Unfortunately, I was away this week, so I missed the EdCamp. Nevertheless, I reviewed the class material and questions and I’ll do a mini EdCamp in my post! I think three subjects I would have suggested would be how to keep students engaged in learning French in late elementary and middle school grades (this would be for the French immersion context), how to use technology for classroom management and learning more about supporting students with IEPs. 

How to keep students engaged in learning French in late elementary and middle school grades (French immersion context) 

I chose this topic because I find that with my work in French immersion classrooms and my experience going to a Francophone school from K to 12, students start to lose interest in the language and find it not “cool.” Teachers have tried to enforce speaking in French, but that pushes students away. So, I want to know how to make language learning cool but not cringe for students. One idea that I came across was integrating Manie Musical! It’s like an annual March Madness but with French songs, and the class listens to two songs and votes on which one is the best or that students like. As they go through songs, it becomes a bracket-style competition. Here is the official website and a post on Instagram where the teacher puts the bracket up in the classroom for their grade 7/8 class, but Manie Musical can be for any grade from grade 2 to even high school! This activity can excite students to vote and choose a winner while discovering music in French from various artists. 

https://www.maniemusicale.info/

https://www.instagram.com/clementsclassroom/reel/DGRsJl1RYcx/

What are ways to use technology for classroom management?

Classroom management is one of the key elements that make student learning successful, but it is another element for teachers to do with the many other things going on in the classroom. I would like to know if technology can be used by the second or third teacher in the classroom to help with classroom management. To find my ideas, I turned to TikTok because so many teachers post resources and tips for many classroom-related things. Regarding classroom management, most teachers say it’s all about routine and making things clear for students to understand. For example, transitions can be one of the most challenging parts of classroom management, so they suggest using timer videos to ease students into the next activity and finish what they are doing. Here’s an example I found:

5 Minute Timer with Music and Alarm 🎵 ⏰ received from YouTube

Another suggestion is using Lofi background noise to help students concentrate, minimize loudness, and chat while working. A note: Students may chat because they don’t have the opportunity to do so. To solve this, teachers can integrate more discussion-based learning to minimize chatting. 

I found a Lofi video with everyone’s favourite dog, Snoopy! Sadly, the link didn’t work to be embedded into the post 😔 but here it is nonetheless: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nJYIG7JSRM&t=2055s

Here’s another website that I found after a quick Google search, and it was also helpful! https://www.edutopia.org/article/classroom-management-tech-era/

Learning more about supporting students with IEPs

Lastly, I learnt about students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) during my Link2Practice, where special education students have a written plan designed to help and accommodate their learning needs. I didn’t find much about this topic besides the BC Ministry documents. Still, I found another Edutopia article helpful in enhancing my comprehension of students with IEPs and how best to support them. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-help-students-ieps-thrive/