January 26, 2015

Parent & Student Led Conferences:

            February is approaching quickly and parent conference time is around the corner.  As I was discussing iStation with another Learning Liaison, she reminded me of this link on the HOME iStation screen. 

  

 

            This link takes you to the Frequently Asked Questions.  There are 4 sections that you will find great information:

            1.  Technical Questions

            2.  Classroom Management

            3.  Logging On, Using Student Program, and Report and Management

            4.  Reports- Under reports #5 “What report is best used in conferences”

Take a look at this and see how you can use this in your classroom to discuss with STUDENTS about their growth in reading.  This may be a great tool to use in student lead confernces as well. 

CALLING ALL BLOGS….I love learning from other teachers.  Please send me the name/link of blogs you read to gain inspiration and ideas.  I want to collect these and share them with the staff.  There will be FREE SONIC drink for each person who submits a BLOG resource to me by 4PM on Friday, January 30^th.    

January 19, 2015

As we begin our next round of Achievement data meetings, we become “ENGINEERS” in the truest sense when determining what each and every student at Cannon needs to be successful.  I recently read an article from the September 2014 issue of Educational Leadership about student motivation.  Carol Ann Tomlinson discusses a set of three concentric circles of influence that we need to be aware of to help a student’s motivation.

“The Personal Sphere (the outermost circle)—in which motivation links to a student’s concerns about his or her personal relationship with school and school adults—is often the most powerful. In this sphere, a student poses two fundamental questions: Does the teacher see me? and How does the teacher see me? Some students feel invisible in their classrooms; some feel judged and found wanting. In either condition, the student’s desire to learn is likely extinguished.

 A teacher does well to reflect on whether he or she sees each student as an individual. Considering an “unmotivated” kid, teachers should ask these questions: Do I believe in this student’s capacity to succeed in my classroom—and am I communicating belief in that potential? Do I give him or her support, voice, and autonomy in school work? What am I doing to know this child better today than I did yesterday?”

If you would like to read about two inner circles (The Social Sphere and The Academic Sphere) please stop by my office and pick up the 2 page article  (a quick  BUT powerful read ).  I like how it poses the two fundamental questions from the student’s viewpoint.  It aligns with my beliefs and is a great reminder to consider the whole child.

Carol Ann Tomlinson is the author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners

January 12, 2015

ARE YOU READY?

In looking through the Go Math digital resources in Think Central there are several options for assessment. One of my favorites is "Are You Ready?" (Texas Math Assessment Guide - Are You Ready?) It is a half page, 2 question assessment that is designed to check prerequisite skills for each lesson. It would be great as a formative assessment and something that would be quick and easy to check. If you haven't used it yet, log in to your Think Central account and give it a try! I'm happy to help you if you have any questions. @CP

January 5, 2015

     As I begin 2015, I am rested and feel thankful for many things. One thing I am thankful for is the opportunity that I can take a deep breathe and REFOCUS on the goals (personal and professional) that I need/want to grow in. Continue to read this article to see how we can pass that REFOCUS onto our students as well.  (click on link)

HELP STUDENTS START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Try these strategies and tactics to help students get off to a good start for the second half of the school year.