A Boost of Self-Esteem for the Classroom
On any given day, a classroom teacher is asked to perform a countless number of tasks to match the many needs of their students. While this is often seen in an academic sense, teachers also tirelessly work to boost students' confidence in their learning. In 2022, Lafayette Parish Schools (LA) turned to Kids Discover Online to help supplement their elementary social studies curriculum. That's when Reanna Metcalf began using the platform with her 5th grade classroom. Ms. Metcalf quickly found she was able to empower her students while keeping them engaged in their lessons on American History and Geography.
NAME
Reanna Metcalf
SCHOOL
Ridge Elementary School
LOCATION
Lafayette, LA
GRADES
5th
SUBJECT
ELA, Social Studies
TECHNOLOGY
1:1 Chromebooks
FAVORITE UNIT
American History, French and Indian War
I love when students feel confident in their own learning. I love when they get excited about doing well, but they still work hard when they don't. I love when they realize they can be independent lifelong learners.Reanna Metcalf, 5th Grade Teacher, LA
A Wide Menu of Options
During her 13 years of teaching, Ms. Metcalf has become incredibly familiar with assessing students through a lesson. She starts by using Kids Discover Online as a tool to uplift her struggling students. The Kids Discover Online library is available in three different Lexile ® levels, so she knows her students are reading a resource matching their ability. She also uses Kids Discover Online to help her class review for tests, giving each student the confidence to succeed. Because Kids Discover Online precisely aligns with her state’s standards, each lesson helps her meet her teaching goals in the process.
▲ Kids Discover Online's library is available in 3 different Lexile Levels. Students can simply select the right fit for them and instantly have resources that are right at their reading level.
Students like any interactive videos or anything they can click on or manipulate. There is something specific for every lesson I teach in the classroom so it is a great review tool.
Interactive to Pique Student Interest
The quest to keep students engaged can seem endless in a digital age and a digital classroom. Because of Kids Discover Online’s interactive and student-friendly platform, Ms. Metcalf’s class loves to find and read Units and Topics that genuinely interest them. Her students have utilized maps, videos, and manipulative models throughout the Kids Discover Online library to gain a deeper understanding. The end result is a group of students with the confidence to take ownership of their learning and want to read more!
Jumpstarts Students Confidence
While many factors help create self-assured learners, one of the most significant is allowing students to take control. With Kids Discover Online, Ms. Metcalf could give her students the helm and let them have their own learning journey. When her students used the Search Bar, they were able to open up an entire library of possibilities. Kids Discover Online’s Discover Map is designed to help readers flow from one Unit to the next and allows them to make connections on how different Topics can relate. When her students sit in the driver’s seat on what they read, they feel pride and accomplishment that translates to other lessons and subjects.
Kids Discover Online garnered confidence and independence for the students in Ms. Metcalf’s classroom. Because of that new found inspiration, she is able to create impactful lessons and guide a new wave of lifelong learners.
A lot of what we do in the classroom is digital. KDO provides a digital learning environment that is fun and engaging for students, allows for seamless data collection by teachers, and is easy to use for both.
