Unsung Heroes
Lisa Chatman, MPS, Lynn Ochs, netTrekker
By Lynn Ochs, netTrekker Professional Learning Director
One week in early October it was my honor to be in the presence of an amazing group of dedicated library media specialists in Milwaukee Public Schools. Despite severe budget cuts and increased responsibilities, with some managing up to 4 and 5 school library programs at a time, they maintain a laser focus on providing high quality digital and print resources to their fellow educators and students. Daily, they model what it means to be a 21st Century learner – creating, communicating, collaborating and thinking critically about how to manage their time so as to lead and support their many patrons. At the helm is Lisa Chatman, District Library Media Specialist. Vivacious and passionate about the role of library media specialists in schools, Lisa works diligently to support and provide new learning opportunities to her dedicated staff.
I found my unsung heroes that beautiful, sunshine-filled day in Milwaukee, in an unexpected place.
Who are your unsung heroes? Have you thanked them lately for their dedication to providing a high quality education to our next generation leaders? Let’s do it today!
Kevin Clancy, Defined Learning and Lisa Chatman, MPS
Fairy Tales and the English Learners Channel
Image provided by http://www.mouseplanet.com/fairytales/red2.jpg
The following article was written by Kylene Lichucki, Instructional Technology Facilitator from Jonesboro Public School District, AR. Read about how Kylene uses Fairy Tales, Interactive Media and more to explore cultures, teach standards, and meet the needs of diverse learners.
Want a creative way to teach your students about other cultures? Oh, and still get in your grade level standards? Check out the English Learners Channel on netTrekker (I was under the elementary tab). Many of the activities used in the below lesson came from the Multicultural Pavilion, Valuing Diversity. This lesson focuses on Mexico and Latin America, but it can be adapted for any culture or region.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Grades: 3-4 (may be suitable for higher grade levels)
Lesson Objective:
Students will create a Glog or a Museum Box showcasing how Goldilocks and the Three Bears would differ had the setting been in another area of the world. A classroom book or individual student books may be published at the end of the activity showcasing the “New” Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Resources:
*Computer with internet access, netTrekker subscription, Discovery Education, and eduGlogster or Museum Box.
*Video: Perform a keyword search “goldilocks” in Discovery Education and class may choose between two videos.
Student Learning Activities
Launch:
Discovery Education Videos:
Fairy Tale Classics: Goldilocks
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Ask students if they ever read the book, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Read the book to them and play the video. As you read, and as students watch the video, instruct them to pay close attention to character’s way of life, clothing, and food. Have them write or draw what they see or envision in their minds.
Explore:
Latino Cultures & History – click on “recipes” for ideas to take the place of porridge, for example.
Mountain Voices Mexico: The Sierra Norte – Information on Mexico and the Sierra Norte. Learn about Mexico’s economy, political system and resources. Hear from the local people about their life.
National Geographic Kids: Find People and Places – Mexico - This site offers an interactive overview of the country & history, geography, people, nature, as well as a map and video.
Promethean: Destination: Mexico! – Students will travel on a mock flight to Mexico to learn more about the Mexican way of life.
Weekly Reader: Hooray! - Celebrate Hispanic heritage after learning some of these facts.
Jump At the Sun Books: Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Fairy tale to inspire children of color.
Explore the above research links with your students. Have students imagine how the story would be different if it took place in Mexico. They need to research food, clothing, and way of life. Have them think about how these drawings/notes will differ from their earlier drawing/notes. Show students how to use the dictionary hot key and the read aloud key…especially for independent or small group explorations.
Summary/Assessment:
Web 2.0 tools:
Glogster EDU – interactive, online poster creation.
Museum Box – This site provides the tools for you to build up an argument or description of an event, person or historical period by placing items in a virtual box.
Students will create a Glog or Museum Box including images, text, and/or schooltube (or other) videos of how the story would be different had it taken place in Mexico. Instead of porridge, what would be in the bears’ bowls? What type of vegetation will Goldilocks see on her journey? How will Goldilocks be dressed? What will your Goldilocks look like? These are just a handful of questions to get your students thinking.
Extension activities:
ReadWriteThink: Fairy Tales from Life-They can use the Story Map and Plot Diagram to guide them in the creation of their own fairy tale on their chosen culture.
Students may publish their own fairy tale book. An example of a student publishing company is Student Treasures.