NOW PLAYING.......................................Teachers' perspectives:
HOCKLENUTTY'S SPELLING BEE
Gifted 5th graders challenge first graders to improve their spelling. Correct spelling builds their word hive. Mistakes get Mr. Hocklenutty stung.
IS THAT A FACT?
A fun way to learn NATIVE AMERICAN CURRICULUM for grades 4-5.
FEEDBACK FEUD
Survey based game on why gifted kids want gifted programs
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
A thoughtful look at the Holocaust and values by extraordinary 5th graders (great for cognitive thinkers)
YOUR CANDIDATE
Remember when there were 17 candidates in the 2008 primaries? See which one best spoke your mind -- if you dare!
MY CANDIDATE '08
Now is the time to really discover who you agree with more: McCain or Obama
TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVES
Two wise and talented teachers provide some insights into the value of the Do And You Will Learn Game approach.
7-22-08
Ms. Erin McAnulty
1st grade teacher
Willingboro, NJ
"Hocklenutty’s Bee interactive computer game came about when Mr. Hochman saw that our first grade class was preparing for the school Spelling Bee. Using the grade level list of words, he (along with his fifth grade assistants) developed an innovative way to assist the students in mastering/reviewing these words. The students were engaged in the game from start to finish and always looking forward to their next turn.
"Mr. Hochman volunteered in our class this past school year. His positive attitude and enthusiasm were immediately evident to my students and me. He worked with students independently, in small groups, and as a whole class. He has a passion for contributing to the growth and development of all individuals (both young and older) utilizing creative and fun ways!"
8-04-08
By Elaine Mendelow,
Project Challenge Teacher and Immediate Past President of NJ Association for Gifted Children njagcelaine@verizon.net
"As a teacher, my over-riding objective is to get my students to become thinkers, creators and problem-solvers because I believe that this is the way to help them become informed and productive citizens in America in this competitive, turbulent 21st century!"
"This past year I have had the exciting opportunity to have Steve Hochman, games creator extraordinaire, work with my students in the creation of several interactive programs which have evolved into a DO AND YOU WILL LEARN series.
With my fourth graders, we created a game called FACT OR FICTION: NATIVE AMERICAN KNOW-HOW
With my fifth graders, we created an interactive learning program called WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
"Grade 4 Project - FACT OR FICTION: NATIVE AMERICAN KNOW-HOW
There were several components of the experience – first, each student researched information about his/her respective Native American tribe, finding information that was of particular interest. Each student then transformed the idea into either a true or fictitious statement. The students were videotaped making their statements, then offering an additional thought, verifying whether the statement was true or not and if not, explaining their reasoning. There were several rounds of material so there was lots of rich content.
In the playing of the game, the students saw their own faces and heard their own voices – this was part of the fun of playing! It was amazing to see the rapt attention that never wavered as they played the game over and over again.
The children were part of the project from start to finish. They had ownership of the creation and felt so positive about their program! For me, as their teacher, it was a joy to see them use their many skills to make this game a reality – the integration of research, both written and oral language, presentation skills, decision-making and thinking outside the box! This is what true learning is all about!
"Grade 5 Project - HOLOCAUST PROJECT: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
The students were reading books about the Holocaust and Steve seized this opportunity for them to come up with situations from the stories they read, and figure out ways they might solve them. The students wrote down the difficult dilemmas their characters were facing and as a group came up with multiple ways they could deal with each situation. An outstanding part of the process was considering whether they should risk their own well-being to help a victim or protect themselves at the risk of being haunted by their own guilt.
Some students did three, four even five takes on the video until they had a satisfactory result – the improvement in presentation skills was another bonus in this process!
A transformation seemed to take place as they played the game – there was real emotional and decision-making growth that occurred as they discussed how various students had responded. There were significant behavior changes in the children as they heard each others’ viewpoints. A strong example of this was one young man whose viewpoint changed 100% when he saw his response and heard those of others. It got them thinking about what was important in their life’s journey!
I feel that the kids were enriched by this entire experience – it was truly a project that involved depth and complexity – two areas that are so important in developing students’ minds.
"NEXT PROJECT - WOULD I SAY THAT? OBAMA AND MCCAIN 2008
I’m eagerly looking forward to our next project creating another “Do And You Will Learn” game – WOULD I SAY THAT? – An informational and fast-paced look at what the 2008 presidential candidates have said and whether you agree! The prediction is: students may be surprised at who they agree with more.
"The potential through these types of activities and this kind of learning is endless. All I can say is, try it, you and your students will surely be enriched."
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