How can Busy Things support the principle of Action and expression in UDL?
'the how of learning'
Action and Expression is about providing different ways for students to show what they know and can do. Action and expression are about giving learners options to express their knowledge and skills. This could include writing, drawing, speaking, creating, or using technology. The goal is to help students become independent learners who can effectively communicate their ideas.
Compose and share ideas using tools that help attain learning goals.
Express learning in flexible ways through the use of different media
Share thoughts and ideas using tools that complement the learning goal.
Apply and gradually release scaffolds to support learner agency.
Honour a wide variety of forms of communication
Consider how to offer purposeful options for learners to show what they know.
Choice of response
Allow students to respond to tasks differently (e.g., drawing, writing, acting, building, using technology). There are many open-ended presentation tools
Differentiated products
Provide options for students to create different end products (e.g., report, presentation, video, model). Many opportunities for self-selection and choice of how to present work.
Graphical representation, paint, publisher, and writer opportunities
Planning and organization
Teach students to break down tasks into smaller steps, use checklists, and organize their materials.
Time management
Provide visual timers or schedules to help students manage their time effectively. In class things, there is a traffic light, timer, and stop and go widgit to use for visual representation (and a dice for maths)
Self-monitoring
Encourage students to reflect on their work and identify areas for improvement. The teacher can set a specific assignment for a group or an individual, thus supporting areas for improvement or skill reinforcement.
Plan effectively to make the most out of learning.
Support organization and memory using flexible tools and processes.
Challenge exclusionary practices
Work toward building more inclusive spaces and systems.
Consider when can provide flexibility with timing and pacing
Interact with accessible materials and tools.
Interact with tools and environments that make learning physically accessible.
Practice opportunities
Provide ample opportunities for students to practice skills and build fluency. Busy Things creates many opportunities to return to and practice a skill independently or directed.
Feedback
Busy Things can offer specific and timely feedback to help students improve. Teachers can re-assign project work back to pupils with their comments and suggestions on how to improve their work.
Automaticity
Help students develop automaticity in basic skills (e.g., reading, math facts). The activity settings can be changed, especially in maths and English activities, and set so that pupils automatically work through the levels automatically.
Compose and share ideas using tools that help attain learning goals.
Honour a wide variety of forms of communication
Consider how to offer purposeful options for learners to show what they know.
Open doors to learning with accessible tools and devices
Have I considered methods aside from paper-and-pencil tasks for them to show what they know?
How can you provide access to assistive technology (AT)
Self-assessment
Pupils can access their own files area to review and recap work completed. The 'labeling' activities include a ‘mark’ option so children can mark and correct as they go. Teachers can see through settings how many times pupils accessed the 'mark' function for assessment purposes.
Portfolio development
Create opportunities for students to collect and reflect on their work over time. Pupils can access their own files area to review and recap work completed
Are you ready to integrate BusyThings into your classroom? For guidance on migrating your BusyThings login from USO to Microsoft or Google, click here for support.
BusyThings is not just a resource; it’s a dynamic platform that opens up a world of interactive learning opportunities. By embracing these tools and UDL principles, you can create an inclusive and inspiring classroom environment where every student has the chance to succeed and thrive. Let’s empower our learners to explore, create, and express themselves fully!