As an educator, I was thrilled to find an organization that focuses on infusing 21st century skills into education. Partnership for 21st Century Skills supports teachers so we can implement new technology practices that engage more students in learning. If we expect children to succeed in life and have bright futures, we must create problem solvers, critical thinkers, creative individuals… who can enter the workforce and be leaders in society.
The website of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills at http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is a useful site for familiarizing yourself with the basics of 21st Century Skills. I was extremely impressed with “Route 21”: an online interactive tool that demonstrates how 21st century skills can be supported through standards, professional development, assessments and curriculum and instruction. The “snapshot” portion provides resources and shows how the various 21 century skills can be used to support an area of study within the curriculum.
My future goal will be to use this organization, along with other resources, to instill 21st century skills within my students. As I gradually work towards fulfilling this goal, how do I assess my 5th grade students for understanding? Will I create a rubric for subject areas and include various 21st century skills?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Technology within my Classroom
Technology continues to become a larger and more important part of my classroom and teaching style every day. Currently I have a classroom website that includes a blog. I use this blog for students to respond to various topics that relate to the novel we are reading or a specific Science topic we are studying. Writing seems to be a weakness for many of my 5th grade students, so this provides them with an opportunity to communicate, while working on their writing skills. Many of my students enjoy using technology to write and look forward to having time to blog within the classroom.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Movement within the Curriculum
I am currently a fifth grade teacher with an extensive background in dance. Growing up, I had many years of dance training and continued dancing by attending a performing arts college and working as a ballet, tap and jazz instructor at local dance studios. As my own children required more demands from "mom" I was unable to continue with my night schedule of teaching dance to children of all ages. I decided to change my career path and become an elementary teacher. I greatly enjoy teaching in the classroom, but feel that so many students could benefit from a more active and movement oriented curriculum. I tend to incorporate large amounts of movement within my lessons, because of my background. How do I convince my colleagues that this teaching strategy is beneficial, in order to reach students with various learning styles?
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