Motivation

Motivation (anticipatory set):

An anticipatory set should include an attention getter for beginning our lesson. Also in this section: What is the purpose and rationale for teaching this lesson? How will teaching this lesson set the stage for future lessons?

Throughout their fourth grade year, students study Florida’s geography and history; however they rarely get a chance to consider vacation destinations. Because times are tight and traveling out of the state is not a reality for many families, I wanted to give my students a chance to plan a “staycation” in Florida, in essence a day trip or overnighter close to home. Students also get bored over the summer and most of my students have internet access. By integrating the technology of Google Earth, I was able to springboard off the students’ natural curiosity and engage them in the planning of a family vacation close to home. They also were able to create a slide show to share with friends and family using photos provided by Google Earth and other online links provided by Google Earth.

This lesson is a precursor for a later unit lesson where students will plan a vacation that includes itinerary, budget, historic sites, etc.

__Lesson opener__: Ask students to discuss possible Florida vacation spots. Ask students to consider why these spots would make good vacation destinations and what the different vacation spots have to offer. Keep a list on the board.

From Denise: Do we need to make a mention of the standard in the motivation section?

From Britt: Maybe add the sentence: Google Earth also afforded them the opportunity to virtual-tour the state's historical sites and landmarks, as well as to perview the state's geography. This adding of context to the lessons we had been covering throughout the year really provided the students with a framework for their knowledge. (maybe after Connie's second sentence? then her third sentence could read something like: Since my students often get bored over the summer and most have internet access, continual, independent learning can continue once an interest has been sparked.) Just ideas!

I like your suggestions, Britt--why don't you add them into the entire plan-that way we can have a comprehensive document for us all. It's not "mine" its' "ours"!