How can Busy Things support the principle of Representation in UDL?
'the what of learning'
Representation is about giving learners options to access and understand information. This could include using visuals, audio, text, or a combination. The goal is to make learning accessible and engaging for everyone. Equally important is the consideration of how people, cultures, individual and collective identities, perspectives, and ways of knowing are represented within the content
Representation and perception ensure learners can interact with flexible content that offers multiple modalities and perspectives.
Use accessible materials with settings that can be adjusted based on needs and preferences.
Share information in more ways than images and text alone
How can I present information in ways that reach all learners?
Have I considered options for how printed texts, pictures, and charts are displayed?
Use of Visuals
Using pictures, diagrams, and graphs to complement text. For example, a picture of a plant can be shown next to a written description.
Writing projects across age ranges and subject areas in Busy Things allow the creation of a visual representation.
Audio
Incorporating audiobooks, podcasts, or read-alouds to present information. For example 'Traditional tales' within literacy and reading retell the tale with voice-over and follow-along text
Hands-on materials
Providing manipulatives or real-world objects for students to explore and understand concepts. Interactive scenes within geography and history sections for discovery and investigation
Graphic organizers
Using Venn diagrams, timelines, or concept maps to show connections between ideas. Templates available for planning and populating concept maps for ideas
Communicate through languages that create a shared understanding.
Construct meaning from words, symbols, and numbers using different representations.
Make sure text and symbols don't get in the way of the learning goal.
Use translations, descriptions, and images to support learning in unfamiliar or complex languages.
Make learning come alive with simulations, graphics, activities, and videos.
What options do I provide for anyone needing support engaging with texts and/or auditory learning?
Vocabulary development
Explicitly teaching new words and providing multiple exposures. Busy Things has Vocabulary teacher flashcards. Teachers can create their own alternative letters and sound resources. Full range of activities to support grammar and vocabulary
Clear and concise language
Busy Things use simple and direct language to avoid confusion. Many activities are spoken, or a speech button can be activated to read text aloud or explain objects.
Text structures
Explicitly teaching different text structures (e.g., narrative, expository, persuasive) to help students understand how information is organized. English activities reinforce different text structures and aspects of literacy
Questioning techniques
Encouraging students to ask questions and think critically about the information.
Summarizing and note-taking strategies
Teaching students how to identify main ideas and supporting details.
Building Knowledge - Construct meaning and generate new understandings.
Connect prior knowledge to new learning and build connections to prior understandings and experiences.
Accentuate important information and how it relates to the learning goal.
Honour multiple and diverse ways of developing understanding of the world
Apply learning to new contexts.
Collaborative learning
Providing opportunities for students to discuss ideas and learn from each other. Busy Things is great for turn-taking. Many activities within the mathematics section for each year group involve turn-taking and discussion of ‘next steps’
Think-pair-share activities
Allowing students to process information before sharing it with a partner.
Class discussions
Facilitate open-ended discussions to explore different perspectives. Use Busy Things at the front of the class for a Topic starter. Labeling activities are suitable for this as they introduce new vocabulary.
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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!