More Time in the Big Universe

My students have been fortunate to have access to Big Universe this school year. They love reading online, writing stories, creating illustrations and, above all – the social aspect of the site where they are able to connect and share literature with other kids in the classroom and all over the world.

As their teacher, I love seeing their excitement. Assigning them new books to read is easy and it always surprises me when a student comes up to me and asks when I’m going to assign another book.

Unfortunately, our classroom is not equipped with much more than one student computer and not all of my students have access to one outside of school.  Hence, my next thought…

Having the new year come in the middle of a school year is a very positive opportunity for me as a teacher.  It allows me to think freshly and try new things.  Just as I will ask my students to create a “res-school-ution” when we return from break, I will make my own.  In the case of Big Universe, I am working to schedule in some Big U time each week for my students.  This will be time where we can go up to our “Computer Clubhouse” and work on literacy.  Students who need to work on assignments can do so and those caught up can read, search for new books for their shelf or view their friends’ original works.  It’s important for me to provide this time for my students if I am to send the message home that their work in literacy and on Big Universe is important.

For me, it’s as simple as providing time for my students to continue to explore and utilize the resources on Big Universe.  What new idea might you try in your classroom for the new year?

~EMP

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