Mrs. Tujetsch's kindergarten class recently launched a new center in her classroom. Her students know it as the "listening center." What is very exciting for this group of kindergarteners is this new listening center has taken on an interactive feel. Kindergarten students are independently using iPod Touches to listen and follow along to classroom stories and phonics lessons that Mrs. Tujetsch has created using Garageband's podcast feature.
Prior to launching the center, Mrs. Tujetsch shared with her students proper care and maintenance strategies with using the iPods in the center. Also she provided best practices for her students to implement so they are able to make the most out of their interactive and independent learning time. 
I was there to witness these kindergartners using the iPods for the first time. They began their experience by choosing a story they wanted to interact with. From there they headed to the center and began using the iPods. I was so impressed with their ability to follow directions and make the most of their listening center time. These 5 and 6 year olds did everything from turning the iPods on, plugging in their headphones properly, finding the correct story in the playlist and then following along in their book.
It was so much fun to see and I really enjoyed watching students interact with the stories and while practicing some of their independent literacy skills Mrs. Tujetsch has worked on in the classroom in a fun interactive way!
Thanks for making Clayton Ridge Kindergarten and great experience for your students Mrs. Tujetsch! Your kindness, patience and hard work are appreciated by many.
