Introducing a New Unit?
Hooks… Leads… Grabbers… Intros… These are terms used often in writing. Also, thinking back many years, I remember my student teaching supervisor looking critically at my “set induction” for each lesson plan. As time has passed, teachers are constantly analyzing “how students introduce” a speech, essay, or multi-media presentation.
Since Jeff (Utecht) is focussing on Visual Literacy in our COETAIL Course 3, I’ve been trying to make an effort to think about the visual aspect of each unit I teach. This is not only true of my current units, but next year, I will be teaching an entirely new curriculum and will be writing all new units and lessons. What a golden opportunity to truly focus on the visuals in each unit.
To Kill a Mockingbird Photostory
Each year, we teach the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Of course, there are many ways to introduce units. But with new technology, there are so many new resources. Naturally, teachers can spend countless hours creating and editing powerpoints, camstudios, and all the other programs. However, sometimes teachers don’t have the time. This the case in the hook I used to TKM. It was created by a teacher in the United States and truly captures the time period and setting of the novel, in words, visuals, and music. It really keeps the attention of the students and they have a deeper understanding and idea of the Post-Great Depression Era because this photostory.
As I create powerpoints and photostories, it will be important for me to contribute to teachertube and youtube so I can allow others to use my work and save themselves time. Hey, we’re all in this together.
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Chris,
Great points made in this post. Although most of us try to re-create the wheel, there never seems to be enough time in the day. I find using the web – especially – teachertube and similar sites- invaluable to me. Not only do they provide a variety of engaging ideas and materials, but the visual resources are amazing. In all, it shortens the amount of time I spend on “creating” a unit/lesson because I have access to cool materials to use appropriately at my fingertips.