Week 5 - Introduction to the range of new literacies (II): Gaming and literacy

Assignment#1 Examine and explain how other teachers are using games in the classrooms

     Games are fun activities that is an important element in teaching ELA.  Games can be used to warm up the class before lesson begin, during the lesson to give students a break when tackling a intensive subject, or at the end of class when you have few minutes left remaining.  Games can be used to help students review vocabulary, learn tenses, practice conversing, etc. It can also help develope students cognitive thinking such as problem solving skill, creativity, etc.   

Assignment #2 Write a brief statement on your philosophy of using games in the classrooms (from the teacher and the learner's point of view). 

     My personal teaching philosophy is based on social constructivist.  The teacher needs to be enthusiastic and fun about teaching English in order for students to feel comfortable and fun about learning English.  Creativity is one of the important aspect in writing and speaking.  I encourage students to take chances and use language creatively to express themselves.  I design my lesson plans mindful of whole language approach to language instruction by incorporating oral and written language skills into games and fun activities that encourage social interaction and keep students engaged and happy as they learn.  Students would enjoy and benefit tremendously from these activities and leave the classroom wanting more.  

Assignment#3 Use your creativity and imagination, write a game scenario/script for your game design and use narrated PPT or Jing Project (no more than 5 minutes) to present your game scenario/script.
     Please see below link on my game idea of "Super Phonics Kids" in which students will have fun while they learn synthetic phonics to improve their reading and spelling skills.
Super Phonics Kids Game Designed by Karrie