The distinction between accommodating a student and creating inclusive conditions reflects a fundamental difference in philosophy and approach…
Trauma Does Not Discriminate: Interventions for Grieving Elementary Students
To effectively address the emotional and academic challenges faced by grieving elementary students, findings revealed a variety of materials, tools, resources, and strategies that are necessary for the successful execution of trauma-informed practices within educational settings…
Mindful Assistive Low Tech Device
The Sensory Water Bottle is an effective low-tech device that can significantly enhance emotional regulation in the classroom…
Article Review on Smart Glasses for the Visually Impaired
I selected this article because it resonates with my previous case study about a student named Julia, who has a degenerative visual impairment. My interest in this technology stems from its potential to enhance Julia’s independence and quality of life. The advancements in AI, particularly the functionalities offered by Ask Envision, could significantly improve her ability to access information and complete daily tasks without needing assistance…
Case Study Reflection: Julie
As part of this Case Study an assistive technology plan was created for Julie using the SETT Framework (Student, Environment, Tasks, & Tools) to ensure her unique educational needs were met. The focus was to address the crucial accommodations outlined in her IEP, while ensuring that her educational experience is both effective and enjoyable…
Student Approved Lesson Plans
From dynamic book club discussions and apparent star brightness, to fraction sense and designing their own bedrooms, these lessons showcase a diverse range of skills that fostered a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. My student’s enthusiasm not only enriched the classroom experience, but also sparked their capacity for critical thinking, creativity, and a genuine passion for learning…
Reflecting on "Unforgotten: 25 Years After Willowbrook"
“Unforgotten: 25 Years After Willowbrook” is a poignant documentary that revisits the tragic history of Willowbrook State School, an institution notorious for its mistreatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Released a quarter-century after its closure, this film not only exposes the horrors of the past but also underscores the transformative changes in education and care for those with diverse needs…
Children's Literature Supports Math Learning Objectives
Integrating children's literature into math instruction offers a myriad of benefits for supporting learning objectives. Well-crafted stories provides relatable contexts that make abstract mathematical concepts more accessible, aiding comprehension and retention. By incorporating characters and scenarios from children's literature, educators can create real-world connections that enhance understanding of mathematical principles…
Portrayal of Characters with Disabilities in "Wonder" and the Media's Representation of Exceptionalities
Media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, often influencing public opinion and fostering either understanding or perpetuating stereotypes. “Wonder” confronts these notions head-on by showcasing Auggie, a young boy with facial abnormalities, as a complex character beyond the superficial aspects of his appearance…
Using a HyperDoc to Promote Discussion and Collaboration
A hyperdoc is a valuable tool for elementary educators as it integrates various multimedia elements, interactive links, and engaging activities to organize and present information in a user-friendly way. This structured format allows teachers to guide students through a single document for students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate their learning — with a bit of Extra Fun built in at the conclusion of the lesson, too. Another benefit is that the self-guided format promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, while fostering flexibility for students to move at their own pace…
3 Virtual Field Trips Worth Visiting
Virtual field trips offer students meaningful learning experiences by breaking through traditional educational confines and providing immersive journeys into diverse subjects. These three virtual field trips are a wonderful complement to New Jersey fifth grade learning standards…
One Quick Digital Citizenship Activity
Teaching young learners about online etiquette, privacy, and the importance of respectful and safe behavior online lays the foundation for a positive and secure digital presence. By fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness early on, elementary students can develop the necessary skills to engage in the digital world critically and ethically…
5 Emergent Technology Uses to Engage Learners
With virtual and augmented reality becoming more accessible than ever before, the traditional classroom experience can be transformed to enhance engagement, interactivity, and access to educational resources. Can you imagine providing your students with these experiences…
3 Reasons Why Esports In Schools Should Be Challenged
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has gained significant popularity in recent years, becoming a billion-dollar industry with a massive following. While many argue for integrating esports into schools as a means of engaging students and promoting teamwork, not all technology-driven trends need to be part of our educational system…
A Vision for Reimagined Assessment
If you haven’t yet experimented with ChatGPT, I can’t tell you how mind-blowing a chatbot which uses natural language processing and deep learning algorithms to generate conversational text is to this genX’er. With easier access to artificial intelligence educators need to be asking themselves, “How should we also evolve the ways in which we check for understanding and reimagine student assessment in our schools?”…
2 Tangible Digital Citizenship Activities
When I talk with the young people in my life about being a responsible citizen, we ultimately acknowledge that our words, actions, and contributions all play an important factor in demonstrating positive citizenship – not only within our immediate network of friends and family, but within our communities, too. I even go so far as to suggest that behavior within our community is more important than our close relationships. Why? Well, when we really mess up, who’s more likely to forgive? Who’s more likely to catch us when we fall?
Top 3 Reasons Why Students Should Bring Their School-Issued Device Home
“Mrs. Thompson, I forgot to charge my Chromebook.” We’re met with a variation of this small dilemma every morning, guaranteed. Does it help to have a well-intentioned sign reminding kids to charge at home posted somewhere of prominence in the classroom? Would I be a negative-nelly if I said, “Nope, not in the slightest?” A minor setback, at my elementary school, we’re fortunate that students can swap their device for one of my spares or use a charger in the meantime. Other than this small annoyance, I can’t think of another reason why students shouldn’t be able to bring their device home because:
Teaching Philosophy
It was only natural for me to begin exploring education. Initially my motivation was to support my daughter’s teachers and help out her school as an active volunteer. But, with each volunteer responsibility my desire to be part of a school community in a more meaningful way grew stronger. I found it thrilling that, through my influence, I was empowering learners to foster their curiosity and critical thinking. Daily smiles and fist pumps from students was all the encouragement I needed to be a part of cultivating their strengths and passions. I wanted to become a teacher…