Past projects 2
Music, Movement and Reading Fluency
Funded Oct 16, 2011Thank you so much for providing my class with our Ipod Touch! It has had a great impact on my students, and it has enabled me to incorporate music into all aspects of my curriculum. My students have enjoyed the benefits of more energizing brain brakes (we call them "dance breaks"), and they love their Music for the Brain background music (referred to as "brain music"). I have appreciated the music management of customized playlists on the device.
I have created playlists based on the purpose of each Music for the Brain C.D. For example, I have playlists for "Focus", "Test Taking", "Creativity", and "Relaxation". My dance tunes are on an "Energizers" playlist. I will continue to add to these playlists and add new ones, based on subject matter, as I acquire more music material. I have noticed my students become quiet and work diligently when I play the "Focus" and "Test Taking" playlists. The students notice a difference as well, and will remind me to turn on their "brain music". Often, before I am able to shift my attention from giving directions to starting the playlist, some will ask, "What about our brain music?"
Students have also noticed an increased frequency of dance breaks. It is easier for me to incorporate these brain breaks as needed, instead of having to plan in advance to have the c.d. ready to go as I did before. Now, when I catch a glance of a lethargic or distracted student, I immediately start a dance break. Everyone gets out of their chair, increasing oxygen flow to the brain, and get energized. It is also a great way to release their energy and be less fidgety during lessons. When I hear chairs rocking or bouncing, I just select "Energizer" and push play!
I am so thankful for the generosity of all of you. You have made it possible for me to implement brain-based learning methods and create an environment that promotes learning and emotional connections. My students benefit from your kindness daily, and they feel your love. Music heals souls, and nourishes the brain. I have witnessed this theory in action! My students are more engaged and focused on the content of my lessons. I have noticed the biggest impact on my students who have been diagnosed with Attention Defecit Disorder and my Emotionally Disturbed students. My students have also benefited emotionally from the knowledge that strangers came together to give our class this gift. Thank you for helping me to do what's best for my kids, and allowing them to experience the kindness of others! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Blair
Castles, Characters and Creativity...Oh My!
Funded Apr 19, 2011Thank you so much for donating to my project! I used the netbook on my fellowship journey through Germany and France last summer. Along the way, I uploaded photos and video clips of local experts, historical characters, and landmarks. I also used the netbook to update my blog where I reflected on my experience.
In my classroom, we used the photos to review the story elements of characters and settings. I connected it to my interactive whiteboard, and had students sort my photos into a folder titled "characters", and a folder titled "settings". After sorting my digital media, students used printed photos to sort into categories representing the different literary elements.
My students get excited and inspired when they view my photos and videos. They have been eager to learn more about fairytales, castles, and other countries. Their interest inspired me to learn more about Skype to keep in touch with my new international friends and experts. We now Skype with my tour guide from Germany each month. We used information we learned from her to compare and contrast German and American schools. We have also done nonfiction writing lessons as we created questions to ask her, reflected on our learning, and written letters to her.
Thank you for helping to motivate, educate, and inspire my students! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Blair