Total Duration: |
Greater than 120 Minutes |
Materials and Resources: |
Basal readers |
Technology Resources Needed: |
2 or more computers, at least one with Internet access and one with PowerPoint, KidPix, or other digital slideshow software; one or more handheld computers (Palms); 5 AlphaSmart or other portable keyboards |
Background/Preparation: |
The students will need to have a basic lesson in the use of each of the following: PowerPoint software, portable keyboards, handheld computers, and Internet research. |
1.)On the first day, all of the students will be introduced to the new story in the basal reader as usual, read the story, and the class may discuss it as a group. 2.)On the second day, divide the students up into groups of 5 or less. (Four groups works best, but if more are necessary, the teacher may need to add one activity to the list so that all groups will have a different activity.) Explain to the students what they will be doing for the week. Go over the various equipment that they will use and outline teacher expectations for use of the equipment, group work, and assignments.
3.)One group will use the AlphaSmarts to type a story using the vocabulary words for that week. 4.)Another group will use the handheld computer to answer pre-entered questions about the story. These can be comprehension questions that the teacher got out of the teacher's edition and downloaded in to the Palm. 5.)A third group will research on the Internet a topic related to the story or the author. They must come up with 10 facts. The teacher can provide a research guide sheet with pre-determined questions if the groups seem to have trouble sticking to the topic. 6.)The last group will work on a presentation project using PowerPoint or other slideshow software. They will compose an overview of the story and enter it into the slideshow. The teacher will need to sit down with each group the first time to explain how to use the software, but they usually catch on quickly. 7.)Over the course of a week, rotate the groups through all the activities, or it may be that the teacher will prefer to have each group complete only four out of the entire selection of activities each week. In that case, the teacher should keep a log so that he/she can ensure that groups have equal opportunity to use the equipment that is available. |
Assessment Strategies |
Each group will have written information that can be graded and used for assessment. |
Acceleration: |
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Intervention: |
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View the Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.
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