ELA K10B-C: retell important facts and details and investigate how authors organize information in informational text; 15: write expository text to communicate information; 20A-B: locate and record information, use pictures along with writing to document research
Science K10: understand that organisms have structures and processes that help them survive in their environment, sort animals into groups based on physical characteristics, identify parts of animals
TechApps K-2 1B:create original products; 2A: use communication tools to collaborate and publish with peers; 3B: use research skills to build knowledge about a topic
All of the above are with adult assistance.
Objective: As a class, students will choose an animal of interest, gather and record information about their animal's habitat and features, organize the information into categories, and publish a class book about their animal.
Materials and resources:
- Class will use Padlet to record what they think they know about the animal, then will add new information learned and check confirmed information in different colors (one color per source) as they read expository text; whole and small group
- Class will read and gather information from print texts and from the PebbleGo database, as well as World Book Online if necessary; whole and small group
- When they have finished gathering information, students will move their Padlet notes around to organize the info into categories using a tree map format; whole group
- Each student will take a piece of the collected information to illustrate, either on paper or using a drawing app. Using iMovie, students will record their voices sharing the information while showing their illustration, compiling it into a class digital book or slide show, as well as a paper book. The digital book can be moved to the teacher's Google Drive or Edmodo account.
Evaluation: because this is a kindergarten lesson, formal grades are not given. Students will be evaluated through teacher observations of class discussions and group work, as well as individual conferences with students. The captioned illustration students produce at the end of the project can be evaluated using the kinder expository text rubric available on the Alief Curriculum and Instruction ELA website.
I like your use of iMovie I'm conjunction with the drawing apps. I think this will really appeal to the age group you are working with. Also, students can often explain much more than able to express in writing
ReplyDeleteHaving worked with Padlet on the iPad a bit, I've noticed that is less fluid than on a PC. You may need to have an alternate plan if the notes aren't moving as students want. Perhaps hooking an iPad to a media projector and manipulating the information as a group may work as a backup option. Your Tech specialist should be able to suggest the proper connector. I think the science specialist and classroom teacher are great resources to make science content connections for this type of activity. I can really see this working well!
I like how as a class they are working cooperatively towards a goal and how you've incorporated the tree map with the Padlet notes. By using the iMovie to gather and produce and retain all their illustrations you are showing them that they can be authors as well.
ReplyDeleteWorking with a whole class of kindergarteners will be a challenge to see that the technology is in often in their hands and not the teachers. I like your idea of doing this in smaller groups and that is where a you might find support with the librarian, fellow teachers, or tech specialist.
Wow! What a fun lesson! I love how you are having the entire class work together to create a finished product. I think that your choice of mediums is appropriate for the age group that you are working with. I found padlet a little frustrating for my own kids who are 7, so you might want to stick with the small groups. As long as you are assisting, I think you will be fine. I also suggest that you ask if your tech specialist can come in and assist you on the days when you are working on this project. It would be a huge help to have another tech aware adult in there to help with the kiddos. I can see this turning out really neat for the kids!
ReplyDeleteI love how you're involving even kindergarten in usiing technology. Sometimes, teachers forget that even the younger kids can produce something using technology. Yay! I love that they will be using Padlet because it is simple for them and easy to use. It's great they will be in small groups working because they are kindergarteners and some of the steps may be challenging to them on their own like writing notes or coming up with their iMovie. So working with another kid will help foster their learning and make it less intimidating for them. I love the iMovie product and the kids will too. It's very engaging to use and the kids will want to learn so they can produce the iMovie. One suggestion is to have some help during this time. Perhaps touch base with LA specialist to assist since it is TEKS related. Maybe even touch base with the tech spec also. The more adults in the room, the more manageable it will be for you with such little kids. It may be easier to have the help because in the beginning everyone will need you and you're only one :) But i love the lesson and can't wait to hear how it turned out.
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson!!! I love have you have multiple formats for students to present information. My only concern this lesson plan is for k-2. That is a very difficult age and will require your assistance a lot.
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