Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Carrying Out My GAME Plan


In order to carry out the GAME plan I developed in my previous post I will need to gain additional information.  First, third grade will be beginning to use the Common Core Standards in math as well as a brand new reading program next year.  In order to create authentic learning experiences for my students I will need to gain an understanding of the new third grade standards I will be meeting in math and the new materials and resources I will be required to use in both reading and math.  In order to develop authentic learning experiences I will need to review this information so I can effectively create real world problem solving within my content standards and resources.  In addition, I will need to experiment with and research different ways I can use blogs, VoiceThread, and podcasts for students to reflect on their learning and share their thinking so I am comfortable and knowledgeable of how to use these tools to support my instruction (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).
To prepare for the upcoming school year, I am participating in a grant through the local university to learn how to teach integrated using the common core standards for math, science, and creative arts.  Through participating in this grant I am beginning to become more comfortable with the math common core standards and ways in which I can incorporate authentic learning experiences in math while integrating aspects of science and creative arts.    
As I carry out my plan I will also need multiple resources to assist me.  I will need to collaborate with other third grade teachers and professionals knowledgeable about the new common core standards in order to develop authentic learning experiences.  I will also need access to computers, internet, a class blog using Kidblog.org in which each student has their own user name, a VoiceThread account for my students to use, Kidspiration, Audacity, and microphones. 
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Author.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Chelsea:

    I love how you are focusing in providing authentic learning experiences for your students in math, which is probably one of the toughest subjects for students because of the traditional approach teachers use in their classrooms. To be honest, I am still trying to figure out how to use technology tools to integrate math with literature as Howard (2004) did with science at her first grade students classroom, and I really do not see a right way to do it applying what we are learning in this course.

    You should see my post and Melissa's to find out more about the different PLNs you could incorporate in your GAME plan. Even that I have been taught through all this graduate program how important collaboration is, I am starting to really understand its benefits into our practice as teachers. I am looking forward to see more about your GAME plan and what you find out about math and authentic learning environments.

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  2. Chelsea,
    Have you ever heard of "Flipping the classroom"? Next school year, a common core standard that I will be required to use in my classroom. The system I teach in, all of our students will be recieving an iPad to take home every night. I will be recording a lecture that each student will download and view at home. During class time, the students will be able to work with me on "homework" type assignments. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this type of teaching has created some controversy. It will be a challenge to juggle working with the students on their classwork and creating the next night's "homework lecture".

    I think it's great that you are able to participate in hands on learning to integrate technology into the classroom. How has participating in this lined up with the courses you have taken? I would be very interested to know what kind of approaches have worked the best for you and why.

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