Showing posts sorted by date for query lessons. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query lessons. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query lessons. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query lessons. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Lesson in Media Communications - Homeschool High School

My kids have grown up! They are off to college or the trades. I am now a certified teacher in Art and Special Education for P-12 and Language Arts for 5-12. I've coached a high school speech and debate team for the past 4 years and taught middle school language arts and high school art while also serving as a special education teacher of record. 

So, my blog content is also growing up. At least some of it. I am starting a new teaching gig as an elementary art teacher this fall! I will definitely share more homeschool art lessons in the coming months. I just wanted to pop in for my long-time readers and blogging friends to say, I've been busy, but I haven't forgotten about you! Here's to raising our children together, enjoy this high school homeschool lesson in Communications in the Media.

And if you don't homeschool, this is a great lead in to a classroom discussion on bias in the media; assuming you are allowed to teach about that and share some of the topics discussed here.


This post contains Amazon affiliate links.



Communications Lesson for High School Homeschool Media Lenses



In high schools, we now have Communications teachers. This used to be called the Speech teacher. The curriculum may include giving speeches in various styles (impromptu, dramatic, how to, extemporaneous) and learning about media communications in classroom lessons. These classes are often offered for dual college credit. While taking a course to teach dual credit classes, I had to step outside of my comfort zone and review media through different lenses. Meaning, not as myself, an aging white woman or not even as the standby demographic of any straight male. We learned that most media, whether commercials, songs, television, movies, or even books, is written and directed toward the "heterosexual male gaze." This isn't always intentional either. In general, we have learned that this is the way to do things.

Explicit Content Warning: Many won't find the following articles or video content explicit, but some may find the topics of viewing through a queer theory lens or focusing on the anti-feminism sexism in media inappropriate for their teenage homeschoolers. If that's you, just move on to the next website or click around in my elementary homeschool content.

There's a slide depicting a condom in the video media critique. In another (not posted here,) there is discussion of the female and male anatomy as other items, such as the trunk of a car or a high heel shoe, and how they may serve as stand-ins for genitalia.The following content is made up of projects that I completed for a graduate course in Communications. They are not necessarily my personal views. 

Remember, the assignments were designed to get us thinking about how different viewers have a differing perspectives and why two people could view the same content and have different take-aways. Anyway, I thought this might be a good way to start a conversation with your high school homeschoolers on media biases.

After consuming my content, think about your favorite commercials, shows, books, or songs and study them for gender biases, for flimsy characters whose only purpose is to show that the media is trying to be inclusive, or for messages that are hidden from your view because of the lenses you wear. How do you identify? How does this affect your perspective?

Some lenses you might wear when viewing are: cultural, queer, feminist (gender,) socieo-economic (marxist,) historical, psychoanalytic (freudian and others,) aestheticism, personal mirror, the list goes on. Once you start consuming media this way, it is difficult to just sit back and watch for enjoyment. You will become a more educated viewer. You will wonder how you never realized that so many things were taken from the straight male point of view. You may even have a better understanding of yourself and why you think a certain way even though you may not feel that way.

Up first, my media critique through a feminist lens, the final project for the Communication course as a slideshow with voice-over.  This was created in Canva which is a great tool for digital art of all kinds. You can create video and slideshows with the paid version. It even allows you to use AI to create video and images. As a past obsessed Michael Jackson fan, do I believe what I am saying? You decide.




For your viewing pleasure, here's the original Billie Jean video by Michael Jackson. View for yourself. What do you see? The queer theory media review is below.





Prior to creating the video of Billie Jean through a feminist lens, we had to view a media text through a queer theory lens. Topics were given and I chose Carly Rae Jepsen. Then, we were told to choose a beloved media and do the same. For me, there is no more beloved media than anything by Michael Jackson. They call it queering when you view a media through a queer theory lens. As I reviewed Billie Jean with a queer lens, I began thinking how misogynistic it was and that is what led to the slideshow above. 

