Deanna

We reviewed the 3 principals of UDL: representation, expression, engagement. We discussed the 3 brain networks: recognition, affective, strategic. We also did some hands-on activities, like the NAILS activity. We did a couple of reading/interpreting activities, like the 4 A's. I spent some time recalling fun times at Sea World and Cedar Point ~ not too forget Jungle Safari!

After reading "The Future is in the Margins" I aspire to create a classroom where all children are on an equal playing field, where all children have the same ability to learn and to present their knowledge in a meaningful way. I hope to allow all students to see their strengths, and for them to also concentrate on the strengths of their peers, not prey on their weaknesses. In order to achieve this, I need to know more about UDL, and how to best present information, engage and assess all students. I also need at least some of the technology available to give students choices. We also need to remember to educate students on respect, tolerance, and fairness ~ and that fair doesn't always mean equal.

Yesterday we had a very meaningful, in-depth discussion about the article "The Future is in the Margins". It was very enlightening to hear others' opinions and see what held importance to different people. We are so influenced by what we deal with in our professional and personal lives when it comes to determining importance in what we read! I enjoyed the one size does not fit all video! There really is no "normal"! We also looked at the three principals, and took them further by looking at the 9 guidelines and all the checkpoints. I am very excited to explore these further and see what great ideas I can implement next year ~ especially with a visually-impaired student that we will have in our class.