Teaching Diverse Students 

Artifact Description: I created a virtual passport project connecting it to the countries visited in the book, A Ticket Around the World by Melissa Owens and Natalia Diaz. Each student received a paper passport in which they first had to write their full name, date of birth, residence of state (IL), and sign their passport. A pre-created “spin the wheel” which determined the winning country of the day to visit. After visiting each country, students filled out three short pages in their passport. One page is displayed above. 

IPTS Connection:  This virtual passport project connects with the first IPTS and performance indicator “stimulates prior knowledge and links new ideas to already familiar ideas and experiences” (1I). Students put into use their prior knowledge to traveling virtually to different parts of the world using their self-created passport. Students made connections to countries and traditions. Students got the opportunity to learn more in depth about countries around the world, learn greeting words in different languages, and create new experiences by virtually visiting specific landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Mall of America, Quebec’s Ice Hotel, and Arenal Volcano.

What I learned: Through this virtual passport project, I learned how to integrate technology into the classroom as well as a structured online learning experience. I was able to virtually travel around the world, guide students, and explore historical landmarks in different countries as a whole class.  

Artifact Description: I created this family event brochure in Methods and Materials for Teaching Bilingual Students (EDUC342). The assignment consisted of creating a back to school event that students along with their family can participate in. The brochure was created in English and Spanish to inform parents about the back to school event “Paint as a Family” / “pintar en familia.”

IPTS Connection: This family event assignment connects with the first IPTS and knowledge indicator “understands the impact of linguistic and cultural diversity on learning and communication” (1E). A sense of community is being able to communicate, collaborate ideas, and confidence to participate. A family event like this would encourage interacting with teachers, an overview of the school setting, and most importantly a fun way to enjoy time with family.   

What I learned: I learned there are multiple events that can be organized to build an effective school community. In this assignment I was able to connect meeting the student’s new teacher as it’s a back to school event.