How might video games enhance my students' learning?
I selected three games via electronic modes to use for this response. Two of them are iPad apps and the other is a flip chart made assist with color identification and decimation. I have used an iPad with my students for the past two years. The students enjoy and are highly engaged in learning with the electronic device. I also have used flip charts, and I have created games for my students practice the skills we are learning in the classroom because they are highly motivated with the Promethean Board.
Candy Count (pink jar with candy) iPad app
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Counts at least five objects in one-to-one correspondence, without assistance
· Understands that the last count represents the quantity of what has been counted
· Groups objects and counts the number of groups
1. Was the child engaged?
The game has students sort colored candy into various colored jars. Students are asked to count the candy after they have stored the candy. The students enjoyed sorting the candy and counting the candy.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted?
The target was to get the students to practice color discrimination and counting, so the learning objectives were met.
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, they can demonstrate mastery by sorting the candy correctly and counting, but someone would need to be next to the student to determine if they are correct or need redirection and/or reteaching at the time.
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
I worked with a group of teacher within preschool who use the same games, and I also took a class on how to use the iPad in the classroom setting.
Bert’s Bag (picture of Bert)
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Counts at least five objects in one-to-one correspondence, without assistance
· Understands that the last count represents the quantity of what has been counted
· Uses numbers to predict and make realistic guesses (e.g., “think there are about twenty marbles in that jar.”)
1. Was the child engaged? Bert from Sesame Street shakes a bag with objects in the bag. Student can estimate how many items are in the bag. The students are asked to count the objects. Again, the student enjoyed the game and it is highly engaging.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted? Yes
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, but same as above
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist? Same as above
Color Sorting Color Flip Chart via the Promethean Board
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Play classification games with child (e.g., gather a group of items that include pairs of objects that go together –shoe/sock, flower/vase – match items that go together
· Use accurate words to promote child’s understanding of shapes
1. Was the child engaged? The students were asked to identify and sort colored shapes into the corresponding colors on the Promethean Board. The students love getting the pen and moving the shapes into the correct position.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted? They were able to identify and sort shapes.
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, but a teacher has to be there to determine if the concept is done correctly.
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
I have worked with other educators to create the flip chart and share it with others.
I selected three games via electronic modes to use for this response. Two of them are iPad apps and the other is a flip chart made assist with color identification and decimation. I have used an iPad with my students for the past two years. The students enjoy and are highly engaged in learning with the electronic device. I also have used flip charts, and I have created games for my students practice the skills we are learning in the classroom because they are highly motivated with the Promethean Board.
Candy Count (pink jar with candy) iPad app
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Counts at least five objects in one-to-one correspondence, without assistance
· Understands that the last count represents the quantity of what has been counted
· Groups objects and counts the number of groups
1. Was the child engaged?
The game has students sort colored candy into various colored jars. Students are asked to count the candy after they have stored the candy. The students enjoyed sorting the candy and counting the candy.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted?
The target was to get the students to practice color discrimination and counting, so the learning objectives were met.
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, they can demonstrate mastery by sorting the candy correctly and counting, but someone would need to be next to the student to determine if they are correct or need redirection and/or reteaching at the time.
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
I worked with a group of teacher within preschool who use the same games, and I also took a class on how to use the iPad in the classroom setting.
Bert’s Bag (picture of Bert)
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Counts at least five objects in one-to-one correspondence, without assistance
· Understands that the last count represents the quantity of what has been counted
· Uses numbers to predict and make realistic guesses (e.g., “think there are about twenty marbles in that jar.”)
1. Was the child engaged? Bert from Sesame Street shakes a bag with objects in the bag. Student can estimate how many items are in the bag. The students are asked to count the objects. Again, the student enjoyed the game and it is highly engaging.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted? Yes
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, but same as above
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist? Same as above
Color Sorting Color Flip Chart via the Promethean Board
Alaska Early Learning Guidelines
· Play classification games with child (e.g., gather a group of items that include pairs of objects that go together –shoe/sock, flower/vase – match items that go together
· Use accurate words to promote child’s understanding of shapes
1. Was the child engaged? The students were asked to identify and sort colored shapes into the corresponding colors on the Promethean Board. The students love getting the pen and moving the shapes into the correct position.
2. Did the child learn the skills that were targeted? They were able to identify and sort shapes.
3. Can the child demonstrate that these skills were mastered? Yes, but a teacher has to be there to determine if the concept is done correctly.
4. Who in your PLN did you consult with about these games? How did they respond or assist?
I have worked with other educators to create the flip chart and share it with others.