Today, the purpose of my blog is just to share some resources; one of my favorite things to do!
I've been looking through my delicious bookmarks. If you subscribe to my friendfeed, you probably already have these (thanks for that, by the way!). There are a lot of resources piling up in there, and many of them are great links I have completely forgotten about. Just sharing a few today....
www.raylit.com This website is great for the preK-2 age group. Lots of games and interactive activities in a variety of curriculur areas. A fun way to continue the learning over the summer months. It's July, and you are probably looking for some new things to keep those kiddos busy, I bet.
I just sent an application to enter this site, and haven't gotten my approval....yet! But, when and if I do, I think it is going to be fantastic! You are only allowed a 30 day trial. My guess is after that, as a classroom teacher, I would want to have this available in my school. Take a 30 day trip through some wonderful books, check out the resources yourself, then decide what you want to do....just in time for the school year!
www.photojojo.com Ok, maybe I missed the boat on this one.....this is a cool website! It's not really an "educationally related" website, but hey....it's summer, and we all need a break to work on a few projects, right? This site has an rss feed, so you can subscibe to their newsletters and project ideas. Might give you some good ideas for your classroom. Photojojo has a cool online store, too.
I hope you enjoy these few resources, there will be many more to come. Stay cool in that summer sun!
Teachers are always struggling with ways to take new information, ideas, research and make it instantly applicable to the students they teach. They have an idea of the "big picture", but the pieces to get there may be unclear.
I have a suggestions and ideas facing through my mind, in relation to creating a learning experience that students would WANT to be a part of. I hope it is an experience that all teachers would want to create as a part of their literacy "big picture."
The experience I have in mind makes learning authentic. A situation where teachers take the curriculum they already teach and make a few adaptations in the structure of their schedule or the framing of their classroom discussions.
The "Literacy big picture" looks like this:
Large group time (30+minutes)with text reading and discussion based on theFour Roles/Resources Model(developed by Luke and Freebody):
teaching our kids how to approach text based on genre and topic and purpose of text.
Students will create connections, build relationships with the text, and learn how to navigate through a variety of texts independently.
Additional large group instruction in word work and language structure (approx.15 minutes) with a program that is consistent and concise throughout the school/system (one example I support and believe in, Fountas and Pinnell):
structured lessons in a scope and sequence that support the understanding of language structure.
Small group time (similar to guided reading) - (15 minutes per group):
every child, every day is involved in a small group with text that is slighly challenging. Teacher spends time listening to each reader and differentiating lessons based on children's instructional needs.
Many classrooms follow this type of structure or schedule.
So WHY am I making such a big deal out of this?
It's time for us to rethink the activities in our classrooms, beyond the amount of minutes we teach or which curriculum we adopt.Think beyond the large group, small group, individual groupings of kids....
It IS about:
teaching literacy beyond what the textbook says. Literacy goes way beyond understanding books. There's online literacy, math literacy, science literacy, image literacy, on and on.
creating an experience where students feel personally connected to what they are reading or learning about.
look beyond the surface to really understand what the author's message is about and why it was written.
students understanding WHY they learn what they learn.
taking what we already do good and make it great!
I would love to have a discussion about these topics! Please email me!
My head is just spinning!! Spinning, spinning, spinning.....
I am so excited to tell you about the day of learning I had on Monday, June 22nd.
Spent the day as a presenter at the 8th Annual Maiers Educational Institute, left a changed learner.
It's a gift someone else could have not unwrapped for me, I had to persevere to get the goods.
There is something very magical about 200 and some teachers, media specialists, administrators, business leaders being in the same room for one purpose: working together to make the educational system stronger and more efficient for the success of our children!
The day was led by Angela Maiers, my friend and colleague. She made a case as well as a plea that all educators dedicate themselves to the betterment of each and every student they touch, by way of using the latest in research related to meeting the needs of our students. The trainings and breakout sessions called for teachers and administrators to create an educational experience that captivates and acknowledges every student's talent, as well as their weaknesses.
