Each month, Principal Susie Prather spotlights learning happening at our school. This month, the Principal's spotlight focuses on the joy and excitement of learning at OHA.
Dear O.H. Anderson Students and Families,
Our theme this year is #OHADIDITALL. We have a great start to the school year. Here are some highlights and examples of joy from the start of the school year:
Friendships are being built
Classroom families are connecting with each other during our daily morning meetings
Homecoming celebrations
30 sec. dance parties for reaching our reading stamina goals
Students are participating in learning games in all subjects
Developmentally, children who are ages 8-11 years old thrive on learning through games and collaboration. According to research, using games in teaching can help increase student participation, foster social and emotional learning, and motivate students to take risks. Read more about the benefits of using games to support learning here via Edutopia.
The OHA teachers utilize games regularly to support learning, increase engagement, and bring joy and excitement to learning.
Check out Mr. Wanner’s phy ed class practicing teamwork by huddling up as a team, listening to strategies, and deciding on a strategy to work as a team. They are using teamwork to cross a river with lily pads. They also are protecting their spaceship as a team with the Lu in phy ed. See this videoof the Lu in action.
Kahoot is a popular online game where students answer questions and earn points based on correct answers. Check out how Kahoot is used in math class.
Flocabulary is another online game that practices vocabulary in a fun, game-like manner. Check out what Flocabulary looks like in fourth grade here.
Scoot is another favorite OHA game. Students go on a scavenger hunt and find math facts to solve in their classrooms, hallways, and sometimes in the school forest. It gets students moving and active in their learning.
Games are also used in speech, to practice math facts, and to review content learned.
Check out other OHA Traditions and Celebrations that happen throughout the year that show our commitment to having a joyful learning environment for our students.
Thank you for your partnership,
Ms. Prather, Principal, O.H. Anderson Elementary School
susan.prather@isd832.net