Student Learning Experiences
Using Skype to Connect Classrooms
Literature. Skype. Theatre. The Holocaust. What do they all have in common?
Students from LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden, and students from Tatem Elementary School in Haddonfield, both located in New Jersey, sought the answer to that question. They also discoved quite a bit about themselves along the way.
Beginning in January 2010, these fifth grade students began reading books centered on the Holocaust, including Lois Lowry's Number the Stars. Using Skype technology, the classes met online once a week and posed questions about the book, the Holocaust and their opinions. In March, the students met face to face when they went to see Haddonfield Plays and Players' production of Number the Stars. After the show, the students participated in a question and answer session with Holocaust survivor Fred Behrend. They then went as a group to the Goodwin Holocaust Museum at Cherry Hill's JCC. They shared the afternoon creating a Star of David craft, touring the museum and speaking more intimately with Mr. Behrend.
The event was featured in April, 2010's edition of South Jersey Magazine. Click here for the article.
For a closer look at this unit of study, including photographs and student work, visit http://numberthestarsnj.weebly.com.
You can also view a short film that documents the experience by clicking here.
Students from LEAP Academy University Charter School in Camden, and students from Tatem Elementary School in Haddonfield, both located in New Jersey, sought the answer to that question. They also discoved quite a bit about themselves along the way.
Beginning in January 2010, these fifth grade students began reading books centered on the Holocaust, including Lois Lowry's Number the Stars. Using Skype technology, the classes met online once a week and posed questions about the book, the Holocaust and their opinions. In March, the students met face to face when they went to see Haddonfield Plays and Players' production of Number the Stars. After the show, the students participated in a question and answer session with Holocaust survivor Fred Behrend. They then went as a group to the Goodwin Holocaust Museum at Cherry Hill's JCC. They shared the afternoon creating a Star of David craft, touring the museum and speaking more intimately with Mr. Behrend.
The event was featured in April, 2010's edition of South Jersey Magazine. Click here for the article.
For a closer look at this unit of study, including photographs and student work, visit http://numberthestarsnj.weebly.com.
You can also view a short film that documents the experience by clicking here.
Using Web2.0 Technology to Guide the Inquiry ProcessI designed a unit of study for fourth grade students entitled, "So Close and Yet So Far: A Fourth Grade Study of the New Jersey Pinelands." This month-long unit of study challenged students to utilize their reading, writing, researching and critical thinking skills in order to draw conclusions and inferences about a chosen topic.
The final project was to create a page for our class wiki. You can view the wiki and the final projects by clicking here. Projects were powered by Wikispaces. To view a PDF version of this document, click here. |
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Chick Hatchery Project and Life Cycle Inquiry Unit
During January, three third grade classes engaged in a two week exploration of life cycles. Guided by the librarian and the homeroom teacher, each student was responsible for selecting an animal and researching its life cycle. Students gathered information, synthesized their findings and created a pinwheel to present their conclusions. As they researched, they were also caregivers to incubated eggs, and eventually ten live chicks! View photos from our experience below.
"Sloppy Copy"I created this document to help students through the experience of transferring found information into their own statements.
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Self EvaluationI created this evaluation form for students to assess their own work. Students were also responsible for assessing a buddy's work.
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The Annual Science Fair
The science fair is a yearly event that all 1st-6th grade students participate in. My role in science fair part of the preparatory stage: help students select a topic, guide students through research, and pull digital and print resources for teachers. Additionally, students use the library to view past projects to get ideas for their projects or experiments.
Click here to view some resources I have created to help students through the researching process. Below are images from a previous science fair.
An article on the science fair can be viewed at LEAP's website, or by clicking here.
Click here to view some resources I have created to help students through the researching process. Below are images from a previous science fair.
An article on the science fair can be viewed at LEAP's website, or by clicking here.
A Variety of Library Activities
Christmas around the WorldObjective(s):
1. Evaluate a website for information and extract relevant facts from an article 2. Use guiding questions to create a coherent presentation 3. Utilize basic computer skills to create a PowerPoint presentation
Objective(s):
1. SWBAT summarize facts found in an article using their own wording. 2. Support where they found their answers 3. Challenge each other to think critically about found information
Objective(s):
1. SWBAT utilize a variety of databases throughout the year 2. Recognize the purpose of databases 3. Use databases to become more independent researchers |
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Sample Lesson Plans
What happens on a day to day basis in my library?
I teach 14 classes a week (all classes in grades K-4). Students in fifth and sixth grades visit the library for research and to participate in units of study designed by their teachers and me.
To view examples of lessons I have written and implemented this year, click the grades. Each link will take you to one of my lessons.
Kindergarten 1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade
I teach 14 classes a week (all classes in grades K-4). Students in fifth and sixth grades visit the library for research and to participate in units of study designed by their teachers and me.
To view examples of lessons I have written and implemented this year, click the grades. Each link will take you to one of my lessons.
Kindergarten 1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade