Wednesday, March 6, 2013
February 26, 2013
My RTT mentor is encouraging me to stretch a bit...not a bad idea since I need to dust off the ELMO projector since the conclusion of month-long WIDA testing. Three things to consider: audio files, exploring DVD resources (not assuming they are all outdated), and trying previewed segments of video.
March 4, 2013
Reflections on Friday's lesson, before meeting with mentor:
Focus unclear regarding "ball games": is it just about types of games, because I forgot to reference important properties of balls, i.e. round, rolls.
Model probably would be improved with a text-dependent question following the use of the word web. I need to show a clear purpose.
Focus unclear regarding "ball games": is it just about types of games, because I forgot to reference important properties of balls, i.e. round, rolls.
Model probably would be improved with a text-dependent question following the use of the word web. I need to show a clear purpose.
February 25, 2013
I met with my two 5th graders today at School A. I'm trying to encourage them to set personal learning goals. It's obvious that one has spelling needs related to his transfer of Spanish sounds to written English (he excels at reading comprehension, but why is his spelling so atrocious?), and the other student (Urdu language background) would benefit from expanding on the details in his writing thru revision.
Monday, March 4, 2013
March 1, 2013
It was hard to drag myself in today, especially considering my coughing jags and my last-minute dental appointment. What brought me in? Bus duty...and my assistance plan to do a videotaped lesson.
Alas, the lesson was truncated from 25 minutes to less than 20 due to an MSA drop everything and dance type of pro rally. All I could do was feebly wave my exit tickets in the air, in the direction of the flipcam that my intention was to guide my students toward that assessment. Reflections on Monday when meeting mentor.
Alas, the lesson was truncated from 25 minutes to less than 20 due to an MSA drop everything and dance type of pro rally. All I could do was feebly wave my exit tickets in the air, in the direction of the flipcam that my intention was to guide my students toward that assessment. Reflections on Monday when meeting mentor.
March 2-3, 2013
The MSAs begin on Monday. Students in grades 3-5 will be busy testing. I received email updates from my principal and vice-principal at School A that I will be relieved of proctoring and accommodations duties in order to continue instruction with grades K-2.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
February 28, 2013
Julien's dad and I went to his elementary school to attend this semester's SST meeting. Not only did we hear how DES is attending to his needs, but I saw many lovely examples of differentiated lessons. Perhaps I'm learning that it still doesn't come naturally to me, although it looks so effortless. Here's an example from the bulletin board display of fifth grade new year resolutions:
"New Year, New Me!
"Write about your goal and resolution for the New Year. Describe the steps you will take to achieve your goal."
Now, this is very different from what I tried for the New Year. Right away, I tasked my students to quantify a specific kind of improvement they wanted to see, and to create a plan. Am I killing all natural impulses and love of learning? My tendency is to expect too much too soon.
In contrast, I can appreciate the simpler and clearer design of the posted writing exercise/formative assessment. The apparent expectation was that the students would demonstrate their understanding of goal and be able to write steps in a process to achieve that goal. The resolution was the real-world connection, although secondary to the process-writing in order to reach a goal.
It is also delightful to see a variety of responses based on the students' ability levels and interests.
"New Year, New Me!
"Write about your goal and resolution for the New Year. Describe the steps you will take to achieve your goal."
Now, this is very different from what I tried for the New Year. Right away, I tasked my students to quantify a specific kind of improvement they wanted to see, and to create a plan. Am I killing all natural impulses and love of learning? My tendency is to expect too much too soon.
In contrast, I can appreciate the simpler and clearer design of the posted writing exercise/formative assessment. The apparent expectation was that the students would demonstrate their understanding of goal and be able to write steps in a process to achieve that goal. The resolution was the real-world connection, although secondary to the process-writing in order to reach a goal.
It is also delightful to see a variety of responses based on the students' ability levels and interests.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
February 23-24, 2013
I'm so proud of my daughter. She is in the seventh grade at the zone-middle school and she and I have been working on completing her Confirmation requirements for her final year at the Saturday religious education program thru Sacred Heart of Mary School of Religion.
This has involved going to Mass each week and volunteering for Catholic agencies. This weekend she started her work at an assisted living facility. The coordinator and workers there have been so supportive of her efforts. I get to look on as chaperone, only stepping in once and awhile to give Grace some pointers. She is really the right age for learning job skills and the the value of devoting your time, energies, and gifts to service. I really liked the way that she was mindful of the needs and abilities of the senior citizens there. She has instincts! Yay!
This has involved going to Mass each week and volunteering for Catholic agencies. This weekend she started her work at an assisted living facility. The coordinator and workers there have been so supportive of her efforts. I get to look on as chaperone, only stepping in once and awhile to give Grace some pointers. She is really the right age for learning job skills and the the value of devoting your time, energies, and gifts to service. I really liked the way that she was mindful of the needs and abilities of the senior citizens there. She has instincts! Yay!
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