Welcome to the World of Dr. Seuss

Introduction:   This technology-rich, hands-on 4^th grade library lesson focuses on the works of Dr. Seuss.  It could be used as part of Read Across America activities, or at any other point in the year.  It is open-ended enough to also work for 3rd and 5^th grades. This lesson addresses Maryland Library Media Voluntary State Curriculum Content Standards of Literature Appreciation (1.3.a), Collection of Information Related to a Question (3.6.b) and Sharing of Findings in Multiple Formats (6.A.1.a).  It also addresses Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students for Digital Citizenship (2.B.1.b), Using Technology for Learning and Collaboration (3.B.1), Gathering Information (6.A.3) and Communicating Conclusions (6.A.5).  These standards can be viewed at the School Improvement in Maryland website.

Description:  Students will be paired up at a computer during this lesson.  As an engagement they will think about Dr. Seuss and his books and create a wordle using words from their brainstorming.  A sample wordle will be provided. For students unfamiliar with the works of Dr. Seuss, books by the author will be available for their use.  Next, they will explore a teacher-created glog containing supplemental information about Dr. Seuss, searching for answers to scavenger hunt questions.  Finally, they will demonstrate their knowledge by creating a glog related to a favorite Dr. Seuss story of their choice. A class wiki will be provided, containing all instructions for this lesson, a sample wordle, a rubric and a sample glog for the assignment. Links to student glogs will be posted on the class wiki to facilitate sharing of their work. Wordles will be scanned by the teacher and posted to the wiki.

Technology Samples: 

Wordle Sample for Students

Click on the links provided to access the samples below:

 Mrs. Ciaccio's Class Wiki,

All About Dr. Seuss glog - used for Scavenger Hunt

 Dr. Seuss story glog - sample for students

Formative Assessment of Student Learning:  The teacher will circulate throughout the lesson and assist students as needed.  Dr. Seuss books will be available for student use. Viewing the printout of the wordle and content of the glog, posted on the wiki, will provide feedback on student learning. The glog rubric and a sample glog will be provided.

Additional Documents: 

ciaccio lesson plan template.pdf 

Dr. Seuss Glogster Rubric.pdf

Personal Reflection:  As a paraeducator, I assist with the implementation and differentiation of lessons, not the planning.  This assignment was interesting because I had so many ideas that I wanted to try.  Taking into consideration the time constraints of an actual lesson caused me to narrow my focus considerably. I think this lesson would be engaging to students because they enjoy collaborating. Using technology helps give them control over their learning, to an extent.  They can explore the teacher-generated glog in any order they choose to discover the answers to the scavenger hunt. By using the wordle and creating the glog, they are able to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun, creative way.  They can work at their own pace, deciding how much time they need on each section of the lesson.  Teacher time can be directed to student assistance with learning, rather than trying to keep everyone on the same task at the same time. Hopefully the BCPS network and computers would cooperate during the time this lesson would be implemented. Prior to this class, I had limited wiki experience, as a reader and commenter. Now I can create a wiki, and use Web 2.0 tools that I had never even heard of a month ago, such as Voki, Wordle, Glogster and Audacity.  I enjoyed the introduction to HTML coding.  I have a greater appreciation for technology in the classroom and look forward to helping implement it at West Towson Elementary in September.