Blog 4

Blog 4

“Research and find or develop 2 classroom activities that might be used in PS III practicum to enhance classroom climate.”

The two activities that I would use to enhance classroom climate are each designed for a specific grade level. For high school students, I would use the online and classroom based activity Civic Mirror, which is a game that essentially mirrors society and asks students to be active participants in a mock country that they create. For early elementary students, I would use the book David Goes to School by David Shannon to introduce classroom rules and involve students in the process of deciding these rules. These resources are both excellent alone, but would likely be enhanced when used in combination with other enriching learning experiences.

Civic Mirror is a virtual and real life game that teachers can incorporate into their regular lessons. The creators of Civic Mirror define the activity as “an online and face-to-face education program that turns classrooms into countries and students into citizens. The online program manages the game scenario, and it sets up high stakes, face-to-face classroom events that reflect our political and economic systems. So while students study course curriculum in the usual ways, they are also given their own government, economy, legal system, and environment to use and put into action what they’re studying.” The Civic Mirror website provides more information, including rules, how to use the program, and an informative video. The potential drawback to using Civic Mirror is the cost, but a determined teacher could incorporate it into lessons using the free trial version. Civic Mirror enhances classroom climate by developing citizenship among students. Students must amicably come to decisions that benefit both their individual needs, as well as those of their “family”, and the country as a whole. This encourages well-mannered relationships even in stressful situations, which could potentially transfer into relationships outside the school (i.e. the workplace).The objective I would hope to accomplish by using this game is to develop skills that prepare students for society, by simulating real-life situations. I would implement the Civic Mirror game as a portion of a mini-unit on citizenship, or as part of the high school social studies curriculum. I would begin the unit by having a class discussion on how to define citizenship, and how citizenship can be demonstrated in daily life (for instance, walking away from a fight). The next step could be asking students for input on classroom rules, while introducing Civic Mirror (which also asks students to decide on rules for their country). As the game progresses, I would take students on field trips to local courts or homeless shelters to enhance experiences that are occurring in the game. As well, it might benefit students to visit historical monuments or nearby museums. To further extend learning outside the classroom, I would invite a public figure (such as a local politician) or citizen who has survived an event (ie the holocaust) to speak to the class.

The picture book David Goes to School is part of a series by David Shannon. The protagonist, David, is a young student who goes through a series of events throughout the school day, where he is constantly told what not to do. David is a character that many students can relate to, as he is mischievous, curious, and kind, with a desire to do well. At the end of the story, David earns a gold star for cleaning the desks and is finally able to go home. This book could enhance classroom climate by creating a community within the classroom. I would use David Goes to School as an introduction to classroom rules. I would ask questions as I read the story, such as “why do you think David forgot to raise his hand?” and “How do you think that makes the girl sitting next to him feel?” to help students empathize with both David and the other students. I would ask students to help me develop a few clear, specific classroom rules, similar to the ones in the book (“what are some of the rules in David’s class?). This would give opportunities for the whole class to be involved, and feel safe sharing ideas in a community of peers. Throughout the school year, the emphasis on community could be extended by having cooperative games, partner activities, and whole-class collaborative projects.

While Civic Mirror and David Goes to School are resources that are appropriate for different grade levels, they share a common ability to enhance classroom climate. Civic Mirror provides students with opportunities to be lifelong learners outside the classroom through citizenship, and David Goes to School could be an important resource in building community.

Works Consulted:

Shannon, D. (1999). David goes to school. New York, NY: Blue Sky Press.