Visual Note-taking (Sketchnoting)

Our students live in a media rich world. They think in images, video, and sound while constantly making neural connections. The iPad empowers students to draw, audio record, insert images and embed hyperlinks to information sources all in a very personalized way. This is where visual note-taking (also called sketchnoting) comes in. We can expand note-taking choices beyond just text recording by guiding students to use mind maps, colors, shapes, images, digital grouping by dragging and dropping objects, and using connecting lines to record their thinking. Talk about individualizing and personalizing student learning! Here are a few resources to help paint the picture of visual note-taking. 

Select the image to see larger version outlining Three Things To Remember with Visual Note-taking

Supporting sites: 

• Sketch Notes 
• Grade 3 Example  
• Sketchnoting by Kathy Schrock
• Sketchnoting slideshow by Sylvia Duckworth
• Teacher’s Narrative 
• Visual Note-taking by Nicki Hambleton
• Wes Fryers’ Blog Dedicated to Working with Media

Image Sources: Visual Note-taking  | Visual Note-taking 3 Things

Using Video to Communicate the Culture of One's Classroom and School

Primary School International Week

As teachers we employ multiple methods to communicate with the parents of our students. Over time, parents gain understanding of our classroom culture. One way to support this process of building understanding is by creating and sharing videos. Whether it be your classroom or whole school, videos are a wonderful way to paint the picture of our learning communities. Don't forget that the Web Resources for Learning has a page dedicated to using videography in our classrooms. 

Blended Learning Language Support

There are many individual language learning apps that one can use with his/her students on the iPad. There are also two online resources that support blended learning with students working in and out of school for language learning.

The iTalki site is a provider of individual language learning. One signs up for the service and works with a tutor. The Duolingo for Education platorm really provides whole class support with each student having his/her own account.  

Image Sources: iTalki   Duolingo

Multiple Intelligences Approach to Assessment

Becky Rosenberg, our PYP Coordinator, put together a chart listing multiple intelligences assessment tasks that students could perform for the upcoming Grade 2 Life Cycles unit of inquiry. Giving students choice and multiple means to make their thinking visible is definitely supported through MI and Universal Design for Learning.