Elliott Kern
Teaching Portfolio
Google Apps
One of the things I implemented in large ways in the media center was the use of Google Apps in many different ways! I had 4th Graders use Google Spreadsheets to create graphs, 5th graders collaborate with partners using Google Docs to create Haikus, 3rd Graders use Google Drawing to create graphic organizers and also Google Presentation to create presentations of Michigan!
How I Used Theatre in the Media Center
I used my theatre background to get the students excited about learning in the media center! One way I did that was by reading the stories with extreme emotion. On different days, I would have the students cracking up at the funny moments and at other times, emotional and having great discussions about the deeper moments.
I also got the students excited about learning through the use of costumes. For March is Reading Month, I dressed up as Cat in the Hat, a jogger, and even a leprauchan in order to get them looking forward to learning!
DK Today
One of the tasks I took over as Media Specialist was the 5th graders production of "DK Today" - their news broadcast. I implemented a lot of new technology that the students absolutely loved and got them excited to perform! I used iMovie for their introduction, and an app called "DoInk Green Screen" to allow them to use Green Screen for different videos. The school as a whole looked forward to DK Today to see the new ways the 5th graders used the green screen! The following video is an example of one of the 5th Grade Classrooms opening credits using iMovie.
Long Term Placement- Media Specialist
In February of 2014, I was honored to receive a long term placement as the media specialist at Delta Kelly Elementary in the Rochester District. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to work with grades K-5 as well as their 3 CI (Cognitively Impaired) classes. I was able to use my different skills to make the media center a fun and unique place to learn!
Delta Kelly Choir
I liked to help out the members of the Specials team in any way I could. One of those ways was with the Delta Kelly Choir. I used my musical background to help prepare them for their concert! I learned to play the djembe for one of their songs "Count On Me" by Bruno Mars. I also had discussions with the music teacher about the only two boys in the choir. We decided that it would be a great experience for them if they got to sing with a teacher! The day of their concert, I performed "Story of My Life" by One Direction with the boys as the girls sang backup. The boys absolutely loved it! One of the boys' grandmothers sent me this letter:
Dear Mr. Kern,
I want to extend a huge thank you for all you did to inspire my grandson. He was thrilled to be able to sing his solo at the performance but he said he coudln't have done it without you. I saw your encouragement give him the courage he needed. Thank you!
CI Classes
I had the amazing opportunity to work with the three CI classes that are at Delta Kelly Elementary. It was such a joy to see these classes each week and be able to act and sing my heart out so they could truly enjoy learning! I also found new ways to get them excited for the media center. One way was by having them play "Endless Numbers" and "Endless Reader" on the smartboard through my iPad. It taught them number order, addition, sentence structure, and spelling respectively in a fun way!
Another way was in singing. They loved hearing "Pete the Cat" in unique ways. It got to a point where I would take requests: Michael Jackson, robot, Elvis Presley, Country, and so much more! The video to the left shows a couple of those ways. We had a blast in media center!