Balance Teacher-Led Instruction and Screen Time: And They All Lived Happily Ever-After!
Jodie Shell • September 9, 2021
Once upon a time, in what now seems like a far-away land, adults like principals, teachers and parents pleaded with children to turn off their computers and gadgets. Then, suddenly, and seemingly out of nowhere, along came the years 2020 and 2021, with their friend 2022 not far behind! Turning the world sideways, they caused those very same adults to scurry around in a frenzy, working diligently to give all the boys & girls near and far access to technology! Rather than telling the children to turn their devices off , they were, instead, encouraging them and even checking to make sure they had turned them on ! Overtime, the start of the 2021-2022 school year began. Ever so slightly, the scurrying and frenetic pace slowed down. Everyone---the principals, teachers, parents and even the children--- dusted themselves off, looked around, and realized that while there was so much good that comes from in-person, face-to-face, teacher-led instruction, there was also a big benefit to educational technology.
If you’re an educator, you know the power and impact of effective teacher-led instruction. Of the seemingly infinite number of ‘pros’, teacher-led instruction and learning allow for:
- Building and nurturing relationships
- Deeply understanding students’ background knowledge, personal nuances, learning styles, unique capabilities, and areas of need
- Controlling the pace and manner in which particular concepts are introduced, taught, assessed, and reviewed
- Using authentically teachable moments
At the same time, educational student apps can also have an incredibly positive impact on student achievement, too. A few of their benefits include:
- Valuable, educational alternatives to ‘down time’
- Creative use of videos and infographics, animated graphics, and audio-narration that build tech-literate skills in our children
- Rich, text-based learning in a digital format
Based on childhood development research, the World Health Organization currently suggests different screen time caps for different age groups. They have advised that children younger than two don’t have any screen time at all, that two- to five-year-olds have no more than one hour of screen time per day, and that five to 18 year olds---in other words, school aged kids--- have no more than two hours of total screen time per day. These recommendations are colliding with our current reality, there is no doubt about it. So those of us in education who know the benefits of teacher-led AND digital instruction can be part of creating a healthy AND realistic balance for our students.
Here are a few useful tips:
- Use a fun timer to set intentional breaks from screen-time in the classroom.
- Do something physically interactive when the timer rings, like dancing to a favorite song as a class or stepping outside for a quick breath of fresh air!
- Following a chunk of time engaged in an educational app or other screen-time, break out the good old notebooks, pencils and crayons, paints, scissors, paper, and glue. Encourage your students to write, draw, or create a project about what they’ve learned or experienced using technology.
- This story hasn’t ended, and we can all agree it’s been no fairy-tale. Everyone is doing their best and striving for that ‘happily ever after’ to come soon! So, our final tip? Give your students AND yourself lots of continued grace!
Want to learn more about how GrapeSEED engages students through teacher-led instruction as well as an interactive student app? Contact us!
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
Welcome to the world of dynamic learning, where initiation and perseverance are the secret superhero skills every elementary school student needs! These executive function skills are the power-ups that help students start tasks with enthusiasm and stick with them until the very end. Let's dive into some creative ways to nurture these skills and make your classroom a hub of engaged learners! Why Initiation and Perseverance Matter: Cultivating initiation and perseverance in students is like giving them the keys to academic success. These skills not only help students tackle homework and projects but also prepare them for real-world challenges. By fostering these abilities, you're equipping your students with resilience and self-motivation that will serve them beyond the classroom. Strategies to Encourage Initiation: Start with a Bang : Kick off lessons with intriguing questions or exciting stories to capture students' curiosity. For example, "What if you woke up one day as a superhero? What would your first mission be?" Break It Down: Teach students to divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes starting less daunting and gives them a clear path forward. Choice Boards: Offer a variety of activities related to the lesson topic and let students pick their starting point. This autonomy boosts their interest and willingness to begin. Classroom Challenges: Set up light-hearted competitions where students can earn points or badges for starting tasks promptly. Who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry? Building Perseverance: Praise the Process: Focus on effort and strategy rather than just results. Celebrate when students try different approaches and persist through difficulties. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and track their progress. Seeing small wins adds up to big motivation! Reflection Time: Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned from their challenges. This helps them understand that every hurdle is a learning opportunity. Perseverance Stories: Share stories of famous figures who overcame obstacles. Discuss how perseverance played a role in their success and relate it back to students' own experiences. Fun Activities to Reinforce These Skills: Initiation Stations: Create activity stations around the classroom that students can choose to start with. Each station could have a unique, fun challenge that aligns with the lesson. Perseverance Puzzles: Use puzzles or brain teasers that require patience and strategy. Working through these together can be a rewarding class exercise. Story Time Heroes: Have students write short stories featuring characters who overcome obstacles through perseverance. This can be a creative writing exercise that doubles as a life lesson. Empowering students with the skills of initiation and perseverance transforms your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. By implementing these strategies, you'll help your students become proactive, determined, and ready to tackle any challenge with a smile. Here’s to a classroom full of unstoppable learners! If you would love to learn how GrapeSEED can positively impact your students, just click here!
