Web Tool #3 1/2--YouTube

Since I accidently reported on two tools from the same section, I am adding on to my last post by discussing YouTube.  YouTube videos can be used in a variety of ways to contribute to lessons.  There are specific YouTube videos on many many subjects.  Because they are short and at times entertaining, they are a good way to add visually and auditorily to the beginning, middle, or end of a lesson.  You tube videos are also useful for finding songs or raps that might compliment a topic such as "Phases of the Moon" or food web songs for science.  Kids love to sing along and its a good way to integrate the arts into lessons using music or visual art.  Popular song videos can be used in a variety of ways as transitions between subjects or to emphasize classroom community building if chosen with that purpose in mind. You could use You Tube videos to stretch thinking in new ways, an example is looking at "Walk Off the Earth" video where five musicians sing while all playing a single guitar.  Asking the kids how this video shows a group working together and what skills they are using.  Previewing is a must and searching can be time consuming, but there is a wealth of possibilities to draw from.