Thanksgiving Resource

When I first decided I wanted to go into teaching, I spent time in a 1^st grade classroom and a high school English classroom.  Within about 20 minutes, I knew that I would never be able to be an elementary teacher.  My patience is way too thin, and it was extremely difficult for me to explain in more than one way why 2 X 2=4.  It was difficult for me because basic multiplication is something that I just understand.  Because I can’t understand why a student doesn’t understand, how can I teach it so they comprehend it?  At least at the high school level, I can put myself in their shoes and understand what their struggle is. 

Now, in my current teaching job, I teach elementary students once a week.  Thankfully, I teach computers, and students are always eager and excited to learn about computers.  So far, we’ve utilized Wordle, Timerime, Storybird, and PowerPoint to learn various concepts in computers.  But, I’m always looking for different digital tools to incorporate into my teaching.  Richard Byrne wrote an article called, “Free Technology for Teachers,” that discussed different websites would teach children about Thanksgiving. 

After looking at the resources listed, Scholastic provides an awesome resource for students to learn about pilgrims’ journey on the Mayflower.  It compares the pilgrims’ life to the Wampanoag Indians and provides audio supplementing reading material.  There are videos for students to watch and teaching materials for instructors to use.  There are lesson plans for the K-12 curriculum.  I definitely plan on incorporating this in my elementary classes.  Currently, we’re learning about the presidential election, so I think I’m going to start using this resource next week.