While visiting my old alma mater I found that they had indeed made many changes with regards to educational teaching methods, materials, procedures and technology. Technological materials ranging from ipads, laptops, desktops, overhead projectors, various learning centers and many more resources to spark engagement among pupils. While many of those materials were available to us, student's of the 90's, they are much more abundant. In every classroom I visited, second and third grades, these materials where spotted with age appropriate applications and adequate instruction for usage. These materials coupled with other various learning manipulatives are a great recipe for the engagement of pupils!!
It has unfortunately been a long time for me since I've seen so many students engaged within a school/academic setting; during my own school days I can recall only a hand full of students that were engaged with learning academics, including myself, the most popular/engaging subject lessons where those that involved physical activity ( a wide contrast from many students today). The materials and manipulatives utilized by students ensure student participation by engaging them through various subjects compelling them to use their creativity in many forms. Such a thing is a great asset for any educator and pupil to have since all students learn differenly in a variety of ways. While many of the apps and games being utilized sticks to general academics it can also be altered to fit any age group. In this case, a group of first graders, utilized these apps and manipulatives for enrichment, fun, and creativity.
Including games like hungry fish and Hickory Dickory Dock for mathematics, bejeweled for matching n sorting, candy count for mathematics and matching/sorting. Apps like Paper Snow, that promote artistic creativity through drawing, music and even virtual paper decorations and origami. I don't understand the academic benefits of Angry Birds having indugled in the game myself, nor Barbie,wedding, and model make up: both promote stigmas rampant within the nation, violence (angry birds) and 'poster girls' i. e. models, actresses, girls wearing size zero and a lot of makeup (Barbie) . Other apps utilized by students for engagement, enrichment, and creativity include Word solitaire, Spanish free,iword juggle, and Sudoku.
With all that I have seen so far it excites me to think of how in depth this engaging learning will become once we implement the Common Core Standards. Student's will become much more equipped to compete with their peers, locally and abroad, as well as become more prepared to live within the ever changing world of today rather than their parents yesterdays.
Ms. Child Advocate
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