This week we were asked to create a digital storytelling projects for our students. When I began thinking about what I wanted to do, I mentioned in my Activity Reflection that I would like to use digital storytelling to create a project based on animal homes. With that in mind I wanted my students to be able to create a presentation that would allow for them to show what they learned about different animal homes. As I continued thinking about what I expected and what they were really going to be able to create, I began to think of ways to cater to ALL my students. My class is a first grade regular education classroom with students at varying levels. I continuously differentiate my classroom instruction due to their various needs. I thought I would need to consider this when it came to what was expected. So my plan is to pair up my students in groups of two (high/low). This would allow for a much smoother completion of the project and I feel my lower students would not feel intimidated by this.
Taking into consideration all my students abilities and needs I am now able to describe the project. In the first grade curriculum there is a time in the year we talk about animal habitats. I will begin with the book, The Log Hotel written by Ann Schreiber. In summary, this book is about an old log that begins to decompose and talks about all the many animals that use it for a home. After reading the story and discussing the various animals that the students saw we will create a graphic organizer using, Kidspiration, and list the animals from the log hotel. The following day the students will go on a field trip to the Environmental Center and use digital cameras to find various animals and their homes. We will look at birds, lizards, bugs, and other critters. The students’ jobs will be to take as many pictures as they can, with the help from parent chaperones, of all the different animals they see.
The following day we will begin by discussing and de-briefing on our prior day events. I will begin pulling pairs to the back table to give them their pictures and talk about the next step. While I’m with groups the other students will begin exploring and using yahooligans and askkids science link. Students will begin to explore further into animal habitats using the pictures they took. It will be their job to create four sentences per picture to describe their animals’ homes. While at the back table with my groups I will use my classroom laptop to introduce Prezi to the students. I will walk through a quick tutorial with them and then let them start creating. Ideally, I would have a parent volunteer in the classroom helping with this program as well. Students will now download the pictures from the environmental center and from The Log Hotel book to include in their digital story.
This seems like it will be a daunting task to have first graders create these digital stories, but I think with parent help and small group instruction many of these presentations will turn out great. My hope is to be a facilitator in this process, which seems impossible to me right now because it’s not actually happening. I’m excited to do this with my students and I will be sure to post a few when completed.
I am excited to hear that you are integrating this type of digital media with such young students. I think it is also wonderful that you are getting the parents involved in the process. I would suggest having a few resources for the students and parents so that they know what you are expecting of them. Especially with such young students, I have found that if I model what I want them to do they seem to catch on. I would also recommend having a finished product example for them to see. This will also give them an idea of your expectations. Lastly, do you really want to limit your students to Prezi? What if you have a few students that would like to try creating their project using digital video editing software? Overall I am very excited that these young minds are being exposed to this technology so that when they are in middle school and high school they will be experts!
ReplyDeleteAs a middle school teacher, and parent of a second grader, it was interesting to read about your idea for a digital storytelling project for such young students. I think you have a very realistic idea and goal laid out for your students with this project ("As I continued thinking about what I expected and what they were really going to be able to create.").
ReplyDeleteStudents at this age usually seem to be limited to basic interactive learning programs on the computer, so I applaud you for letting them go the extra mile. Even if it does not go as planned (as teachers we know this sometimes happens!) they will have gained valuable exposure to skills they will need to have at some point in their academic life. I know as a parent, once my son gets stared with something on the computer (games, a puzzle, making signs), he just needs a little guidance and direction to finish simply because of the overwhelming amount of choices present on a computer screen at one time. I think this would be an excellent project for your young students and I hope you are able give it a try.
Hi Kari,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I would like to ask if I can be in your class because I still haven’t been able to learn how to use Prezi. The topic of your project is a great and beginning by reading The Log Hotel will be a wonderful “hook.” It was nice to read how you “continuously differentiate” your classroom instruction to try and meet the diverse needs of all of your students.
Are you able to use Kidspiration often with your students? Kidspiration and Inspiration are great graphic organizers. You mentioned using digital cameras with your students when you take your field trip to the Environmental Center. That should be a lot of fun. Do you have digital video cameras as well as digital still cameras? The Flip cameras have been successfully used by teachers ranging from K to high school. Utilizing your parent chaperones on the field trip to help the students take pictures is a great idea.
Your students will not forget this particular project for a long time and I think it will help them better retain all that they learn. It may seem that your goals are ambitious, but I think you have a great plan in place and believe you will be successful.
Thanks for sharing the digital story project you will be using with your first graders.
:-) Ruth
Well let me say I find your blog quite interesting. I get so excited when I see and hear that a fellow teacher is trying something new especially when it comes to technology. Yes I do agree with you that this digital story can be a daunting task, but let me say this your students will love it and appreciate the fact that you showed them how to use this new program. I believed that the sooner they start using technology; it would make their journey throughout their education a lot easier. As a second grade teacher, I myself have embarked my students in creating digital story. It may seem hard at first, but in the end they end up loving it. I can’t wait to read your post once you have completed this assignment with your students. Thanks for sharing and good luck!!
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