Nelyda Rodriguez
​
Media Pitch Part B
Growth Mindset: Blended Learning, Rotation Model, and Mathematics Learning in Preschool Classrooms
Benefits of Rotation Stations model in math for Prekindergarten student
This model is the Rotation Station of the blended learning approach. Blended Learning is a teaching approach that combines in-person instruction with online learning, and children can work at their own pace.But I would like to talk about the rotation station model. In this model, students are divided into small groups and rotate through different stations or workstations. The students participate in learning activities that address different content elements or specific skills.
Exploring Blended Learning for Preschoolers: Guide for Teachers
1. Deciding the number of stations you want to use is essential. For preschoolers, the rotation model works wonders. It allows them to explore content in multiple ways, focusing on the learning rather than the content. Trial and error is a part of the learning process.
2. Remember to avoid using apps without a clear focus on learning. Many digital resources can help make learning fun and engaging for young children! Applications like Seesaw and Boomcards offer a wide range of lessons that allow kids to practice and reinforce what they've learned.
3. Want to make learning more exciting for your kids? Blended learning can make learning more exciting for your little ones. Show them essential iPad tools like the camera, microphone, and drawing. They pretend to read books and stories and record their learning. Plus, as a teacher, you can create their first e-portfolios and keep track of their progress
4. One of the great things about blended learning is that we can easily track our student's progress and work with them on their individual needs. It's essential to take the time to review their progress and make any necessary adjustments.
5. Blended learning can initially feel overwhelming, but don't worry - we've got this! Let's start with small steps and gradually explore different ideas and alternatives for your little students.
Math Rotations Stations in a prekindergarten classroom
​
The rotation stations should be organized in separate areas in the school. You must decide how many areas you want, where they will be, what the students will do in each area, and how they will learn.
Most classrooms have three stations: a small group for direct instruction, a place for students to work independently, and a space for collaboration.
These areas can use different materials and technology and help students learn in different ways
I recommend the rotation stations I use in my classroom to teach math. The stations can be customized to fit the grade level and age of the students.
Based on the age of the prekindergarten children, I suggest incorporating a dramatic play station where kids can express themselves in a natural setting.
In my classroom, I created a station where children could use real-life mathematical skills in play activities, such as grocery shopping or going to a restaurant.
The teacher-led small group station is designed to provide personalized attention that caters to each student's unique needs.
The technology station is where students use their iPads to learn the desired objective. In my case, my students learn math through interactive websites, which allow them to have fun and learn simultaneously.
The math game station is designed to enable students to use manipulatives that engage their sense of numbers, shapes, and learning skills. The games can be adjustable according to the subject and grade level being taught.
Please note that you have all the materials needed to set up stations for your students, based on their interests.
Implementation of the Station Rotation System
​
My Final publication draft focuses on preschool learning Math through the station rotation system. My students are too young to sit all day and listen to my explanations. According to Roger Schank, learning is best when it is done through understanding situations. This allows children to learn their lessons and apply this knowledge in authentic contexts and various ways.
Following Schank's writing theory, I use interactive scenarios to help children understand and predict in complementary contexts. In addition to digital activities, I use simulations and digital platforms to help children build other cognitive structures. The blended learning approach is also flexible. Therefore, students can learn independently and acquire knowledge that fits their goals. Immediate and personalized feedback is another critical component of my strategy. Since such tools offer instant feedback, children can improve their understanding and adjust their skills accordingly.
According to Schank, blended learning can help enrich the educational environment by combining face-to-face teaching with various online pedagogical resources. Additionally, blended learning can be adjusted to different learning styles to allow each child to learn effectively in a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic way.
Let me recommend the materials I have used for my stations:
iPads with interactive websites installed like Istation, Starfall, and Seesaw, headphones,
The teacher designed manipulatives for math games, dramatization materials for young children, and activities for small groups focused on number sense, spatial awareness, and shapes.
Blended learning is an adaptable and easy method to suit any level of teaching. These recommendations will help you build an intelligent classroom.
