Sunday, September 27, 2015

Sept. 28, 2015


In the latest STEM Magazine Dr. Willis discusses “How to Teach Students About Their Brain”.  (Debbie sent you an email on Sept. 21st with the link.)  Using brain research teaching strategies and explicitly discussing brain research within your classroom empowers students to become self-regulated learners with aligns with our Portrait of a Graduate.  If you LOVE this article like I do and would like to dive deeper, please let me know.  This would be a great topic for a book study! 

Dr. Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist and teacher in Santa Barbara, Calif., has combined her training in neuroscience and neuroimaging with her teacher education training and years of classroom experience. She has become an authority in the field of learning-centered brain research and classroom strategies derived from this research.  You can also find other article and webinars from Dr. Willis on the ASCD website


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Sept. 21, 2015


Engaging & Effective iPad Practices

Here are some ideas and sample lessons that come from all grade levels in GCISD including Specials!  (PE, art and music this means you too!) Please remember, you must be logged into GCISD Schoolwires to access the links.

GCISD-Elementary 1:1 iPad Initiative  is a Google site that contains all of the resources used for 1:1 iPad professional learning used throughout the district.  This Google site has a plethora of information but today I want to highlight the “Sample Workflow Lessons”.   You will find the link in the right column near the bottom.  Select your grade level and then your just click through the samples for all subjects.  Here is a 3rd grade example:


Another amazing GCISD resource is a blog that our instructional technology coaches write.  Each week the blog has relevant connections to your classrooms.  Be sure to subscribe to the GCISD LEAD with Technology blog TODAY if you are not already receiving weekly emails with their current blog post. 


Monday, September 14, 2015

Sept. 14, 2015


As I listened to several of you talk about parent conferences that have already been set up and I think about some of the questions I fielded on curriculum night, I find it interesting the same comment I hear each year from parents.  “I was not good a math either.”  “He/she is NOT a math person.” 

In the English/Language Arts worlds there are several gurus, Penny Kettle and Donalyn Miller whose passion is to teach students to FALL IN LOVE WITH BOOKS.  My personal beliefs align with both Kettle & Miller I feel that helping students find their passion is reading very tangible.  But how do we teach students to find their PASSION in math?

I read an article from August issue of STEM Magazine discussing how students perceive their relationship with math.  Often students, even those who are confident about math, do not arrive at a LOVE for math.  Professor Zahra Hazari states, “If we want to empower students and provide access to STEM careers, it can’t just be about confidence and performance.  Attitudes and personal motivation matters immensely.”  Once again MIND-SET plays a roll in being able to develop a math identity!!!  Please take time to read this article. 

FYI:  We receive this resource in an email from Candi Amos that says: 

Here is the August STEM Magazine ready for distribution as you wish.
Remember, it's PDF printable and you have unlimited distribution.



STEM Magazine August 2015 Issue

Sept. 7, 2015


Lisa’s Third Week of School Top 10 for Teachers

10-Demonstrate professionalism at all times to inspire respect from students, parents & colleagues.  If we inspire each other…we will raise the level learning for our studentsJ
9-Know your standards and TEKS.
8-Lesson plans should fulfill your purpose of delivering seamless instruction
7-Technology requires planning ahead and practice. Schedule Ben to help you and your students.
6-Mythbuster: Teachers work an 8-hour days with weekends off!!
5-Follow through is imperative on all levels.
4-Ask specific questions to gain clarity for yourself and instruction
3-Classroom management-get in control NOW!  Set expectations high so our scholars can rise to meet them.
2-Plan ahead to ease frustration.
1-Student engagement- bell to bell!!  Engaged students create less discipline problems and experience more learning.

We are off to a great start this year!! I personally think the first two weeks are the most challenging.

FYI- I appreciate your patience in the area of our “on-line” student accounts.
-Educational Galaxy will be working very soon-by Wednesday at the latest.  They will be uploading the entire school any time.
-Raz-Kids is in the process of being renewed via Debbie.
-STEMscopes should be working minus a few glitches.
-waiting on updates for GoMath, Social Studies and IXL