Concept-Based Instruction in the Kindergarten Classroom

An Interdisciplinary Unit on Relationships

Introductions

• Christina Forney LI/TD Magnet Coordinator at Mallard Creek

• Sarah Jones LI/TD Magnet Coordinator at Barringer

• Kelly Kollar TD Catalyst Teacher at Polo Ridge

• Erin Muffler Kindergarten LI Teacher at Barringer

• Lauren TeddyK-2 Multi-Age LI Teacher at Tuckaseegee

1. Define concept-based instruction.2. Examine the research behind concept-

based instruction.3. Discuss why a concept-based unit on

relationships is important.4. Explore the unit.5. Collaborate with colleagues about

implementation.

Today’s Objectives

What is Concept-Based Learning?• It approaches content area standards from the perspective

of an over-arching concept.

•Concept and Generalizations- Transferable understandings

•Example: Relationships are everywhere.

Understand•Factual and Critical Knowledge- Non-Transferable•Example: Understand addition as putting together

and adding to.

Know

•Skills and Processes- Transfer within and sometimes across disciplines.

•Example-Decompose a numbers less than or equal to 10 in more than one way.

Be Able to

Erickson, H.L. (2008)

A Closer Look at Concepts

Backwards PlanningConcepts/Generalizations

Knowledge Skills

Patterns can be found in nature.

Seasons follow a pattern and change over time.

Record observations in a notebook.Compare and contrast pictures.

Concepts vs. TopicsConcept TopicsChange Weather

Patterns Animals

Relationships Characters

Systems Government

Power Grammar

Structure Geometry

Erickson (2008) and Tomlinson (2003)

What Does the Research Say about Concept-

Based Learning?

Concept-Based vs. Topic-Based

“Concept-based curricula are more effective than topic-based curricula, for the world of today and tomorrow, because they take teaching and learning to a higher level as students analyze, synthesize and generalize from facts to deeper understanding.”Erickson (2008)

The Standards and the Concepts

Taba identified patterns of discussion in concept-based learning lessons and found an effective discussion is one in which the teacher remains at the lower levels (facts and topics) long enough for students to acquire enough information before moving them up to the higher levels (concepts).

Maker and Sciever (2005)

Turn and Talk

1. What is concept-based learning?2. How could it help your students become

better thinkers?

A Relationship Unit

Why is it important and how will it help me and my LI Kindergarten students this

year?

What Makes us LI Anyway?

• A variety of skills and abilities– This unit is designed to challenge your bright

and potentially gifted students at the highest level, while still meeting the standards for all students.

• Accelerated, Enriched Curriculum– This unit provides depth and complexity to the

common core and state standards. It gives students the conceptual framework to build knowledge.

Preparing for Second Grade Testing- Analogies and Relationships

• Certifying LI students strengthens the magnet.• LI/TD Magnets tend to have diverse socio-economic

populations and under-represented racial populations.• Exposing students to conceptual learning will provide

them will experiences that can build background for the CogAT.

• CogAT Quantitative Practice• CogAT Verbal Practice

Relationship Unit Planning

• UNDERSTAND-Generalizations- The Big Ideas– Relationships are everywhere.– Relationships can be helpful or harmful.– Relationships can be positive or negative.– Relationships can be natural or imposed.– Relationships can be correlations (cause and effect).– Relationships can cause interdependence.– Relationships can cause the exchange of ideas and

values.– Relationships are purposeful. Universal Concepts from www.lowellinstitute.com

Relationship Unit Planning• How can we study the content-based standards through

the concept of Relationships?• KNOW- The Standards

– Science • Understand how objects are described based on their physical

properties and how they are used.– Social Studies

• Explain how families have needs and wants. Explain how jobs help people meet their needs and wants.

– Literacy• With guidance and support from adults, explore word relationships and

nuances in word meanings.– Math

• Understand addition.

Practice with Relationships Forced Analogies

• How are a hippo and a pencil related?

• Benefits- Critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, trains students to look for relationships

Practice with RelationshipsVisual Thinking Strategy

Marcy Deutsch from The Art of Autism

Quick Write!

3. How could learning Kindergarten standards through the concept of relationships, and in particular analogies, help your students?

Answer Garden

http://answergarden.ch/64153

Let’s take a closer look at the unit…

Really…. Another thing to do!!??• The lessons should be very easy to

implement. All ideas are there and clearly laid out, including prompts, things to consider, and pictures. All worksheets are attached as well.

• With a large range of students in the LI program, there is also tips for differentiating lessons!

• Lessons correspond to the kindergarten common core state standards.

• Lessons tie into curriculum, but can also “stand alone” if the subject is not yet touched upon.

Introduction of Unit• Unit is split up into 20 different lessons,

approximately 45 minutes in length.• Lessons are set up by:

– Concept– Generalization– Essential question– Common core state standards – Lesson Overview– Small group/Large group with suggested– Tips for differentiation– Resources

What are the lessons exactly?• Split into 5 different groups- Introduction

lessons/conclusion lessons, math lessons, literacy lessons, science lessons, and social studies lessons.

• Please consider: – What relationships are being taught in the

lesson? – How will these lessons impact the students

in your classroom?

Let’s Share!

4. Explore the unit. Padlet

http://padlet.com/wall/nk2s33hfdy

Some resources to help you during and after the unit!

Concept Map- Connecting the Content to the Concept

Relationships

Involve

People Things

Can be found

In my life

Friends, family, pets, stores, playground

In School

Math, science, literacy, social

studies

Addition problems-

numbers and signs

Relationship between matter

and what we use it for

Relationship between money and needs and

wants

Relationships between words

Friends, teachers,

classmates

Are used for

Understanding ideas better

Making life more enjoyable

Concept Development

• Introductory Lessons for William and Mary• Basic Structure

– List– Group– Label– Subsume- combine like groups– Re-group– Re-label– Generalize

Building on Relationships

• Building Thinking Skills• Analogies for Beginners• Math Analogies K-2• PETS

Collaboration

5.How can you implement this in your classroom?

Support for Implementation

• Plan to implement second quarter.• Provide feedback to us.• Share and support each other through Edmodo.

– Login or sign up at www.edmodo.com– Enter group code

• Email Erin Muffler with questions/concerns or post in Edmodo.

Our Contacts• christina.forney@cms.k12.nc.us• saraho.jones@cms.k12.nc.us• kelly.neelon@cms.k12.nc.us• laurene.teddy@cms.k12.nc.us• erine.muffler@cms.k12.nc.us

Please enjoy this unit and have a great school year!