Instruction

= Instruction = Most teachers understand that students do not all learn in the same manner. It is very important that teachers can alter the way they teach their content in order to reach as many students as possible. Teaching to student learning styles and differentiating instruction are two ways that I have tried to use my instruction to reach the students. Lessons that can be taught a certain way for years, may require a change in instruction depending on the learning style of a group. I have also tried differentiating homework assignments to help reach each student. Implementing a variety of technologies is also very useful. I have included a file about my ideas on how and why technology should be integrated into education. []
 * __Modification:__** The following is a current example of adapting a book report. Eighth Grade wrote a script for a book trailer based on an Accelerated Reader book they had read. They used the iPad to record themselves describing the book. Then they created a QR Code to print and place in the book. The QR Code leads the person who scans the code to a YouTube video. Here is an example of one of the videos, __Small Steps__ by Louis Sachar.

One example of how I have adapted instruction is in Social Studies class. Each year in second grade we discuss basic landforms. We will create some product to showcase the students' understanding of the concept. This year when we covered the material, we produced a digital storybook using the [|Mixbook] website. Students created pictures and wrote a description of each landform. Then I took digital photographs and created the digital storybook to share at Open House. Everyone enjoyed the electronic product. The only difficulty I found was in how much of the computer work the children could actually accomplish. My second grade students did not have enough experience to do more than type the words on the page of the storybook. They still were proud of the finished product. **Please click on the image to take you to our class wikipage and experience the Landforms digital storybook.**

Another example of what I mean is in English class. Students often understand what an action verb is through basic instruction. However, helping and linking verbs are somewhat harder to understand. I may use videos, [|Discovery Education] is excellent, or songs to help students understand the concept. Below is an example of a song/video I would use to help students remember or understand the types of verbs. media type="custom" key="6017221" align="center"

Good teaching is l/4th preparation and 3/4ths theatre. -Gail Goodwin