This week, I will show you how to display your embroidery projects. For this post, I have gathered three ways to display your projects.
First, you can display them using an embroidery hoop. You just need to cut ou the excess fabric around the embroidery hoop. I like how it looks. Though, I am not sure about buying a different embroidery hoop for each project. Here is a video showing the process I mentioned:
The second option to display an embroidery project involves using a photo frame. I think it is easy to do and looks good. It could even be gifted as a birthday present. This video shows how to frame your embroidery piece :
Lastly, my favourite option. I like the idea to decorate your notebooks. I think it adds personality to your notebook and looks great.
For now, I will leave my projects in the embroidery hoop, or put them in a binder, but later, I would love to try decorating a notebook.
I liked how my project looks. I can see how the hearts got better as I kept practicing. Although the purple heart on the upper right is not even (it is the first heart I embroidered), I decided to leave it as it is as a reminder of my embroidery journey and that love does not have to be perfect 😉
The hardest part of this project: embroider the heart shape Easiest part: placing the fabric in the embroidery hoop Time to complete the project: 2h
This week in class we learned about SAMR, Canva, and sketch note-taking.
SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) theory is a great way to enhance education and use collaborative work. I think this model adds and makes us rethink education. By using the SAMR theory we can make decisions on which technologies are beneficial for our students. SAMR model allows educators to optimize education and to rich learning objectives. As in the video we watched before class, using typing techniques or audio as an alternative to handwriting can accommodate more students and create more engaging activities. In addition, this model allows interaction between remote speakers or other classes that can virtually visit our classroom. By doing this, students broaden their perspective of the world and build connections with the community.
We also learnt that before using any technology tool in the classroom, it is important to evaluate these tools with the SECTIONS model. Using this model, we should evaluate if the application of the selected technology tool is feasible. It is important to ask ourselves, do students have access to a computer? Internet? Is it a great tool for interaction teacher-student or student-student? And most importantly, is it safe?
During the second part of our class, we learn to skecth noting. I am a visual learner; therefore, I enjoyed this activity. I liked that our drawings do not need to be perfect as long as it makes sense to us. I think children will enjoy sketch noting. During my link2practice last semester, a student mentioned handwriting was difficult for him, but he was good at drawing; therefore, he decided to drew pictures of the concepts reviewed in class. Skechtnoting reminded me of that experience. As a teacher, it is important to know notetaking techniques to pass it on to students for them to explore and find the best note-taking method that better suits them. I would like to teach K-3. I think they will love to draw and color, so I will show them this notetaking method. Here is my sketch-noting:
Photo and Sketchnoting by: Reyna
During the last part of the class, we used Canva to create an infographic using a tutorial. I liked Canva because it has many templates ready to use. Here is my infographic:
Incorporating technology tools into the classroom might require extra work and training but the implementation of them enhances teaching and learning.
My next step in my inquiry is to learn and practice some basic stitches. I am using this video for reference:
I started by placing the fabric between the embroidery hoop, that was easy! Everything was going well until I got to the Bullion Knot!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I am using embroidery floss from past projects. Well, that kind of floss was too thick for the bullion knot. So, I had to buy new embroidery floss. I was a bit disappointed because I had planned to work on my inquiry last Sunday afternoon, while I watched a movie, as Kasey suggested 😊, but because of this ‘problem,’ I had to pause everything. So, on Monday I went to get more embroidery floss. I found some at Walmart for .72 cents each.
It was a good decision to buy more embroidery floss because the French knot stitch is also better made with the new embroidery floss I got.
And here is my final work!
My Top 3 favorite stitches: french knot, fishbone, split.
Hardest embroidery stitch: bullion knot.
Easiest embroidery stitch: straight.
Total time to finish this project: 1.5 hours.
I am happy with my mini-project. Of course, I need more practice, but I think it’s looking good.
This week’s topic was Citizenship Online – Privacy, Safety, Bullying, Consent + Creative Commons Video.
I enjoyed learning about privacy and safety. This week we had a guest speaker, Jesse Miller, an expert on social media awareness and education. You can see his ted talk here:
The talk was informative and got me thinking that I must be conscious about what I published online from my personal and professional life. It also reminds me to be careful about the use of my phone around children. I must always protect their privacy and, of course, have parents’ consent before posting anything, even if the content is just planned to be used within the school community.
As teachers, we are role models; therefore, it the importance to model good technological practices to students and to talk and inform parents and students about online safety.
As technology is present more than ever, it becomes hard not to have an online presence. Being safe online does not mean never posting again, it means being mindful of the content you are willing to share online and asking yourself: could this post affect someone else or myself? is this an appropriate post for my intended audience?
As part of our class, we googled our names. I could not find anything about me which I guess is good… but I liked how our teacher reminded us to periodically check for what comes when we google our names because parents, students, and recruiters can look up our names any time.
After deciding on my inquiry topic, it was time to gather the materials. My research lead me to the website Wandering Threads embroidery where the following materials were listed as essential:
-Embroidery floss -Embroidery needles -Embroidery hoops -Fabric (Cotton, wool, linen, felt, or even denim) -Scissors -Pencils
I had embroidery floss from other crafts, but I still needed the rest of the materials. The places in Victoria where you can buy the materials that are close to my house are Michaels, Walmart, and Dollarama. You can also get the materials online, on amazon.
I tried to order my materials through Amazon, but for some reason, even using a prime account, the materials would arrive until February 24! So, I decided to go to the physical stores. I headed to Michaels. I have been there before, and I knew I would find everything I needed there! I enjoy going to Michaels, but I always end up buying more than I need. Surprisingly, this time I bought just what I needed for my project, but I still wandered for about an hour in the store. I guess embroidery has become popular because I could not find fabric at Michaels. So, I went to Walmart, and there, I found the fabric!
