Module 18 Video/Resource Discussion

I like using the Frayer model, as it is mostly a blank canvas. We use it to track our writing, math, and science concepts.

I usually have the students fill in the definition, and provide an example. In the other two boxes, they can draw an image and write examples or synonyms. As students work through the template, they often activate prior knowledge. If my ESOL student is literate in their language they can add the concept in their native language.

As a person who mostly teaches science and math focusing on the academic language is extremely important. By utilizing these templates students can always refer to them.

I do appreciate my students being able to work together and take the lead as the video demonstrated, unfortunately, I have had years where we can execute the model and years where we cannot. This is not one of those years, my students are not patient, and when not given the opportunity to reply they shut down. It is the end of the school year and I was not successful with having my student simply make a statement that goes against another student, without them verbally attacking each other. They are respectful of me, however the same can’t be said of each other.

Disruptions are at the highest it has been in the two decades that I have been teaching, I am constantly searching for innovative ways to open up the class discussions, so they are student lead, and teacher-guided.