I would like to take this time to post some general internet guidelines for both students and parents. The internet can be a wonderful place full of vast information. But at the same time, there are dangers with it as well. Please take a few moments to go through what I believe are some of the key points in using the internet safely:

Internet Guidelines for Student:

 1. Do not put your information on the web. You do not know who is out there or what they could do with that information. Some sites/programs you may be required to use may need some information that could be deemed personal, ( credit card #,address, or phone number) in these cases make sure your parents read the page with you, and that the are aware and agree with you sharing such information. 

2. Always start your search from a well-known search address such as Google, Ask.com or Bing. Those sites already help filter out the bad sites, helping you stay further away from the sites you shouldn’t be on. 

3. If you’re worried that what you’re looking at could get you in trouble, it mostly likely will. Be open about the sites that you find so that your parents can help you not stumble across them again, the more open you are, the more trustworthy you look.

  

4. Understand that sometimes you may know more about an app or game that you are using.  Educate your parents on exactly what it is and how to use it so they can better appreciate what you are doing and help decide if it is ok to use. http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ (Links to an external site.)

  

5.Keep online communication kind and polite. Do not use bad language, threaten or bully others. If it is not something you would say or show your grandma do not post it.  Report behaviors such as bullying or bad language to an adult. Don’t be a bystander to online bullying. https://nobullying.com/bullying-definition (Links to an external site.) and http://iwitnessbullying.org/

6. When communicating with friends on gaming devices or the internet, do not reveal any private information that you would not tell them at school. Do not share your full name, address, phone number, passwords, pictures or your plans. http://primarytech.global2.vic.edu.au/2012/10/12/10-internet-safety-tips-for-students

7. Do not interact with anyone online that you do not know offline (for example chat rooms, social media, ect.)

8. Do not click on a link from a sender you do not know (it could contain a virus or inappropriate material)

9. Do not download anything without permission.  It may contain a virus 

10. Do not post anything you wouldn't want to share with the entire world.

Internet Guidelines for Parents: 

1. Create internet guidelines for your children while at home (that might be similar to the ones they have at school with some other rules added regarding chat rooms, etc-sa)

2. Teach children to not communicate with people online that they do not know. You never know who is truly sitting behind that computer screen. Also keep the lines of communication open, ask who they communicate with and make sure you know who they are. Also, explain the risks behind meeting online friends

3. Use parental controls (age appropriate) for children so that they do not access sites that are inappropriate or can be “dangerous” to the child

4. Establish a safety plan in case your child inadvertently sees or participates in something dangerous/inappropriate. What to do, who to contact and in what order.

5. Use the resources available to you. Many of the online sites the kids are in have safety features you can activate to help keep them protected. Take advantage of them.

6. Keep the computers, tablets in a visible part of the house. No tablets or computers in the bedrooms whenever possible.

7. Check and monitor the browsing history of the child, if a child is searching for something he or she should not be, you will see it here. This is important because even if the sites searched for are getting blocked by the parental controls, eventually there may be a site similar that is not.

8. Set time limits for your child’s internet/computer usage.

9.  We really need to emphasize the stranger danger approach to the internet. Children should be discouraged from all communication with individuals they do not interact with in person offline.

10. Be open with your children about what could be found online. If they understand why you’re wary of them searching online, they’ll feel respected, trusted, and hopefully return the same respect. https://internetsafety101.org/agebasedguidlines

Planets of the Solar System

In our classroom we are currently studying the planets of the solar system! We are learning about the differences between the terrestrial planets and gas giants as well as memorizing the order of the planets in our solar system.

We are currently learning a song to memorize the planets of the solar system. The song is titled "The Planets of our Solar System" and is sung to the tune of "Let it Go" from the popular Disney Franchise movie "Frozen". I have posted the lyrics below, feel free to practice it home with your child, I think you too will find the song quite comical!

