Our Video Conference Experience

Kindergarten and first graders having a scheduled video conference?  That's right!  Our class was fortunate to participate in a video conference with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA this week. 

As you may have heard, our class raised butterflies this year during a study of life cycles.  We watched the caterpillars eat, form a cocoon, and hatch into adult butterflies.  Then, we released them into the world.  Our students enjoyed learning about the life cycles of butterflies so much, we wanted to extend their learning even further.  The video conference was the perfect opportunity to review what we learned this year about butterflies and integrate technology into the classroom in an interesting way. 

Students were interacting with Miss Eve on the screen in front of them.

Students as they worked on putting together their own butterfly puppets.

Students engaged in learning about butterflies around the world.

Movement activities involved students in pretending
to be a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.

The Center for Puppetry Arts provided instruction using photos, live videos, guided movement activities, and directing students in making butterfly marrionette puppets.  During the video conference, students were introduced to "symmetry", as the teacher discussed the designs on the Monarch butterfly's wings. She also went into detail about the parts of a butterfly's body.   Students viewed videos and photos of butterflies around the world.  The movement activities were very engaging for students as they acted like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly and a butterfly fluttering its wings.  This was an exciting and engaging experience for our students and we plan to do another video conference on a different topic next year. 

Summer Writing Activity #1: 
Write a thank you letter to Miss Eve.  Tell her how much you enjoyed the Butterflies program.  Tell her about your favorite part.  She did so many things with us.  You should tell her about something you learned about butterflies.  

Be sure to tell her you are from Clays Mill.  I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from our students.  Don't forget to draw a nice, colorful picture to decorate your letter!  Below is the address to mail Miss Eve's letter. 

Center for Puppetry Arts

Attn:  Miss Eve

1404 Spring Street, NW at 18th

Atlanta, GA 30309-2820

Summer Writing Activity #2: 
Write a thank you letter to Jamie Burch.  Tell her how much you enjoyed the Butterflies program.  Tell her about your favorite part of the program.  Be sure to tell her you are in Mrs. Sowers' class at Clays Mill.  Don't forget to draw a nice, colorful picture to decorate your letter!

Remember, Ms. Burch was the one that came to our classroom and helped us during the video conference.  She also contacted the Center for Puppetry Arts and set up the video conference for us.  Please be sure to thank her for helping us.  Below is the address to mail Ms. Burch's letter. 

IAKSS - Office of Instructional Technology

Attn:  Jamie Burch
701 E. Main Street
Lexington, KY 40502