Multisensory Math Instruction
December 6, 2023
I Do, We Do, You Do
December 18, 2023
Learning disabilities (LD) present obstacles for sure, but it is no secret that students with LD also have tremendous potential and valuable competencies!
Check out these strengths commonly associated with dyslexia. Student abilities should be celebrated and further developed. Opportunities that help exercise strengths and build perseverance equip students for advanced academics and life after school.
STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) classes are one of the structured ways that Springer and other schools present age-appropriate challenges to build important skills. In fact, strengths possessed by students with dyslexia can be an exceptional match for STEAM projects.
At Springer, students in all grade levels engage in STEAM learning. It provides an avenue for consistent development of critical thinking, cooperation and persistence—all important to prepare students to become the innovators of the future.
Not least of all, students have fun with these activities. Library/Media Specialist and STEAM Teacher Clare Barkley shares more about her Middle School STEAM classes.
This year in STEAM has been a whirlwind! With lots of new tools for learning about the skills of the future, Springer middle school students dove into the world of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
In the first trimester, students gave our two new 3D printers a whirl by designing their very own cookie cutters. Students were encouraged to get creative and took that to heart—using 3D printing software, they designed cookie cutters in the shape of mustaches, letters, and even their own invented characters.
Although navigating the 3D printers took some flexibility and patience, they were rewarded at the end of the trimester with a cookie-making party (where they also learned about the connection between math and baking!)
Currently, students are learning about coding and design with Hummingbird Kits. Students code objects to move, light up, and even interact based on sensory inputs such as noise or light levels. For their first project with the kits, students were tasked with adding lights and movement to a book’s cover or story. From a rotating wheel that shows the main character of The Giving Tree growing up, to making the dragons from Dragons Love Tacos breathe fire, students got the chance to bring their favorite stories to life.
Through their STEAM classes, Springer students are using hands-on learning to explore their creativity and passions.
Blogger Clare Barkley is Springer's Library Media Specialist. Through her innovative programming, students learn to utilize the library in many different ways. In her STEAM classes students make creative connections, build confidence and build important skills.