The rotation station model has a lot of benefits, and some of them are:
1. Students have more opportunities to ask questions and receive individual feedback as they work.
2. Small group activities are student-centered. This requires that students actively participate in accomplishing a task.
3. Activities can challenge various skill levels.
4. Students can control the pace of learning in a particular station.
5. Kids love to move, and rotating around the room helps them to keep engaged.
6. This model's variety of learning activities and tasks keeps student interest high.
7. Activities can incorporate different learning modalities to appeal to multiple intelligences.
8. In the teacher-led station, teachers can review concepts, model processes, or provide direct instruction for small groups.
9. Teachers can customize work to meet each student's learning goals by understanding what they know also
10. Teachers have more time to provide individualized teaching and effective feedback by working with students in small groups.
It has benefited me by deepening my students' knowledge and promoting learning in math. I plan to implement the rotations stations model.
Considering Roger Schank's concepts and drawing on cognitive science, the station rotation system prioritizes using digital tools. This method allows instant feedback and constant supervision, improving preschool children's math skills.
As a preschool teacher, I have witnessed the concrete benefits of this implementation of the rotation system. Through specific examples and proven strategies, I will share how blended learning and the station rotation system can revolutionize instruction in a preschool, benefiting students and educators.
Based in part on Schank's theory, I found that the station rotation system "can significantly improve children's skills in Math through hands-on experiences. This interactive and adaptive approach through technology can also help Meet each child's unique needs, maintain their focus, and limit the time they can concentrate.
At the same time, their self-concept also leads to a performance-enhancing mindset based on Carol. S. Dweck (2006).
Relationships with my Innovation Proposal
As I mentioned, I would like to offer each student the opportunity to use my innovation proposal, including the station rotation system. This approach is based on the theory of goal theory, modeling, testing, and verification of Schank's conceptual process and cognitive science. My proposal involves integrating blended learning with traditional school in the development of phonics language in preschool children at Booker Elementary. In this proposal, constant verification and practice, intensive COVA self-assessment, and immediate feedback are carried out to guarantee effective and meaningful learning and provide ideal preparation for student success in long-term academic and personal terms Schank, (1977).
Justification of my participation in the Podcast
My participation in the "Innovation in Blended Learning for Preschoolers" podcast is crucial. This is because I have actively implemented the station rotation system to improve phonetic language skills in preschool children. I have applied teaching methods based on those of Roger Schank (1990) to cognitive science and achieved notable results.
Based in part on Schank's theory, I found that the station rotation system "can significantly improve children's phonetic language skills through hands-on experiences. This interactive and adaptive approach through technology can also help Meet each child's unique needs, maintain their focus, and limit the time they can concentrate.
At the same time, their self-concept also leads to a performance-enhancing mindset based on Carol. S. Dweck (2006).
In addition, this rotation system integrates interactive applications and digital platforms to obtain instant and personalized feedback. Real-time adjustments are guaranteed after significant learning. Users will acquire recent phonics skills and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills Schank (1995).
In the podcast, I shared specific activities in my rotating station system to demonstrate how they keep children engaged in learning Math development. I also mentioned again that constant evaluation, which facilitates adjustment of activities and methods, ensures the best possible experience for each child (Schank, 1997).
As passionate teachers, we always look for new ways to make our classrooms more engaging and inspire our students to be their best selves. Hence, we decided to create podcasts based on our experiences and expertise to assist other teachers in learning about blended learning and how to use it in different situations. Collaboration plays a vital role in ensuring the success of any project, and our media project was no exception. While planning it, we realized we had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with fellow teachers.
I must present electronic portfolios that integrate my work and team. These portfolios enable us to publish our articles and locate similar academic content, which can be added.
​
​
​
​
​
References
Schank, R. C. (1990). Tell Me a Story: A New Look at Real
and Artificial Memory: Charles Scribner's Children.
Schank, R. C. (1995). Engines for Education. Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates.
Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset: the new psychology of success.
Random House.
Schank, R. C. (1997). Virtual Learning: A Revolutionary
Approach to Creating a Highly
Skilled Workforce. McGraw-Hill.