InTASC Standard #5 states that educators must understand how to transfer their content knowledge to students and engaged their classrooms in meaningful learning experiences. Educators who understand their content present information to students in an accessible way and ensure that students master their content and put it to use. Such educators teach their content in a variety of ways and provide students with the skills and opportunities to apply their knowledge in authentic settings. Educators must encourage critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication to create environments where students can use their knowledge in a meaningful way.
#1 Project-Based Learning
I integrate the application of content standard by using project-based learning experiences in the classroom. During a first-grade lesson on influential people in Virginia history (SOL 1.3), students learned about famous Virginians, and the contributions they made to our world today. By using PBL, students were able to learn about these historians while creating a mini-play where students traveled back in time to thank famous Virginians for the impacts they made on our world today.
#2 Planting Plants
Another way that I implement the application of content standard into the classroom is by allowing students to engage in real-world, hands-on activities. During a first grade unit on plants, students learn about what plants need to survive. After we introduce plant needs and discuss the importance of each, students have the opportunity to plant their own plants outside of the classroom and tend to the plants each day. By using real-world experiences, students are able to see first hand what happens if a plant doesn’t receive what it needs to survive.
#3 Graphing Daily Weather and Making Predictions
One strategy that I use to incorporate standard #5 is to graph the weather each morning with students. During our morning circle, I allow a different student to check the weather through the window and then graph it on the active board. Once we have collected data for the week/month, we can make generalizations and predictions. (i.e., “Today the weather was cold and rainy. Tomorrow I think the weather will be….”). This daily practice allows us to reinforce math, oral language, and science standards, using real-world content.