Unlocking Literacy with Piper Make: ELA & ELD Integration
bit.ly/piper-ela
Quick introduction!
Jesus Huerta
Educational Technology Coach
Calexico Unified School District
11 years as an educator
Ask me anything about tech in the classroom, I've probably used it in my classroom!
Session Overview: Piper Make
What is Piper Make?
Piper Make is a hands-on STEAM kit. It allows students to build and program electronic projects.
Relevance to ELA/ELD
It enhances storytelling and vocabulary. It also promotes collaborative communication skills.
Why It Matters: STEAM & Literacy
1
Interdisciplinary Learning
Integrate STEAM tools to get students excited about learning by combining edtech tools with content standards
2
Engaging English Learners
Give students who may be struggling an opportunity to succeed regardless of their language level
3
Real-World Application
Giving students a strong foundation in technology will help them in the long run as technology becomes more and more integrated in the world they are growing up in
Hands-on Activity: Let's try out our Piper Make Kits
Let's discuss what you experienced!
Some things to talk about
  • Who are you?
  • What's your role at your district or site?
  • How do you see the Make working at your site and/or district?
How do we tie this back to ELA/ELD?
Here's a resource for you to take back with you!

Canva

Let's learn physical coding

Check out this Presentation designed by Jesus Huerta.

Here's a resource for you to take back with you!

Google Docs

Let's learn physical coding (1).pptx

Let’s learn physical coding

Here's a resource for you to take back with you!

PDF file

Let's learn physical coding (1).pdf

13.7 MB

How can we continue connecting Piper Makes & computers to ELA/ELD/ELLs?
Differentiation for Language Learners
1
Visual Aids
Use images, diagrams, and models. Support understanding of complex concepts.
2
Scaffolding
Provide step-by-step instructions. Break down tasks into manageable parts.
3
Language Support
Offer vocabulary lists and sentence frames. Facilitate language production and use.
4
Translated Items
Give students options to answer some, most or all of their questions in their native language.
5
Discussions & Public Speaking
A huge way to get students comfortable with a new language is getting them speaking, specifically with peers regarding academic content and by presenting to the class.
Some tips for connecting anything with ELA/ELD/ELLs

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1
Reflections
Especially after a new experience in class, an assembly, new tech tool in the classroom, etc. Ask a couple of questions when students are hyped about something and they will run with it!
2
Guided Activities
Provide structured, guided activities.
3
Open-Ended Projects
Transition to open-ended projects.
Closing thoughts and questions?
Assess understanding with presentations. Evaluate projects with rubrics. Observe class participation. Track student progress throughout activities. Provide feedback for continuous improvement.