Discovering Culture Websites for Elementary Students

As educators, we recognize the importance of fostering a culture that values and promotes learning in our classrooms. The concept of 'Cultures of Thinking' (CoT) is a powerful approach to achieving this goal. CoT refers to places where individual and collective thinking are valued, visible, and actively promoted as part of the daily experience of all group members.

In elementary education, creating a culture that supports student learning can be achieved through various strategies. One effective way is by incorporating technology into our classrooms. With the abundance of digital resources available, students can engage in interactive and immersive experiences that simulate real-world scenarios. This not only makes learning more enjoyable but also allows students to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

For instance, websites like Witness Tree provide students with an opportunity to explore environmental issues and learn about the impact of climate change on different ecosystems. Similarly, the Signature Pedagogies in Global Education website offers resources and lesson plans that promote cultural understanding and global citizenship.

Making Learning and Thinking Visible is another initiative that focuses on creating a culture of thinking in elementary classrooms. This approach encourages students to share their thoughts and ideas with peers, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In addition, websites like Making Across the Curriculum offer interdisciplinary lesson plans that integrate arts, science, and math to promote creative and innovative thinking.

The Humanities and the Liberal Arts Assessment (HULA) website provides educators with assessment tools and resources to evaluate student learning in humanities subjects such as language, literature, and history. This helps teachers identify areas of strength and weakness, providing targeted support for students.

Moreover, websites like Growing Up to Shape Our Place in the World offer resources and lesson plans that focus on developing social-emotional skills and promoting civic engagement among elementary students.

In conclusion, incorporating culture websites into our elementary classrooms can have a significant impact on student learning outcomes. By valuing and promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, we can create a culture that supports student success and prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.

References:

Ritchhart, R. (2002). Intellectual Character: What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Get It. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Websites:

* Witness Tree

* Signature Pedagogies in Global Education

* Making Learning and Thinking Visible

* Making Across the Curriculum

* Humanities and the Liberal Arts Assessment (HULA)

* Growing Up to Shape Our Place in the World

Culture websites for elementary students