Mishael Hittie 4th grade class
About these videos
These 6 videos show one teacher using a mix of authentic, multilevel teaching, community building, co-teaching, and positive behavior support in a 4th grade class. How does she implement the nine principles of Whole Schooling? How do you see each principle interacting with others?
Boy with special needs and book reading group
This short video shows a Kent (not his real name) in black sweatshirt who has special needs participating in singing a song, searching for shapes in the classroom, and reading with a partner. and reading with peers. Note how intent he is reading with a partner. You wil also see book reading group organized by the children themselves featuring one boy who has difficulties reading to other students.
Reading and writing workshop
This fourth grade classroom has some 6 students who have special needs including 2 with a cognitive disability. First students must create a list of pros and cons regarding drilling for oil in a Russian lake and discuss the issue in writing. This open-ended assignment allows students to function at their own level of challenge. You will get to see work of several students. Note how students can sit and work along and in groups. Later students give each other a comprehension test after finishing a book.
Community building pictures
These pictures in video illustrate various scenes in which Mishael Hittie, 4th grade teacher, implements activities that help build community in her classroom.
Reading workshop and frozen worlds
In Mishael Hittie’s 4th grade class students are reading alone and in pairs. You then see them doing research on frozen worlds. Look at the various styles of student work. What do you think about how Mishael engages in a discussion with the students. Note they are all sitting on the floor rather than in desks. This is what workshop learning looks like.
Discussing how kids work at different ability levels; understanding US geography
In this movie clip Mishael Hittie leads a discussion regarding how the students function at different levels of ability but they are all part of the class. She then begins a lesson on US geography and state. Note how she makes finding different states a fun activity, Kids place themselves where different states would be if the classroom were a map. They then talk about this. Look at the next activity which is about learning something about other students.
Shawnessy in 4th grade
This movie clip follows Shawnessy, a blind student. Note how other children help her as needed. What do you think about how she is fitting into the classroom?