Here is my class discussion text for media communications lesson through a queer theory lens:


Carly Rae Jepsen’s Queer Renaissance” argues that Jepsen's music resonates with queer audiences because it celebrates desire without action. Queer audiences experience this  throughout their lives - the longing for another often without being able to tell anyone or take action. This queer experience is often underrepresented in mainstream culture.


In the article, Michael Waters analyzes Jepsen's songs like "Call Me Maybe," "Boy Problems," and "I Really Really Like You," He says the music allows for diverse interpretations of desire, making her a queer "cult hero.” He says. “Jepsen’s music provides a sense of wholeness for a community often pressured to be out." 


I was intrigued by the idea of Jepsen’s "invisibility" being a strength for a marginalized audience. It can relate to anyone who has felt unseen or shy about striking up a conversation in hopes of a new relationship, but that message connects with a queer audience because they often keep that part hidden.


Waters interrogates normativity in the narrative of pop music. Pop music is often romantically heterosexual, but feelings don’t always lead to action. He reinterprets Jepsen’s lyrics highlighting subtexts to uncover queer meanings that may not be intentional. Jepsen's music focuses on vague "feelings" rather than typical romantic outcomes and the queer community relates as they don’t always feel comfortable expressing their true feelings in public. The “other” may not be receptive to their feelings.


A Marxist theoretical lens would interpret Carly Rae Jepsen's music very differently from a queer theoretical lens. This lens would see pop music as a capitalist entity. The songs are created to generate profit. Therefore, the songs are designed to reach a wider audience to maximize sales. Jepsen or her label would be at the top with her staff, roadies, etc. being the workers.


Of all media texts, I am most familiar with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" music video. How does it fare under a queer theory analysis? If we disrupt binaries, the primary theme of "Billie Jean" revolves around Michael, a man, being pursued by a woman who claims he is the father of her child. A queer analysis might question this heterosexual framework. Remember, the lyrics say, “Billie Jean is not my lover, she’s just a girl who thinks that I am the one.” But, is Billie Jean really the antagonist, or is she a symbol for something else? What if the "baby" is also a symbol representing a hidden secret that Michael is trying to escape? “But the kid is not my son.” Is he trying to tell us that the kid couldn’t be his son because of his sexuality?


Michael is trying to run away. Is he showing that he is vulnerable and doesn’t want to let anyone see his true self. A queer lens could see this as a metaphor for being "in the closet." Based on interrogative normative, Jackson's persona is unique. He's not really masculine, in fact, he is somewhat non-binary by today’s standards. Perhaps, he is trying to run from the pressure to be more masculine. On the surface, the song's lyrics hint at a paternity scandal. A queer lens could see the baby as a stand-in for something else that society sees as unacceptable. The detective who follows Michael cannot catch him. The "truth" eludes those with a fixed normative understanding.


If you find this post interesting, I'll be posting more articles viewing Gilmore Girls and Ginny & Georgia through different lenses and sharing a little bit more about Media Communications as a high school homeschool lesson. If you want to practice public speaking, check back often for some descriptions and examples of different types of basic speech lessons including Persuasive, Argumentative, and Socratic seminars.



Recommended Reading:

Homeschool Lessons for Middle School and High School

Summer Camp Activities by Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos

What Are the Best Classroom Games for Keeping ADHD Students Engaged?

Keeping ADHD Students Engaged with Games for the Classroom

Many teachers wonder how to keep students with ADHD focused and participating in the classroom. These students often face unique challenges with attention and impulse control, making it necessary to use specific strategies and engaging techniques. The best classroom games for keeping ADHD students engaged are interactive, hands-on, and designed to stimulate focus while allowing movement and creativity.

Understanding how ADHD affects learning can help educators better support their students and adapt activities to their needs. Games that blend structure with flexibility, such as educational scavenger hunts or memory-based challenges, encourage active participation and make learning more accessible. Choosing the right games can truly make a difference in classroom engagement for students with ADHD.

The information here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any medical questions.

