Meaningful Connections Creates Learning

CFB attempted to break a world record of the most students completing a science project at once.  My first grade students at Blanton Elementary were so excited about completing the science experiment.  In order to achieve the goal the district gave specific instructions.  At precisely 10:00 the principal came on the loudspeaker to tell the students to begin making a portrait of yourself on a piece of paper. Students were told they could use what median they wanted.    They had a choice between markers, pencils, or crayons.  Many chose a combination of pencil and smelly markers. Their Science Journals were ready to take notes and and write down ideas.  After student's finished their class portrait we took a photograph of their creativity.  I asked them to make a speech bubble of what they enjoyed about Science and Math.  Next it was time to fold their portrait into a paper airplane. Students had seen a video  C...

Albert Einstein is known for the theory of relativity.  His equation of: E=mc2 is taught all over the world.   Albert's potential was not recognized in school during the early years.  One teacher thought he was mentally retarded.  Another teacher said he would never make a success of anything.  Pauline Einstein knew better because as a child he was always asking questions. "Why does the needle on the compass point north?" When he discovered the earth is a giant magnet he wanted to learn everything about magnetism. As a child he did not do well in school but he excelled in math.  He entered The Swiss Polytechnic School in Switzerland because of a recommendation from his math teacher.  His math skills so impressed the school they allowed him to enter without a degree from high school.  For the first time he enjoyed school because he was free to learn. After graduation he took a job as a patent inspector.  If people thought they...

Left Brain Analytic Verbal Responds to word meaning Sequential Processes information linerarly Plans Ahead Recalls names Speaks with few gestrues Formal study Design Is always on time Right Brain Global Visual Repsonds to tone of voice Random Processes information in varied order Responds to emotion Impulsive Recalls faces not names Talks With Hands Prefers movement Tends to be late

A child's brain is divided into two hemispheres; the right and the left.  The left side of the brain dominates the right side and the right side of the body dominates the left.  A lot of times left handed individuals are thought to be right brain dominant.  The entire brain works together but  children can have a dominance. Right Brain Visual Learners seem to be very creative.  They learn  by doing hands on activities and exploring.  The student leans on the Right side.  They also tend to be unorganized and distracted.  He or she learns through visual cues.  He learns through giving the information all at once.  They tend to be global learners.  They have the capacity to understand the big idea.  Quiet space helps him tap into his left brain side.  They work well in groups but can be distracted.  The use of color could help the child learn more easily.  These students do not work well under pressure. ...

Learning styles are different ways students process information.  Teachers realize not all children learn in the same way.  Effective teachers present materials in ways that will help the student absorb information.  But its also a good idea for parents and children to understand how they learn best.  Find out what type of learner you are by seeing the four categories. Auditory or Language Learners These children learn through listening to what others have to say and talking about what they're learning. They remember information by talking outloud.  It helps to have things explained orally.  Students may have trouble with written instructions.  They often talk to themselves by learning something new.  These students enjoy discussion groups over working alone. Visual Learners These people learn trhough watching.  It is believed to be the most common learning style.  The students remember visual details.  They prefer to see ...