News From the Nest-Spotlight on Learning: Agricultural Revolution
Spotlight On Learning
Presented by: Mr. Sonny Gill
Subject: SS10
Driving Question: Agricultural Revolution
How can drawings be used to enhance students' understanding and communication of key terms and concepts in a new unit?
TEACHER DESCRIPTION and / or REFLECTION:
Before starting a new unit or introducing a topic, students express their understanding or thoughts through drawing.Engage students in brief conversations about their drawings, asking what they are making, why they chose a particular term or topic (often from a provided list), and how they are developing their drawing. Once their drawings are complete, students explain the term and its relevance.
Ask questions that encourage students to connect the term to broader concepts and deeper understanding.
I like to use drawings before starting a new unit or introducing a topic. I ask students to express their understanding or thoughts on the topic or term and use it for review purposes. While students are creating their drawings, I engage them in brief conversations, asking what they are making, why they chose a particular term or topic (often from a provided list), and how they are developing their drawing.
Once their drawings are complete, students must explain the term to me. I then ask a few questions about the term, encouraging them to make connections that go beyond the obvious and relate to the broader context.
STUDENT REFLECTION:
Today, we started our new unit by drawing. It was fun because we got to show what we know about the topic through our pictures. While we were drawing, Mr.Gill asked us about our drawings and why we chose certain terms or topics. This helped us think more about what we were doing.
After we finished, we had to explain our drawings and the terms we used. Mr. Gill asked questions that made us think about how our topic connects to bigger ideas. It was a good way to understand the new unit better.