Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: WordPress

Content Area: Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 6
Content Standard Addressed: ELAGSE6L4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6
reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., the overall meaning of a sentence or paragraph; a word’s position or function in a
sentence) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Technology Standard Addressed: Knowledge Constructor

Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative
artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students:
d. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and
theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

Selected Technology Tool: WordPress

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): none

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☒ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Engagement: Students will have the opportunity to work individually to read the text and select vocabulary
words as well as collaborate with peers to ask questions and reflect upon the text. Students will have class
time as well as time away from class to complete the assignment and allow for multiple environments for
learning.
Representation: Students will be able to utilize WordPress via Web 2.0 tools or a mobile device. Students will
be given written instructions for this activity as well as provided with online examples and given verbal
instructions.
Action and Expression: Once students complete the basic requirements for this assignment, they will be able
to add more information as they chose as well as add entertainment aspects (pictures, videos, audio, etc.).
Students will be given the option of earning extra credit to give their blog pages aesthetic appeal to viewers.

Lesson idea implementation:

Students will be reading “A House on Mango Street” for this activity. While reading, students will write down
a minimum of 5 words per chapter that they did not know prior to reading the text. This will be a two week

Spring 2018_SJB
 Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)
long activity in order for students to be able to read and comprehend the text accordingly. Students will have
class time to read as well as have reading checks randomly throughout the unit to assess understanding and
completion. To introduce the assignment, the teacher will provide an example of the assignment on their
WordPress blog. Students will be able to utilize this example throughout the activity (the example will be
from another text to prevent plagiarism). Students will have various assignments throughout reading the text
to help with comprehension, however this activity is focused on vocabulary used within the text.

Students will be periodically having assignments to post on their WordPress pages throughout the school
year. Students will be creating a blog page on their WordPress pages based on the vocabulary that they
learned. On this page, they will include the word, the context around the word (page number, sentence),
what they inferred the word meaning, as well as the dictionary definition of the word. Since WordPress is a
Web 2.0 tool, students are able to access it in school, at home, on mobile apps, and more. Students will be
able to customize their blogs to their individuality as long as they meet the requirements stated earlier. This
activity can be extended to a higher learning level by including a new book, new vocabulary terms, audio and
video, and pictures. Students will be assessed by completion of the activity as well as understanding of the
text. After students finish reading the text and the WordPress pages are complete, students will be given an
assessment based on the novel and certain vocabulary words used throughout.

Reflective Practice:
Students flourish on being able to create things for themselves at this stage of adolescence. Any time
students are able to foster their creativity and imagination, they take pride in their work and have a different
outlook on assignments. Students will be learning new vocabulary while being able to produce assignments
based on their individual understanding and creativity. This activity can be extended since students are using
an entire novel. This activity only outlines the usage of vocabulary throughout the novel. Students will be
asked to complete various assessments and assignments throughout reading the novel. Students can use
audio clips, video clips, pictures, and more to enhance this assignment. Students can also use these tools to
complete the other assignments throughout the unit.

Spring 2018_SJB