My Community

Unit: Place-Based Learning Project

I have a first grade technology integrated social studies unit that addresses various ways to incorporate community aspects into a week-long study. This helps all learners, regardless of learning styles, to connect prior knowledge to new information learned. This unit focuses on family within the community, community leaders, and the community as a whole. Technology is integrated through Internet research, PowerPoint presentations, streaming video, educational software, etc. With a limited amount of computers in my classroom, it is important to set up a feasible schedule in order for all students to have a chance to use the computers.
Each activity emphasizes hands-on experiences, higher-order thinking skills, and the ability to connect their existing schema to the current information.
As a first grade teacher, I believe that technology is a vital part of all learning, and students should be proficient with technology skills. I learned this from a very skilled instructor that taught me the right way to use technology in a one-computer classroom!