The multimodal project we did was an interactive choice board. Something that is multimodal incorporates more than one learning approach like auditory, kinesthetic, and visual.
A choice board gives students multiple modes of learning so they can pick what most interests them. The digital boards have hyperlinked activities that relate to the original piece of learning. In this project, our core curriculum was a children's book called The Giving Tree. The exercises we developed had to cover a variety of subject matters, which was one guideline of this task. Through the different activities, we covered science, art, writing, spelling, and math.
Connecting media from different subject areas is the best approach for enhancing kids' learning because it encourages them to think creatively. Even though The Giving Tree is a fictional children's book, choice boards allow us to incorporate STEM learning where it may not have previously been taught.
I had two choice options with different skills in mind since our choice board was directed toward early elementary students.
One option was a Minecraft game where students can make the connection of how plants grow in the real world. I knew I wanted to include Minecraft because when I was in elementary school, I really enjoyed playing it alone or with friends. It's cool to know the things I learned through that game have helped me later in life.
The second choice has a stronger reference to the book where students practice giving thanks to others. The students think about who they have in their lives that give to them and write it on a cutout leaf. Once they complete that, they brainstorm ways they give back to those around them.
First Option
Second Option
The Classroom Nook has a podcast on the benefits of using choice boards. The moderator explains how letting students have the power to choose can enhance their learning. Listen to the podcast here!
In school or for homework, choice boards are a great way to keep the class engaged. Students practice unique skills like decision-making and creativity while completing the activities. I would suggest all teachers try out this method of learning in their classrooms as it can be easily adapted to fit different learning levels.