We focused on helping students understand the habits and attitudes necessary to be successful in today's world, as well as tomorrow. We also talked about the importance of being a global learner (and TEACHER) by building a personal learning network, not just online but face to face. We shared ways to become a fervent educational researcher and collaborator by utilizing the web as an up to date way to gather information. And, we discussed how to help our students spread their message and voice to the world, using technology as a tool, not as a toy.......whew, I could go on and on...there was so much more.
Every time I gather with teachers for this reason, whether it be in a workshop such as this, or even in a classroomw with one or two teachers having coffee, I am compelled by their commitment to their kids, and I can't help but think...."How can I make the process of utilizing this research in the classroom much easier and time-efficient?" What is my place in all of this?
Angela mentioned in her keynote how everyday she wakes up, turns on her computer, and is absolutely blown-away by new information she receives through her PLN and the research she follows. After following her lead (and Mike Sansone's brilliance), building my own PLN via RSS feeds and twitter, I SEE IT happening for myself now. I SEE how important this is for my professional development, and for the development of the teachers and preservice teachers I serve. I am giddy with glee as I turn on my laptop and watch my firefox tabs explode in the morning!!
My ultimate goal and mission is this.....I love teaching my own classroom of kiddos, but now I see my place unfolding before my eyes.....I have the opportunity to impact more lives of children if I support their teachers than I can if I am only in one room with my 30 kids, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead.
I have SO MUCH to learn about this job, but can't wait for the learning adventure!
The Habitudes of curiosity, imagination, adaptability, courage, self awareness and perseverance are absolutely critical for you to find your calling. I have experienced this first hand, in my own learning experiences over the past weeks. We must teach our kids this, not by adding another curriculum to what you already do, but by integrating these skills into our everyday lessons, conversations, interactions, problem solving arguments, learning to tie our shoes, wipe little noes, etc....these kinds of habits and attitudes are everywhere, everyday.
So, a big learning day for many......a life changing experience for myself. What more can one teacher ask for?
Educators, as you prepare to wrap up a busy and full year, do this: ....slow down, take a deep breath, reflect on your year. The end is near!!
Time for summer, a well-deserved break for both you and the learners you taught each and every day. Time to reflect, rejuvenate, appreciate all that transpired during another year hard at work in academia.
But, really, I know how it goes....you won't completely relax. You won't completely forget. Your mind will always be thinking of some small piece of work, the year ahead, the tasks that are coming, the kids you will teach in the year ahead and the challenges you will all face.
Can I give you one thing to kick around in your mind over the summer months? One thing we educators all truly know, but sometimes forget? And, will you promise me that when you return to the classroom in August, you will keep this written at the top of your lesson plan notebook?
Take your time, take your time, take YOUR time....to really KNOW your kids. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their loves, their fears, their learning styles, their lives. Put the OVERWHELM off to the side, address it little by little, the work will always be there. Without really learning about your kids, how can you authentically and effectively teach them, anyway?
REMEMBER, authentic means the learning needs to "mean something" to them and their lives. How can we do that unless we find the right way to teach them, only through an understanding of them as a child, not as a "student" in my class. Take a little time over the summer to really think about the learning in your classroom. What can you do to keep your learners' passion alive throughout the year? What can we do to show them that learning is important and worth their time?
Teach them to be curious about their world, build their imaginations, help them learn to persevere, have courage, be self-aware and adaptable. This CAN be done and needs to be done in every classroom, every year.
I know it takes work, and it takes time. It takes true commitment. But, the learning that happens in your classroom will go far beyond the walls in which you teach.
Use some time over the summer to ponder these things. In the fall, you will be ready for your students in a way you never knew you could be.
And, if you need a book to help you teach all these lessons, I have one in mind! (Just check out Classroom Habitudes, by A. Meiers)
(Published in TES Magazine on 8 May, 2009) - published in the UK
Check out what they listed as the "secrets" effective teachers put into practice:
1. They build confidence
Many pupils suffer from low
self-esteem, basing their aspirations on celebrities and feeling
disappointed when their lives don’t match up, so teachers have to build
confidence in abundance.
