https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm Using Google to energize the verbal environment en-us 2021-05-24 15:07:44 UTC 2026-02-24 13:11:41 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4dc.png jesspeth https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554138389 Vocabulary instruction has notoriously been very boring for students in the past. Even in my own lifetime the script has been to copy the words, write down the definitions for homework, study them over the course of the week, and have a quiz every Friday. Sometimes these words would appear in the text being read in class, but it was never very interesting to learn them. Beck et. al. suggest using robust and mature language (translation: interesting) when teaching vocabulary so as to model what it should look and sound like. To encourage comprehension and understanding teachers should use a variety of formats and resources to ensure that students are understanding; dictionaries and thesauri, but also with pictures and multiple formats, and even poetry and graphic novels will get students to be more engaged when learning vocabulary.]]> 2021-05-24 15:32:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554138389 jesspeth https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554161243 When teaching new vocabulary it's important to address where and when students might encounter the word(s) to further emphasize the meaning and student comprehension. Where else might students encounter the word? Could it show up in other classes or texts they've read? Does the word apply to situations within the classroom (i.e. 'tranquil' - having the goal of a tranquil classroom)? Speaking to students at their level to make sure they understand a lesson or assignment is key, but also bolstering these situations with new vocabulary in key instances could be of immense help for students who might remember what the definition is, but still don't understand what the word means. ]]> 2021-05-24 15:37:24 UTC https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554161243 jesspeth https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554185089 Allowing students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways is key to them understanding a topic, concept, or word. Student choice makes for a more lively classroom, but also makes student learning more authentic because they can demonstrate their learning in the way that they're most comfortable with. Visual storytelling allows students to use a combination of words, images, and sounds to show their understanding. These can be in the form of movie trailers, book reviews, how-to videos, interviews, and even virtual field trips (among tons of other options). One important result of this visual storytelling strategy (much like we engage in each week with our reading responses) are what Clark describes as the 4 C's; critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity - all positive aspects of teaching and learning, as well as skills we hope all students attain after leaving our classrooms. ]]> 2021-05-24 15:42:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554185089 jesspeth https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554202063 A recurring thought I've had throughout remote learning has been how to determine when we're overwhelming students with too many options. At what point is enough, enough? There are so many options on the internet for teachers to use so students can engage and demonstrate their learning in their own ways, but sometimes this is overwhelming for students who may need a more focused approach - I'm thinking especially about DL students learning from home who need executive functioning support. For example, while a FlipGrid video may be fun and beneficial for most students, students who are anxious or don't feel comfortable are going to be resistant to that. Sometimes the response here is "OK, how would you like to do your assignment?" which sometimes can be too much for them to work through. Seeing these instances beforehand and having back-up (sometimes simpler) options will be key in these situations - something I found especially when teaching 11th graders earlier this year, sometimes the simplest way is the best way, even though technology can be fun, cool, and useful in itself. ]]> 2021-05-24 15:46:38 UTC https://padlet.com/jesspeth/18sksfafzns0itjm/wish/1554202063