INSTAGRAM & Vines

I've used Instagram in my classroom for a couple of years now.  The first year, I dabbled with it, the second year I used it frequently as a communication tool for students and parents (my students are sixth graders and not all of them have phones and/or Instagram).
My Instagram account is @miz.raj .  
Here are a few ways that I used Instagram this past school year:

Reminders to bring library books

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Jan 19, 2015 at 2:59pm PST

Sneak peeks of class material

Want a sneak peek at this PEG writing stuff? I created a screencast that shows you how to navigate the site. You won't get your logins until class tomorrow,but if you want to see and hear me walk you through it, you can do that here: http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/coVrnle4F1 You will watch in class tomorrow too, but like I said, if you want a sneak peek...

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Jan 20, 2015 at 7:37pm PST

Real world application of concepts or vocabulary learned in class

@bearychristmas and I had lunch "al fresco" at Chick-fil-A today! #foreignwordorphraseoftheweek

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Feb 21, 2015 at 6:25pm PST

Reminders

Friendly reminder for the five billionth time #hyperbole For real tho: it's DUE!

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Feb 25, 2015 at 4:36pm PST

Spring Break's over, kids.

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Mar 22, 2015 at 5:24pm PDT

Information for projects that are completed for homework

What your folder should look like.

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Apr 8, 2015 at 4:03pm PDT

Here is what was on the board today.

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Apr 8, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT

Video of the SMARTboard slides. Pause where you need to.

A video posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Apr 8, 2015 at 4:09pm PDT

More reminders (I used Pic Stitch as the collage app for this one)

Just a reminder of what to bring for Stinger Club tomorrow. Sunblock. Towel. Hat. Lunch. A complete change of clothes (including underwear). Please don't forget anything in the morning because y'all are leaving at 830 and there will be no time for a parent to bring your stuff to you before you leave.

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on May 25, 2015 at 12:04pm PDT

Cool stuff I see that is reading/academic-related

Saw this today as I was leaving the Janet Harte library; some of you may interested. Looks cool to me, I might drop by. 🐢🐸🐊🐍💚

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Jun 8, 2015 at 7:57pm PDT

Today, I noticed that a student who will be in my class next year started following me.  Posted these to see what kind of reading was happening with my current and former students, see if she'll interact.

What have y'all already read this summer?

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Jun 24, 2015 at 7:26pm PDT

And you?

A photo posted by Mrs. Rogers (@miz.raj) on Jun 24, 2015 at 8:01pm PDT

I will continue to use Instagram in the same way.  Right now, my account is public.  I'll consider changing it to private because I think it would be really cool if I could showcase student work as well.  Not sure yet.  If I become a librarian at a middle or high school level, I intend to use it for student spotlights, express lane book recommendations, reminders of important dates, highlighting new additions to the collection, etc.

 Vine

I've seen Vines before but never really considered them for use in the classroom or library.  I read/watched John Hodgkin Gives Twitter Vine Lessons that was linked in one of the articles and found it inspiring (as well as hilarious).  I also liked that Vine gave you a little tutorial by walking you through your first Vine.  That really helped to get me comfortable with the app and what it can do.  Now... what can I do in six seconds or less?

Eat a donut...


Eat another donut...
 Show my husband how the Vine app works in hopes he'd give me some ideas.  His suggestion?  Go outside and take some pics of our vines.  Vines on vine!  Uh... no.  But as I showed him how it worked, I shot some video of our dog, Daisy, and cat, Mao.

And then I decided to play with some of my toys...  I call this "When Ariel Met Maleficent".
 I like that one so much, maybe I'll make it a series.  I think bringing toys into the classroom to have students to make a six second video for a "what would happen if..." scenario (such as Ariel and Maleficent coming together) involves so many higher order thinking skills.  You could also have students summarize a story in six seconds... call it "Six Second Summaries".  This would be a great way to communicate vocabulary with constant looping.  I've seen so much popping up on blogs and news feeds lately about kids needing to play.  What better way than this?