Hi! I'm Ms. Nicole.
I am currently pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at California State University San Marcos. I expect to graduate in 2026 with my preliminary multiple subject credential, including introductory authorizations in English and Art. Over the years I have had experience with Montessori education, project-based learning, special education (ASD), independent study programs, and traditional curriculums based on California Content Standards. As a future educator I intend to pull from the strengths of all the educational environments which I have been exposed to.
ISTE Educator Standards met with the Design, Record, Connect lesson
The above lesson meets ISTE Standards 2.2.c and 2.6.d for Educators. ISTE 2.2.c: Model Digital Tool Use is an Indicator of Educator Standard 2.2: Leader and covers modeling digital tool use. It is met by modeling “the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.” The above lesson (Design, Record Connect.) adopts and explores use of a newer digital tool and identifies how that tool can be used for learning. Through the activity, students and educators evaluate the tool through trial-and-error with the curation of sound. ISTE 2.6.d: Model and Nurture Creativity is an Indicator of Educator Standard 2.6: Facilitator and requires educators to “model and nurture creativity and creative expression to communicate ideas, knowledge or connections.” The lesson provides the opportunity for educators to model the use of technology within the activity. It also encourages creative expression through the manipulation of the controls/sounds within the program. By taking individually produced sounds and creating variations of ensembles, those engaging with this lesson are also provided the opportunity to connect ideas communicated with one another. You can read more about the International Society for Technology in Education here.
Project completed at High Tech High Elementary North County
Create your own Calming Corner
I had the opportunity to serve as an art expert for a second grade class at HTHNC. For this collaboration I designed a project where students would create their own safe space or calming corner. They began this project by making a list of things that made them feel safe/calm. Then, students were provided craft materials and asked to select items that could be representative of the items on their "calm" lists. Next, students designed each side to their box/room, placing windows and doors to peer into. Each wall was assembled separately, with craft items glued in place. Lastly, they assembled the full box. The final piece looks plain on the outside, but the cutout sections open into a whole new world, a place for them to enter in their imaginations anytime they need a moment to feel calm.
This project was completed during weekly works sessions spread out over a five-week period.
More design challenges to try in your classroom!
Design Challenge: Sustainable Production and Consumption Habits
Examine the issue of unsustainable production and consumption patterns and identify contributing factors. Next, brainstorm on solutions or alternatives that address the factor(s) and use Scratch to create a scene that shares your solution while providing more information on the factor(s) you've identified.
Design Challenge: Life on Land
Investigate the causes of animal extinction in California by identifying key contributing factors. Then, brainstorm a solution to address one or more of these factors. Using Tinkercad, create a prototype that either demonstrates your solution or illustrates a scene that raises awareness about the factor you chose.
Design Challenge: Podcasting
Create an engaging podcast on a topic of your choosing. Soundtrap is a great program to use for this challenge and Canva is a super fun and easy ap for designing cover art.
Design Challenge: Zero Hunger
Explore and learn more about the issue of hunger in San Diego County by identifying a contributing factor. Then, brainstorm possible solutions to address that factor. Once you've chosen a solution, create a prototype to illustrate how it could work. Finally, use Pixton to design a comic strip that either explains your solution or raises awareness about the specific factor you identified.