Kidspiration 2010


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What is Kidspiration? (Isabel Cubero)

 

Kidspiration is a multiplatform piece of software that helps the user create graphic organizers, idea maps, webs and diagrams. Kidspiration is mainly intended for kindergarten through 5th grade students.

 

Video:

http://kidspiration.com/Kidspiration  (Natalie Taysom, Kristi Campbell)

 

 

How can I use Kidspiration in my classroom? (Isabel Cubero, Kristi Campbell, Natalie Taysom)

 

As a teacher:

·         Organize information (classroom layouts, roll sheet, groups, etc.)

·         Outline the curriculum for the year (key points and ideas)

·         Organize lesson plans visually

·         Present difficult material in a step by step manner

·         Study aid (tests, lesson plans, etc.)

·      Offer hands-on help to students that need extra practice

As a student:

                Day to day

·         Complete assignments (story boards, diagrams, etc.)

·         Assistant (note taking, visuals, instructions, etc.)

Math

·         Problem solving (Counting blocks, shapes, etc.)

·         Extensive problem solving (Algorithms, division, etc.)

·         Grouping (categories based on shape, color, sides, or other characteristics) 

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Language Arts

·         Characters (Descriptions, analysis, etc.)

·         Plot summary (plot movement, etc.)

·         Climax (Action leading to high point or climax)

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Science

·         Lab instruction (visual layout of experiment)

·         Step by step (A student is able to instantly see results according to software)

·         Documentation (results of experiment/project, future reference)

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Social Studies

·         Timelines (visual timelines of past events)

·         Diagrams (branches of government, checks and balances, structures & relationships, etc.)

·         People (milestones, goals, and relationships can be illustrated)

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Pros of Kidspiration in the classroom (Isabel Cubero, Kristi Campbell):

·         Allows for bridging of school work and the home

·         Students may work at their own pace (encourages exploration of topic)

·         It is a powerful tool the teacher can use to capture attention during extended lesson plans

·         Offers alternatives to the typical lesson plan

·         It helps to offer visual learners a way to not only learn, but teach what they learn to their peers.

·      Can be done individually, in small groups or as a whole class.

·         Narration of text displayed on screen can serve as a teacher’s aid

·         Learning can be made fun and introduction to technology early on is valuable

Cons of Kidspiration in the classroom (Isabel Cubero, Kristi Campbell, Natalie Taysom):

·         Overstimulation with technology may hinder a learning environment

·         Not all students will be comfortable with the use of technology (some may not be able to understand the use of a mouse and keyboard)

·         Classrooms/School must be equipped with the proper software and hardware to conduct a Kidspiration based lesson plan

                  ·      Purchasing the program is pricey. Districts, schools and teachers may not have the funds available to them.

                  ·         When using Kidspiration to teach, there is the same amount of preparation outside the classroom required, if not more, to create lesson plans.

                 ·       Some of the activities are hard to complete. The pieces to puzzles do not click into place and it is difficult to place them exactly right. 

            

                 ·        Kidspiration does not tell you if you got the activities right or wrong.  It is basically up to      the teacher to check every activity the child does. 

 

An example of a Kidspiration activity (Isabel Cubero):

1.       Have students open up Kidspiration

2.       Explain the lesson plan by describing the purpose of a web diagram

3.       Explain each tool and its function using a projector or a master computer linked to a viewing device

4.       Have students make circle with their name in the center using the shapes tool from the tool box

5.       Have the students draw multiple bubbles/circles with their favorite foods, activities, books, etc.

6.       Have the students draw lines and arrowheads from the center circle to each description using the line and shape tools

7.       Arrange for a short presentation

8.    Allow students to present to their classmates. This is an example of peer teaching.

 

 

More Examples (Isabel Cubero):

Farm Animals (theme oriented unit)

 

 

Franker, Karen. (2007, March 24). 50 uses for inspiration and kidspiration. Retrieved from http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/conceptmap/50uses.html

 

Horan, Janet. (n.d.). Teacher-created projects. Retrieved from http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/inspirationprojects.shtml

 

Kidspiration. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration

 

Purdy, Charles. (n.d.). Inspiration 7. Retrieved from http://www.macworld.com/article/2747/2003/03/inspiration7.html