The Synthesizing Mind

As an Inclusion teacher, I get a chance to be a part of many activities and projects.  A couple of months ago our 5^th grade class had to create a geometry city using different shapes such as polygons, and quadrilaterals for buildings and they had to use several parallel lines, perpendicular lines, intersecting lines for the city’s streets.  The buildings must take on a mathematical name.  For example, if one of their buildings were a supermarket they could name it Median Market.  To assure high results for the project the regular education teacher and I decided to have this project build in the classroom and allow the students to work in groups.  At the present time of the project I was not aware of Discovery Education using “digital media as a resource for synthesizing information.”   If I had the opportunity to present this assignment again, I would introduce them to video clippings such as, lines and angles that would incorporate polygons and quadrilateral for buildings, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and intersecting lines.  I know that many students do not observe their surroundings with a critical eye when they walk home or even play outside.  So, allowing students to view these videos gives them a connection and to take a closer look at their surroundings.  This would permit them to bring in the outside to their project. 

          Once the students’ viewed the videos they will begin to plan their project.  Students will compile, discuss, estimate, and improve their city.  As facilitators the math teacher and I will pose several questions and these questions will allow them to synthesize their mind.  For example, we will ask what could be combined to improve your city, If you came across a problem with your road what changes would you make to solve this and what way would you design your buildings?  These questions promote students to think outside the box and use their critical thinking skills.

Citations

Barton, L. G. (1997). Quick Flip Questions for Critical Thinking. Dana Point: Edupress, Inc.

Studios, D. (Director). (2005). Lines and Angles [Motion Picture].

 

Using Digital Media that will Address Different Learning Styles

Exploring Discovery Education gave me fond memories of my past.  I saw video clippings that I have not seen since the late 80’s and the 90’s such as, The Magic School House Bus.  I loved that program because it taught children and adults science on many different levels.  Children had the opportunity to visualize it, and the program showed them step by step how things operate.  Knowing this about Discovery Education allows me to welcome Digital Media into my classroom.

          Many times teachers are constantly looking for resources that will put the seasonings/condiments in the lesson. The topic I will teach is Literacy – what are verbs and my objective will be bringing action into your writing by writing verbs.  Discovery Education meets the need of the students and teachers.   
Students will view the video clipping what are action verbs, American West and lastly use a game on verbs.  Digital Media permits’ students to put a face on the words they read in their text books.  My lesson on action verbs will explains what they are, and give students an understanding on how to use verbs correctly in a sentence. Furthermore, the video teaches’ students to observe the clipping on animals in Africa and write sentences explaining the action.  Then, the students will model the same writing activity after they saw American West.  From that lesson some students will use their acting skills by creating a skit or present their work through oral presentation.  Lastly, students will create a narrative essay where verbs are presented.  I believe, Discovery Education is a scaffold and the program permits me to address the learning styles of students such as, the tactile learner, the visual learning, the kinesthetic learner and the audio learner.

Citation
Verbs: Where the Action Is [Video Segment]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/

Introduction

Hello my name is Yvonne Harper. I am a wife, a mother of 2 children, a planner, a chef/short order cook, an accountant, travel agent and psychologist.  I am a special education teacher; working in an inclusion setting for K – 5^th grade. 

My primary goal is to learn how digital media can best benefit me as a teacher and how I can execute my knowledge to my students so they can be productive learners in digital media. 

My philosophy of education is recognizing that all students can learn and they learn differently. Education is a powerful tool if used correctly. Some of our greatest minds of today were taught by teachers who addressed needs, enhanced intellect, developed character and uplift the spirit. 

The greatest benefit I see in using technology is allowing students to put a face on the information they read from the text book.  Technology gives visual and audio and it allows the students to explore without leaving the room or spend money. 

The biggest problem is when technology does not work.  I have planned wonderful lessons and the server was down or busy. 

At my school we use the SmartBoard.  Just recently, I took my 5^th grade class to the computer lab and showed them a text feature lesson on the SmartBoard.  It was colorful and interactive. 

     My classroom today has 2 to 3 computers, SmartBoard and television with a DVD player. Whereas, when I went to school all of my information came from the teacher, text books and library.