Blog entry by Mittie McAnulty
The program began by familiarizing students with books from various genres. Titles such as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," "A Wrinkle in Time," and "Charlotte’s Web" were selected due to their popularity and wide-ranging themes. After reading each book, children were presented with creative writing prompts based on various scenarios from the books. The prompts encouraged the students to explore new perspectives, develop creative ideas, and write their narratives.
This case study sheds light on the potential effectiveness of game-based learning. Not only does it facilitate a more fun, engaging environment, but it also brings about substantial improvements in academic performance. As seen in the instance of Kids on the Yard, this form of learning delivers results and captivates the children’s interest in a way that conventional methods may not. Indeed, for progressive education, the incorporation of games like these offers an effective and potent alternative.
3. Regular Study Routine: Procrastination often results in last-minute cramming, intensifying the anxiety associated with tests. Establishing a regular study routine, breaking study material down into manageable chunks, and regularly reviewing these materials can create familiarity, thus reducing anxiety and increasing confidence levels.
Furthermore, the students appeared more engaged in their writing assignments. The task of writing was no longer seen as labor-intensive but rather as a fun activity, translating into increased participation and completion rates. Aside from academic improvements, the program also stimulated their emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking skills, valuable assets in their holistic development.
The results were promising. Within one academic year, teachers documented a noticeable improvement in students' writing skills - not only in spelling and sentence construction but also in their capabilities to express ideas creatively. Reading comprehension among the students seemingly increased as well, as evidenced by their ability to draw from book content in their writing.
Removing the monotony of learning, vocabulary games allow students to interact with words in a more engaging, competitive, and stimulating manner. Activities such as identifying synonyms and antonyms, creating sentences with new words, contextual word games, vocabulary bingo, and crossword puzzles enhance a student's word knowledge. This gamified method of learning promotes long-term memory retention.
As per teacher evaluation, students demonstrated better organization skills. Their notebooks were neater, their tasks were well-planned, and they displayed an enhanced ability to follow instructions and attention to detail.
One of the most measurable outcomes was improved time management. Students began completing assignments efficiently and on time, reducing the number of late or incomplete homework significantly. Test performances showed marked improvements as children started using effective study strategies. Anecdote from teachers also suggested that students were better at absorbing, retaining, and recalling information.
Teaching children these methods to navigate and control their anxiety associated with tests will not only improve their academic performance but will also contribute significantly to their overall mental well being. It's important to remember that it’s the process of learning that’s vital, and every child learns at their own pace. Supporting them through their journey is key to helping them overcome their test anxiety.
5. Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep enhances the level of stress and strain on the cognitive functions. Therefore, ensuring children get sufficient sleep, especially before an exam, helps reduce anxiety levels.
The next step was developing an action plan to combat this undesirable habit systematically. The approach involved a collaboration between teachers, parents, and the students—working in tandem to address procrastinating behavior and find tailored solutions to each student's unique challenges.
Children respond to these games enthusiastically, their natural inclination towards playtime fitting seamlessly with their learning journey. These games have been crucial in making the children more receptive to an abstract concept like phonics, bringing the abstract into their tangible reality. It has effectively made learning an enjoyable activity rather than a chore.
Research from the American Test Anxieties Association reveals that about 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, and 18% have moderately-high test anxiety. This prevalent issue needs to be addressed timely as it leads to poor test performance, negatively influences students' self-esteem, and homeschoolers vs public schoolers limits their educational and career development.
Amid the proliferation of digital technologies, educators are constantly seeking innovative approaches to enhance traditional classroom methodologies and to promote superior learning outcomes. This case study focuses on a groundbreaking shift in delivering the English curriculum to 5th graders of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, a public school in Mason City, Iowa. The school implemented a program during the 2018-2019 academic year that used creative writing prompts inspired by popular books, specifically for improving students' writing skills.