WORDLE

<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3069455/India_Words" 
          title="Wordle: India Words"><img
          src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/3069455/India_Words"
          alt="Wordle: India Words"
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OUR WORDS TO DESCRIBE INDIA
Ghandi
Chira
India
India
India
India
India
Buddha
arranged-marriages
caste system
untouchables
Cumin
gold-jewelry
gold-jewelry
red-dot
ox
scarfs
doctors
headdress
silk
dresses
religious
Hindu
bangles
Ganges
Taj Mahal
Saris
tiger
decorative
draperies
telemarketing
diseases
wars
gas-stations
Dowry
exotic
dancing
hookah
colorful
pottery
architecture
distinctive-smells
many-gods
Temples
music
camels
makeup
the-arts
markets-in-the-streets
elephants
safari
tourists
sitars
loose-fitted-clothing
nose-piercings
desert
spicy
black-hair
darker-complected
Curry
Tamerin
Aladdin
Hewart-Packard
highly-populated
flutes
Arabian-Sea
bicycles

Video Reflection

Our group watched the first video about effective literacy teachers and the use of technology, specifically the internet. I thought it was a great way for the students to be able to research information and good for them to see  how to use computers. The teachers encouraged the students to use their own interests and creativity. I agree with this approach. I feel this is very important for the students so they can actually be motivated to want to use the technology and computer.

What does a 21st Century Classroom look like?

What does a 21st Century classroom look like? Now that is the question. I believe that many things go into a classroom in general, but as we advance in our technologies and knowledge the classroom appearance advances as well. Not only to the eye in its' physical characteristics but within the actual composition and community of the students. I feel as though now, more than ever, the concept of centers and stations are very popular throughout schools and utilized to a great extent. Having the students work collaboratively is a must, like group projects and research activities. Every child learns differently, so we as teachers must make sure our classroom thoroughly demonstrates a differentiated environment to support all learning styles. With that said, the classroom should have plenty of visuals, especially for the younger grades. For all grades, I believe it is important to have interactive visuals and bulletin boards so the students can constantly refer to them as needed throughout the school year. Not only visuals but also technology is needed in the classroom. Computers are becoming almost a must need tool in todays society. The modern day classrooms should have a full set of computers and many other technologies such as the overheads and Elmo's like the ones from the University. Kids are being raised in households with iPods and iPads as toys, so we need to integrate the modern world in our rooms. I feel a well organized classroom should be color coordinated. This will not only help the teacher to stay focused and organized, but will also foster a sense of uniformity in the students. They are becoming accustomed to routine and this is very important. The kids in todays society also come from a vast variety of backgrounds. From married parents, single, divorced, guardians and grandparents as the primary care givers we as the teachers have to provide the students with stability when in school. According to statistics, a child in less likely to come from a family that has their parents still married. All the different dynamics of students' backgrounds can be problematic for the success of the student.  This is where the new 21st century classroom comes into play. It is the new age of a classroom that will in all hopes, be closer to meet all the needs necessary.