Key Takeaways

  • ADHD can make classroom engagement more challenging.

  • Interactive and movement-based games support engagement.

  • Tailoring activities to ADHD needs leads to better outcomes.



What Are the Best Classroom Games for Keeping ADHD Students Engaged?

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Classroom Engagement

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly shapes how children participate and learn in classroom environments. Challenges with attention, activity level, and impulse control require thoughtful strategies to keep students engaged and supported.

Common Symptoms Affecting Classroom Participation

ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can make it difficult for students to focus during lessons, follow instructions, and stay organized. For example, a child might frequently lose track of assignments or become easily distracted by minor sounds or movements.

There are different types of ADHD, such as predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentations. In the classroom, symptoms may appear as daydreaming, excessive movement, or impulsive actions like calling out answers. Even brief group tasks can be disrupted if a student struggles to regulate impulses. These symptoms not only disrupt academic performance but also affect peer relationships and self-esteem. Early recognition and understanding of these behaviors allow educators to provide appropriate interventions.

Unique Learning Challenges for ADHD Students

Children with ADHD face unique difficulties related to executive functions, such as organizing tasks, managing time, and remembering instructions. This makes transitions between activities and complex assignments particularly challenging. It is common for these students to require repeated directions or help breaking down multi-step tasks.

Academic performance can suffer if learning activities rely heavily on sustained attention or passive listening. Written instructions or purely verbal explanations may be missed or forgotten. Many students with ADHD benefit from visual schedules, hands-on activities, and frequent reminders. Socially, students may also struggle to interpret cues or manage frustration during group play. These learning barriers require approaches that emphasize structure, clarity, and positivity.

Key Principles for Supporting Students with ADHD

Supporting children with ADHD starts with recognizing their needs for movement, structure, and immediate feedback. Effective strategies include breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, and providing clear, concise instructions. Teachers can use behavioral classroom management—such as reward systems and daily report cards—to encourage positive behaviors and engage students in their learning.

Regular physical or sensory breaks are valuable. Building in opportunities for fidgeting or movement can help students channel excess energy productively. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement help build confidence and motivation. By creating an environment attentive to their needs, teachers foster better participation and support academic success.

Best Classroom Games and Strategies for Engaging ADHD Students

Engaging students with ADHD requires activities that support movement, sensory input, and structured focus. The use of interactive games, hands-on learning, and targeted activities helps improve executive functioning skills, attention, and self-regulation.

Interactive Movement Games

Movement games break up long periods of sitting, offering students much-needed active breaks. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, and short yoga routines are simple ways to integrate physical activity while enhancing listening skills and impulse control.

Teachers often use brief “brain breaks,” such as guided stretches or energetic clapping patterns, to maintain concentration and reduce disruptive behavior. These breaks help reset attention and provide dopamine boosts that benefit working memory and organization. Incorporating movement breaks supports transitions and helps students refocus on academic tasks. Relay races and team challenges add opportunities for collaboration and positive reinforcement. Activities like these align with classroom management strategies recommended by the CDC for ADHD, as they allow students to expend energy in a productive manner.

Hands-On Learning and Sensory Activities

Hands-on activities help address sensory needs and keep engagement high. Using items like building blocks, modeling clay, or fidgets helps students channel energy constructively while supporting fine motor development and creativity. Sensory bins or textured materials offer tactile stimulation, which can calm or activate students as needed.

Interactive projects such as science experiments, art tasks, and sorting games encourage active participation. They also support organizational skills and executive function by requiring following steps and planning. These activities provide a structured learning environment with clear expectations and visual schedules, which foster a more supportive atmosphere for students with ADHD.

Conclusion

Selecting effective classroom games for students with ADHD requires a focus on engagement, movement, and clear structure. Incorporating activities like Jeopardy-style review games, hands-on learning, and rotating stations can help sustain attention and support participation.

Students with ADHD often benefit from games that include visual aids, simple rules, short-term goals, and opportunities for physical movement. Teachers can also encourage participation by providing frequent positive feedback.


