Week 3 Incorporating Literacy

Two of my favorite content areas to incorporate literacy are science and social studies. I think these are two areas you can be very creative and expose students to different types of literature. When I taught 2nd grade I used picture books, both non-fiction and fiction, to give students a background of Native American Indians. Literature is a great way for students to gain perspective of cultures and lives during different time periods. Both biographies and historical fiction novels can help students understand the living environment in a certain time period. For example, when I taught fourth grade and we studied Missouri History or more specifically the Lewis and Clark expedition we read a variety of different journal articles as well as biographies. As part of my assessment for both units students created a fictional character and documented his or her experiences in a journal. I haven't taught in three years but I can picture using technology tools like creating a blog or wiki page for students to create journal accounts. I also thought a group project using digital storytelling to describe history, culture, and events of both these time periods.
During my student teaching for a fourth grade class I taught a unit on phases of the moon. I revisited this unit last semester and incorporated both literature and technology to make it more creative and fun. Moon by Gail  Gibbons was a great starter to my unit. I added a video from BrainPop, a Webquest, and a collaborative research project with the Library Media Specialist. I modified the lessons by giving more time for students to complete tasks and the option of working with a partner. I think working collaboratively with the LMS would could both help students with goals. I think we have to remember the resources we have in the school environment collaborating with colleagues can give us great ideas to add literacy into different content areas.

Week 1 Expectations

After reading over the Week 1 lectures and articles, I am really excited about the learning opportunities this class has to offer. I think as teachers we can not be afraid of technology. Sure, there could be potential issues that occur. I think the possibilities out way the risk. The 21st century learner is already comfortable with these different formats of communications so I say let us meet them halfway. As educator it is our responsibility to guide students to become responsible digital citizens.
I look forward to learning about new ways to integrate technology into my school learning environment. Hopefully I'll be able to guide other teachers to see the light!

A fun site for book geeks

A great site to interact with other book geeks like me. The user can create his/her own library catalog. The sites links you with other great like minded individuals. Great book reviews. As a future library media specialist you need peer resources for book reviews.
.librarything.com

Introduction

My name is Stacia, this blog is for EDET 573 Technology to Enhance Literacy.