With a charming wit and an enthusiasm that engages all learners, Sarah Beaucham brings a passion and a love into her English class. As she introduced the students to Creek and Cherokee mythology, she reminded students that these two tribes lived in Georgia, tying the English lesson to current history studies.
The students used their computers to read and select their favorite myth. The use of technology supported those students with reading challenges. They were allowed to use headphones and listen to the story being read aloud. Then they were asked to use upper-level thinking skills and create a play from the myth. Students were challenged to create a script for the myth, as well. She urged them to consider setting and characters as they created. They developed unique characters, with complex personalities, and wrote updated dialog. The students built upon this knowledge and further developed their understanding by creating puppets to use while acting out the show.
As students were working, Mrs. Beaucham provided one-on-one guidance, redelivery of instructions, and editing. Students’ needs were met through providing choices of interest in allowing them to select their own story and create their own interpretation of the story through drama. The puppet show allowed a non-traditional assessment of their learning. Students used higher-level thinking to create a new product from an existing myth. Students with learning disabilities and challenges were given support through co-teaching, individual conferencing, varied means of assessment, and technology.
Mrs. Beaucham has the important role of reminding us of the power of language. Her students delight in her interactive presentations and are willing to persevere through a tough assignment because she believes in them and finds them worthy. Her impact far outreaches her knowledge as she inspires in her students a passion for reading and a desire for academic excellence.