The Planets of our Solar System

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and don’t forget Mars

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune

Here they spin, and Orbit now

There is no Planet nine

Pluto doesn’t count

It’s a dwarf, It’s a dwarf, and you need to let it go

It was way too small to be a planet anyway

Your Child and Screen Time

Screen Time Facts

*According to BBC news published on March 27^th 2015, children from age five to sixteen spend an average of six and a half hours per day in front of a screen. This is over forty hours per week!

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32067158

*According to CNN doctors recommend that children from age 2 to 5 screen time should be limited to one hour a day. In the particular article it states that once children are age 6 or older parents should determine the amount children spend in front of the screen.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/health/screen-time-media-rules-children-aap/

*There are several health risks associated with too much screen time. Now just because these are associated with too much screen time doesn’t mean these health risks are always the result. Some risks include sleep deprivation, obesity, vision problems, a loss of social skills ect. These are just a few of the possible effects of too much screen time.

Source: www.naturalblaze.com/2015/12/6-negative-effects-of-too-much-screen-time-for-kids.html

*I believe screen addiction is a fact and that many of us even as adults and students suffer from it. The first and last thing we tend to do in the day is view our smartphones and notifications. If you compare what we see as internet or screen addiction to any other form of addiction the similarities are quite similar. There are a variety of behaviors that can define internet or screen addiction. An example of this could again be linked to smart phones or even movies. Many times when it is easy to get distracted from studying when you have access to almost anything from a phone. It’s quite easy to get lost in using your technology.

Source: http://netaddiction.com/faqs/

*I think that in reference to all of this, technology or “screen time” we can learn the importance of moderation. While all of these device may seem great and very useful, we must remember that there are other ways of effective teaching and learning that do not involve the constant use of these devices. Based on this information, I would want to include some technology but focus on trying to get away slightly from the norm which tends to lead to higher usage of digital devices. I of course would need to be working in the field to see this first hand and respond to it.

Kids and Screens for Parents

                I think that kids and screens for parents are two distinctively different categories. They do, however, have many similarities. Both children and parents use electronic or digital devices every day. This is both for entertainment, and the pursuit of knowledge. While the mediums may be slightly different, the end result is often times the same.

                Children in general use technology a lot during the course of the typical school day. They use electronic devices such as iPads to learn and accomplish goals set by educators. Many times now students are able to bring these devices home with them to complete assignments. With a majority of time spent at school studying on these devices dubbed as screen time, children also love to be able to spend their free time on electronic devices as well. Video games, computer games, ect. It’s difficult to limit screen time for children because a large portion of it is curriculum based. In other words, you don’t want it to be solely work on all of these devices, you want children in moderation to be able to experience a more relaxing side of technology as well.

                Adults also use technology a lot, mainly for work. I spend my entire day in front of a computer answering phone calls emails, and providing technical support. This is just the way my current occupation as well as many others is set up. I also use technology just as much for school. When I have completed my school work, and a shift at work, I enjoy going home and relaxing. What do I do to relax? Well as many other adults do, I turn on the television, or a may look at my phone, and possibly play a game. This ends up being a lot more screen time than a typical child, but it’s not necessarily by choice. I do not really have a choice when it comes to school work and occupational work. The only choice I have is when I get home what I do in the spare time. When I spend all day using technology for work, it’s nice to be able to go home and use it for something more enjoyable.

My Passion for Education

      It took me a while to finally make the decision to pursue a degree in elementary education. When I graduated back in 2010 I immediately enrolled in college courses. I believe it was withing my first few semesters that I took an introduction to elementary education. I absolutely loved it, I knew from then that it was something I would enjoy doing. Due to some unfortunate family circumstances I had to take a break from the classroom. After these events, I slowly worked my way back up to full time. I took several computer sciences courses and received my Associate of Arts degree. After this I transferred to Emporia State University to pursue my Bachelor's degree in elementary education. I have always had a passion for working with children and I could not be happier in the direction I am moving forward.