Differentiation Just like with The Three Bears, instruction should be just right for each student. I believe instruction can be easily differentiated for each student through the use of a tiered model like Response to Intervention. After careful authentic assessment, students are placed on a tier depending on their needs and receive instruction based on their needs. For a class with students of multiple ability levels I believe using centers is a great way to differentiate instruction.
Literature Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying, "I cannot live without books." Neither can I. I love the power literature has over the reader and I want to introduce my students to the same thrill I get from reading a great book. Students can experience any topic through the use of literature and any of the several activities associated with literature. As a teacher, I think implementing literature across content areas is one of the most effective and powerful teaching strategies to engage students in subject matter while increasing their reading, writing, and language skills.
Inquiry By using an inquiry approach, students are engaged in an active learning process. Inquiry allows students to think creatively, find out information on their own, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. I favor the "5-E" process of inquiry : Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate. I believe it is important for students to explore topics, ask questions, and find out answers on their own.
Technology As you may have noticed from this digital portfolio, I enjoy technology and all it has to offer. In this day and age many children are more tech-savvy than their parents! I want to continue the "techknowledgey" students may learn at home and expand that knowledge in the classroom through the use of computers, tablets, the internet, and Smart Board. I also want to accommodate students with special needs through the use of assisted technology devices.
Activity Based Instruction Students are more likely to retain information if they are interested in it. I believe in the use of embedding learning opportunities into student's daily routines and into materials and topics in which they are already interested. (Please visit the website I created on this approach.)
Movement Kids need to move! Students should engage in movement around the classroom whether it be through games, centers, PE, or a mini dance party. If kids have the opportunity to get their wiggles out they stand a better chance of staying on task during lessons.