Integrated Unit

Partner Collaboration
EDU 584

I was able to teach a unit with my class this fall despite several challenges. It was not the exact unit that my partner and I had planned, but it worked and met the goals we had established.

My original intent was to teach a pizza unit, make a pizza movie and book, and work with second grade buddies to learn more about nonfiction texts and features. The timing was off and the unit was due before I could get to the pizza unit.

My partner and I discussed doing the same activities, but with fall themes instead. My kindergartners focused on Apples. We read nonfiction texts, labeled parts of an apple, went apple picking, made apple cider, and applesauce. The children compared fiction and nonfiction books, made a class book, created a how to make applesauce book, and completed an Imovie using digital pictures, Iphoto, and garage band.

The second graders did some of the same activities, but geared more toward their level. They went more in depth on the conventions of nonfiction texts, where as my class was lucky to understand the words fiction and nonfiction, photographs, and labels.

As a team, we discussed many issues that arose during the teaching of our unit. We discussed computer time and the availability of the computer cart. We also were slow to get into our accounts. Logging in is such a challenge and my kindergartners are not in the system until they are placed there. It varies depending on the computer technicians and when they are able to get to it.

Kindergartners in the Fall need lots of instruction and guidance. They also need a set routine. It takes the entire month of September to establish a routine. It was a challenge to plan times that worked for both of our classes. I also had a class with some pretty severe behavior issues that we had to take into account.

The perception survey was a new feature that I hadn’t done with my class on a particular unit before. The survey went well. Sometimes I wonder how accurate surveys like this are for young children. I found that my class liked the apple unit. Making the applesauce was their favorite activity. I learned that my more outgoing children liked talking on garageband and enjoyed it. My more quiet and shy children struggled with this and got very nervous. My girls tended to like everything a little bit more than my boys.

I was pleased that we were able to complete the unit using a fall theme instead. We pretty much stuck to the integrated unit outline. We completed lots of activities and the children learned a lot. It was nice to collaborate and work together. It was fun to bounce ideas back and forth, share what was a successful, and discuss areas that we needed to work on.
In the future, it would be much easier to create and complete the unit with the same class. Not plan it with one, and do it with another. We also discussed the ability of children in the fall versus the spring. There is a huge amount of growth that happens, especially with Kindergartners.

Overall, I would say that the unit was a success. I enjoyed working with my colleague and her second graders. I would attempt to do the team collaboration teaching again. I would be more apt to do it later in the school year though. This was a good learning experience for all those involved.

Technology Update

EDU 580 Module IV

I have used lots of different forms of technology this semester. I am very pleased with myself that I didn’t get stressed or overwhelmed while doing so!

We had plenty of experience working with Excel and Word programs. We used these to create documents and collect data to form graphs and spreadsheets.

When teaching my integrated unit with my class of Kindergartners, we were able to use some technology as well. We worked with garage band, Imovie, digital cameras, Iphoto, and just practiced logging into our computers. What a challenge for my little darlings :) The children especially liked using the ball microphone when talking into garage band.

I was able to create a Skype account and use that a couple of times to practice during class. I didn’t have to miss any class sessions, so wasn’t able to try it out from afar.

As part of a class assignment, we were required to create a resource wikispace. I can honestly say that I was able to do this and add graphics and links. I was able to download files and pictures to put on my wikispace as well as the class wiki.

I have become very proficient in surfing the web for sites and resources in many areas, both for academic and personal purposes.

Our group created a keynote slideshow presentation on Professional Learning Communities. We added pictures, text, colors, and templates.

It has been a good semester. I have learned, experienced, and practiced a variety of technologies. With each technology module, I become a little more aware and confident in my computer skills!