SUBJECT: Language Arts AREAS: Reading
TOPICS: Vocabulary LEVEL: Early Elementary or Pre-School
SPECIFIC GOALS: Students develop reading comprehension, word recognition and vocabulary within a cooperative learning atmosphere.
ABSTRACT: Students use the computer to develop reading and listening skills through interaction with a software program. The computer reads stories to the students, who verbally must identify images contained within the stories. Students then individually identify related pictures and vocabulary.
PREREQUISITE SKILLS: Ability to use a mouse.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS: Cooperative Learning, Active Learning, Whole Language.
VOCABULARY: Grandma, Little Critter, beach, bus, umbrella, crab, fish, wind and starfish.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: CD-ROM Just Grandma and Me (Macintosh and Windows) is one volume in the Living Books series that teaches using the whole language approach. This animated story, comes to life as students click and point to different objects while progressing at their own pace.
RATIONALE FOR USING THE TECHNOLOGY: Reading skills are enhanced through using computers and appropriate software. Moreover, students learn to work cooperatively with others.
OTHER MATERIALS: Drawing paper and crayons will be needed.
TIME REQUIRED: The suggested setting involves students working as an entire class. You may want to have students work in small groups on the computer. Set-up time requires ten minutes; class time involves 45-75 minutes.
ON THE COMPUTER: 1) After loading the program, select the option for the computer to read, Just Grandma and Me, to the class. 2) Select the option called "Play with Me." Students must name a picture on the computer screen that they would like the teacher to click with the mouse. The item clicked will respond. (For example, the fence will play a tune.) Students then describe how the picture changed.
OFF THE COMPUTER: Provide each student with crayons and drawing paper. Next, ask students to draw pictures of objects identified during this lesson. 2) As a class or in small groups, discuss the story that was read to them.
EVALUATION AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES: As an extension activity, plan a simulated field trip to the beach. Students must name the things they wish to take with them on the trip.
MIN HARDWARE: Just Grandma and Me, Macintosh Version; Macintosh LC or higher, System 6.0.7 or higher, 4MB RAM, CD-ROM drive
Just Grandma and Me Windows Version; 386SX or faster processor, 4MB RAM, Windows 3.1 or higher, DOS 3.3 or higher, 256 color monitor, Hard Disk, CD- ROM drive
OPTIONAL HARDWARE: LCD panel and overhead projector for whole class presentation