OSMO
Social Stories
What are social stories? Stories that describe a situation, skill, or concept in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses in a specifically defined style and format.
Goal? Share accurate information in a way that is easy to understand by the audience.
These stories are great for children that need to learn how to raise their hand, use their inside voice, their bathroom routine, how to share, etc.
Why use social stories? Social stories can provide many benefits. they are great for correcting behavioral problems. A story format that includes pictures or videos grabs kids' attention. These stories are great for children with autism and ADD/ADHD! They learn what's expected of them in a patient, reassuring manner.
Apps for Social stories? Little Bird Tales, Kid in Story, and My Story.
How does it work?
- Pick a behavior you want them to develop or change
- write the story in first person
- Include photos or videos****
- involve the person you want to teach
- explain why the behavior is unacceptable
- describe acceptable behavior
STEM Activities!
STEM= Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Today we did STEM activities in class. We learned about different ways to incorporate it in our classroom! We had so much fun problem solving, creating, and building. We thought it would be a breeze for us college students doing kid's work but we were surprised. Our first task was to figure out a way to hold up a 1lb book (I'm estimating) only using six pieces of paper AND it had to be 6 inches off the ground. Our second task was to figure out a way to get a life savers gummy around a gummy worm. Sounds easy right? Wrong. The life saver was trapped under a cup and the gummy worm was on top. We couldn't use out hands and we had four paper clips to work with. It was quite the challenge but we succeeded! The last activity I got to do involved using 50 bendy straws to hold up a large bouncy ball. Look below to see how we did it!The Use and Abuse of Technology
Check out this article about technology in the classroom: http://kathycassidy.com/2013/01/05/the-use-and-abuse-of-technology-in-the-classroom/
Technology in the classroom is growing and growing every year. The article states, "Technology should not just allow us to do things in a more engaging way; it should allow us to do new things that we thought were not possible. It is those new things that are the real value technology provides. It is not enough to USE technology. You must use it well." As teachers, we can not just hand students technology and expect them to use it for educational purposes. We must guide and teach them. Some teacher abuse the use of technology. Technology should not be used as just a digital version of a paper item (such as a worksheet or eBook). Don't use technology just to keep kids occupied. They need to be learning and engaging themselves. Don't just use technology for things that can be done without it. Use it for things that are not accessible to your classroom. The article gives the example of drawing a picture; you get the same outcome on paper or IPad. Use technology to IMPROVE the way you present a lesson. Search for different apps that can help your lesson. There are so many out there the possibilities are endless! Technology can also be used for connecting with other classmates and teachers and sharing work. Last but not least, technology should be used to give you choices. Everybody has different learning styles. Some people prefer digital learning some prefer having a text book.
STEM: It's Elementary
Check out this article about STEM! http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/04/03/stem-it%27s-elementary
STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math all rolled up in one lesson. Starting kids in STEM in the early stages of their life is important for their future. If they are exposed to STEM while they are young then they will develop a stronger understanding of it when they get older. The United States need a better understanding of it because we have low rankings compared to other countries. We are ranked 28th in math literacy and 26th in science literacy. Having skill in STEM is an advantage in the work force. Dr.Shelly Green said in order to effectively incorporate STEM in the early childhood classroom, teachers must; change the way we view teaching practices, get other teachers on board, integrate STEM across the curriculum, and give kids more than just access to technology.
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