Social Studies
I have links which contain useful and fun resources relating to history, current events, geography, and also Spanish. Social studies in general is a necessary part of curriculum for elementary students. Not only does Social studies teach children about the past and the present, but it teaches children how to think critically about issues which affect them and other people.
The Spanish for Children website contains a vast amount of resources to help teach children Spanish. For example, there is a link in which I can teach my class the days of the week in Spanish. I can do this every morning. I believe by teaching children Spanish, I will not only bridge the gap between the English speakers and Spanish speakers of my classroom, but I will provide English speaking students a foundation for learning Spanish as a second language.
Social Studies for Kids has great resources to teach children about Native Americans. For example, there is a link I would like to use to provide students with general information regarding specific Native American tribes. My cooperating teaching this year did a Native American unit with her 3rd graders. There is also a link to learn about African-American history. I can use this resource to teach children about the underground railroad and also about important black leaders like Harriet Tubman. I feel that Native American history and African American history is crucial for understanding U.S. history.
English/Language Arts
English and Language Arts is very important. In order to communicate with the majority of people, children must be able to speak the English language properly. Children also must become familiar with various styles of writing as they will need to write papers in college, business letters in their careers, and resumes.
Poetry 4 Kids has resources that can walk students through poetry and provide them tips on becoming better poets. For my grade level of students, poetry is a good writing style to teach, because it will teach children te joy of writing. I will specifically use the link that has lessons on writing funny poems. After all, laughter is a medicine and a great help in the learning process.
Fun Brain has fun games for students. One specific game is called Spellaroo in which the student has to read a particular sentence and determine which word was spelled incorrectly. The computer also lets the child know if he or she is correct or incorrect. This is more for children to not only enjoy leizure time, but also exercise their brain. They can go to this website during indoor recesses and times they have finished their work early.
Music
The school where I am doing my practicum has a designated music teacher. However, if for some reason schools stopped employing music teachers, homeroom teachers will have to start teaching music. Music is important. Children who are good at music are often good at math and science, so it is a conviction of mine to make sure children receive good music education.
Creating Music has a hearing game which students can test and practice their abilities to compare pitches and cords, there is also a game in which students can compare various pitches. Those things might sound easy, but I have a friend who is tone deaf. So, it is important to make sure children are developing the ability to discern different tones, rhythms etc... This website will supplement the music lessons I teach.
Childrens' Music has links where children can listen to music. This might be useful when children are relaxing and/or working on art projects. There is also a link which shows children how to create their own songs. This will definetely enhance students' music abilities.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are important, because they help strengthen children's creativity. Creativity is a necessary skill needed in many professions like teaching, counseling, preaching, and journalism etc. Not only does art provide a means to strengthen children's right brain, but it also provides children with an opportunity to explore life time hobbies and relaxing activities.
Squigly's Play House has neat resources. I thought I would use the lesson on braiding bracelets to give children some experience in creating jewerly.
Kinder Art Kinder Art has drawing lessons I can use to incorporate into my classroom.
Knitting With Children contains knitting lessons. I can use one of these to do with my class.
Math and Science
Math and science are important. First, math teaches children the basics of counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and telling time. As they grew older, they will need math skills to tell time, count money, and balance a check book. Science is important, because children need to learn how the universe functions and about living and nonliving organisms. Science is important to students to learn, especially if they plan on pursuing a medical career.
Math Cats has animated characters and fun problem-solving stories to help children develop problem-solving skills. These are activities children can do on their free time as extra credit.
Teach r Kids contains math worksheets, which I can print and use in my math lessons.
Kids' Numbers has virtual flash cards I can use in my classroom. Children can get on the computers and work with them.
School Family Education is a website which contains science activities teachers can do with their students. One specific activity I found was the Backyard Weather experiment in which children use certain devices to measure and observe weather elements like rainfall, wind, and pressure. I would have to have four children do this at a time, because buying equipment for each child would be expensive.
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