Finding Your Niche: Creating Compelling Programming FAME 2014
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Transcript of Finding Your Niche: Creating Compelling Programming FAME 2014
Finding Your NicheCreating Compelling ProgrammingFAME 2014 Breakout Sessions Presenters: Meaghan Monaghan and Beverly Coe
Why is programming that is not necessarily library or literacy based your job?● build community● develop multimedia and collaborative
literacy and appreciation● foster lifelong learners
How to find and adapt your niche to your level● You have to start somewhere, so start by
looking inward.● Reflect on what you would like to spend
more of your time on personally. ● Look for the root.
How to get started● Make a To-Do List (see handout)● Tools for planning (see handout)
Book based Programming
Things to consider● age group● content● your interests● “What’s hot”
Elementary Perspective / Book Club This is what I did
● Multi-age weekly book and movie club
● Combine grades - tailor to book
● Pair popular book and its children’s movie
● Activity based meetings
How I did it/ What I learned● Choose a book you enjoy!● Base the meetings on an activity not wholly on a book discussion.● Encourage parent/grandparent involvement but set boundaries
Lessons learned● Watch the movie before committing to the book● Don’t forget procedure, it is still important!● Have parent information
High School Perspective
This is what I did● After school themed parties for
popular book-to-movie adaptations: Hunger Games, Divergent
● Trivia, themed challenges, food, decorations, book displays, prizes
How I did it/ What I learned● search the web for how-tos● adapt and re-theme party games● lessons learned:
○ create activities that occupy everyone at the same time
○ make a schedule and stick to it
○ don’t spend a lot of time elaborately theming food
Technology
Things to consider● choose a well reviewed program● consider the background and technology
available to your students● set a goal and scaffold● keep in mind district guidelines, firewalls,
accessibility
Elementary Perspective / Coding Club
This is what I want to do:● 3-5 morning coding club● scratch.mit.edu● One project a semester ● Tutor style ● Student Paced
How I did it/ What I learned● Use the websites resources● Start flexible - add and subtract restrictions, support,
pace as needed● Coordinate heavily with administration
Lessons learned:● Stay in contact with parents/ keep
communication log● Be aware of technology limitations● Explore thoroughly beforehand!
High School PerspectiveThis is what I did● programming on the go● book spine poetry● digital citizenship display● promoting interaction with authors
and youtubers● coming soon: social media
workshops
How I did it/ What I learned
● Physical displays to promote digital interactions
● We live in a participatory culture● Stay plugged in and you’ll be able to plug
your students in
Special/ Student Interest
Things to Consider● Don’t duplicate● Fill a hole - serve underserved
populations● Listen to your students! Student interest
groups should be student guided.
Elementary Perspective Solar Car Competition
This is what I did● Entered team in the Junior Solar
Sprint● Coordinated the efforts of 5
fourth and fifth graders● Won best design for the
county
How I did it/ What I learned● Watched list servs and county emails ● Matched project with in class curriculum● Found interested students● Coordinated materials, requirements, and
event details● Parent communication is key.
Lessons Learned● Stepping outside your comfort zone can be very rewarding● Small group field trips are feasible but come with extra red tape● Scour your sources for materials before buying anything.
High School Perspective
This is what I did● Tabletop gaming, tea
time● Coming soon:
NaNoWriMo
How I did it/ What I learned● born out of discussion with students● creating fellowship around shared interests● got the word out by flyers and word of mouth● keep it manageable - time/size constraints - vital for
weekly programs where you’re most likely by yourself
Things to Keep in Mind
● You are not an island! Team up with others.
● Don’t be discouraged by failure. Be reflective.
● Literacy isn’t your only scope.● Plan ahead!