Web-enhanced learning is an important factor in creating a student centered classroom environment. For an elementary child, the curriculum needs to be mainly focused on literacy and language activities. Language arts is largely about leading students to become literate in their own voices and to see writing as a tool for thinking. Young children need to explore the world of literacy through questioning, collaborating, and problem solving. The web below illustrates three main learning methods that can be integrated into the elementary language arts curriculum.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inquiry based activities are important elements in an elementary classroom. Inquiry based activities allow students to learn through discovery and exploration. Instead of the teacher directing the instruction, the students formulate their own questions and learning experiences. The teacher serves as a scaffold and also gains valuable knowledge from observing the students.
A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. Below is a list of recommended literacy based WebQuests.
|
Source/Type
|
Lesson Plan
|
Description
|
Evaluation/Review
|
Guide/Tip Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the Teacher’s Corner of the WebQuest
grades 1-5
|
The Create a Flag Webquest is appropriate for students in first through third grade. During this WebQuest the students are invited to create a flag for their treehouse based on their special features.
|
|
|
|
|
See the WebQuest
grades 3-5
|
This WebQuest integrates both literacy and science skills for second and third graders. The students work independently and collaborate with others to explore the world of bugs!
|
|
|
|
|
See WebQuest
grades 2-5
|
Here is a very creative WebQuest that has students create their own Author Card. This WebQuest is appropriate for third graders, but the idea can be modified for first and second graders.
|
|
|
|
I Believe Curriculum Web
|
See Teacher's corner
grades 1-5
|
An inquiry into the beliefs and values of cultures that are shown through rituals, celebrations, symbols, and the way people live their lives. The students participate in a postcard exchange with children from around the world! They receive postcards from students worldwide asking you questions about your culture and family traditions. |
 web resource evalutation form_I believe.doc |
Integrating WebQuests into Your Curriculum_tipsheet.doc |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Problem based activities are essential to an elementary classroom because they make learning meaningful for the students. The students are motivated to learn and solve the problem. The students become critical and proactive thinkers.
|
Source/Type
|
Lesson Plan
|
Description
|
Evaluation/Review
|
Guide/Tip Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Center time is a great time for the students to play these entertaining games. See the website for further lesson ideas.
grades K-2
|
These interactive games are great review games to reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
|
|
n/a
|
|
Brain Pop, Jr.
|
The movies encourage active viewing and are easily paused for students to make predictions and form their own ideas. Each animated movie has leveled quizzes, games, activities, and lesson ideas that develop students' critical thinking and inquiry skills.
Click for more lesson plan ideas:
http://www.brainpopjr.com/support/grownups/
Grades K-3
|
BrainPOP Jr. provides educational movies for K-3 learners. Through the adventures of Annie and Moby, BrainPOP Jr. addresses a wide range of grade-appropriate topics, such as the food pyramid, soil, and shapes.
|
web resource evalutation form_brain pop.doc
|
n/a
|
These websites are all great resources to motivate the students and to review language skills. The technology is motivating for the students and the teacher can assess the students easier than if she was guiding the lesson.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Online Guided Writing
Guided writing is a teaching component designed to teach a specific skill or strategy to a child or group of children to give them practice in writing. The children do the writing, but are supported by the teacher who provides instruction and guidance. Online guided writing is similar but the students are guided by an online writing program.
|
Source/Type
|
Lesson Plan
|
Description
|
Evaluation/Review
|
Guide/Tip Sheet
|
|
|
see evaluation for alternative lessons
grades 1-5
|
Create a play: Students second grade or higher can work together to create a play using the Kids-Space website. The students get to select the characters, write the lines, and view their finished play. If the teacher has access, the plays can be published on the class website to be viewed by friends and family.
|
|
-Encourage the students to work together in cooperative groups to create their own story.
-Share the stories with the class afterwards.
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
Language Arts Teacher Resource Sites
Starfall is a wonderful website that guides students through the world of literacy. This is an excellent resource for students, teachers, and parents. There is a guide for teachers giving ideas on how to use Starfall in the classroom. In additon, there are free materials to download. Also, there is a section for parents that gives ideas on positive reinforcement.
Web_Resource_Evaluation_Form-_early_elementary createplay.doc
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.