Last week, I established two goals that would help me to cover more of the the National Education
Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) in my classroom. First, I chose to learn how to use the SmartBoard that is now in my classroom. Resources that I will need to begin using my SmartBoard include viewing online tutorials, perusing the SmartBoard website that was recommended to me by a classmate, and seeking the expertise of a particular colleague. Once I am comfortable using this technology tool, I can search for additional information regarding specific ways to incorporate the SmartBoard into my lessons. To be completely honest, I have not been able to carry out my action plan just yet. Because the school year just started, I am very busy creating lesson plans and working on my Student Growth Objectives (SGOs). Aside from watching a few tutorials I found on YouTube, I have not had enough time to begin experimenting with my SmartBoard. Within the next few days, I hope to stay after school to spend some hands-on time with my SmartBoard and begin acclimating myself to its presence.
My second goal is in reference to the addition of nonfiction literature, the exploration of real-world issues, and the solving of authentic problems using technology. In order to achieve this goal, I must spend a good amount of time brainstorming while lesson planning in addition to researching relevant nonfiction articles to share with my students. I will also search the Internet for various ideas regarding authentic learning activities. Resources that I will need include the Internet and colleagues' suggestions for texts to share with my classes.
In my freshman class, I have begun to take steps to accomplish my goal. Since my students are currently reading a fictional book that involves the serious subject of child abuse, I had them research statistics concerning child abuse in our local area. On Friday, when we begin the corresponding newspaper project, students will write a variety of newspaper articles pertaining to the events found in the book. In preparation, together we will read a major news article, obituary, sports article, and more. Although we will be reading nonfiction pieces and exploring real-world issues, I have yet to create an authentic problem for this unit. Suggestions are appreciated!
Rena- I agree that it has been a busy beginning of the school year! Have you checked with your school IT or computer person/people for help using the SMARTBoard? I usually turn to these colleagues for help when I have any technology related questions and they give me directions or hold training sessions to see and practice using any new technology in the building. When I first had mine, I was equally confused on how to even do simple operations let alone effectively incorporate it into my lessons. I found it very helpful to turn to my students and have them teach me how to best use the SMARTBoard in class. This led to some excitement and immediate interest in my lesson because it offered students both a hands-on and leadership role in the class.
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteI have a coworker in mind who I can turn to for help because I have heard that she is quite skilled with the SmartBoard. However, I may just do what you suggested and ask my students to show me what they know. I think they would be happy to teach me something for once!
-Rena
Hello Rena,
ReplyDeleteThere are a few options for the non-fiction route that came to mind when I read your post. First of all, have you considered doing a co-curricular unit with your social studies department? It might be worth it because you may get some wonderful ideas by simply speaking with the teacher(s) in your social studies department.
Are there any novels that you are considering using with your students for the non-fiction unit? One of my friends teaches The Color of Water and was looking for a project to get his students more engaged. I told him about a plan that I used in one of my classes in which my students researched their own genealogy. He noted that the students seemed more engaged because they understood journey that the main character went on. Consider the population of your students and what types of non fiction would reach them the best. I hope this helps!
Hey Rena,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and trying to find ways to learn the smart board. That is certainly one of my goals for this school year. My problem is trying to find time to look at all the tutorials and lessons that are there for the taking. One thing I tried was to download the information "notebook 10" on my home computer so that I could view some of the lessons at home, however I was unsuccessful in doing so. My old computer did not have enough space for all the gallery items offered in smart board . I have been trying to get to school an hour earlier so that I could find lessons before the students arrive but that has not worked either. If at any point you find a way to create time for developing your skills in smart board usage, please let me know.
Anna
Rena,
ReplyDeleteRegarding your search for nonfiction literature, would it be worth asking your school to allow you to subscribe to a nonfiction classroom journal? Something like Upfront magazine (depending on your grade levels) may be beneficial. If you are searching for specific stories to accompany fiction that you are currently reading, consider searching through English Companion Ning. You can join for free If you are not already a member. Searches can be preformed for novels, companion reads, nonfiction, by theme, grade level, and much more. I have found some great materials on the Ning! I also like the idea of having students find the articles to accompany the novels. Then you will know that the material is meaningful to them.
Heather
To Piggy back on what Heather said since students are also interested in music you might want them to find songs, lyrics that epitomizes a character they are reading about. My students usually jump at that idea. They could also create cartoons story based on a new twist to what they read. There is a website called Lit2go which my students are quite familiar with.
ReplyDelete