2. They’re not afraid to make difficult decisions
The
decisions teachers make on a day-to-day basis have a profound impact on
children’s lives. It seems natural then, that 57 per cent of
participants have a strong or extremely strong preference for
authority, meaning that they are comfortable making difficult or
unpopular decisions.
3. They develop others
This
behaviour is collectively the most prominent among teachers. It is one
of the involving behaviours and as well as developing your pupils, it’s
about developing your own and others’ capabilities by providing
opportunities for career development, giving coaching and constructive
feedback or setting aside a specific budget for training.
4. They’re good communicators
Being
able to communicate well is fundamental to teaching and all teachers
provided evidence of this. “This is an inspiring behaviour and is about
getting the same message across to a range of abilities,” says Ms
Henshilwood. “It’s also being able to communicate across the board -
from parents to colleagues, the wider community and to pupils.”
5. They’re non-conformists
Teachers
may get frustrated with pupils who insist on asserting their
individuality at every opportunity, but it turns out that they are just
as averse to conforming: 87 per cent have a low or extremely low
preference for conformity as a personality trait.
6. They thrive in the company of others
While
a vast proportion of the population spend their working life in front
of a screen, teachers spend most of their professional life in front of
children. So it’s good to know that teachers enjoy the company of other
people and there is a strong leaning towards fellowship among this
group: 31 per cent show an extremely high preference and 44 per cent
are above average for this extroverted personality trait.
7. They see the bigger picture
Just
over half of the teachers interviewed show a low or very low preference
for detail in the results of the personality test. This suggests that
they prefer to look at the strategic objectives rather than get
involved with the minute details of planning or administrative tasks,
says Ms Henshilwood.
For those of you in the classroom, or those thinking of entering the field of education, this is a strong reminder of what it takes to be a success. For the benefit of our students, for the benefit of OUR future.
When I think about education and the 21st century, I think about the reframing of our relationships with students. This applies to teachers, administrators, anyone involved in education K-12.
The stronger the relationship you have with your learners, the more positive of learning experience your student will have. Seems like common sense? Why aren't teachers making this our number one priority, over grades, lessons, etc.
I have had 3 years away from the elementary classroom; 5 away from my own homeroom of first graders. Having had that time away, I have had lots of moments when I looked back, knowing what I know now as a parent and educator in higher ed, and think, "I wish I could go back and do that over again, this time doing........." The should-a, could-a, would-a's! I know that is a waste of brainpower in some ways, but it has enlightened me in my role as consultant and adjunct professor.
I know teachers break their backs meeting the needs of their kiddos. I
was there once, 9 years teaching in elementary. It was a hectic day from the
moment you woke up in the morning, 'til you sat down on the couch at
night. And, even then, your students were STILL on your mind. Then,
you wake up the next day, start all over again. I have seen many of my colleagues shed tears over their students, in both good times and bad. Each class you have places a permanent stamp on your heart. Deep down, we're all in it to make a difference in the world, I don't care what some say, teachers know that's what's happening in this job. For better or for worse.
What I propose is this (very simplistic thinking):
Build the relationship FIRST with your students, create the lessons and learning experiences second.
It is only by having a strong bond of respect and love for your students (yes, I said LOVE, even for those who try your patience, everyday) that you help them to become their best. They absolutely HAVE to know you believe they can do it, even when you aren't so sure yourself if they can. If you set the expectation, they will rise to the occasion.
I believe the 21st century homeroom should operate in this way:
an environment of respectful, open communication,
sense of ownership by all persons involved,
a safe place where your thoughts can pour out,
clear expectations set for all learning experiences,
and an adult learner (teacher) who is thought-provoking, structured, respect-worthy, and most of all, in LOVE with the students doing the learning in that classroom. Even when they don't feel like it.
Technology should be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas and discussions, so that kids see it as a "tool" for learning and not as another subject for teaching. Again, it is a TOOL, not a subject area! As an educator of all these up and coming adults, we must teach them to be absolutely comfortable with it, understand its power, the implications of how it works, the safety behind using it, and the beautiful experiences it can bring to their life.
Not only will this 21st century classroom change the lives of the students involved, it will change the lives of the educators.