Recommended Reading:


Art Develops Critical Thinking Skills


Sensory Play Aids in Childhood Development


COBRA KAI LEGEND TEE INSPIRED LETTER COLOR SCHEME ART PROJECT

COLOR THEORY COLOR SCHEME CUT PAPER LETTERS ART PROJECT


If you watch the popular NETFLIX series, Cobra Kai, you've probably noticed the t-shirts worn by the Anthony LaRusso character, played by Griffin Santopietro. In the series, Anthony is the son of Daniel and Amanda LaRusso, and the younger brother of Samantha LaRusso. He often wears cool printed tees, below the word LEGEND is printed in two tone letters across his shirt. The colorful block print letters inspired this letter color scheme art project perfect for a quick lesson on color theory.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links for your convenience.


Anthony LaRusso LEGEND T-shirt Tee Cobra Kai Color Theory Art Project
Letter Art Project:  Anthony LaRusso Legend Tee in Cobra Kai

In my high school art class, we've been working on several hand lettering projects with a letter theme. We started creating tag letters for a graffiti art project and then we moved on to a lesson color theory and how to blend with colored pencils from That Art Teacher. To review the basics of color theory or to achieve a better understanding of the color wheel, watch this video, Color Theory Basics or scroll down to read our simple definitions.

The video below is an awesome companion video to use when teaching the history of graffiti art.




LEGEND Color Theory Letter Project


This letter color scheme project can be be simple or more complicated and adapted for all grade levels. For a simple project for elementary students, simply cut and paste the letters onto a 6" x 12" white, gray, or black poster board using contrasting colors from the basic color wheel. For our homeschool friends that means: Red/Green, Blue/Orange, and Purple/Yellow. Remind your students to eyeball the letters and center the word on the page before the final glue down.

You might also like: How to Paint like Eric Carle

For high school students in a basic art class, remind the students that contrasting colors are simply colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This will give more color options. For more advanced classes, have art students design their letters based on a color scheme: monochromatic, complementary, double complementary, split complementary, triadic, tetradic, analagous, intermediate primary, secondary, or tertiary. We used cut, brightly colored paper in anticipation of a color paper unit on Matisse, but you can also use acrylic paints.



COBRA KAI LEGEND TEE INSPIRED LETTER COLOR SCHEME ART PROJECT



What are the Color Schemes?

Monochromatic  -  One color. A monochromatic color scheme ranges between lighter (tints) and darker (shades) versions of the base color or hue.

Primary - The basic colors. Red, Yellow, and Blue. With crayons, pencils, and paint, these colors can be combined to create the secondary colors. (Don't let Google and Digital Art confuse you.)

Secondary - Green, Orange, and Purple. 
(Red + Blue) = Purple, (Red + Yellow) = Orange, (Yellow + Blue) = Green.

Triadic - Primary and secondary color schemes are also triadic colors schemes. A triadic color scheme is made up of three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. These colors form a triangle across the color wheel.

Tertiary - A primary color + a secondary color. Tertiary colors combine primary and secondary colors to create compound colors: blue-green, blue-violet, red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, and yellow-green. 

Complementary -  Two colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. The basics are Red/Green, Blue/Orange, and Purple/Yellow. However, you can pull-out a color wheel to find more variations such as, Yellow-Orange/Blue Violet.

Double Complementary or Tetradic - Using two sets of Complementary colors together. For example, red/green paired with yellow/purple. A double complementary color scheme forms a rectangle across the color wheel.


Color Wheel Color Schemes Tetradic


Split Complementary -  A split complementary scheme uses three colors. Start with one color, find its complement and then use the two colors on either side of it. If you look at the color wheel above, blue,  violet (purple,) and yellow-orange form a split complementary triangle. Yellow-Orange/Blue-Violet being the contrasting colors and blue and violet are the splits. If using Blue-Violet, the split complementary colors are Orange and Yellow. Get it? Got it. Good!

