Chapter 5 Making Connections

This chapter reminded me of a learning incident in elementary school. It was fourth grade year and my teacher taught me about the fifty states. She used a map that had Alaska in the bottom right corner of the map. There was Alaska sitting in the middle of the ocean. For years, I believed Alaska was an Island! Why hadn't my teacher used a map with Alaska in its correct location? Google maps of United States Maps and you will see what I'm talking about. We have to be careful when we choose images to use in our presentations. According to the reading, we make connections to real life situations. We have to tap into what is trendy and incorporate into our presentations. My students had the vocabulary word "Display" last week. They struggled to comprehend what it meant. Until, one student said, "Hey just like "Cake Boss", he creates displays using cakes" and then it was like a light bulb lit up. We must start to use the world to teach. I love Wordle! I have taught 4 students how to use wordle. In turn, those 4 students are going to train another 4 students and so on, until everyone knows how to use wordle. I’m amazed on how much they enjoy taking over and being the teacher. I enjoyed the author’s advice on using and giving away small items during presentations. You know us all love freebies, especially when we have to sit and watch for a while.  His story about Kenny G was true, you would make quite an entrance and at the same time you are incorporating humor. Imagine hearing some of the things an audience member says before a presentation. We have all been there! lol