After posting my very first blog nearly a month ago, I had no clue when my next inspiration to write would come. I couldn't wait to start a blog a year ago, something I had wanted to do since being part of the amazing Apple Foundations Training last fall.
The week following my first blog in October, I decided I needed to be thinking about my next piece of writing. I put so much thought into what I thought my readers would want to read, (that's what I teach 4th graders about writing) I got writers' block. I began to reflect on my past week in the classroom and my blog topic fell in my lap.
We have been studying "The Southern Region of the United States" in social studies. Our current social studies curriculum and textbook have been with us for many years and are currently in the "cycle". The book contains a lot of good information, key word being A LOT. I decided with being so fortunate to be a 1:1 iPad classroom, I would divide up the curriculum and collaboratively have my students research and create a presentation using the app Keynote. I observed them for a few days working together creating their masterpieces. When it was time to present their Keynotes, I could not believe my eyes as I watched them present (teach) the material to each other. I sat back and watched my students being the teachers.
Friday afternoon was the big day. It was time for my students to take the summative essential objective over the southern region. This was a true test to me to see if they had learned the essentials of this unit. Many appeared confident as they prepared to take their test. They were all done with their tests relatively quickly as well. The day was soon over, and I packed up the finished tests to take home to grade over the weekend.
I am pleased to say that 21 of my 21 students achieved an advanced score on their social studies essential objective. First time ever! I truly believe that my students really learned the content by being given the time and tools to collaborate and create.
Students are the BEST teachers!
