Many Kindergarten teachers choose to use the same old computer literacy games such as Starfall andPBSkids to reinforce literacy skills taught in the classroom. Its time for Kinder teachers to break out of the box of the norm and into a larger space of new ideas and software used to incorporate technology into their lesson plans and home connections activities.
Game Goo is a free interactive literacy based website filled with FUN and EXCITING games that reinforces early reading and language skills and is aligned with state curriculum standards. The games are engaging and research-based. Game Goo is developed by Earobics. Earobics is a multisensory reading intervention program similiar to FUNdations as it exposes students to the same exercise over and over again. Earobic addresses reading challenges through the use of technology and multimedia materials.
ABCmouse is a computer program designed by early childhood experts for children ages two through six or Preschoolers - Kindergartners.. The curriculum is offered in six levels and includes the following subject area: Math, Art, Science, Music and Reading. Many key skills are learned and reinforced through the use of fun games, puzzles, printable coloring pages and lessons on counting and writing. ABCmouse can be used at school and at home. The best part about this awesome computer software is that it is FREE to educators. Teachers can group students by ability or by individual ability. Students get to choose his/her avatar and receive tickets that can be used towards cool prizes as they progress through the program. References: ABCmousebanner [Image]. (2013). Retreieved June 21, 2013, from: www.abcmouse.com GameGoobanner [Image]. (2013) Retrevied June 21, 2013, from: www.earobics.com/gamegoo PBSkidslogo [Image]. (2013) Retreived June 21, 2013, from: www.pbskids.org
Wilson Fundations is a research based phonological/phonemic awareness program designed for use in kindergarten through third grade general education classrooms. The program is based upon the principles of the Wilson Reading System. Fundations does not replace core literacy curriculum. It provides research proven strategies that complement the core curriculum and federal standards as well as meets the needs of all children. Is Fundation aligned with Common Core Standards? Fundations provides specific, measureable learning objectives that are aligned with the common core state standards for English Language Arts and Literacy for grades K-5. How will I know is my students are responding to the Fundations program? Fundation provides teachers with a progress monitoring tool which is designed to compare the skills taught to what students actually know. Are there online resources and support available for teachers implementing Fundations? Fundations provides online resources and support to teachers through the use of its Prevention Learning Community tool. Resources and support include lesson plan builders, progress monitoring tools, printable materials, monthly tips and tricks, a discussion board and ongoing updates to the program. What does FUNdations look like in a Kindergarten classroom? Kinder teachers should select a 30 minute time slot with their daily language arts schedule block to implement Fundations Kindergarten Curriculum. Fundation lessons focus on print knowledge, alphabetic principle, phonological/phonemic awareness, decoding skills, vocabulary building, fluency and speaking. The teacher should model and allow student to practice critical thinking, speaking, and listening skills during storytime activities.
References: Lukens, J. (Producer). (2009). Fundations [youtube]. Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?y=eY4ucerN5GY Wilson Fundation Owl [Photograph]. (2013). Retrieved June 21, 2013, from: www.fundations.com
Student engagement is one of the most important aspects of teaching. It is likely that disengaged students will not learn what is being taught. Teacher should not expect that students will come to class naturally engaged. Instead, teachers must naturally and automatically take responsibility for maintaining student engagement every moment of the instructional day.
The research of Dr. Marzano and Dr. Pickering outlined in the book, "The High Engaged Classroom" breaks down instructional strategies into four main questions students ask themselves prior to engaging in learning. The first two questions, "how do I feel?" and "am I interested," focus on student attention. The second and third question, "is this important?" and "can I do this?" focus on student engagement.
Practical Implications that can be used to increase student attention include but are not limited to:
Practical Implications that can be used to increase student engagement include but are not limited to:
Make comparisons to student interest
Ask students to compare academic content to their personal interest
Provide choice
Real world application
Use effective praise and verbal feedback
Student engagement is the key to increasing student achievement. Educators must consciously and continuously research and implement new strategies designed to keep students focused, attentive and engaged throughout each lesson, transition and learning activity.
References
Marzano, R. J., & Pickering, D. J. (2011). The High Engaged Classroom. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Research Laboratory.
Many Kindergarten teachers choose to use the same old
