Elementary School
Blended Learning
Implementing blended learning in elementary classrooms requires that educators release control and transition from teacher-centered instruction to student-led learning. There is not a correct formula when deciding which blended learning model to use in your classroom. You have the flexibility to blend different models and choose what works best for you and your students. The most commonly used models of blended learning in elementary school include: station rotation, lab rotation, flipped classroom, and individual rotation (Linton, 2018).
Educators can easily adapt the resources and ideas below for K-2 and 4-5 classrooms. The primary consideration when modifying activities for lower grade levels is classroom and lesson management. Planning, organization, and flexibility are essential!
Things to Consider When Selecting a Blended Learning Model:
School scheduling constraints
Availability of digital content and devices
Examples of Small Group Rotations:
Teacher-led small group instruction
Makerspace
Computer time with adaptive software (Lexia Core5, Reflex Math, etc.)
Guided peer practice
Collaborative small group work
Review or practice activities
Project-based learning time
Click on the images below to watch the videos. Watch both videos to learn more about implementing blended learning in elementary classrooms.
Instructional Tech Youtube [Video Image]. (2020). https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UrG19NaYVs
Click on the image above and watch the video to see how Miss. Jenkins uses Blended Learning in her third-grade class.
Video Length - 3 minutes, 31 seconds
Spring ISD [Video Image]. (2022). https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbUVqmwAtxU
Click on the image above and watch the video to learn about staff and student perspectives on Blended Learning at Reynolds Elementary School.
Video Length - 4 minutes, 18 seconds
Resources for Implementing Blended Learning in Elementary Classrooms
Click on the pop-out button located in the upper right-hand corner of the image below to view an example of a third-grade Blended Learning math lesson.
Blended Learning Lesson.pdfQuestions to Ask When Creating Lessons:
What do I want my students to learn?
How will I know when they have learned it?
What resources will I need for the lesson?
Reflection/Evaluation:
How did the lesson go?
Were all students on task?
What could you have done differently?
What seemed to work well?
Reflecting on their progress, tracking data, and setting goals empower students and transfer ownership of the learning experience (Linton, 2018). Goal setting should not be a one-time occurrence. It is important to model for students how to track their understanding of the concept and set attainable, measurable goals. The example of the math data tracker can be used in student data notebooks or math journals to reflect on their progress toward goals.
Third Grade Math Tracker.pdfClick on the pop-out button located in the upper right-hand corner of the image above to view an example of a third-grade math data tracker.
Click the NEXT button to get a glimpse of what blended learning looks like at a middle/high school.
Progress Bar
