Learning Manners Annotated Playlist

Here is an Annotated Playlist I created on learning manners in the classroom, the library, and on the playground! The annotations are done by myself personally and the video's of Mikey and Al the Alligator are from Disney Junior. Enjoy!

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Letter to my Idol- Rubric

Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Curricular Area: Learning how to write a letter
Standards: Idaho Common Core Standard W.2.1
         Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic they are writing about, state an opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.
Assignment Description: Students will pick an Idol of theirs to write a letter to, students will preferably pick someone famous (singer, actor, professional athlete, etc). We will then be writing letters explaining why we are writing to them, why we look up to them, what we like about them, a little bit about ourselves, and whatever else students may want to add! Students will also write a concluding statement, asking them to write back at our school address. I will then find the celebrities fan mail address and mail them out. Hopefully we will get a couple of fun responses for students to share with the class!
Link to Rubric

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Reflections of Assistive Technologies

Mason is a first grader who is visually impaired. He is completely blind in his left eye and has 3300 vision in his right eye.  With the help of AT, Mason s able to learn reading and writing in the same classroom as his sighted peers. He uses a device called a MoPad, a device that he types on, when he types the computer says the letter aloud, and then types it in braille. Mason is also able to use the iPad when he is at home to play a variety of educational games. The resolution and large pictures make the iPad useable for him. He can also use the smart board in class for this same reason. When he’s at home he plays the Wii, which allows him to play and feel like a normal 6 year old boy.

Elle has Cerebral Palsy and uses a DynaVox to communicate with her family, friends, peers, and teachers. It is a computer attached to her wheelchair that she types on and it says what she types aloud. This device changed Elle’s world and her ability to communicate with others. It allows her to tell people what she is thinking and what she needs. The IEP team at Elle’s school did extensive research and decided this would be the best adaptation for Elle. It has created social opportunities in her personal life and education that she wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Lukas Bratcher has a condition called Amyoplasia Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a condition that renders his limbs nearly useless. He is missing some of his muscles in his legs and hands because of it. This condition makes daily tasks difficult for Lukas but does not stop him by any means. He has a passion for music and technology has helped allow him to fill this love. With the assistance of technological engineering and a joystick attached to a euphonium Lukas Bratcher is now able to play in his high schools orchestra. He is able to play a hundred percent of the musical show and finds a great deal of happiness in it. 

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