Final Project Brainstorming

 Final Project Key Words

        When I first heard about the final project, I have to admit I was anxious and nervous. I didn't know where to begin, I felt like a million different ideas were rushing into my mind all at once. As I took the time to sit down, reflect, and collaborate (especially with my partner Elena) the pieces began to fall into place. First, I truly thought about what I wanted to change or improve within my own work or classroom, that led to to think about my beliefs about how students learn (using resources from class) and then the Media and Tech Tools that would I could incorporate into my lessons. 

        I have been a classroom teacher for nine years, but for the past four years I have taught the MLL inclusion classroom. My first couple of years teaching MLL students was truly eye opening. I have seen the struggles that these students have faced, the sense of "being lost" or feeling "out of place", sitting in a desk and not understanding one word that is being said around them, and ultimately feeling like they "didn't belong" or "not valued." My students are the reason why I decided to get my Master's in MLL Studies (TESOL). I want to be the teacher who welcomes all of my students and embraces their identity and culture. I want my classroom to be a safe place where all students feel encouraged, cared about, and most importantly included. 

BELIEFS	Robinson: “Humans are naturally different and diverse.”  Students learn when they feel that their identities are acknowledged, seen, and heard in the classroom.  Students learn when they show respect for other cultural and peer identities in the classroom. Students become engaged and invested in the learning process when they can make connections and identify with the content being taught to them.  Students are more willinging to take risks in their learning when they feel safe, loved, and secure in their learning space (environment/classroom is welcoming) Students learn when they are able to build upon their background (language (translanguaging) /experiences/knowledge) Students learn when the content is relevant to themselves (Wesch)
CHANGE	We want to bring culturally responsive teaching into our classrooms. We want to use this pedagogy (that uses students’ cultures, customs, characteristics, experiences, perspectives, etc.) as tools for a better educational experience. We want our students to see themselves and their communities as belonging in the academic space.
MEDIA  and  TECH TOOLS	WriteReader:  WriteReader is a research based online book creating and learning tool to increase student's motivation and literacy skills in the classroom.   This resource is exceptional for MLL students, WIDA Proficiency Level  Beginning - Bridging (2-6),  to use and apply their writing, reading , and speaking skills.  Students can create a book with illustrations from google or take real photos and record their voices to read the text. The students’ books are displayed on a shelf for their peers to enjoy. Usage: Students will be engaging, participating, and interacting in a one to two week beginning of the year “Who Am I: My Identity” Unit.  This tool will allow students to showcase themselves, their values, and their culture.  Moving forward, this will create a classroom where students will feel a sense of belonging, connection, and a safe zone where they can feel comfortable taking risks in their learning.