Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Topic and Standards for Technology Lesson Plan

Title of Technology Lesson: More than a Voyager!

Topic for Technology Lesson Plan: Making a Hawaiian Voyager and appreciating the High Cultural Achievements of the Polynesians

Objectives: To learn about the ancient Polynesians’ voyage between the Pacific island groups and to appreciate the high cultural achievements of the Polynesians by:

1) using research skills to learn about the ancient Polynesians and their migration and adaptation to the Hawaiian Islands
2) incorporating writing strategies in making a "How To" book of directions to make a miniature replica of an ancient Hawaiian voyager/canoe
3) using various art tools to make the miniature replica of an ancient Hawaiian voyager/canoe
4) using technology to complete and edit their writings
5) using technology to track and research the voyage of the Hokule’a to appreciate the cultural achievements of the Polynesians in ancient Hawaii


HCPS III Standards for Grade 4:

Social Studies: Standard 3: History: PRE-CONTACT HAWAII HISTORY-Understand the people, events, problems, and ideas that were significant in pre-contact Hawaiian history
Benchmark SS.4.3.4: Describe the theories of early migrations from parts of Polynesia to Hawaii, including migration myths and legends

Math: Standard 4: Measurement: FLUENCY WITH MEASUREMENT: Understand attributes, units, and systems of units in measurement; and develop and use techniques, tools, and formulas for measuring
Benchmark MA.4.4.1: Explain the need to use standard units for measuring

Language Arts: Standard 6: Oral Communication: CONVENTIONS AND SKILLS: Apply knowledge of verbal and nonverbal language to communicate effectively in various situations: interpersonal, group, and public: for a variety of purposes

Language Arts: Standard 4: Writing: CONVENTIONS AND SKILLS: Use the writing process and conventions of language and research to construct meaning and communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences using a range of forms
Benchmark LA.4.4.1: Write in a variety of grade-appropriate formats for a variety of purposes and audiences, such as:
• narratives that follow a plot and describe a setting and characters
• poems that provide insight into why the topic is memorable
• responses to literature
• reports that focus on a central question and incorporate summaries from research
• accounts based on personal experience that have a clear focus and supporting details
• pieces to reflect on learning and to solve problems

Art: Standard 1: VISUAL ARTS: Understand and apply art materials, techniques, and processes in the creation of works of art and understand how the visual arts communicate a variety of ideas, feelings, and experiences

NETS for Students:
1. Basic operations and concepts
*Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
*Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
*Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
3. Technology productivity tools
*Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
*Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.
4. Technology communications tools
*Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
5. Technology research tools
*Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Another Web Site for Educators

Another useful web site for educators is by the American Library Association. It offers all Newbery and Caldecott award-winning books from 1938-present that may be used in lessons and as a book list for recreational and assigned classroom readings. It also gives a synopsis of the books and references to events and conferences for educators. This Web site is also a good resource for parents of school age children, as well.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal.cfm

Monday, February 4, 2008

Other Blogs

I visited 3 blogs:  Barack Obama, Honolulu Advertiser, and American Idol.  It was interesting to see that the types of comments on these 3 blogs were all very different in content.  Of course on the Obama blog, there were many political issues being raised and the comments were mostly in support of Barack Obama.  The Honolulu Advertiser gives the readers many opportunities to leave comments on different editors'/writers' blogs, depending on the topic (from sports to real estate to current news issues).  On the American Idol blog, the comments left were highly opinionated and much more passionate about the show and the contestants.  It was very entertaining to read!  I think for the most part, people write comments on blogs to be heard and to make their opinion public.  I also think it's a way for people to express their views in a quick and easy manner.
    

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Fourth Grade Teacher Blog

I found a great blog by another fourth grade teacher!  She shares her trials and tribulations and it's very entertaining and amusing to read and definitely something that I can relate to very well.  She offered a great idea on how to assess students' miscues in reading without wasting time!  She has groups of kids tape record themselves and then she later listens to the recordings on her own.  It's not only an efficient use of class time, but the kids enjoy the activity as well!  I will try that in my own class!  

See below for the link to her blog: