Instrumental Writing--Winburn Middle School

Each year as the pressure of producing portfolio pieces grows, teachers in the performing arts struggle to find authentic ways to integrate writing into their already busy curriculum.  So this year, Winburn orchestra teacher, Ellen Dennison, took a creative approach to an old assignment.

As part of their studies in 7^th grade orchestra, Mrs. Dennison had her students research about different instruments.  However, rather than just writing a report to be turned in, this year the students took their information and created a simple website about what they had learned.  When each class members’ information was compiled, a nice resource was created for other students to use.

This was a two day class project.  On the first day students typed their pieces into Microsoft Word.  On the second day the students learned about Microsoft FrontPage and completed a very simple page using their information.  Students learned how to set the background, import their typed work, and how to search for and import clipart.  In the end, the students had an authentic place to publish their work and had fun doing it.

To view the students work, check out Mrs. Dennison’s project page at http://staff.fcps.net/edenniso/studentprojects.htm or read more in this month's  Through a Student's Eyes.

Jeopardy to Review Core Content

Testing is just around the corner! Teachers at Southern Elementary are preparing a Core Content Camp as a warm up for students before the test. Teacher Melinda McKinney is using technology for her station at the camp. Students will review Core Content with electronic Jeopardy games.

Melinda attended a Professional Development session called "Jeopardy to Review Core Content" at the Ambrose Computer Lab. Armed with a Jeopardy template in PowerPoint and a set of directions, Melinda created an exciting interactive core content review tool!

The Jeopardy PowerPoint template was originally developed by TRTs in Hardin County. Fayette County TRTs discovered the PowerPoint review activity at a past Kentucky Teaching and Learning Conference. Classes in Jeopardy to Review Core Content are generally offered a couple of times each year at the Ambrose Computer Lab.

Directions and a template are available for you to use.  If you need help, contact your TRT.

Toyota’s Terrance Proctor has been working in partnership with Northern Elementary to provide old laptop computers from Toyota which were rebuilt with the help of FCPS technicians and Terrance. After a meeting was held with parents and students of two classrooms and a special resource class, laptops are checked out to students overnight.

Programs, projects, and assignments were placed on the non-networkable computers’ hard drives for students to use in the classroom and at home. Students are learning how to use the Microsoft programs through engaging activities to supplement or enrich their class work. Some math drill work has also been offered. Students have been creating charts and graphs as well as using programs in “out-of-the-box” unique ways to solve problems. Some of these activities can be found at http://teach.fcps.net/trt18.

Proctor says he hopes to expand this program in the coming months with other schools. He’s really pleased with the progress of the program and the progress of the students and their skills.