Scholastic StudyJams is a great resource to use in and out of the elementary classroom.
The website provides videos, songs, step-by-step instruction, and practice
problems for over two hundred concepts in the fields of mathematics and
science. The simple format and large text and buttons make the website easy to
navigate for most individuals. Since the material is available without cost and
without a membership, parents and students can access the materials at home or
at the library.
The videos provided by Scholastic are packed with information about each topic. All of the information can be intimidating and cause anxiety for students being introduced to the topic for the first time. In my practicum experience, I have found it is best to use the videos during a review of the entire concept or to only use sections of the video that pertain to the lesson being taught that day.
The content is designed to be relatable for students at the elementary level. The videos use problems that might be applicable to the lives of students or, at the very least, are not so abstract that students lose interest. The website provides some step-by-step instruction and problems for students to practice or test their skills. Depending on the environment in which the student is working, it might be fun for students to participate in the karaoke found in certain content areas of the website.
The largest critique I have of the website is the fact that it does not provide students with educational games in addition to the videos, songs, step-by-step instruction and practice problems. Adding games to the website would help keep students engaged with the material for a longer period of time while having fun. Students could work as a team, using an interactive whiteboard, to successfully complete tasks or problems.
While none of the activities should be used to replace regular instruction, they can be beneficial as supplemental activities. Students can use the practice problems as part of centers time or as part of their rotations during class. The step-by-step instruction can help clarify concepts and help students complete difficult problems on their homework, while the videos can serve as an overview of the concept before an assessment is given. The variety of resources on the website provides students many different ways to access the material.
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