Blogging for Learning

Creating and maintaining a blog for this course has been interesting. I chose to use the Blogger platform, as I have used it in the past and thought I would be comfortable with it. I quickly learned that there have been many changes to the layout and functions of the site, and it was not nearly as user friendly as I remember. On more than one occasion I thought my post had published when in fact it was simply saved as a draft. If I were to create another blog I would most likely use a different platform. Reviewing the blogs of classmates using various platforms was very helpful in this sense.

Though I used this assignment to create a blog for professional development, I would likely create a classroom blog in the future. I would use it to communicate with parents, allow students to post work, and invite feedback. Having viewed several classmate's blogs set up in this style, I feel it can be a great tool.

Create Your Own Book

For our final project in MEDUC 532, we were tasked with creating an informational text on two reading levels. I chose to create a text for First Grade, at reading levels H and E. I determined H to be an appropriate level for the end of First Grade, and E to be an expected level earlier in the year. To make this determination, I reviewed guidelines by F&P, examined numerous examples of texts on these levels, and discussed with my mentor teacher who I observed this semester.

The topic for my book is water, specifically bodies of water. The book discusses both salt and fresh water sources, with descriptions and photos of an ocean, stream, pond, lake, and river. I did have some difficulty narrowing down the information that I wanted to include, as I found myself with more than necessary for this level. It was important to me to keep the information factual and relevant, without going over students' heads. I found this to be challenging, but a definite learning experience for me.

Throughout the book, I used red text to indicate words that were included in the glossary, which also used red text for key words and black text for descriptions. Sentance structure, number of words, and number of sentences were all modified for the two different levels.

I would use this book as a guided reading text, most likely in a small group setting. It would be read in conjunction with a science or geography lesson dealing with bodies of water. Discussion following reading may include students' experiences with various bodies of water, where we may find each of them (locally and globally). I would be interested in finding other books, both fiction and non-fiction, to use in subsequent lessons to build upon students' understanding and knowledge.

Developing Fine Motor Skills

For my field experience this semester I have been observing a Kindergarten classroom at a Washington County Elementary school. One of the students joined the class late, beginning in mid-October. His family had recently moved, and his entry into this classroom is his first school experience. Unfortunately, many of his developmental skills are behind where they should be, due to lack of exposure. While observing this student and his struggles to integrate into the classroom with a late start and skills that are not on level with the rest of his class, I begam looking into some activities that could be used to encourage his development. One area that I focused on was fine motor skills, as his lack of fine motor skills has significant impact on his ability to complete tasks with his class, such as drawing, writing, and cutting. These basic skills can be supported by a variety of activities to encourage muscle development in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Some of these activities could be used in the classroom, as whole group activities or independent work with an aid or classroom volunteer. Many could also be used at home, and should be provided to the parents to encourage working with him at home to strengthen his muscles and fine motor skills.

Particular focus should be placed on isolating the tripod fingers, which is necessary for proper pencil grip, handwriting, and scissor use. There are many resources on the web for activities to strengthen fine motor skills, links I'm including below include ideas and recommendations from teachers and Occupational Therapists.

http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/kindergarten-hand-exercises.html

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/movement-coordination-issues/8-fun-ways-to-build-fine-motor-skills

http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/09/40-fine-motor-skills-activities-for-kids.html

https://families.naeyc.org/learning-and-development/child-development/help-your-child-build-fine-motor-skills