The Flipped Classroom Model in Elementary School

What is a Flipped Classroom?

The flipped classroom model is a model of teaching where the core or more direct instruction is learned outside of the classroom and the practice is done in the classroom.  In this model, the homework becomes the classwork.

The core instruction can be given through video, notes, and readings.  This is usually delivered via online methods. One bonus of this is that students can go at their own pace.  They can pause when needed, rewind, and even rewatch the instruction. The skills and new knowledge are applied during in-person classes.  Here, the teacher can assist and further understanding through in class projects and assignments. With the flipped model parents can see more of what the students are learning.

To bridge the gap of those with and those without Internet, there are variations of the model that also include using the flipped classroom with in-class activities.  

In a elementary school library this could work where the library skills are taught through video and then applied during library times.  Many schools have an A/B schedule for library where the students visit every other week. This model would give a digital lesson that could be done in classrooms on the off weeks and applied during lessons in the library.  

List of Ideas and Resources

What is a flipped classroom:

1. This site gives an overview of the model of flipped classroom.  There is information about the model in action and a profile of a school and how they used the flipped classroom.
2. This is a quick video overview.
3. This articles reviews the top pros and cons of the model.
4. This article provides information on where to get professional development on the flipped classroom.  There are also some suggestions of ways to use the flipped classroom.
5. This is a research article on the good and the bad.
6. This article shows different examples of how to use the model.
7. Great information on the why you should flip your classroom.
8. This Scholastic article provides links to additional books and resources.
9. Tips on how school libraries can support and train teachers on this model.
10. A brief overview of the Flipped Classroom model in school libraries.
11. A great video to view last to check that you understand the model and its pros and cons.

How to use/plan with the Flipped Classroom Model:

1. This article tweaks the flipped classroom to an in-class flipped model. This would help bridge the divide of students who have and those who don’t have access to the internet at home.
2. Here is another example of an in-class flip. This article describes how one teacher used the model. She gives planning advice and a reflection of how the lesson went with her students.
3. Here are 5 tips for using the flipped classroom model.  I really like the one tip on how to keep students accountable.  
4. A great site with lesson examples.  (Topic: The Three Little Pigs).
5. Great tips on getting started with the flipped classroom.
6. A fabulous article on flipping the library.  Definitely a go-to article for school librarians!
7. This article describes how one school librarian used the flipped model. She offers a reflection on how the lesson went with her community.
8. This article describes how one teacher used the model during her math block.
9. Great lesson plan templates for the flipped classroom.  

Flipped Classroom Tools:

1. This is a great collection of tools/apps to use with this model.
2. Tools for the flipping the classroom.
3. Tips and ideas on how to use Google Resources with the flipped classroom.
4. Here is a great flipped model lesson plan on the water cycle.
5. A collection of lessons and ideas from PBS.