ELL and Special Needs Learning Activities

Linda S. Carter-Turner

Learning and the Senses• Students experienced learning by using their

sense. They used their sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They collected information and shared with the other students in their small group.

Learning and the Senses• The activity began with a discuss in the group

about how we gather information about our world. • The questions were asked:

– How do we know the sky is blue? (Sight)– How do we know sandpaper is rough? (Touch)– How do we know an alarm is sounding? (Hearing)– How do we know mommy baked cookies? (Smell)– How do we know we like cookies? (Taste)

Learning and the Senses• The teach ensured each student was aware that

the activity was designed to show them how they learn about things.

Learning and the Senses• Materials Needed:

– Lemon, peach, cinnamon stick, and gummy worm. The teacher tried to pick items the students were familiar with or had a knowledge of the item.

• Procedures– The students were not show the objects. They were

blindfolding, given ear plugs, gloves, and a clip for their nose. Each was given a sample of the items in variations. They were to begin by touching the item with the gloves on and then off, recording what they assumed the item to be. Next they were to smell the item and then record. Finally they were to look at the item and record their findings.

• Assessment– Students were orally assessed by asking their feeling

and opinions of the activity, what we can do with our senses, and what the senses might be.

Record Sheet for Sense ExperimentName ______________________ Date ____________

     

Object

 Smell Feels like/Touch  Looks like/ Sight

Number 1     

     

Number 2     

     

Number 3     

     

Sample of worksheet

Current Events Writing• Students were show part of a current events

video from a national or local news online site. They were to use their deductive reasoning and data sheet to figure out what happened in the video. They were then shown the complete video and discuss their hypothesis and the actual conclusion of the piece.

Current Events Writing• Students watched a current event video for

1:00. They were not given any prior information about the video. There were given a demonstration on the board of what type of information would be used in the assignment. They must then fill in the data sheet and think of a conclusion for their writing assignment.– http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=sitenav#/video/

bestoftv/2013/10/31/ac-live-blackwell-exclusive-footage-of-kendrick-johnson-in-hallway-and-gym.cnn

Current Events Writing• Materials Needed:

– Computer, data projector, and audio for students to hear.

• Procedures– The students were given a demonstration of what

was expected by looking at another video. The teacher explained to them this activity is designed to help them think about situations and write about information they have seen and heard.

• Assessment– Students were orally assessed by asking their opinion

of the story after their writing assignment. They were questioned to see if they could deduce what the story was about in the video. They were given possible scenarios and asked why they were or were not good possible conclusions.

Current Events Writing

Who?

Where?

What?

When?

Introduction

Conclusion

Story Title

Current Events Writing

Who?

Tony Dorse

tt

Where?

UCLA

What?Memory LossCTESensitivity to lightWhen?

1 to 2 years,

October

Tested

Introduction

ConclusionStory Title

Football and Brain

Damage

Sample Activity

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/07/health/nfl-tony-dorsett-cte-diagnosis/index.html?hpt=he_c2

Computer Learning Games• Students were allowed to use the computers as

learning tools on many different subject areas. They were given specific web sites to visit. Then they were instructed by the teacher which areas they needed to work.

• Procedures– Students were allowed to go to various activities

regarding math skills on math, algebra, and geometry.

Computer Learning Games