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.

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!!​

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. 

ELPS Student-Friendly Language Objectives

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.​