My embroidery materials photo by me 🙂
So far, I have spent :
Material
Price
Embroidery Floss*
0.00
Embroidery needles
2.27
Embroidery hoops
2.45
Fabric
5.00
Scissors*
0.00
Pencil*
0.00
Total=
$9.72
I have spent less than $10.00! (Note: I have the materials mark with *)
At Michaels, I realized they sell embroidery kits that included all that I needed even the pattern. I was tempted to buy one, but I decided that it is better to start my project from scratch. Later, I remembered that you can also order the materials online, so I made this video to show you the variety of embroidery materials they have at Michaels.
As a previous activity for our class, we watched a few helpful videos to learn about multimedia learning. In the video, What is Multimedia Learning? What is Multimedia? Ray Pastore explains how to make multimedia learning effective. In this video, Ray Pastore mentioned how learning is reinforced using audio and visuals. I am a visual person, so I could relate to the idea that the information is easy to follow if the text and the images are on the same page. As well, I think is important to include just a few images related to the topic, otherwise, it gets overwhelming.
I think Multimedia Learning is a good resource for education. There are a variety of engaging, creative, and educational videos available online. For example, I enjoy and have used the videos from Crash Course Kids. These videos are great for children because they are informative and easy to watch.
As we mentioned in class, we must be mindful when using multimedia tools. We must always verify that we use child-appropriate content. In addition, it is important to review if the content aligns with the BC educational methodology. Lastly, we have to remember that children might not have access to the internet or a computer.
I think multimedia learning is good, as long as the media selected complements learning, sparks curiosity, generates ideas, and starts conversations.
As an in-class activity, we edited a video using screencastify. I enjoyed doing this activity. You can watch my video here:
As I was working on my video, I remembered the beginning of the pandemic. I thought about how helpful a video like this would have been to explain to children where to find their activities in google classroom. A video made using screencastify could have saved a lot of frustration and time trying to figure out how to access the school material.
As we have experienced in the last couple of years, technology has become essential in education. Therefore, it is important to know and develop new skills that support teaching and learning, especially with remote learning being present more than ever.
I wonder, have learned anything online? did you enjoy the experience?
This semester, for our Technology and Innovation in Education course, we will work on a free inquiry project. When I knew about our project, I thought my inquiry should be related to crafts. I like crafts, I think crafts help me to connect to myself and to relax.
I have seen lovely embroidery projects on Pinterest, and my interest in learning how to embroider has grown. Then, I think our free inquiry project is a great opportunity to try something new.
If you have not heard about embroidery, according to Wikipedia, embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.
Photo by Gio Gix on unsplash.com
Photo by Lucas Mendes on unsplash.com
Photo by Magdaline Jhon on unsplash.com Photo by Lucas Mendes via unsplash.com
My goal is to finish a project like any of the ones above and document the process, but we will see where my journey takes me.
I have compiled a list of pros and cons:
Pros:
I like crafts
The materials are easy to find and budget-friendly
I will learn something new
It will be a time to connect with my inner artist😉
Cons:
I do not know anything about embroidery
My final project might turn out to be too ambitious
It can be time-consuming (embroidery+school+work)
If I run out of time, I might not enjoy the process
As you can see, there are important cons to consider, but if I set aside one hour or two per week, I think it will be manageable.
I am happy to share my embroidery journey with you. I wonder if you knew about embroidery? Have you ever tried? What do you think I should embroider as a final project, any suggestions?
P.S. Here is a video about embroidery:
Video by Artometry from youtube.com
Until next time, R.
Photo by Ivan Bertolazzi
Retrieved from: pexels.com
In class, we talked about the documentary Most Likely to Succeed, lesson plans vs learning plans, and creative commons.
The documentaryMost Likely to Succeed,directed by Greg Whiteley shows the story of a school in San Diego that follows a non-traditional teaching approach. The documentary suggests that education has not changed in years; therefore, the need to rethink education. I found the documentary interesting, and I agree that the world is changing; therefore, education has to evolve. As discussed in our breakout rooms, rethinking education is not easy to implement. We have grown with a traditional educational approach. thus, parents might be hesitant to enroll their kids in a non-traditional educational program. In addition, schools might need funding to support more skill-based programs. Although, if done, students’ learning will be enhanced.
Additionally, we talked about Lesson Plans and Learning Plans. Lesson plans are group-directed, and Learning plans are personalized student plans. Planning individually could be hard when you have 20+ students, but I acknowledge the importance of knowing your students and planning according to their needs and abilities.
Lastly, I enjoyed learning about creative commons. I had not heard about it before. I was happy to know that there are communities where we can meet other educators, find inspiration, and share resources. As a first-time teacher, I consider this helpful, and I am adding this to my resource list.
I liked to learn about education in other parts of the world, and how technology, if well used, is an excellent tool for planning and learning. As a future teacher, along with the BC curriculum, I would love to incorporate technology in the classroom and plan for activities that encourage students’ critical thinking, perseverance, leadership, and more.
I imagine (and hope) that education changes. I think there would be more hands-on learning and we will be using more technological tools to improve learning and teaching. As the world keeps evolving, I wonder, will education change? what would it look like in 10 years?
I would like to share my experience getting my blog ready. My experience creating my blog and setting up my mattermost account was overwhelming. I am not familiar with these platforms, so everything was new for me. Fortunately, I had the instructions; otherwise, it could have been chaotic. On the other hand, I am happy to learn a new tool that supports learning 🙂
Key points for my blog to be successful: Be consistent Explore and learn Choose a topic that I am passionate about
