For this week's blog, I decided to focus on a topic that my students will be introduced to within the next week or so. Right now, the students are learning about the fundamentals of coordinate planes and how to locate objects. However, based on my observations, I believe that my students are going to have difficulty when it comes to plotting the coordinates. A majority of my class is having difficulty with the conception of graphing let alone where the x and y-axis are graphed. Also, they are having a hard time locating the objects coordinates. It has been a very long time since I graphed points on a coordinate plan so I felt it was in the best interest of myself and my students to review this topic in order to successfully assist them.
It would be in the best interest of the students if I introduced the lesson in steps. First, I would begin the lesson by providing my students with vocabulary for that topic. Since most of my students are tech savvy, I would provide them with the link to a website called Quizlet. This website will provide them with the vocabulary words for the lesson through virtual flashcards that even include the definitions. Another great feature of this website is that the students can practice lesson vocabulary through study and play. For example, there are multiple choices quizzes and even games to review vocabulary words and definitions. I believe this is a great way to reinforce vocabulary and concept skills in order to gain knowledge in this particular topic.
Next, I would discuss the graph and where the x and y-axis should be placed. The best way to teach students where to place the x and y-axis is to relate it to something realistic such as horizontal and vertical lengths. I would tell my students that horizontal has the word horizon in it and just like the earth's surface and sky meet the x-axis meets the coordinate plane at the bottom of the graph. Then, I would teach them to remember the y-axis is vertical just like a vertical blind. I would also provide my students with a visual of a horizon and vertical images.
Horizon https://goo.gl/images/nUyrTa
Vertical blind https://goo.gl/images/zb1Mpv
Another way I would differentiate the lesson if for those who are audio learners. I would provide them with a song that Introduces Coordinates Planes. This will allow my students to learn about graphing on a coordinate plane through audio as well as visuals.
Then, I would model how to graph points on a coordinate plane (I Do). Followed by, providing my students with graphing worksheets so we can practice finding the coordinates together (We Do). This would be followed with independent practice and exist ticket (You Do). This will allow me to see who mastered the concept and who needs more practice. If needed, I would then form small group instruction.
