During remote learning, I continued to strengthen cross-curricular connections by designing a number of integrated learning units and multimodal sites to give my students multiple opportunities to learn-create and share.
One of the units was "Mapping Our World'. My focus was on unpacking and front-loading math vocab and concepts and the use of digital tools to foster my students’ mathematical and spatial thinking. The students learnt how to understand and communicate directions, locations, proportional relationships and the connections between objects. During this unit, the students learnt to create their own simple maps (floor plans, local maps, Google MyMaps) and to use appropriate units and devices to measure length and distances.
This unit brought many learning areas under 'one big umbrella' and provided a real purpose for learning. To add fun and to test their map knowledge, we created a Kahoot quiz and played it at the end of the week. I believe that the entire unit was a success due to the authentic learning opportunities. We even enjoyed wider whanau engagement as some families worked together to create their whanau maps.
The "Mapping Our World" multimodal site, extended planning and reflection are available on the Class OnAir site - Elena Terekhina, episode 12.
