Nov. 16, 2015

I heard this quote and it has really resonated with me.  Many days we do the same routine and follow our same habits because it is comfortable. Our students do not come to school for comfort, they show up to molded and prepared for the future.  

Good is simply not good enough anymore if we want to prepare today's students to be productive

citizens in our ever changing society.  I am heavy hearted about Paris and the responsibility that we as educators have to teach not only content but personal responsibility. It does not matter what a scholar's situation is outside of school, we have 7 hours a day to impact them. If you are still reading this- I hope you feel this same passion to move onto better & best because our scholars deserve it!

Oct. 12, 2015

Learning time loss: Why bell-to-bell learning matters 

by Dr. Justin Tarte @justintarte

Imagine this scenario: You teach at least 5 classes or 5 hours a day (this accounts for both elementary and secondary teachers). Each 1 hour block takes about 5 minutes to get started and ends about 5 minutes early.

This means that roughly 10 minutes out of every 60 minutes are underutilized. Over the course of the day, this means that roughly 50 minutes out of every 300 minutes are not focused on learning. Over the course of a typical 5-day week there will be 250 minutes not spent on learning out of a total 1,500 potential learning minutes. Over the course of a typical school year of 174 school days there will be 8,700 minutes not utilized for learning.

Now, let's be realistic and cut that number in half because we all know there are assemblies and other events that cut into learning time throughout the school year. That leaves us with 4,350 minutes of time not spent learning. 4,350 total underutilized minutes divided by a typical 300 min. school day = 14.5 days per school year are slipping through our fingers.

Does every minute needs to focused on learning, of course not. Are there times when kids and educators need a few moments to simply 'breathe,' of course there are.

It's unrealistic to think every minute can be focused on learning.

However, even with conservative numbers, almost three weeks of school each year are being lost. In other words, 8.3% of a student's year in a 36-week school year. And, there's one thing all educators can agree with... time is precious and we always need more of it.

This article by Dr. Justin Tarte really made me think! You will be amazed when you learn what great things are happening @canSTEM. Come to PLC prepared (with photos or examples) to share what you do in your classroom. Let's really focus on making sure we are maximizing the time we have! 

Oct. 5, 2015

As I was reading Twitter, I ran across this graphic.  It was a great
reminder of our district's student-centered platform goal.
"Student-centered learning platform will include multiple approaches
to the content, process and product and include a classroom
environment that fosters differentiated instruction and engagement."
How do you learn best?

March 30, 2015

Engage Your Students in Real World Learning 

As a district we are working towards implementing PBLs in an responsible way so we are teaching our TEKS with fidelity while balancing the appropriate amount of instruction time.  This webinar is a perfect way to gain insight on "how to" come up with an idea. Even if you are NOT wanting to do a PBL-deepen your STEM lens by gaining great ideas of turning current event into curricular connections into your classrooms. The webinar was just presented on March 15th by Suzie Boss, an author and Buck Institute faculty member, discusses how to create real world-relevant ideas for project based learning.  

" She’ll discuss how to design academically rigorous projects that are ripped from the headlines; why relevance doesn’t mean “all about me;” and how to use the 3 A’s to guide students toward meaningful action."

http://goo.gl/terTU9

February 16, 2015

I know everyone that has ever tried Go Noodle loves it. Research shows that short bursts of physical activity have positive health benefits and also lead to improved student performance.  It also has the added benefit to make your classroom fun and keeping the students wondering what you might do at your next transition. The best part is that you are completing a spiral review while the students are engaged. What more could you ask for? 

Once you sign up and pick your school, you’ll see a message at the bottom that says you have access to Plus provided by Cook Children’s.  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/02/prweb12493617.htm

I’m guessing that those who already have accounts will probably see it too if you’ve picked our school.

Language Arts/Reading:  Take at look at this on how to use it as an interactive class game with grammar that you can customize to meet your

needs:

  

http://support.gonoodle.com/knowledgebase/articles/383851-about-montana-james-gonoodle-plus

Math: Please go look at the Math Category Matrix to see all the specific skills for each grade level you can choose from.  (K-5) Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom to see it. 

http://support.gonoodle.com/knowledgebase/articles/301162-about-mega-math-marathon-gonoodle-plus

This is worth your time!