Disney in the Classroom
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Another aspect from the time when students loved learning is that their teachers put up pictures of them in their classrooms. I make an effort to do this by cutting out students' pictures from the newspaper. I also offer extra points for students who give me pictures of themselves. (No, a student can't get an A by bringing in dozens of pictures, you can only get about 50 extra points a semester. However, if they bring me stuff from Disneyland.... ;o) I mix in pictures of my own children, often taken when they are at Disneyland, as another way to take students back to the time when they were children.
Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!
Note the large child with Mickey ;o)
Finally I use candy, stamps, and stickers to encourage students. Candy is for students' birthdays (Mickey lollipops!) and as a reward for correct answers. Stamps are used to give students points for taking notes in class. Stickers are used to reward top scores on paragraphs. I'm sure most high school teachers think of these types of rewards as frivolous or silly. I think these rewards add an element of fun to my classes. Of course, using these types of rewards is not an original idea. I'ts something done by students' teachers back when they WANTED to go to school.
You shall be rewarded!
I do have some other non-Disney activities that make my classes more inviting. {For example we sing historical songs with the guitar, singing is another activity most students haven't done since elementary school. I also decorate my room according to the season. (Yes, I have a Disney decoration or two. ;o) However, most of my motivational techniques are related to Disney to some way. As they age students lose the ability to enjoy learning. Learning becomes something to do to get ahead, or something to avoid. Hopefully my use of Disney in the Classroom helps make it possible for my students to learn to love learning, just for the sake of learning, again.
Next: Using animation as an example of how technology changed Americans lives in the 1920's.
A great way to use an antenna topper
Have a Disney Day! ºoº
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-- Lee "MouseBear" Suggs
Lee Suggs is a history teacher in Northern California.
The opinions expressed by Lee Suggs, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted June 18, 2002