WEAVING TECHNOLOGY INTO THEMATIC UNITS


Theme: Dr.Seuss
Teacher: Marilyn Gates
School: Florosa Elementary School
Grade Level: 2 & 3
Time: 6 weeks

BROAD GOALS:

  • To introduce an author study of Theodor Geisel
  • To appreciate literature
  • To use the works of Theodor Geisel to develop reading, writing,  and thinking skills
  • To utilize technology as an integral part  of the curriculum
  • To support the writing process with technology

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    LEARNER OUTCOMES:

  • Students will successfully complete one activity/project using multimedia tools using the Dr. Seuss theme.
  • The activity/product will demonstrate the following criteria:
  • The student will write at least 3 sentences using the Dr. Seuss prompt.
  • At least 3 sources of literature will be used, with one or more sources involving technology.
  • More than one medium will be used to introduce the works of Dr. Seuss.
  • video
  • CD-ROM
  • visual  displays
  • audio tapes
  • books
  • Internet
  • The written product will be published using a computer and word processor.
    • MEDIA SELECTION:
  • CD-ROMs:
  • The Cat in the Hat
  • Green Eggs and Ham
  • Software:
  • Student Writing Center
  • Computers
  • Tape recorder with tapes:
  • The Cat in the Hat
  • TV/VCR unit:
  • Yertle the Turtle
  • Green Eggs and Ham
  • GeoSafari
  • QuickCam
  • Internet
  • Visual Displays
  • Reference Materials:
  • " On the Loose with Dr. Seuss" by Shirley Cook
  • Puzzles

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    THE UNIT:

    Teacher Directed Whole or Small Group Activities:
    In order for the participants to use multimedia learning stations, they must first receive instruction on the use of the equipment. After the initial instruction, participants will work through the stations to complete activities on Dr. Seuss.

    Whole Group

  • Instruction on the basic operation of GeoSafari, the TV/VCR unit, CD-ROM, Tape recorder, and logging on  to the Internet.
  • Explanation of stations. Each student will work through seven stations to complete their project.
  • The students will be divided in groups of two. Each group will work in one center per week. The puzzle and book display will be used by students who have extra time. Each group will have the name of a Dr. Seuss character and the groups will rotate through the stations as indicated on the classroom chart.
  • Each session will begin with a Dr. Seuss selection to be read to the whole group. It will be read by the teacher, student, or group of students. The students will then be assigned their station for the day.

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    Small Group
    Students complete activities on Dr. Seuss by working in activity stations.

    STATION ACTIVITIES:

    Station 1: GeoSafari
    Task: The students will complete all the GeoSafari cards at this station.
    Materials: GeoSafari Machine, GeoSafari Reading Games Cards 2,5, &8
    (These cards review rhyming words, which are a major component in Dr. Seuss literature.), power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 2: TV/VCR
    Task: The students will view the video " Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories".
    Materials: Video, TV/VCR, power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 3: Computer
    Task: The students will listen to the story and interact with the CD-ROM.
    Materials: CD-ROM "The Cat in the Hat" or "Green Eggs and Ham", computer, power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 4: Listening Center
    Task: The students will listen to the story "The Cat in the Hat" on tape.
    Materials: Tape Player, tape, headphones, books,  power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 5: Computer
    Task: The students will explore the Seussville website
    Materials: Computer, Bookmark computer to http://www.randomhouse.com/seussville/, power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 6: Computer
    Task: The students will write a story with a prompt using the Student Writing Center.
    Materials: Computer, Software-Student Writing Center, story card, power source, activity card, station sign
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    Station 7: Literature/Reference
    Task: The students will explore Dr. Seuss books, create an ABC book, complete puzzles, and do choral reading of Dr. Seuss books.
    Materials: Dr. Seuss books, puzzles, magazines, art supplies, Cat in the Hat puppet
    Time to Complete: 30 minutes

    CULMINATING ACTIVITIES:

  • Students will share their writing with the group and compile a class book.
  • The teacher will make a ABC class book with the cut and paste pictures from the Literature Station.
  • Guest reader
  • "Green Eggs and Ham" Party
  • Students will play a guessing game to name Dr. Seuss books and characters.

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    EVALUATION:

  • Activity / Product Evaluation
  • Rubric for Creative Writing
  • Traditional Evaluation

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