^{Title of Activity}

Exploring American Classics with Technology

^{Intended Grade Level(s)}

6-12

Evaluated by:  Diana Wilson and Debra Gastelum

Email:  dianamixon@iwon.com 
            gastelum_d@firn.edu

High

Fair

Moderate

Poor

None

X

FRI  Component Name

K

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Formal & Informal Assessment

Lang. Development/Vocabulary

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Phonemic Awareness/Phonics

Comprehension Strategies

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Reading/Writing Connection

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Content Area R/W: Math

Content Area R/W: Science

Content Area R/W: Social Studies

Intervention

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Source: (URL or Software Ordering Information)

Title: American Book Classics, Volume 3

^{Publisher/Ordering Info:} 

System Requirements

Unknown

Price: $59.00 

Program Format(s) PC/MAC CDROM

My observations on how this activity compares with traditional approaches in reading:

Students were more engaged because of their technology interest and the interactive program with immediate feedback. 

 

In My Classroom I used the activity this way:

Unit Title:  Exploring American Classics with Technology…
American Book Classics, Volume 3  - The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Gain Attention:  Use a journal or learning log entry to begin class.  Write this on the board and have students respond with a written response that can be shared or discussed:  “Think of a time when you gave up something important to you in order to buy a gift for someone else. Or think of a time when someone who loves you made a sacrifice so they could do something nice for you.” 
Briefly share and discuss writings.

Present Objectives:  An agenda of activities and objectives will be listed on the board at the front of the class and a brief explanation with be provided.
1.        Before You Read activity
2.       Read The Gift of the Magi using the CD program and the annotations.
3.       Create a sequence map, listing the actions of the characters. Pictures, words, or
       a combination can be used
4.       Go to the After You Read, which is a short analysis, and things to think about.
5.        Evaluation:  Check Yourself Quiz

Relate to Present Knowledge:  (This is our Gain Attention strategy as well) Use a journal or learning log entry to begin class.  Write this on the board and have students respond with a written response that can be shared or discussed:  “Think of a time when you gave up something important to you in order to buy a gift for someone else. Or think of a time when someone who loves you made a sacrifice so they could do something nice for you.” 
Briefly share and discuss writings.

Engage Students in Learning:  
1.       During the reading of the story, students will create a sequence map, (CRISS strategy)
          listing the actions of the characters. Pictures, words, or a combination can be used.
2.       Using the Aver-key and TV, teachers will demonstrate how to use the program and
          advance through the story including the use of program features, buttons, windows,
          and toolbar.  All questions will be answered and clarification will take place.

Provide for Practice:    
1.        Before You Read activity  (Independent)
2.       Read The Gift of the Magi using the CD program and the annotations.  (Guided & independent)
3.       Create a sequence map, listing the actions of the characters. Pictures, words, or a combination
        can be used  (Independent)
4.       Go to the After You Read, which is a short analysis, and things to think about. Independent)
5.        Evaluation:  Check Yourself Quiz (Independent)

 

Reason for Using,  
To increase knowledge of classics by using a different delivery mode than the standard book.  The video-game generation makes this a great way to reach non-readers.

 

Instructions/model for students: During the reading of the story, students will create a sequence map, (CRISS strategy) listing the actions of the characters.  Pictures, words, or a combination can be used.  Using the Aver-key and TV, teachers will demonstrate how to use the program and advance through the story including the use of program features, buttons, windows, and toolbar.  All questions will be answered and clarification will take place.

 

Other Resources Used:  Computers, hand outs of About the Author, Before you Read, After you Read (taken from CD), Aver-key and TV, colored paper, markers

 

How Students Performance was Evaluated.   
Metacognitive Reflection activity: Student will write and share an essay on the following topic:  Would you give up a prized possession for someone you love? Explain.  How would your actions compare to the characters in the story?

Evaluation Procedures/Activity
Create a sequence map, listing the actions of the characters. Pictures, words, or a combination can be used 
Go to the After You Read, which is a short analysis, and things to think about. (Independent)

Self Evaluation:  Do the Check Yourself Quiz (Independent)
Review of student created sequence map, listing the actions of the characters.  Review results of the Check Yourself Quiz.

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