This week I had students watch some instructional videos on Fractions. Specifically equivalent fractions, whole numbers as fractions, and comparing fractions with the same denominator. When they arrived in class if they had completed their notes they were allowed to choose. If they did not do the assignment they had to complete it and work on my "worksheet". Now the two choices were what I call a project and a worksheet. The project one day was for them to create 5 examples of equivalent fractions including a model and number line (Here is an example of one creating 3 examples comparing fractions). The worksheet choice was to complete an assignment on ScootPad related to the same topic. It provided students two ways to show mastery. It allows them to show mastery in a way they choose, but isn't a project where they present to an authentic audience nor is there a driving question. If I can find a way to make these project more authentic it would help improve student learning.
I feel like the project piece of this assignment needs some work. I'm wondering how to strengthen it and make it better, but still something kids can get done in a day or two.
What I'm going to try to do next is make this work for part of my reading block. Introduce the skill, and have students work on a project or worksheet. The problem I found last week is that most students chose worksheet. If they chose project they ended up wasting time or got distracted and didn't finish the project therefore never demonstrated mastery. I think I need to do daily mini lessons in this that model the type of work and thinking for a project instead of a worksheet. Then my students will see the skills modeled daily and be able to apply those skills to their work.
Also this week students have finished planning our bulletin board for global field day. I plan on making it interactive with Augmented Reality. I also need to come up with an Augmented Reality scavenger hunt before the end of the year using Aurasma. Does anyone have any advice on where to start with that? Tips or tricks I can use to avoid any pitfalls?
My next question is how can I improve my blog? What should I change about the layout? My goal is to change or add a few things a week. I still need to find a specific direction for this blog. Maybe add in some pages. I started on this to become more connected and reflect. I am doing both of those things right now. How can I improve?
