Treasure hunts, lesson plans, and introductions

Monday, September 30

Today in class we had a QR code treasure hunt. Dr. Smirnova placed numbered folders around the classroom, each containing a QR code. A QR code is a square bar-code that is scanned using a smart phone or tablet. There are free QR code readers that can easily be downloaded onto various devices as well as websites that can be used to create your own QR codes.


Dr. Smirnova told us last week to have the app downloaded on at least one device per peer group. Every member of my group had the app to use, which actually made the activity go easier for us. Before we began, we assigned roles for the members of our group:  manager, recorder, time keeper, researcher, and presenter. To start this activity, we had to find each folder and scan the QR code found within. Then, we had to write down the question that corresponded with the code (each QR code led to a note page containing a questions). Once we had all questions written down, we had to search the internet for answers to these questions and type up our responses onto eclass.

This activity allowed for both cooperative learning and inquiry based learning. We were provided the questions, but had to solve the problem within our groups. I really enjoyed this activity and liked that you can use it in the classroom. Though this activity should be done with older students, there are ways to simplify it to make it accessible for younger grades.

I think that QR codes are a fun way to get students to interact in their learning. It allows students to use their cell phones in a productive manner. Using cell phones, IPods, IPads, and other technology in the classroom gets students excited and willing to learn. In schools today, it is a struggle to find lessons and activities that engage students. By incorporating technology of any sort into the classroom, teachers can encourage positive interdependence and create an engaging classroom for all students.

Wednesday, October 2

Today in class we were given time to work with our group to create our lessons to implement at Bishop Dunn. Though my group has already finished our first lesson (direct instruction), we began to work on our second lesson (inquiry based). Fro our inquiry based lesson, we decided to use the idea of artifact bags that we had previously worked with. We already had five various bags of artifacts from our own assignment earlier in the semester, but we would have to change a few things.



We also used this time to brainstorm for our third lesson (cooperative learning). At first, we were thinking of having the students work in groups to take on the persona of a colonial boy or girl and write from his/her perspective. After talking with Dr. Smirnova however, we decided that we should create a four corners type of activity. In a four corners activity, the class is broken up into four different groups, each being assigned a different project. For ours, we are thinking of having our four groups consist of an advertisement, a skit, a song, and a poem. Though we are not 100% sure if these will be our final projects, we seem to agree on these. One major concern of ours is that the students might not feel comfortable if they have to get up in front of the class to sing or act out a skit. We will have to discuss this more in depth during our next meeting.

Friday, October 4

Today is our first visit to Mrs. Benfer's third and fourth grade combined class of 26 students. We began the class time with a brief introduction of our names. After my peers and I shared our names, we broke into our teaching groups and visited each table to talk a little about what the students should expect. In my group, we decided that it was very important for us to learn our students' names. We brought pre-folded paper and markers so the students could create name tags to display while we teach. While the students were creating the name tags, we did a walk through of two different nonfiction books based on our theme of New York and the New Nation. We asked students to make predictions about the topic and we asked students to name a few of the colonies that made up Colonial America. Alex decided to read some fun facts and tips to get the students interested in the topic, which the students seemed to really enjoy.

This time helped us get to know the students that we will be working with and got me very excited to come and teach! The students seemed very excited and eager to learn. I cannot wait until Monday when we get to teach our first whole class direct instruction lesson.

 

Alex and I listening to a response from a student during our introduction lesson at Bishop Dunn.