Last month, our PLC team was able to learn from Andrew Kauffman, a third grade teacher and technology in education explorer from Indiana. He shared with us some of the projects and initiatives that have proved to be successful. Mr. Kauffman's classroom is a caring environment mixed with innovative strategies where kids love to learn.
First, he explained how his students have used Marzano's approah with VoiceThread to have a conversation about what a word really means. They use the tech tool to create a definition. Andrew also explained how it could be done in reverse with student-created pictures and play guess the word and have a reason to back up your guess.
Brain Pop has become the basis for classroom discussions, as the videos can be paused and turned into conversation starters. The supplemental activites are wonderful and as he put it, "cement the learning" more.
Andrew's one reading group is designing a comic strip and writing the script to correspond with a book they've read. They've been able to contact the author and will be sending it to him. What a neat way to get kids excited about reading!
This year he's been able to create a caring classroom environment through knitting. His class started a kidblog and have been learning from a local store owner. According to Mr. Kauffman, "They have done amazing things in terms of relationships and students helping students, it's built a classroom community that is quite a bit stronger."
Another resource he recommended was utilizing PBS's free teacher resources. The video clips and lessons have alligned with the standards that his district follows.
Thank you Mr. Kauffman for inspiring us to go beyond the tech and create connections withing the classroom through numerous ways!
How do you create a close-knit classroom where students are excited to learn?
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