We talk a lot about making our students global citizens - but what does that mean? Often we rely on exposure to issues around the world, but what if we can use technology to have them participate in global issues?
Teachers love acronyms, and unless you've been under a rock for the past few years you've probably heard of STEM (or STEAM) which stands for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. (the extra A is Arts, if you're fancy). STEM is a movementt I don't want my language learners to miss out on, so I've been trying to incorporate it into my lessons - read on to see how.
I am planning some projects and intense close-reading practice for my students, and while searching the web for resources I found myself cringing each time I hit the "Print" button. So I stopped, glanced at my tray of 10 perfectly usable iPads, and started down the path of Evernote to help.
Sometimes you come across something on the interwebs that is just so amazing you HAVE to share! In my everlasting search for resources I discovered this periodic table of EdTech - it's beautiful, organized, and most importantly, full of useful links!
Found on: http://dailygenius.com/periodic-table/ BONUS: Kathy Shrock made a clickable version of the PDF available here: http://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/edtech_periodic-table.pdf On April 5th my colleagues from around the district came together to share the amazing ways they have used iPads with their English Language Learners. I have to say, there is nothing more motivating to me than the work of my fellow teachers.
Who's the smartest kid of all? Yep - I'm making my students get real comfortable reflecting (get it? get it?!) on their learning.
It's that time again - the middle of the year, when we stop everything and test, test, test. Our school uses a few points of data for each student. First, of course, is the classroom grades and performance. Then for upper grades we look at End of Grade tests. For all grades we use the MAP assessment from NWEA, and for K-3 we monitor their reading growth using TRC levels. These reading assessments are what I am neck deep in all of January, followed then by the ACCESS test (for ESL students) in February. Pro: We gather vital information about the students' levels and growth so we can adjust course to support their learning Con: Assessments take away key instructional time and support, and often create stress among teachers and students Read on to see what I try to help with these challenges of assessment. It's here! The 2015 Computer Science week, aka Hour of Code week, is finally here!
I'm very excited to bring coding to my students in the classroom next week. We will be using Code.org resources as well as coding apps to tell stories that we have written. Stories will include all the elements - characters, setting, problem, and solution... I am so excited to share about my latest attempt at using the iPads to enhance my students' experiences.
This week we learned about geographical features - maps, direction words, and ways to describe places. After a week of vocabulary practice, giving and following directions, and looking at these geographical features it was time to take my students on a virtual expedition Yes, I write my iPads love notes, don't judge me. Last year I applied for and received a tray of ten iPads to use with my ELLs. Along with the iPads, we were given training and a new PLN to help with our implementation. This year one of my goals is to utilize iPad projects at least weekly in each of my groups to enhance language instruction and use. I hope to document my progress toward this goal here, and maybe even help other teachers embrace the technology bug! |
Ms MasonESL teacher Archives
May 2016
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