Week 5 Reflection: Edutopia by the George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia, created by the George Lucas Educational foundation, is on a mission to create a new world of learning based on the compelling truth that improving education is the key to the survival of the human race. This site incredibly houses many different teaching strategies that can vary from any subject area. There are numerous tools that enhance education and this is not just for teachers! Edutopia is a site that can be used by parents too, as they can learn useful ways to enhance their child's learning. The range of topics to study is vast and can range from Parent Partnership to Teacher Leadership with many more to look at and choose through. This site offers many modes of learning as well, as you may sort through videos, articles, blog posts, and even a community page that contains outside links and resources that Edutopia may not provide. Access to this website is free to the public and can be a great tool to have in your teaching arsenal. This website is perfect for outside of the box thinking and may even provide you with entertainment as it is a nice change of pace compared to many educational websites that get hung up on technicalities. This is a website that I could find myself becoming truly addicted to. There is just so much new information that is posted on a daily basis that is available to look at, the potential for growth as an educator is endless. One article that struck me particularly was an article about Classroom Management titled Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention Practices.
Brain Break Activities
1. The Junk Bag 2. Squiggle Story 3. Opposite Sides 4. Symbolic Alphabet. 5. Other Languages 6. Mental Math 7. Invisible Pictures 8. Story Starters 9. Rock Scissors Paper Math |
Focused-Attention Practices
1. Breathing 2. Colors 3. Movement 4. The Deep-Dive Breath 5. Energizing Breath 6. Sound 7. Rise and Fall |
Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention PracticesIn Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused-Attention Practices, Dr. Lori Desautels, an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Butler University, discusses the absolutely critical need for brain breaks in a classroom and effective methods of practice for them. A brain break is described as "a short period of time when we change up the dull routine of incoming information that arrives via predictable, tedious, well-worn roadways." Brain breaks are essential for refreshing the mind as well as for processing the old information.
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As any teacher would, I searched this list, reading and learning these techniques and during reflection, I have decided to attempt an implementation of a few of these practices into my own classroom. The number one activity I would introduce is #3 on the list of focused attention practices, the movement activity. I believe that movement not only keeps people awake but allows us to engage in active learning. Keeping your mind calm through breathing and becoming mindful of your movement in this exercise is a great way to prepare your students for the next task as they progress in their learning.
As an English teacher, #4 on the list of brain break activities, symbolic alphabet, spoke to me the most. I would love to use this brain break as a tool To help students enhance their vocabulary. The association between the game, the letters of the alphabet, and the word they choose when playing the game all create meaningful learning while creating a time where the brain isn't under so much stress allowing the students to focus on the next task at hand.
Overall I would say this app is a great tool for any teacher at any level to have in their toolbox. This site has many topics to not only increase development for teachers but also for students and parents alike. This website is one that I will continually use to enhance my teaching ability, I suggest it for all teachers!
As an English teacher, #4 on the list of brain break activities, symbolic alphabet, spoke to me the most. I would love to use this brain break as a tool To help students enhance their vocabulary. The association between the game, the letters of the alphabet, and the word they choose when playing the game all create meaningful learning while creating a time where the brain isn't under so much stress allowing the students to focus on the next task at hand.
Overall I would say this app is a great tool for any teacher at any level to have in their toolbox. This site has many topics to not only increase development for teachers but also for students and parents alike. This website is one that I will continually use to enhance my teaching ability, I suggest it for all teachers!