Looking back since I started my GAME plan, I have made some progress and hit a few obstacles along the way. To start with, I have been looking for real world situations that can help my students relate with US history covered in fifth grade and using those to bridge prior knowledge and new material. As I have searched for virtual field trips and webquests, I have found a few that will work well with future units. However, I have not been as successful with my current lesson on the Vikings exploration. Time has played a big factor in this new endeavor. Maybe it's that time of the year, or maybe my searches have not been focused to include what I am really looking for. I have found a few sources, but they are not what I am looking for or do not cover the content in our curriculum.
So far in my search, I have found that there are some high quality sources and then there are some that leave a lot to be desired. With these two areas, one is ready to be used in the classroom immediately and the other would require more time that seems to be in a shortage currently. A few of the sources I have visited recently could be a great source with some time to bring them up-to-date.
The questions that has arisen with meeting the GAME plan is what is worth more: using a project that is well put together, but doesn't cover exactly what I am looking for; or adjusting or building on a project that is fair but covers the content.
Recently, I used a virtual field trip with a small group of students. I was very impressed with what the group could recall about what they viewed and the information that was covered. It was encouraging to add more to the curriculum for the students to experience and help build connections to their own prior knowledge.
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Your outlook on your GAME plan is very positive! I like the fact that you are looking deep into your GAME plan and trying to realize if you should use a project that is well put together but missing some things or adjusting another project. It sounds like your virtual field trip went really well. I have been exposed to them before but have not had a chance to go on one yet. I have searched them through Google but my findings were not that good. I need to sit down and really concentrate on my search and make sure that I am using the correct search fromats to be able to come up with a virtual field trip that has all that I need and is rewarding for my students!
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