Week 4 is already over?!

The first month of school is already completed, and if you are feeling anything like me, it was a BLUR. 

For Week 4, I really tried to continue to incorporate SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) as much as possible. I also read a post from a dear friend of mine, Kayla Collier (@dontforgettocolliermama) who spoke on the importance of ability. She had mentioned that many people in education are pushing "Cameras ON" for participation, and how this idea is unfair and ableist. Kayla said

"When you say, “I don’t know how to make meaningful connections/assess learning/monitor engagement if I can’t see my students,” I understand. I do. Sight is a beautiful gift that provides valuable information. As someone who went from being visually able to visually impaired in a matter of weeks, I do not underestimate the value of sight. However, it is not the only means of getting information. Please take the time to think about how you can get the information you need without requiring cameras on." 

Kayla's words made me think about new ways to reach my students who are unable or simply choosing to keep their cameras off. So I searched for new ways to engage my students and I stumbled upon Peardeck. Pear Deck is an educational technology company that offers interactive opportunities for teachers and students. 

Using Pear Deck, I can:

• give quick assessments to my already made presentations
• check in on student understanding. 
• ask how students are feeling without using words. 
• allow students to be engaged 100% and see the engagement. 

and I have barely scratched the surface! 

I was so excited by the student interactions with peardeck that I am planning to give a mini webinar next week to share a few ways I engage my students. If you are interested, be sure to subscribe to my blog for more info! 

So, are any of you using Pear deck? What have your interactions with this application been? Let me know in the comments below! 

Hope you have a restful weekend!
-Mrs. Dunc 💜