Analogous - Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel. Only use three to five colors for this color scheme. Analogous schemes can use warm colors, cool colors, or a combination of both depending on where you start. For art that pops stick to three analogous colors.

Intermediate - The tertiary colors are every other color on the color wheel. Tertiary colors combine primary and secondary colors to create compound colors: blue-green, blue-violet, red-orange, red-violet, yellow-orange, and yellow-green. This is also known as an intermediate color scheme.




How to Make Block Color Scheme LEGEND Letters with Bright Colored Paper


Supplies:

Black, White, or Gray Poster Board (6" x 12")
Ruler
Pencil 
Scissors or Xacto Knife
Brightly Colored Copy Paper or Construction Paper

Beginners will want to measure to choose letter size and then eyeball the position on the poster board before gluing it down. Divide 12" by the number of letters you choose to use. The answer will provide enough space for your letter and the space between each letter. For example, 12/6 = 2". Allow 1 1/2" for each letter and use the extra space to form a border and proper letter spacing.

More advanced students should use the ruler to lay out a grid on the poster board. Draw separate grid lines for the block letter, space between the letters, and a border around them. Showing the students how to layout and plan for the block letter spacing will prepare them for future work in sign painting, drafting, technical theatre, and architecture.


Draw a horizon line halfway down the middle of the paper at 3". This line serves as the dividing line for the color of the letters. Each letter will be two colors based on one of the color schemes listed above. for younger students, choose contrasting colors. Measure for at least a 1/4" border from the edges of the paper. The width of letters is determined by the number of letters used as mentioned above. If you cut the letters out from a block of paper, with an Xacto knife, you can use the paper as a template to paint letters for a future project.



Recommended:






How to Help Children Achieve Dreams and Goals

How Can I Help My Child Achieve Their Dreams?


One of the main parts of being a parent is nurturing your child’s hobbies and aspirations. This way, they can make their dreams a reality. However, for this to happen, a lot of work needs to be done behind the scenes. You can put things in place that can help to support your child as they work toward their goals, both in the present and the future. As a result, you can feel proud knowing you did all you could to be there for them when they were young and fledgling.


How Can I Help My Child Achieve Their Dreams


Financial Goals

Many goals and dreams that a child might have may also require some form of financial backing, whether this be gaining a qualification, starting a business, getting married, or even going on a nice holiday vacation. Rather than them needing to find the money in a short space of time, you may be able to use the entirety of their childhood to start putting money aside for their future. You can achieve this in the form of a junior stocks and shares ISA in your child’s name. A parent can open an account when their child is born and continue depositing into it until that child is an adult (in the eyes of the law.) At this point, they may be able to withdraw the money to use as they see fit. Hopefully, "as they see fit" will mean it will be spent on helping them achieve the important goals you both had dreamed up when they were merely small children.


Money Lessons for Kids


Extra Curricular Goals

Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities while they are young can also aid them with their future endeavors. This may especially be the case if some of those extra curricular activities match what your child would like to do in the future. If not, there might be some skills or tools that your child could take from these activities that could allow them to get ahead. For example, a child who is on the debate team now might have some of the skills required for job interviews, or even being able to make a convincing argument without the need for dramatics or raising their voice when the two of you have a disagreement. A child who explores 4H or the Future Farmers of America, might learn skills to help them have a future career in Agriculture.


Self-Esteem Goals

Above all, give children positive reinforcement. This can include the use of positive phrases that boost their confidence. While you may not want your child to be cocky, improving their self-esteem helps them to speak up for others, have the courage to pursue their dreams, and it gives them the drive to not give in when things get difficult. With a good measure of self-confidence, no matter how many setbacks they face, they will continue to look for different ways to achieve their goal, simply because they have a good foundation of perseverance and know that someone out there has their back.


