Language Arts: Let's Debate, Compromise and Agree!
My students need 7 language arts game sets, covering skills such as predicting, following directions, reading comprehension, reading for details, context clues and fact or opinion.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Dyer's classroom raised $418
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
As I begin my eleventh year as a teacher in New York, I marvel at how quickly the years have gone by. Although the job doesn't get any easier, I still look forward to the first day of school - 3 weeks and counting! My new group of "fresh faced" fourth graders will come back ready, willing and very able to accomplish much this year.
I spent part of my summer break coming up with inventive ways to engage my students. I knew there had to be another way for me to introduce them to an exciting way to learn, help them retain the many things they must, and advance to that next crucial phase of their academic lives. Games!! Yes, games! Why not? I would introduce games as a part of our language arts studies. The games would target specific skills, challenge their thinking, strengthen their reading comprehension, prepare them for the state-mandated English Language Arts examination - and, oh yes - they would be FUN!!
Last year, I decorated half of my blackboard to create a "Science Jeopardy" game which covered subjects such as; plant life, mammals, electricity, natural disasters, food chains, etc. This was done in addition to regular science lessons, and in preparation for the state-mandated science examination. The kids went absolutely wild!
As the "game" was readily available, we practiced (PLAYED) after our science lessons (at least 3-4 times a week) and every free moment we had during the day. The children would break up into 3-4 groups, I'd reveal the answers and they'd state the questions. They would always have 30 seconds or so to debate/discuss compromise and finally agree on a correct response. By the time of the science test, my kids were well-prepared and confident. I can proudly say they all did well, and one of my girls came away with one of the 3 highest scores - for the entire grade!
Language arts is the core to all subject areas. If they can read, comprehend and retain all of those reading strategies, they are half way there! This is a way to not only make the learning fun, but also a way to get them writing, and writing often. Since our school community also stresses the importance of writing - we keep journals for just about every subject - my kids will not only explore and play these games, but they'll write about their experiences. The games call for lots of social interaction; discussion/debating, compromising and finally, agreeing on the correct answer(s).
I decided that this year, I needed to take this a step further. I envisioned children who already enjoyed language arts, continuing to be engaged and participating on, or just above their level. More importantly, I saw my struggling students eagerly participating, as they would have access to a tool that "grabbed" their attention, "pulled" them into the learning (on their level, but gently pushed them to the next), making concepts in language arts accessible and fun for them as well. I strongly believe that these games will give all of my kids the extra "push" and confidence they'll need to be successful throughout the school year.
At our school, we have instituted something we call "Game Friday". It usually takes place in the afternoon, during a 90-minute block of mathematics. So, of course, we play math games. The children love it! This year, I will propose to my principal that we be allowed to extend the allotted time to a 100-minute block and split the time between mathematics and language arts.
The thought of ALL of my kids, happily participating in activities that will keep them engaged, and make their learning fun, thrills and excites me to no end! Of the many definitions listed in the dictionary for the word GAME, the one I like best is: a calculated strategy, scheme! So, with your help (to put it in the vernacular of the hip-hop culture), this year my children and I will have "GAME".
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Dyer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
