SHOWCASE
This page is a showcase of the work that I have done while in the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University (MSU). Over the past two years, I have completed many projects, assignments and essays that have contributed to my growth as a dedicated educator and an eager lifelong learner. Each section includes pieces of work that I am most proud of and which demonstrate the deep level of understanding and application I have achieved through my time in the MAED program. The pieces I have selected for my showcase have been organized into four different categories: literacy instruction, differentiation, reflection and technology integration. I chose these four categories based on my current teaching position and experience, as well as my future goals as an educator.
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Literacy instruction is an essential part of the curriculum in grades K-2; it is also an area where I would specifically like to work in the future as a reading specialist.
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Differentiation is an important part of my classroom, as it allows me to meet the specific needs of every student. It also provides me a way to help all students achieve academic success.
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Reflection is a critical part of being an educator and it is something that I put into practice each day in my own classroom. I do this through note-taking, assessments, and discussions with my colleagues.
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Technology integration occurs in almost every subject area in my own classroom. Not only does it provide a means by which to extend and enrich student learning, but it also helps students develop into well rounded citizens of the 21st century.
LITERACY INSTRUCTION
For this Teaching Log, I analyzed and recorded my findings on the use of quality children's literature in three content areas: reading (comprehension), writing and social studies. I also researched and discussed quality children's literature of various genres and how they impacted my students and their learning.
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This is an essay focusing on the pros and cons of using alternative formats and texts as part of classroom literacy instruction. Before writing this essay, I thoroughly read and analyzed Coraline by Neil Gaiman and Coraline: The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russel. In addition, I watched Coraline directed by Henry Selick. I drew insight from assigned readings and discussions with classmates to write about how and why alternative texts formats should be used in the classroom.
DIFFERENTIATION
For this case study, I worked with a former student who was reading above grade level. By using both formative and summative assessments, I was able to develop and implement lesson plans specifically for her literacy needs. I also analyzed post-assessment data to assess the effectiveness of the differentiated learning and set future goals for her.
This Design Project implemented what I learned about students' motivation to learn. I designed a differentiated cognitive motivational strategy for a student struggling with writing in my classroom. This semester long project involved a motivational case based on observations, pre- and post-assessments, as well as a strategy and rationale based on research and practice.
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REFLECTION
This essay is a reflection on what children's literature can do and the importance of it in our ever-changing world. I wrote this essay after I participated in book talks with my classmates that focused specifically on children's and adolescent literature in various genres.
Through this exploration project, I had the chance to improve my writing in a particular genre. I was also able to explore writing across a few drafts, reflect on the evolution of those drafts, and model writing as a lifelong activity. I chose poetry because it's a genre I don't often read or write and because I wanted to challenge myself, just as I would challenge my students to explore and engage with poetry.
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TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
This is an online resource library I created which highlights various tech tools and resources that can be used to support, enrich and extend students' learning in mathematics. The tech tools and resources are organized in accordance to the four domains of mathematical instruction in Grades K-2 and 3-5. Each tech tool and resource was analyzed and evaluated by myself or other classmates.
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For this unique project, I was tasked with exploring, testing out and analyzing a supportive technology that could be integrated with writing in a classroom. I chose Storybird as my supportive technology to focus on for this project and found that my second grade students' creative writing really flourished when I provided them with an alternative form of writing.
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