Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
Click here to view the project resources.
Project Description: In teaching a 2/3 combination class this year, utilizing my laptop, lumens, and projector have become increasingly important in meeting the needs of all of my students. The lessons in this third grade unit incorporate language arts, social studies, and technology. I hold an M.A. in teaching, with a specialization in Educational Technology. I enjoy creating lessons that incorporate technology. The unit begins with the story Across the Wide Dark Sea. It continues with various tools and materials to help students learn about the journey on the Mayflower and the aftermath. Through the use of books, technology visuals, and graphic organizers, students will create a narrative essay.
How it works: This project invites students to learn about the journey on the Mayflower in a new, innovative way. The project provides students with interesting forms of learning through the use of technology. Students view various power points, engage in interactive learning games, view online instructional videos and Reader's Theater, and create writing samples using Kidspiration.
One example of a classroom activity where new media plays a role is from Lesson 4. Readers Theater is an exciting way for students to learn about historical events, and recreate them in their own way. In this instance, http://eduplace.com provides the user with a video titled, "Mayflower Reader's Theater". Students are able to first view in its entirety what Reader's Theater should look like. Students are then prepared to participate in their own Reader's Theater. Viewing the media engages the students, and gives them excitement of what is to come in their own "production."
Assessment: The assessments used for this project include oral particiption, a KWL Chart, a Venn Diagram, and a Narrative Essay. A teacher-created rubric is used to assess the final narrative essays.
Standards:
*Determine what characters are like by what they say or do and by how the author or illustrator portrays them.
*Determine the underlying theme or author s message in fiction and nonfiction text.
CA Writing:
*Students write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a
central idea. Their writing shows they consider the audience and purpose. Students progress through the stages of the writing process (e.g., prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, successive versions).
*Students write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events, and experiences. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American English and the drafting, research, and organizational strategies.
CA Social Studies: Using the writing strategies of grade three outlined in Writing Standard
*Students draw from historical and community resources to organize the sequence of local historical events and describe how each period of settlement left its mark on the land.
National Technology Standards:
*Research and Information Fluency
*Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:
*plan strategies to guide inquiry.
*locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use
information from a variety of sources and media.
*evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the
appropriateness to specific tasks.
*process data and report results
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: Five (5)
Software or Materials Used: Since the Internet is the main source of instructional materials for this unit, an Internet connection is essential. Additionally, the Kidspiration program is essential for students to create their narratives. I used a laptop, multimedia projector, and a Lumens Digital Visualizer in presenting this unit. If you do not have all of these items readily available to you, the unit can be taught in the computer lab, using a Smartboard. Non-technology items that are needed for this unit include the third grade Houghton Mifflin text (story, Across the Wide Dark Sea), book, Molly's Pilgrim, Teacher-Created Venn Diagram, Teacher-Created Readers Theater for Across the Wide Dark Sea, Teacher-Created KWL Chart, and a Teacher-Created Narrative Writing Rubric.
Keywords: Mayflower, Pilgrims, Native Americans, Thanksgiving
The Students: This project was designed for second language learners all the way up to challenge students. Each lesson provides students with multiple opportunities for new learning. All students should be actively engaged and excited about hte topic. Through the use of various instructional strategies and materials, students should remain enthused about learning. The lessons are intended for whole group instruction, however, many of the lessons are suited for "buddy work", if needed. When students begin working on their narratives, individual attention will be needed.
Overall Value: This project includes various forms of media. This keeps the information interesting for both the teacher and students. With so many wonderful power points, videos, and websites available, it is worth the time to use them in instruction. This project is very easy to use and fun for students.
Subject Area: Social Studies
Grade Levels: Grades 2-3
Tips for the Teacher: Have fun.
