“Simplicity is our guiding principle,”
(Reynolds, 2014, p. 17).
After reading the two chapters, like Reynolds says above, I am going to keep it simple. Font is important, especially for us teachers. I need to catch my students’ attentions, and make sure everyone can read it. Reynolds (2014) says, “The question for us is always can they see– and read quickly with ease — the type on our slides. Always design for the people in the last row (p. 30). I need to ensure it’s a readable font that is big enough for everyone to read. If that means more slides than usual, I need to do it.
I also have learned from my mistakes after reading these chapters. I have been guilty of putting all the directions on one slide (for them to have up while they are working), going over it, and expecting my kids to hear me and read all at the same time. I often get frustrated when they asked questions about what I just went over. Now, from the reading, I have learned that I can either have them read it silently and then go over it or give them a handout with the directions they can refer to.
Two points I want to end on:
- I am more aware of my use of spacing in text (and how important it is).
- I need to use more visuals that are not just my Bitmoji but that also serve a purpose!
Time to go edit my slides for my students now!
Reynolds, G. (2014). Presentation Zen Design, Second Edition. United States of America: New Riders.
Natalie Pernites 
I agree that readability is important when creating presentations for our students. It is important for us to instill this basic principle in our students. Many times my elementary students create presentations that are very difficult to read and they have way too many things going on all over the page! However I’m reminded that they need to be taught these concepts just like us. Therefore I will start teaching students the basics, one step at a time and add a new part each time.
Also I totally share in your frustration of explaining and posting directions and then students still have questions. I think this is something all of us struggle with. However I recently learned that instead of asking students: Are there any questions? I should instead ask them: What questions do you have? It has been amazing to see how altering my question slightly can have a big impact.
– Lauren B.
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generally don’t read the slides to the students, but go over the directions and then post the slides. Still get the same response though! It takes a bit of training to get the students to remember they can look at the promethean board for the directions if they forget or did not hear/listen to the initial directions. I will remember to make the directions a bit simpler and the font much larger so the people in the back and see! Amazing how phrasing can adjust behavior isn’t it?!
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I am digging your avatar! Also I am guilty of expecting 8 and 9 year olds to listen to me as I read a text-laden power point or talk about something projected, when they are clearly more interested in the images on the screen.
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