Monday, December 15, 2014

December 15, 2014

Small Group Strategy Instruction is a support system that brings learners together to practice a particular skill or strategy in texts that are easily accessible. The objective is to create a supportive context in which strategies are practiced while the teacher coaches and scaffolds for independence. The goal is for students to problem-solve, doing as much of the work themselves as possible, while the teacher coaches and extends understanding. (Lynda Hoyt)
Teachers who already use this strategy know that successful implementation doesn’t happen overnight.

To effectively have small group instruction we have to:

  1. The need to build student stamina to work independently while not working with in a small group.
  2. Routines and procedures are clear so students are engaged while not working in a group.
  3. Formative assessments to monitor to make sure students needs are being met (differentiation)

I will be emailing you to set up an appointment during your conference time to talk about small group instruction. (Or if you are anxious to set up a time and don’t want to wait, email me and I’ll get you on the schedule first!) We have TONS of experts right in our own building and I would love to set up times for you to observe each other or for me to co-teach with you. I look forward to working & learning with you!!​

Monday, December 8, 2014

December 8, 2014

ELPs Update

I appreciate your work (K, 1, 2) this past week in PLCs as we reviewed and discussed our ELPs  (English language proficiency standards) to work with our English language learners (ELLs).  These standards are apart of our TEKS and should be implemented through out all subject areas. This next week 3rd, 4th and 5th will visit this as well. 

As I was preparing for our PLCs, I ran across this "Student friendly ELPs" document.  First of all, you know I LOVE ANYTHING that is in kid-language and then it struck me that these fit perfectly with our current use of "I can..." statements.  I look forward to discussing these with you to determine if DUAL classes can use any of these along with their "I can..." statements or if these can be used with student goal setting. 

Monday, December 1, 2014

December 1, 2014

One of the great resources I was able to learn about at the CAST convention was the Texas Parks and Wildlife. They are committed to helping teachers and want to help us! The following link will take you to their web page section that provides information on loaner trunks and lesson plans.http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/education/resources/resources There are many ideas here!

We often wonder who we can use to be an “expert” for the students to learn from either in person or via Skype-I assure you we can find many within the Park Rangers and Game Wardens, locally or statewide. I will be following up with our Tarrant County Game Wardens, Travis Porter and Michelle Mount, and the Corp of Engineer Park Ranger Sharon Patry. Please take a look at this website and send me any ideas or possible connections you would like to make-including future planning for next year.​