Self-Motivating Quotes


While some (many) of your child's dreams might be unrealistic, realistic dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication. As a parent, think about the many ways you can support your child to have the money and skills they will need to make those dreams come true. Whether you start a rainy day fund with your kids or just go play in the rain, it's never too late to be present in your child's life; and that is the best way to help your child achieve anything.

 

 Recommended:

Ways to Make Extra Money at Home

Be Present: Things to do with Kids


Black History Month Videos for Kids

Videos, Lessons, and Printables for Black History Month


Now, more than ever, the importance of Black History Month should be celebrated. Learn the origin of dedicating the month of February to Black History and the history behind the month long holiday. These Black History Month videos for kids and African American resources that help celebrate the black lives matter movement are the perfect classroom curriculum.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.


Black History Month Videos for Kids

Black History Month Videos for Kids


History of Black History Month from History.com

Black History Month Video from PBS Kids


Black History Month Video from National Geographic Kids





  
Fresh ways to celebrate Black History from We Are Teacher







Recommended:





5 Extracurricular Activities for a Holistic Education

5 Extracurricular Activities to Give Your Child a Holistic Education


Kids can only learn so much from traditional education, which is why it is vital that they also get involved in a host of extracurricular activities. These recreational pastimes for children aid their development and help them discover their passions. Extra curricular activities also can help kids to make friends and find positive role models. You want your child to become a well-rounded adult with much to contribute to society. You can help give kids a kickstart by sparking a passion for any one or more of these extracurricular activities that help give your child a holistic education.


This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links.



5 Extracurricular Activities to Give Your Child a Holistic Education



1) Music


Studying music has shown to improve test scores and help students do better in school. Music also can provide kids with a new way to express themselves. Additionally, the study of music helps kids to concentrate and can give them a sense of accomplishment as they learn to achieve their goals.


Get Videos on Folk Musicians and FREE Lesson Plans

 

There are many different instruments with which kids can start. One popular option is the drums. If you think this might be a good fit for your child, then you can learn more here.


 

2) Sports


Sports are an excellent outlet for getting exercise and building teamwork skills. Many kids even find themselves meeting some of their best friends through sports.

 

With so many different sports to choose from, your child will find something that works for them. If your kid has a hard time staying active, then participating in sports may provide the perfect fun way to get regular physical activity.



3) Art


Art is a fantastic way for children to express themselves and let their creative sides run wild. Many kids get a great sense of accomplishment when they create a beautiful piece of art.

 

There are many ways to get your child involved with art. While you can have your child take lessons, you could also involve them in crafts at home. The process of making things is essential to childhood development, no matter how you go about it.



4) Drama


Participating in performing arts can help kids to boost confidence. Drama also increases empathy because it requires your child to walk around in someone else’s shoes. Learning to play a character can help kids to see things from a different perspective and be more understanding.


Find our Plays & Skits at TeachersPayTeachers

 

Drama can help kids build trust and learn to rely on each other. When they are on stage, they need to trust that their scene partner will always have their back if they forget a line or something goes wrong. Even if your child never becomes a star, the performing arts can significantly change their life.



5) Writing


Writing is a pastime that has many professional advantages. One of the most sought-after skills in the professional world is strong writing. Starting young can help your child to succeed in their career.


Find Homeschool Lessons

 

Writing can help children to process their thoughts and express themselves. It also may assist kids in their overall communication skills. Encourage your child to write short stories, poems, or to keep a journal.



The Bottom Line


Childhood is the perfect time for people to explore a plethora of different activities to find the things that they enjoy. Hopefully, these suggestions will give you some ideas about what your children might like to do in their free time. It's great to open their minds to all sorts of possibilities. Something may spark a career choice.


However, it is essential not to force your child to do anything that does not interest them. While encouragement is helpful, pressure can be counterproductive and may cause resentment. You need to strike a careful balance. Remember that your kids are just kids, and they may not become the next Olympic athlete or musical prodigy, and that is okay, just let them enjoy their extra curricular activities. 



Recommended:


Field Trip Ideas from Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos


Journals for Kids


Things to do with Paint Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos