Pinterest is not just for filling one's homes or stomachs though! For teachers like myself, it can provide unique and creative ideas that can be implemented in the classroom. Just this past summer, I found and "pinned" the new look for my classroom's Book Corner, and I recently found and "pinned" the handprint snowflake painting that my students completed for our latest Winter Mural on our classroom windows. On Pinterest you can find ideas for any subject and at any grade level. You can discover new ways to set up your classroom furniture and materials, establish new techniques for managing behaviors in the classroom, or develop new lessons and activities that align with the Common Core State Standards.
Not only will searching on the Pinterest website lead you to finding that something extra to add to your lesson or to spice up the style of your classroom, but by clicking on the photo of each of your pins you can possibly be directed to its original location. Often times this will bring you to additional teacher blogs and educational websites for publishers or organizations that can supply you with even more information, guidance, and support. The possibilities are endless!
The creation of a tool where teachers can find free ideas in an instant is a dream come true. I encourage you to become a member by clicking here: https://www.pinterest.com. You can find your friends on Pinterest and follow specific boards, and I welcome you to find and follow me. I will warn you though, once you start it is hard to stop and it is fascinating how one minute on Pinterest can easily turn into one hour. Happy pinning!
Have you already joined Pinterest? How has it helped you in the classroom or in other aspects of your teaching career?
I am a huge fan of Pinterest and have found that my preservice teachers (many of whom are already working in child care) view pinning lesson plans and themed project ideas on and from Pinterest much less like...research, than using other online and print sources. This past semester, I actively promoted it for students doing units in two of my classes and not only were they happy, but their units were among the best I've ever had submitted. I'm branching out this semester and am going to use Pinterest as a way for students to share other kinds of information and links with each other and with me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Julie!
Thank you for your comment sgoloway!
DeleteAlso, thank you for sharing how you have used Pinterest in the field. It is very encouraging to hear that you have had success using this resource with your students.