Technology Ideas for Teaching the Alef Bet (by Jessica)

My final project is focused on teaching the Alef Bet. 

My goal is to have my first graders end the year being able to do the following:

— be able to recognize the shape of each letter, and say the letter’s name and sound

— explain that Hebrew is read from right to left

— be able to match simple Hebrew words (no vowels) to words in English by sounding out the letters.

— be able to recall the Marion Green mnemonics for each letter

I will use technology in three ways:

 At the beginning of class, I introduce a Letter of the Day and invite students to explore the letter’s shape. In the past, I set up stations for students arriving in class. Students might build a letter out of play dough or Lego. Next year, I will have students use the iPad to record short videos sharing their Lego/playdough creations and explaining the letter’s sound and mnemonic.

During class, students practice writing the letter of the day (in workbooks) and play games to review previous letters. Next year, I will use iPad apps to customize these experiences for students at different levels. For example, I will have different Quizlet practice games (basic = recognizing letters, advanced = reading simple words) or vocabulary apps or block-letter-writing apps so that students can practice material at their own level.

After class (at home), students practice what they’ve learned. Next year, I will create a website where students can review the Letter of the Day (even if he/she missed class), practice Quizlet flashcards/games,  and maybe even take quizzes. My hope is that kids will be doing more practicing at home, which should free up more time at school. My website will also include short videos that I create to bring the Marion Green mnemonics to life. (These will be made using Explain Everything, Tellagami, PuppetPals, Green Screen, iMovie, etc.) In addition, I’ll showcase videos and drawings that they students made during class. 

Here’s a link to my prototype:  http://jakuznick.wix.com/alef-bet-grade-1