Global Classroom Module

Pre-Planning Template
Designer: Alicia K. Staton

Summary: According to the project description page, students will discuss and
describe what they see outside of their classroom window. They will explain what
is unique about their view that would help to give students in other countries some
insight into their world. The will discuss landscape, culture, and other aspects of
where they live. Students will then create both a written and visual project to share
their classroom view and what is unique about this view to their own community.
They then have a choice to share and upload their presentation or present via
Skype. This project is done in conjunction with a class from Russia. The objectives
listed with the project are as follows:
1. Students will observe, describe, and share
2. Students will discuss the views that other students have and
compare/contrast the outside views in different countries
3. Students will develop collaborative relationships with children from other
cultures

Background concerning the school and the group you are working with:
School is located in Brandywine, MD. The school is comprised of about 700 6
th
,
7
th
, and 8
th
grade classes. The grade that I will complete this project with is a 6
th

grade middle school ELA (English Language Arts) classroom. The students in this
are come from moderate to affluent backgrounds. There is great parent
involvement and support. The technology that exist within the school are smart
boards, 2 class sets of iPads, as well as 2 class sets of iPads. (This will be my first
year at this school so I am not very familiar with much more than I have expressed,
I will contact the principal for further information before the final modules are
completed).



Subject And Grade level: 6
th
Grade Language Arts

Proposed Topic and Rationale: This project is simply amazing. It allows students
to explore their surroundings and put it into pictures and words. It gives them an
opportunity to express themselves without restriction then choose a presentation
medium that is comfortable for them for the final project. It encompasses all the
elements that help students to be successful writers buy digging into their own
personal views, feelings, and experiences.
I feel that this is important as an introduction to global studies. Students in both
classrooms will be able to experience their own voice, which will build the
confidence needed to really discuss issues and solutions to those issues. This
project will allow both classrooms to begin studying a different culture based on
their learning environments. The knowledge gained here could assist in the
advancement of either classroom by identifying what is working or lacking and the
role that technology plays in their everyday educational environment. In an effort
to move students to more meaningful in depth discussions, it is important to ease
them into this world.

Global Network You Plan to Use:
ePals: Outside My Classroom WindowA Community-Inspired
Project http://www.epals.com/#!/main
Key Challenges: I think the biggest challenge for this unit would be time. In our
county this will be our second year implementing the Common Core Curriculum.
There are still quite a few kinks being worked out within the county as far as
instruction, testing, etc. Being able to add this unit into the classroom during the
school day may become overwhelming for the students. To address this, I have
decided to start small in order to show the benefit of global collaboration within
the educational setting. I plan on having an afterschool club of about 15 20
students. I will select the students from each MOD (class period) that express
interest and show the ability to work and be serious. We will meet for 2 hours
twice a week (more if necessary). This way I can also involve the parents. I plan on
holding a parent meeting one evening prior to the start of the project so that
students will also be able to work on the project outside of the classroom. I feel
that this would be fine since I have the ability to monitor the email accounts of
students through the ePals website.

Prior Knowledge: Students will build on
Authors Voice and Authors
Perspective/Point of View.
Students will need to know and understand
the proper use of tone, attitude, emotion,
etc. the following link will aid in the
review of these pre requisite skills.



Far Out Links to learning
http://farroutlinks.net/blog/archive/curriculum-links-2/ela-resources/writing-
resources-strategies/6-1-writing-traits/voice-trait/


Student will also have to understand the
Authors purpose for writing and adhere
to the principles for that writing. The
following link will aid in the review of
this pre-requisite skill.



Pyramid Reading:
http://www.pyramidreading.com/unit-3.php
In order to assess students knowledge, they will have to complete a written
piece indicative of these two areas based on a given subject (ie. family,
friendship, racism, bullying, etc.). This project can be in a written format of
their choosing (ie. poetry, short story, essay, advertisement, etc.) The goal is to
allow students to explore the concepts in an area that is comfortable to them,
thus making it meaningful by allowing them to choose what works for them and
their creativity level.