Thursday, July 4, 2013

Explosive Opportunities

At least, hopefully they will in Lexington.  We are currently getting quite a bit of rain and it is unclear if the fireworks show will go on tonight. 

However, that does not mean that we can not be thinking about the explosive excitement that may exist when students are provided an opportunity to shine through project based learning opportunities.  Below is a list of a select number of classes that can be created for elementary aged students and aligned towards the Common Core Standards. 

Cooking Around the World

Travel the globe through food! Students will learn proper cooking techniques while learning about cultures from around the world. Students will cook traditional recipes from Asia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and more! Students will gain culinary knowledge and build their cultural awareness during this food exploration.

Tile Mosaic Makin

Students will learn about the history of this ancient art form and examine modern and historical examples. Using their imagination, they will use a variety of materials to create several projects of their own. Each student will create a mosaic tile that will permanently adorn a wall at their school!

Podcasting

Students will create their school's very own internet podcast production. Writing and directing original broadcast material, recording and modulating one’s voice, and technological aspects of podcasting will be addressed as we collaborate to produce a high quality radio program.  The show will be uploaded to the internet for families and friends to download and enjoy.

Digital Photography

Students will learn to appreciate, analyze, and create photographic art using a digital camera. They will use Picasa, a photo software, to learn composition techniques, crop, adjust color, add captions and save digital images. Small teams will complete a digital scavenger hunt, and students will create a personal portfolio.

Musical Comedy Production

The class will put on a musical comedy, called “Tide Pool Condos,” which tells the story of a dispute between Elizabeth, who wants to erect luxury condominiums, and Poseidon, Greek God of the Sea. To settle the dispute, the two of them set out to visit the wonders of the ocean. The play will be performed at a school talent show.

Journalism

Students will become members of their monthly newspaper staff as they learn about interviewing, researching, reporting, writing feature articles, journalism terms, and more. Their learning will be showcased in the school paper.

Digital Presentation Design

Using such elements as drawing, images, 3D, color, animation, sound, and text, students will experiment with visual composition techniques, explore styles, and use Storyboards. Students will demonstrate their new knowledge by making a presentation displaying these techniques.

Just imagine how excited and energetic the kids will be when they are able to create and show off their projects.

What other projects can you think of that will benefit students?

Happy 4th of July!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Perseverance is Key

Everyday teachers and students struggle with different things.  Teachers struggle to find the best way to meet the needs of their students.  Students struggle to grasp new concepts.  Without perseverance and hard work, no one would be successful.  Take a look at the following famous people:

Thomas Edison
Beethoven
Albert Einstein
Ray Charles
Vincent Van Gogh
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Helen Keller

Now, take a minute to think about each of them with a disability.  They each had one that may have interrupted their successful careers.  Thomas Edison had a learning problem.  Beethoven was deaf.  Albert Einstein had a learning disability.  Ray Charles was blind.  Vincent Van Gogh was mentally ill.  Franklin D. Roosevelt had polio and was paralyzed from the waist down.  Helen Keller was deaf and blind.  Did they let their disabilities interfere with their accomplishments?  Absolutely not.  Each one persevered through their situation and made the best of it to accomplish a positive outcome.

Teachers should always reflect on their teaching styles and never give up to meet the individual needs of their students.  If we give up on our students now, then they will always give up on themselves.  If something isn't working correctly, try, try again.  If a student is not grasping multiplication with one strategy, provide them with a choice of other strategies to assist.  It is imperative that teachers show students that perseverance and working a little harder is what will help everyone be successful.