Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Manipulative Strategies for ELL students

  1.  Manipulative Strategy:  strategy 14

            I decided to design a manipulative strategy for my Nervous system lesson.  What is needed is the diagram of the brain and nervous system (4 copies of each).  The parts of each diagram need to be colored in to show distinction between the parts of the brain or nervous system.   Next, using a set of index cards, the words and definitions to label the nervous system and brain need to be created.  Finally, all these are cut out with magnets taped to the back sides.
            After introducing the lesson and showing diagrams to the class and establishing the concepts to be learned, I will put the activity onto the white board. (See attached photo) I would explain the activity;
1.      The students will each be given a name, or part or job of the brain or nervous system. 
2.      At the sound of the bell the class will get up and find their “match” = part + definition + label.
3.      When all three parts are together they are to go to the white board and place their sets together.
4.      The parts, labels and definitions will be review while on the board.
Cerebrum
Controls reading, thinking, vision, speech
Cerebellum
Controls balance and coordination
Brain Stem
Controls vital body process
Spinal Cord
Sends messages to and from the brain from the body




Brain
The control center on the nervous system.
Brain Stem
The part of the brain that controls the heart, blood pressure, digestions
Spinal Cord
Send messages to the brain and back to the body.
Spinal Nerves
Send messages from all the body parts to the spinal cord.
Neuron

The nervous system cell.

Manipulative Strategies for ELL students

Monday, January 17, 2011

Interactive White Boards - Cheap

If you are looking for an interactive white board and your school can't afford a promethean board or smart board for your classroom, check out IRGREAT.COM.  Using a Wii remote and an infared pen along with software called SmoothBoard, you can turn an ordinary whiteboard into an interactive white board.  It is easy to set up and it brings my powerpoints and screen to life.

Interactive Health Activities for White Boards

I am looking for activities to use in my junior high health classes.  I do not have a promethean board or smart boards.  I use smoothboard which makes my white board into an interactive white board.  I don't have any ideas where to start look.  Any suggestions?