Update From THIS I.F.
Merry Christmas!
Blessing
Thanks for the comfort--consistency and love for the students in this building. So thankful they have you for the role models in their lives.
Dates to Know:
940-1020- I would like to meet with 1st grade PLC for the first half of your time to discuss TRC Testing Plans.
2:00-3:00 3rd Grade PLC/We will discuss TRC Testing Plans. Review Interventions Plans.
December 19th
No K PLC
December 20th
Early Release
Week of January 3rd we will not have PLC. In January we will meet for PLC on weeks that you are not testing or Benchmarking SO please look closely as I post dates for these.
Planning Day Paperwork
CHECK YOUR ROSTERS
I need to know if your roster is correct or changes needed by Monday--December 18th!
SPLAT
Article to show process of activity:
Splat Activities
http://www.stevewyborney.com/?p=893
Fraction Version
Put on Your Calendar
Please look at future PD Ideas for TES. List any other topics you are interested in OR PD you are willing to give. We have a lot of people interested in phonics., decoding multi-syllabic word strategies--anyone interested in sharing?/
MOY Testing
This is a short testing window. I need you to sign up for one day as early as you feel comfortable. Only two grade levels at a time please so we can make sure we have coverage. I need you to sign up by December 1st at the end of the day. I will generate the coverage schedule as quickly as possible. If there are any dates you will be out of the building for trips or activities--please add it to the calendar so I can schedule around these dates.
12 Gifts of Engagement
#1: Don’t put the monkey on your back!
Make students “do the work” through collaborative discussions.
#2: Don’t “Gamble” with student learning.
Have clear content goals BUT infuse writing and speaking as the
vehicle to make sure content is learned-GUARANTEED!
#3 Think Like a Ninja
Plan out distinct places to stop and have students think--discuss
and write.
#4 De-Stress
When stress is repetitive the brain will respond by short circuiting that
pathway which will stop impulses and result in the lack of input and
messaging. Movement increases dopamine AND helps students think
clearer! Get them moving!
#5 Stretch EM’
Use more difficult text and questioning to stretch students with the
security of a collaborative partner (at first) which gives support.
Once students practice--FLING that help away and let them try on
their own--
#6 Write It
Students should WRITE in small increments to show learning.
Mistakes can be ERASED through follow up discussions--then
have them write again. Each time should get better!
#7 Silly = Unforgettable
When students are silly or you are--the moment is remembered.
#8 Stick It!
Summarizing information helps make it stick because students
have to synthesize it to their own words.
#9 Picture It!
A visual can be processed by the brain in ¼ of a second and helps your
brain immediately begin to make connections. Increases attention and
ability to remember info by 42%.
#10 Light it Up!
The brain is lit up with learning when it is moving or involved in
some way. Don’t let students be passive.
#11 Games and Activity do not take away the need for STAMINA
Bouncing balls and swatting words still has to come back to
students practicing independently. Build in time for students to
work independently --first in small increments and then longer
periods of time.
#12 Plan with the TEST in mind
When planning a unit make sure you know what the test (outcome)
needs to be.
Weekly Blog
Resources
Resources to Follow Up MTSS Training
TES Goals--Plan with these in mind!
- Increase student to student interaction in conversation, summarizing, and discussion of content
- Vocabulary through student talk and rigor of text
- Complexity of Text
- Increase questioning of deep comprehension with all reading groups at each level. Do not wait for a student to be reading on a level for them to answer questions on that level orally.
- Application of phonics to multi-syllabic words in 2-5 and strong emphasis and mastery in K-1
- Growth Mindset and STAMINA
Kelly This
Email: kthis@alexander.k12.nc.us
Location: Taylorsville, NC, United States
Phone: 8282922293
Twitter: @This1This