I think technology resources is the biggest challenge. I would love to have my students create podcasts, video conferences, complete online designs, etc. Unfortunately, I only have four classroom computers and they do not work effectively. I always need a backup plan in case the computers aren't working or the internet is down. This is one of the biggest challenges for teachers looking to take that step to upgrade the materials and assessments they use.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Challenges for Upgrading Material
As I was reading the chapters for Curriculum 21, I thought all of her suggestions for upgrading curriculum sounded wonderful. If we focus on updated a few units per trimester it is much less overwhelming. Grade level teams could split up the units,
then collaborate and share! However, with how little time I already have to get everything completed, I really need to focus on managing my time to do this. It is unfortunate that teachers could not be given more time to work on this!
I think technology resources is the biggest challenge. I would love to have my students create podcasts, video conferences, complete online designs, etc. Unfortunately, I only have four classroom computers and they do not work effectively. I always need a backup plan in case the computers aren't working or the internet is down. This is one of the biggest challenges for teachers looking to take that step to upgrade the materials and assessments they use.
I think technology resources is the biggest challenge. I would love to have my students create podcasts, video conferences, complete online designs, etc. Unfortunately, I only have four classroom computers and they do not work effectively. I always need a backup plan in case the computers aren't working or the internet is down. This is one of the biggest challenges for teachers looking to take that step to upgrade the materials and assessments they use.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Curriculum
In my district we have a curriculum coordinator. She supports the school in deciding which programs to adopt to use as curriculum for each subject.
In math we use Everyday Math. The program is a spiral broken into units where new concepts are introduced and then supported with more challenging problems. The programs comes with text books, student journals, and all the resources which go with the program.
In literacy and science we use Scott Foresman. In literacy the program comes with a story for each week with supporting skills, grammar lessons, and spelling words. There are leveled readers which support the stories.
In science there are chapters organized into units. The program comes with worksheets, quick labs, and leveled readers.
For social studies we use a program called, Alive. The fourth grade program brings the students on a tour across the United States. There is an interactive workbook, text book, and audio CD which goes with the program.
Writing is interesting in that we do not have a specific program which the school has adopted. We use the 6-traits of writing model school-wide. We have units of study which the grade level teams collaborate to agree on. We set objectives for the students to meet then plan to make sure all students meet them. My first year was challenging where I did not have as much support to go by as the other subjects. However, I liked that I had more freedom and could be more creative in adapting my instruction to be engaging and fun!
In math we use Everyday Math. The program is a spiral broken into units where new concepts are introduced and then supported with more challenging problems. The programs comes with text books, student journals, and all the resources which go with the program.
In literacy and science we use Scott Foresman. In literacy the program comes with a story for each week with supporting skills, grammar lessons, and spelling words. There are leveled readers which support the stories.
In science there are chapters organized into units. The program comes with worksheets, quick labs, and leveled readers.
For social studies we use a program called, Alive. The fourth grade program brings the students on a tour across the United States. There is an interactive workbook, text book, and audio CD which goes with the program.
Writing is interesting in that we do not have a specific program which the school has adopted. We use the 6-traits of writing model school-wide. We have units of study which the grade level teams collaborate to agree on. We set objectives for the students to meet then plan to make sure all students meet them. My first year was challenging where I did not have as much support to go by as the other subjects. However, I liked that I had more freedom and could be more creative in adapting my instruction to be engaging and fun!
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