Analyze Learners

1st graders- approximately 6-7 years old

10 boys, 7 girls

70% white, 20% African-American, 10% Hispanic

7 students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Special Education

Can read and write and speak English

Work better doing activities than when using a paper and a pencil

State Objective

The first grade special education students will read each month of the year from a flash card with 100% accuracy. Using flash cards, the first grade students will arrange the months in order from January to December with a partner with 100% accuracy within 10 minutes by the end of the week. The first grade students performance will be evaluated based on accuracy and speed.

Select Materials

Calendar - A simple calendar with bright pictures and the months of the year written clearly and large. Can be purchased at a store; May already be provided in the classroom. Should be plastic so the pages will not tear out or rip.

Youtube video - A video with a song about the months of the year. Can be projected on a smartboard.

Flash cards - Flash cards with the name of each month in large font. The flash cards should be bright in color with black words. They should also be laminated to prevent damage and remain reusable.

Giant foam puzzle - With the name of one month on each piece. Can be bought at a student teacher store or made by the teacher and students.

Utilize Materials

Make sure the calendar is in good shape and easily read. Should not be dangerous for students to handle.

Preview the Youtube video to make sure the song and video are both appropriate and can be easily comprehended by the students. Should be entertaining enough to hold their attention.

Because the students will be performing in pairs, pair them at the beginning of the week. Have them learn, practice, and work with their partner for each activity. (Try to pair ADHD students with non-ADHD students to minimize disruptive behavior.)

If possible, arrange the desks on the outside of the room, leaving the middle for activities.

Make sure all flash cards needed are present and easily accessible.

Have all crafts supplies (glue sticks, puzzle pieces, names of months, etc.) together and ready for use in the classroom, but out of the way (and out of reach of the students until necessary).

Require Learner Participation

Introduce the calendar to the entire class as a whole. Discuss months and order of months.

Have each group make a puzzle piece at the beginning of the week so they are ready for use later in the week.

Encourage singing along and dancing when playing the Youtube video. Have any students who may be struggling follow along with flashcards or the calendar.

Have students sit in pairs and go through flashcards together, reading the names of the months aloud.

As a class, put the puzzle together at the end of the week by having the students recite the order one month at a time.

Have each group place their flash cards in the correct order and evaluate performance.

Evaluate and Revise

Can each student read and recite the name of each month?

Can each student list the months in order?

Can students work with a partner to put the months in order in under ten minutes?

Were the activities and video interesting enough to hold the student's attention?

Based on the effectiveness of the activities and video, the entertainment aspect of each, and the overall performance of the class, the teacher will revise the materials and media as needed.