subjects. Teachers can also watch these videos before teaching to gain more understanding on the subject and find ways to teach the younger age in a way that they are able to understand. All channels and videos are available on YouTube.

~Biblical Insight~

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23

     Not all online videos are free of inappropriate material or commercials. The verse above truly speaks to the heart of the matter. We must all guard our hearts from whatever is sinful, or our words and actions will be infested with sin and evil. As parents and educators, it is vital to monitor a child's activity online (such as YouTube videos) as well as our own. Whatever our thoughts center around will ultimately influence how we act. It is so important to be filling our hearts with everything that is true and righteous in God's eyes.

Coping with Copyright Laws

It's the easiest and fastest way. It won't hurt anyone. It isn't even a big deal to do it. 

The 'it' in these three sentences refers to the violation of copyright laws.

So often, people buy into the lie that stealing someone else's work is the equivalent of "using your resources". The truth of the matter is that stealing music from different programs, copying information that isn't originally yours, and downloading movies without paying, are all ways in which one may violate the copyright laws. 

It's always important to go about using your resources in a God-honoring way, especially as an educator who is part of a school community. Proverbs 11:1 & 3 says, "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." In light of these verses, it is vital to look into what you are using the internet to do, so that you are able to make sure you are using the web with integrity. Although some may think that copyright laws hold them back, in reality, there are plenty of ways to use informational sources.Copyright holders may have exclusive rights to their work, but fair use allows others to have partial access to media for educational purposes. The best way to be certain that you are not breaking a copyright law is to remember the statement "when in doubt, ask permission." 

It may be tedious to figure out what publications you have a right to, but in the end, it is worth it to know that you have integrity when it comes to coping with copyright laws. So, instead of just "using your resources," it is essential to go about "using your resources wisely".