This is a quote that is reflected in my classroom . Students have many different learning styles and I must embrace all these styles to be the most effective teacher I can be . By utilizing technology in a meaningful and appropriate way in the classroom , I can employ many resources and methods within a lesson , rather than teaching the information in one manner to all students .
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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Sewickley Academy is Using Technology to Teach Math in Elementary Classrooms
By Grade 1 Teacher and Team Leader Kelly Gary
“ If a child can ’ t learn the way we teach , maybe we should teach the way they learn .”
— Ignacio Estrada
In my classroom , the children arrive and complete a math activity first thing in the morning . Using the interactive 100 chart , the SMART Board , and / or the Number SPLAT computer game , the children can solve a number pattern activity , complete greater than and less than problems , and complete addition / subtraction facts using these hands-on , attention-grabbing tools . My students can ’ t wait to solve the morning math activity of the day !
These interactive charts make learning these concepts more enjoyable for my students and has inspired their learning . They are better able to grasp how the numbers increase and decrease ( I use different colors for counts of 2s , 5s , and 10s ), and they are able to interact with the patterns of numbers on the white board . If a child needs more review , I utilize the two computers in my classroom as a math center and have the children work on the concepts a bit more . I also use the classroom computers for students who are ready for the next challenge , while I review a lesson with the rest of the class .
I have created personalized addition and subtraction story problems for each day of the school year for students . They work in pairs to solve the problems on the SMART notebook or using apps on iPads . The children “ see ” the math problem come to life as we manipulate the pictures on the SMART Board together . They assess and analyze information , not merely memorize facts . I also ask them to “ tell ” a number story using addition and subtraction . I can insert a picture using the notebook gallery and we focus on techniques of problem solving . By saving their math stories on the computer , I have them solve each other ’ s math problems on a later day for review .
Technology allows teachers to expand the four walls of the traditional classroom and explore the world in which we live . For instance , recognizing and counting money is an important skill that our students learn in Grade 1 . To bring this concept to life for students , I have created a story , “ Once Upon a Time in the Life of the Coin Presidents .” I project the coins on the white board , and each coin is linked to a website that highlights that specific president . Through the integration of technology , children are learning American history by traveling through cyberspace . My students make connections with the presidents and are better able to distinguish among the coins .
I also have an Elmo , a visual presenter , in my room . This amazing tool has given me the capability of having the students explain their lessons and how they obtained an answer by projecting their math lessons on the board . The students love being the “ teacher ” while using the ShowMe app . This app allows them to solve math problems by tracking their written and verbal thought processes . This activity has enhanced students ’ understanding of many math concepts by learning from their peers .
Incorporating technology in all aspects of curriculum has allowed me to meet the different learning styles of my students . I know it ’ s working as I watch my students continue to develop higher level thinking skills each day in my classroom .
SA RANKED 12 TH BEST PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE U . S .
TheBestSchools . org named the 50 Best Private Elementary Schools in the U . S ., and Sewickley Academy ranked 12 th .
The site commends the Lower School ’ s language arts , social studies , and math programs as well as engineering and robotics classes .
View the Rankings : http :// www . thebestschools . org / rankings / best-american-private-elementary-schools /
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