The Caffeinated Carbivore

Abstract words are often difficult for students to define. Words like "love" change with time, your experiences, and your context. Many reserachers and educators wonder at the impact the recent anniversary of September 11th and the bleak outlook for the American economy has on current students image of America and patriotism itself. Depending on how you execute this lesson, this activitiy offers a unique opportunity for students to learn and excersise multiple skills: -Defining abstract words: Understanding that a word can have multiple meanings (both to themselves and others) and learning how to negotiate words' multiplicity. -Creativity: Understanding that words do not appear just in letters, but also images. Learning how images impact the viewer . -Basic letter writing skills (no, they are not a foregon art): Learning how to write a saluatation, introduction, and conclusion (this is also helpful when learning to write a self-narrative and basic paragraph). -Civic Engag...

Music is a powerful tool of communication -it can alter your mood, and even make your brain work faster , and serve as a mental gymnasium ! We've talked about the power of using technology , pictures , and movies as learning tools in our classrooms. But what about music? Music can serve as an excellent educational tool, even if your class isn't musically inclined (talent or lesson plan-wise). Music from other countries serves to teach multiculturalism. In math classes, rhythm can teach counting and even fractions. Tech Ed classes can learn about the construction of musical instruments, social studies classes can learn about the history of musical movements, poly sci classes can study music as a means for social change...the list goes on. Check out the BBC's collection of multicultural music. This site gives free access to teachers in the classroom or students at home-a great tool to use in your class blog or in general class discussion. For more on music in educati...