Grade One English Language Arts - Listening

Growing up I always had a difficult time completing listening tests which were recorded tapes and we had to jot down answers from what was said on the tape onto a piece of paper which was then graded. I was never quick enough to catch on and I remember always making one of my main goals at report card time to listen more attentivaly. However, with todays technology we can use a different method for listening skills which is through the computer by allowing students to access a site which challenges and tests them on their listening skills in a fun and interactive way. I was able to locate a website that deals with a grade one level of listening skills in the subject of english language arts. It uses a world blender method where the fun cartoon blender sounds out a word and then it is your job as the student to choose the beginning sound of the word and the ending sound out of a variety of choices and then put them in the blender! When you press the big red "go" button the cartoon blends it up and tells you if you are right. To end the activity it even allows you to print off the words you sounded out and created so you can use them for future reference.

I would incorporate this website into my classroom by allowing it to prepare them for an actual listening exam by practicing on the site. I would have them access it first and play a few rounds as each time they answer correctly it goes up a level. This is a great site for teachers also because you can use the teacher control panel which is where you get your students to first enter in their name on the computer before they begin the activity and then once they have completed it their score will appear on a printed sheet at the end so you can see what level your students are at. I would also send this website home in a parents/guardian newsletter so the parents/guardians can check it out themselves and get their child to use it at home to practice their listening skills even more! I would also allow for my students to work in pairs for a portion of this website activity because then they are working together and building on one another's listening skills and learning ability.

This site of the word blender would enhance my students learning because it is challening, kid friendly and by working with the fun cartoon blender I can definately see my future students just loving this site! The site also deals with consonants and word clusters and it also covers the area of medial short and long vowel sounds. I feel this is a fun and educational way to get your students to practice their listening skills rather than just making them listening to a boring recording tape and jotting down the answers. I feel this site is just as challening and still beneficial to their learning abilities, and I plan to use it in my future classroom!