“Do you have any lessons where you find student engagement to be down? This is a great place to offer an activity with the 3Doodler pens. It can be the smallest project, but it will give new life to the lesson in the learners’ eyes.” -Velvet Holmes
Meet Velvet Holmes, District Technology Literacy Specialist from Oregon School District in Wisconsin.
When Velvet seeks increased engagement in her classrooms, she brings out 3Doodler pens.
Explore three new lessons written by Velvet, two for grades 3-5 and one for grades 6-8.
Velvet Holmes, district technology literacy specialist, believes it is her role to encourage learners to take risks and think outside of the box.
We had the opportunity to speak with Velvet about using technology in the classroom. In the interview, she shares tips on keeping students engaged, and as a bonus she has created three low-prep lessons that you can start using today.
"“It is important to me to be a strong female role model for my learners that are interested in STEAM. Most of my focus lies in Computer Science and coding, where the female voice is missing.”" Share
Awesome bubble wands created by 3rd graders in Wisconsin with @iVelvet. Spring into action with your own #DIY bubble wands and get outside! https://t.co/WdnPQ4dG2H#FridayFeeling #FridayVibes #GoOutside pic.twitter.com/IzUc07tQPQ
— 3Doodler (@3Doodler) April 17, 2020
I have been an educator for 25 years, the past 22 serving in information technology literacy in the Oregon School District of Wisconsin.
My role is district wide, so I work with K-12 staff and students to integrate technology meaningfully into their classroom curriculum.
I am passionate about encouraging learners to take risks, even if it means they fail.
That failure teaches them. I often answer questions with a question.
Students feel frustrated sometimes, but it helps to walk them through a thought process. Once they know I will not give them an answer, they take the time to problem-solve and build confidence as they answer their own questions.
It is important to me to be a strong female role model for my learners that are interested in STEAM. Most of my focus lies in Computer Science and coding, where the female voice is missing.
"“Giving learners immediate power to create is priceless.”" Share
I invested in a few 3Doodler Start pens several years ago, and now I have a full cart of them! Giving learners immediate power to create is priceless. In a world that is so busy, it is nice to put a 3D pen in a student’s hand and let them quietly take the time to express themselves.
We do a project called “City X” which is about building a community away from earth.
Each citizen in the community has a different problem. Each person has to come up with an invention that has not been created, and students use the 3Doodler pens to make a prototype.
In Math, they build a community of stores with the 3Doodler pens, create a budget and work to find the area and perimeter of the store.
When using the 3Doodler pens, the students are quiet and happy Doodling.
The 3Doodler pens are amazing tools for mental health and being in one’s own mind. Students are inspired to create by seeing other Doodles, too!
"As you move through the design process, the 3Doodler pens are great tools for students to mock up prototypes and see an immediate visual of their creative idea." Share
Do you have any lessons where you find low student engagement? This is a great place to offer an activity with the 3Doodler pens. It can be the smallest project, but it will give new life to the lesson in the learners’ eyes. As you move through the design process, the 3Doodler pens are great tools for students to mock up prototypes and see an immediate visual of their creative idea.
I use a mobile cart to travel from class to class with the pens.
To ensure our students treat the materials with respect, I share a life rule from a fellow teacher: “Keep a neat appearance, keep your belongings in order, and pick up after yourself.”
When our learners understand this expectation, they take ownership and ensure that things are put away, plugged in, and tidy.
I truly believe this sense of responsibility builds community and student engagement, while allowing time for me to teach!
New Lesson Plans for Elementary and Middle School
STEM: 2D vs 3D Bubble Wands
Learners will plan and create a two dimensional bubble wand using 3Doodler pens. They will test their wand to see the shape, size and number of the bubbles that come out. They will then create a three dimensional shaped bubble wand and see if that changes the bubble sizes, shapes, and quantities.
3D Geography: My Land
Learners will use their knowledge of landforms to create a paper map with a compass rose and key. The map will include at least one 3D landform, made with the 3Doodler pen.
History: First Nation Symbol
Learners will plan and create a meaningful symbol to represent the Wisconsin-native First Nation group that they researched. They will showcase this symbol as part of their presentation and gallery walk.
