KATE

Engaging the 21st Century Student Through Interactive Teaching Tools

Instructional Illuminations

christian.kyschools.us

A common instructional problem facing most teachers today is how to increase student engagement and higher order thinking skills to prepare students for successful transition into the 21st Century environment. Today's society is increasingly driven by the ability of citizens to evaluate and select the appropriate technology tool to solve real-world applications in everyday living, school and the workplace.

Ms. Merejo, a high school math teacher, is tackling this challenge by creating an interactive classroom environment powered by the use of her mounted projector, interactive whiteboard, personal response system, and interactive lessons tied to Kentucky state standards. To assist her in this endeavor, Ms. Merejo collaborates weekly with a Technology Integration Specialist mentor to plan rigorous lessons which incorporates both Dr. Christopher Moersch's Levels of Technology Implementation (LoTi) Framework and the district's adoption of Thoughtful Classroom strategies.

Ms. Merejo has stated that the collaboration and mentoring by a Technology Integration Specialist has increased her awareness, knowledge and implementation of appropriate technology integration tools available for her to utilize with her students. She now uses interactive countdown timers for bell ringer and regular instruction activities which assist in preparing students for timed assessments and staying on task.

One of the most effective tools has been the use of the personal response system and the instant individual student feedback provided for the teacher during instruction. Ms. Merejo takes advantage of the instant feedback by reviewing a problem that was missed by a majority of the class in Chalkboard or Verbal mode and has the students solve a similar problem and respond with the personal response system to ensure the students understand the concept. The students' responses are tracked and disaggregated by various reporting options. Utilizing the audio, visual and hand-on nature of the interactive classroom has allowed Ms. Merejo to diversify her teaching methods to meet the needs of individual student learning styles and cultures. Previously disengaged students are now displaying interest and participation in learning via these interactive teaching environments.

For additional information contact: Deidre Merejo, Christian Co. High School Math Teacher, Deidre.Merejo@christian.kyschools.us ; Tracy Pelletier, Christian County Public Schools-Technology Integration Specialist, Tracy.Pelletier@christian.kyschools.us ; Sherry Thomas, Christian Co. Public Schools-Technology Integration Specialist, Sherry.Thomas@christian.kyschools.us  ; Shea Walker, Christian Co. Public Schools-Technology Integration Specialist, Shea.Walker@christian.kyschools.us ; or see the following websites for information: LoTi http://www.loticonnection.com/ ; Silver, Strong and Associates-The Thoughtful Classroom http://www.thoughtfulclassroom.com/

Reading Can Take You Places You Have Never Been Before

Core Connections

http://www.pics4learning.com/

By:  Marina Jenkins, Livermore School

A love of reading should start at an early age. Children yearn to laugh, be entertained, and be enchanted with the books teachers read to them. Remember the magic of your first book? Dr. Seuss would say, "A person's a person, no matter how small." Persons of all ages have been enjoying Dr. Seuss's books since 1954. As Seuss's books are introduced to children, they soon develop their own imagination and understanding between what is fiction and non-fiction. From the infamous "Cat In the Hat" to the environmental issues of saving the earth, "The Lorax," Seuss includes choice words that are important to enhance children's learning.

Some 43 years later after the first Seuss book was written, "Read Across America" was born to celebrate reading throughout America. National Education Association (NEA) will be celebrating its 12th Read Across America while raising awareness of the importance of reading. March 2, 2009 will be a special reading day, uniting school children from sea to shining sea, across America. Children of all ages are encouraged to pick up their favorite book and read.

The following NEA website will link teachers to many resources and tools that will be beneficial in developing lesson plans during the week of March 2, officially known as Dr. Suess birthday.  This NEA Read Across America website provides teachers and parents with the tools, resources and tips that make reading a fun and enjoyable experience so children will keep turning the pages time and time again. http://www.nea.org/readacross/

Although Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, is no longer with us, his books have found their way into homes, schools, and communities and will continue to live on in everyone. It is the teachers challenge today to instill and inspire all children everywhere to read. Whether the legacy of Dr. Seuss continues, depends on the educators of tomorrow. Remember, there is still some magic in everyone, no matter how young or old. Come join NEA in celebrating reading across America.

Related Links

• Dr. Seuss's Seussville - Random House site for kids. Includes interactive games, contests, and information on Seuss and his works.
• Seussville University - Interactive learning environment with science, reasoning, math and reading activities.
• Yertle The Turtle - Celebrate's 50 Years - From Randon House, students can celebrate Yertle The Turtle's 50th Birthday.

Related Lesson Plans, Activities, and Classroom Resources

• Reading Everywhere with Dr. Seuss
• Seuss and Silverstein: Posing Questions, Presenting Points
• Independent Reading Unit
• Book Buddy Biographies: Intermediate and Primary Students Working Together
• Learning to Read