I rarely watch videos in my classroom. I figure parents don’t pay over $100 a week for me to sit their child in-front of the TV (some teachers I work with would disagree). Another reason I don’t watch many videos is because I don’t actually have easy access to a television. There are only two for our entire school, and we have to wheel them to our classes when we want to watch something and put it back afterward. A lot of hassle if you ask me. But on Friday, we did watch a video together. We watched Leap Frog Letter Factory – a video I really love – and so do the children! Not only are children introduced to their letters – but the letter sounds as well!
I usually watch this video about 4 times throughout the school year and I’ve found that it really does help the children learn their letters and letter sounds! The only reason I even have this video is because a parent donated it to my class – but I’m glad they did! After watching the movie my kids were singing their letters sounds the rest of the morning! It was so great to see – and to know that what we had watched had gotten through! Now when we sing the alphabet song, we will sing the letter sounds as well.
Now I’m sitting here wondering if any of you out there use TV in your classroom and how? Do you have a favorite video you watch that helps teach your children a concept? I’d be interested to know how others handle television in the classroom…
Teaching to Dream 
We too watch the Letter Factory video at least a couple of times a year. We also watch one called “Singable Songs for Letters and Sounds”. I call this our “exercise video” because all the songs have motions for the kids to do while they watch. We do this especialy for some gross motor time when we can’t go outside. Last year we watched Polar Express after doing a train unit and reading the book several times around Christmas. I made a big deal out of lining the chairs up in rows like on a train and handing out “tickets”. After the movie they all looked under their chair and there was a small silver bell, like in the movie. They enjoyed it. I won’t be there at Christmas this year, though — going on maternity leave.
so a few months ago i started to read some blogs and I have them on my blogroll. I have started a new job since then and about a month ago 2 of the kids went to school so now it’s just me and a K who turns three beginning of november. We’re transitioning in to actually “teaching” and I was wondering if you could follow my blog and suggest things at times. I’ve never nannied before and i’m just nervous that I won’t do a good job.
We use movies (with a real movie projector) for special occasions. We have some fabulous films that the children love. I’ve never seen the leap frog video, I may have to check that out.