Tharptown Elementary School
October 7 - October 11
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Serving up the awesome food!
Bingo fun for the entire family!
Splish spash in the dunking booth!
Everyone is having a great time!
TES Jail!
Ping Pong Pumpkins!
Targeted Instruction
What is Your Vision?
Do you ever think about your vision for Tharptown Elementary School? Where would you like it to go? What things would you like to see us achieve? Where and how do you see us in the future? We are in the beginning stages of completing our school improvement plan and need your input. Last week I sent you a link with a survey. The survey asks you to list three priorities for TES for the next three years. Your input is valuable in charting the path and setting the goals for TES. Please make sure to complete the survey. You may go to the following link:
Queen for the Day!!
Tharptown Homecoming
Awesome Classroom Practices!
Teaching Students to Think Critically
I have seen so many great learning activities going on in our classrooms and activities that require students to think critically. Our goal as educators is not to teach students to memorize and recall, but to provide students with the knowledge and skills that they can use to problem solve and take their learning to the next level. Last week I was excited to see students in Mrs. Elgin's class explaining their "why". They were asked to stand in front of their class and explain to their classmates as to ""how" and "why" that got their answers.
Critical thinking learning activities require thought processes that are deeper than memorization or just the simple recall of information. When students are thinking critically, they are going beyond the basic facts and are taking an additional step by actually doing something with their learning.
Critical thinking involves:
- reflection
- moving from memorization and recall of information to a deeper level of learning
- a change of mindset where the learner no longer looks at the teacher as the giver of information, rather the student looks at the teacher as facilitator of learning evaluation and application
So how do we make our classrooms a place where critical thinking is the norm and not the exception:
- Ask students open-ended questions. Students need to understand and be prepared that many times there is not just one answer or explanation. Students need to be able to defend their positions and be willing to hear others' thoughts, ideas, and solutions. Rather than asking students to regurgitate facts and information, ask students the "Why", "What, and "Hows" that require them think beyond the level of recall.
- Provide "inquiry based" learning activities for students to explore the content and capitalize on their own interests and skills.
- Allow students to collaborate with each other in the learning process through guided discussions and debates.
- Allow students to demonstrate their learning in non-traditional methods.
The list could go on and on. Students learn best when they are active participants in the learning and not receivers of information. They learn best in classrooms and learning environments where they are challenged and encouraged to think deeper than the surface. Students desire an environment where they can express themselves and defend their positions. Does this take work? Absolutely! But it is definitely worth the extra work and effort to see out students improve each day!
This week I encourage each teacher to provide learning activities and opportunities for students to think critically. I hope to see classrooms where students are engaged in discussion, debate, creativity, and exploration. I look forward to hearing what students are saying about their learning and how they are demonstrating their understanding! Let's all have a great week of "Critical Thinking" at TES!
Chick-fil-A Lunch
Upcoming Events This Week
Monday, October 7
- No known activities
Tuesday, October 8
- No known activities
Wednesday, October 9
- AMSTI Return/Pick-Up
Thursday, October 10
- Report Cards
- Chick-fil-a Lunch
- Faculty Meeting - Immediately after school in Ms. Bain's classroom.
- Homecoming Parade - 5:30 p.m. There will be a community pep rally to follow at the football field.
Friday, October 12
- Tharptown High School Football vs. Hatton High School - Home - 7:00 p.m. (Homecoming)