My students need 2 cameras and 2 memory cards to use when working in groups on video or computer projects. By using visual aids, my deaf students are more able to participate fully.
"Let me do it and I will understand."
Using pictures and videos is a way to involve all students and to support learning. For example, when starting our day with Morning Meeting, we learn new ASL signs to help us all communicate with our three deaf classmates.
I have 21 students of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Some students are still reading at below grade level, many are visual or hands-on learners, and three are deaf.
My classroom climate is a nurturing community where we all work as one unit to help one another learn. We are learning to celebrate our differences and appreciate each individual's talents and passions. I will often plan and facilitate activities which build the students' character and strengthen their tolerance and acceptance of others who are not like themselves. We take part in random acts of kindness, mentor younger students in reading and math, and take great pride in our amazing daily dynamics.
My Project
My class recently made a video for the entire school to use when saying our Pledge of Allegiance. We did it entirely in sign language, teaching each sign and explaining what it means. All students were involved in the planning and filming process, and when it was finished, their first question was, "When can we borrow that camera again?" With your help, we would be able to have two cameras at our disposal every day and would be able to use them for various projects and videos. For example, the students could use the cameras to document their science results using the scientific method. They could make persuasive speeches on video about issues that they care about and share them with other classes. They could make more ASL videos to build awareness and acceptance of the deaf culture and share them to help the other classes learn basic signs for everyday activities. The list is endless!
By putting the students in charge in this way, I feel that so much more learning will take place.
Cooperation with planning and sharing the cameras, responsibility with following through on their part in a project and taking care of the equipment, learning how to incorporate media into their writing... again, the list could go on and on... but my space here does not!
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