https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg Made with magic en-us 2017-02-19 19:24:59 UTC 2026-02-09 23:51:15 UTC hello@padlet.com brownd15 https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154817391 Understanding Students' Interests and Backgrounds

• Student Background Surveys
• Individual student learning Goals
• Commenting on student achievement or areas of importance 

]]> 2017-02-19 19:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154817391 brownd15 https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154817581 What are they?
A simple survey distributed at the beginning of the year, term, or unit. The purpose of these surveys is for the teacher to learn about a child's interests (school subjects, hobbies, favorite sports teams, movies, music, games, their families, etc ...). Teachers should also fill out and share an interest survey with students.
How can I use this in my classroom?
As I have stated before, very few Kindergartners come into school knowing how to read or write. Therefore, the use of a digital recording device is important. I could have a set list of questions for the children to answer while I am filming them on my ipad. Not only are surveys important for teachers to learn about students, this is also an important tool for students to learn/share about themselves. It also encourages the development of oral language fluency in young children. The responses could be saved and shared with families at a later date. ]]> 2017-02-19 19:29:53 UTC https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154817581 brownd15 https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154818568 What are they?
Based upon the results of the background survey, the teacher has a better idea of a student's strengths. Student learning goals are based upon a child's own experience relating it to a particular unit or lesson. A key question for students to answer when creating learning goals should be: "When this unit is completed, I will be able to ________________".
How can I use this in my classroom?
Again, a major goal or Kindergarten is Oral Language Fluency. Children should be encouraged to express themselves orally to state what they want to learn from a particular lesson. The responses could be recorded using an audio/video recording device such as a smart phone, or a microphone connected to a computer in the classroom. ]]> 2017-02-19 19:44:27 UTC https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154818568 brownd15 https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154818618 What does this mean?
This is my favorite aspect of Element #36. After administering the Background Surveys and helping the students to create learning goals, the teacher often has a strong grasp about who the student is as a person. A student/teacher bond is so important to maintain a successful year. This portion of the element, simply stated, is bonding with the students and making them understand how loved and valued they are.
How can I use this in my classroom?
Every morning before the morning announcements, I set aside 10 - 15 minutes for what I like to call "News to Share". Kindergartners always have wonderful stories to share, and this gives them an appropriate outlet to do so. It also allows for me to get to know the children on a personal basis. The children often share stories about things they did with his or her families, vacations, going out to dinner, etc ... During this time, I am always asking questions in order to help me know the student better. One way in which technology could be integrated into these discussion is through the use of audio/video recording devices. Recently, a non-verbal student with special needs was in my classroom. In an effort to bring him into the sharing of news, the child would bring in pictures/audio/video of exciting things he was doing at home or at school. This helped the children to bring him into our classroom family.]]> 2017-02-19 19:45:03 UTC https://padlet.com/brownd15/20vm4vfb09pg/wish/154818618