Engaging students is my responsibility. I take the challenge seriously
and as a result have to "think outside the box." In my ISD, we have a motto of "90% of students are engaged 90% of the time." Being successful as a teaching model often requires methods that make the lesson come alive for students. During our unit on place value this year we used a song and students took turns "taking the stage so to speak. It was quite fun and engaging but also was purposeful because it provided students the rhythm and rhyme to aid their recall of the different places. This is a photo of a group singing their hearts out!
During the Social Studies lessons teaching the meaning of human characteristics in communities I found it helpful to teach this (complex subject for 3rd graders) using local names of businesses recognizable by students. When it was time to assess their ability to transfer the knowledge I felt it best for them to use questions relating to all the specifics we discussed from our personal community here it Corsicana.
To differentiate for all learners we also used a BINGO game compiled with places, geographical characteristics, favored foods as well as community jobs held by their parents. Not only did it hold their attention and keep them interactive with the material, it was benefical to their ability to master the information when they were given as assessment at the close of the unit. Included here is the assessment. For students needing modifications I reduced the number correct for mastery and allowed more time to complete it.
A master teacher attempts to interest and engage all learners. Project Based Learning activities or assignments can fill this need. During the study of our local rural community, first grade students randomly chose a business or landforms to construct using recyclable items from their home. A rubric was used to determine student knowledge, effort and design presentation upon their completion.
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SS Human Characteristics.pdf Size : 12.261 Kb Type : pdf |
