I started a leadership program through my district in January and one of the videos we had to watch is a Ted Talk called Embrace the Shake. Linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is
One of my biggest take aways is that I don't necessarily have all of the tools, yet, to move into a coaching position, but there are many things I can leverage that I do have so that I can build my strengths. One of them is stepping outside my comfort zone to try new (and sometimes scary) things!
What are some ways you've stepped outside your comfort zone to be a leader inside your school building?
What end of the year activities does your school do?
My school likes to do ABC countdowns and field day.
In so many schools, play is dismissed as frivolous or not important to include in the day. How do you advocate for the inclusion of play?
What curriculum do you use for classroom circles? I like to introduce my students to a circle by using this book called the Sharing circle. The animals in the story help the students learn how to resolve conflicts. We don't have a curriculum in my district, but we do teach our students how to handle conflicts in a peaceful way. I also use my circles to discuss how we can improve as a class as far as treating each other with respect.
I'm having a lot of anxiety about starting the school year! What are some tactical things I should do over the summer to feel more prepared, and what can I deprioritize?
What are some analogies you have used to make connections with the students? For example:
I am the Costco sampler person. I give you a little taste (the content limit of standards) and hopefully you will buy more (looking deeper into the subject)
I am an academic mechanic, I have to diagnose the issues and solve that problem.
I wanted to share with you a lot of FREE early language and literacy resources for a program I designed - the goal behind it is to get it into the hands of as many families as possible! All of the downloadable/printable PDF resources are FREE on my website. I encourage you to check it out and think about ways you can write grants or secure sponsorship for families in your area! Check it out!
Ride and Read Program
Create meaningful opportunities for interactive shared language and literacy experiences anywhere you go! The Ride and Read Program provides families with engaging texts, activity cards, and storytelling props in a convenient travel tote so that they can build early literacy and language skills through joyful interactions. Knowing the importance of parental involvement in successful student learning, this program strives to provide families with the tools and resources they need to build a strong early language and literacy foundation.
As I was reading an educational article recently, I saw this idea, and I loved it! I will definitely implement it at the start of next year:
Have students write down (or tell you if they are little ones) what they want to hear on hard days. Collect those notes and hand them back out to students when you feel like they need to be reminded.
What are some ways you help students persevere on hard days?
What foundational skills should I focus on to prepare students for success in algebra?
Students need to understand the foundational principles of algebra that include properties for each of the operations and the idea of substitution in variables. Order of operations is also a pivotal skill for Algebra. The key to understanding is knowing that algebra involves equivalencies. Because this can often be very abstract for most upper elementary students, providing as much context as possible makes it easier. I HIGHLY recommend https://borenson.com/product/the-hands-on-equations-learning-system/
It is well worth the investment to purchase this kit for your students to teach the parts of an equation and how to solve algebraic expressions.
I have students who are struggling with reading. What are some strategies that I can use to help them?
First, you need to determine the area of focus that the student is struggling with. This can be done by using various assessments. Gather data on different areas of reading: decoding, sight words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Once you have determined the area(s) of concern, you can apply reading interventions to address these needs.
Word Study
Phonemic awareness
Decoding
High Frequency (sight words)
Syllabication
Spelling
Fluency
Modeled and assisted oral reading
Prosody development (pacing, intonation, volume, smoothness, phrasing, expression)
Guided reading
Partner reading
Vocabulary
Teacher models and explains
Technical
Content specific (using different genres)
Teaching word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes)
I will be having a student teacher join my classroom in August. What do you wish you knew from your mentor teacher when you student taught?
We have our second progress monitoring next week. There are some strategies that I use to help the students prepare for the test. For example:
1. Arrange the seating beforehand so the students are not asking, "Why are the desks moved"
2. Give out 2 pencils everyday and collect them.
3. Have timed assignments. This helps pacing and focus.
4. Since we take the test on line, I email the students the link to the practice test so they can get used to navigating the program.
5. Lengthen a reading block so the students can build academic endurance of sustained reading.
6. Conference with the students to show them their first score and show a reasonable goal for the next test.
7. Use the dividers for the students during the weeks prior to the test.
8. Give test taking strategies for the students on how to "flag" and questions and go back to answer.
9. Email the parents with suggestions of foods, study habits and other tidbits to help them prepare their student.
10. Since my favorite animal is an elephant, I give the students a little elephant figuring to keep at their desk because they are part of my herd and they are special.
How do you prepare for your small groups so you can make the most of your time? I use these prepared baskets of materials so that students can get right to work when they visit with me!
Involving students in documenting and reflecting upon their own assessment data can have a significant impact on their learning and self-awareness. When students take part in tracking their progress, they often gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, areas for improvement, and the goals they need to set. This practice fosters a sense of ownership over their learning, increases motivation, and can encourage a growth mindset as students see evidence of their improvement over time. Additionally, self-reflection helps students develop metacognitive skills, enhancing their ability to plan, monitor, and adjust their approaches to learning tasks.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider.... what would you anticipate could potentially discourage students from making progress?
How do you balance guidance with independence in this practice?
What are some back to school bulletin boards that you’ve done and loved? (Pictures appreciated!)
How do you tackle new curriculum? We got new reading last year which I tackled one module at a time. This year we are switching to a new math and I plan on doing some work and planning this summer in small doses to prepare for next year. What tips do you have?