Believe it or not, I think teaching will be much, much easier. Motivating students will no longer be difficult, discipline issues will decline (the amount of chatter may increase, but hey, that's what we want, right?), and their students' learning experiences will be powerful and authentic.
It will be nothing short of amazing.
Stay tuned as I write more on this topic in the weeks and months ahead!
In a few weeks, my team and I are returning to Atlantic to work with the teachers, supporting them as they examine their curriculum planning, especially in regards to the implementation of the Iowa Core Curriculum.
Our meeting went longer than expected, but for an amazing reason. These teachers are passionate about being able to provide the very best, research-based program for their students, to ensure they are preparing 21st century learners, not 20th century.
Can't wait to tell you more......and I will!
I hope to begin planning this week, preparing some resources for the staff to pick through and choose what best fits in their curriculum. I can't wait to hear what they have to say!!
So, to you all in Atlantic, thank you for the warm welcome.... see you soon!
This is a "Blog/RE-Tweet" giving attribution to ISU faculty member, Scott McLeod, who recently published a post called "My April SAI Report" on his site, Dangerously Irrelevant.
Included in this post, he discussed "The Horizon Report, K-12" (2009), a document dedicated to the future of technology integration in the classroom.
Every Principal and teacher should read this report, in my opinion, because:
It is a fantastic resource for educators preparing for the implementation of the Iowa Core....
I am amazed at all the resources, giving our kids the capability to interact with the entire world!
Some Examples:
http://mscofino.edublogs.org/projects/
At the International School Bangkok, students in kindergarten through fifth grade collaborate with their peers around the world using a range of methods including social networking tools, collaborative workspaces, blogs, wikis, and microblogging tools.
New Media Literacies.org Scheduled for release in May 2009, the Learning Library presents a variety of interactive learning challenges that are designed for students to work through. The challenges are structured to encourage practice and exploration in new media literacy skills.
Top 10 Web 2.0 Tools for Young Learners This article highlights ten high quality online tools, some of which use some social networking in the classrooms of younger students.
....and this is only the beginning of a huge list of resources to help with 21st century skills integration and the "WHY's" behind we so need to be doing this!!
Teachers, administrators: please pay attention to this report, and to Scott's research!
Still a bit cool out there today, but the sun is shiningafter many days of rain! The sunshine has me looking forward to summer and warmer temps!
With that, I am also looking foward to June, when I will be working alongside Angela (and many other great educators) at the 21st Century Literacies Workshop, being held Monday, June 22nd at Valley Southwoods School in West Des Moines!!
When I was in the classroom, all I ever wanted was for another teacher
to recommend something that I KNEW would be worth my TIME and MONEY,
save me the grief of going to things and not getting much out of
them.......
GUYS, THIS IS THE ONE!! Teachers, if I can encourage you to attend a seminar that could (and would) be life-changing for your classroom, this is the one!
To register: Go to www.angelamaiers.com and find this poster! The early bird special lasts until May 31st!
I hope to see you there, the experience will be wonderful!
I am curious, excited, motivated, and I need input!
I'm talking to all you brilliant, fantastic educators, parents out there, legislators, principals, custodians, paraprofessionals, counselors, ANYONE involved in the world of education!
I need your knowledge, curiosity, input, advice....
I want to collect bits of information, advice, insights, thoughts, concerns, anything you want to share when it comes to success of a child in today's educational experience, K-12. Factors that support that success, or diminish a child's ability to become their best.
Please send me examples of situations you have seen firsthand, leaving out infomation such as names and specific locations where these types of situations occurred.
My goal is this: I want to research the types of conditions in which children find success and grow in their educational experiences. I would like many different viewpoints and exerpts. I will be creating some type of resource for this information to be shared with the world!!
As my friend, Angela Maiers, always says, "Together we Are Smarter!"
Please share anything! It can be a story, a thought, an observation, a wish, a dream, anything you feel can make or break the educational experience of a child.
Thank you in advance for your participation! I am excited to see where this project goes and what it can do for future generations of learners, especially my own two children!
And, thank you, Mike Sansone, for your brilliance on this project! :-)
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