The above article talks about “Studio Work”, which would enable students to use what information was gained.  This would involve students spending a lengthy amount of time focused on one topic.  Various skills would be brought in to the one area of focus/project.  In a first grade classroom, this idea of studio work probably isn’t feasible to its full degree.  However, the general idea is hopefully used to a smaller degree.  For example, when learning place value and re-grouping, students should be allowed to use math manipulatives to solve problems.  This will act as a form of assessment, but will also be a reinforcement to the students.  This activity will also cater to a different type of learning style.  The idea of Studio work is something that I would like to incorporate (to a lesser degree) into my classroom.  I want to allow my students time to be engaged in activities that will promote higher level thinking.  While I do believe I provide such activities, I feel that this is an area in which I can continue to grow and work with.

I read the article linked about that was about Passion Based Learning.  Students are much more motivated to learn about something they are interested in and it is the teacher’s job to get them interested.  Passion is contagious and teachers need to start it so it can spread.  Also, students could be allowed to research something of their choice, which will allow them to learn more about something they are really, truly interested in.  Especially because not all students will be interested in the same things, allowing choices would be a positive.  Something I want to do next year with spelling is to allow students to pick a challenge word each week that they want to learn how to spell.  It will be their choice, so hopefully this will make them more motivated to not only study that word, but all the spelling words.  Although that example is small, it a starting point for me to continue that idea with my other subject areas.  With guided reading, I need to group students according to interest and not always academic reading level.  Basically, students need to be allowed to make choices. 

After reading this I thought back to my high school days and my high school English teacher.  We were required to be a member of blackboard and complete several activities online, on top of what we did during our regular class time.  Needless to say, it was a demanding and very time consuming class that I hated, as any high school student probably would.  While I hated it then, I now know that it is that class that gave me a foundation for online classes.  I was one of the few who knew what to do in college when I took my first official online class.  So, all of this has got me thinking what I can do as a teacher to give my students a foundation because online learning is only going to continue to grow and become more and more popular.  I struggle with ideas for my class because I am a first grade teacher and I feel that the age of my students puts some limitations on what I can do.  Having students post comments in a blog, or participate in a class online system aren’t really feasible.  I’m trying to think of ways to expand things that I am already doing.  For example, I show my students (with the help of a projection screen)  how to use a search engine and have explained to them its purpose.  They have computer class once a week where they are learning and practicing to type.  Those are just a couple examples that I am hoping to build one.  Anyway, great article by Shula.  It really got me thinking.