Cowboy Coaching Corner
Learning Together - May 2015
PLP for 2015 - 2016
Here is the link to create your new PLP for 2015-2016. If you need any help working on your PLP do not hesitate to contact me!
Summer Learning Opportunities
Click here for the link to Dr. Newell's Summer Opportunities Smore. From there you can click on each subject to see what is being offered. Please let me know if you have questions.
Blogs and Learning
As a teacher, I always love a good idea. I remember telling my intern last year that some of the best ideas I ever had were "borrowed" from others. Instead of waiting (and paying) for the next Mailbox magazine, now ideas can be freely gained through blogs! Articles, resources, ideas, strategies ---- there is a wealth of information on a vast amount of blogs and most of it is completely free! Educators sharing their thoughts and ideas with other educators. While working on my Virtual Voyage (a topic for another day) I happened across Steve Wyborney's Blog: I'm on a Learning Mission. Below are 3 posts that I read on his blog and 3 new ideas. This is definitely a blog that I want to continue to read and something I will use to continue my journey of growth and learning. In fact, I'll be adding this to my PLP!
Math In Motion
I read a great blog article by Steve Wyborney about an instructional strategy he calls Math In Motion. It's a engaging strategy for review, practice, and formative assessment that allows all students to be working at their own pace and allows you to check their work easily all while providing students a chance to move. Check out his blog post by clicking here: Math In Motion.
How could you use this strategy in your math class? If you use it, let me know! I'd love to bring you a Starbuck's or a Sonic for you to sip on while you share your feedback with me. Let me know what you think!
Synectics
How is Math like Peanut Butter? In this blog article, Steve shared using synectic analogies to help students "think carefully about the attributes of two very unlike ideas." There's a great video as well as free templates to download and try in your classroom.
Steve Wyborney: I'm on a Learning MIssion
As teachers, we want students to want to learn. But what about us? Are we motivated to learn? Do we have a drive to learn new things and follow our interests in life? Take a moment a read about Steve's desire to learn and share with others. I'm on a Learning Mission
Visits for Growth and Development
We have amazing teachers at CES and lots to share! Don't forget that May 23rd is the deadline for your third visit of the year. Please contact me if you need help covering your class so that you complete your visit. There are printed forms in a green folder by the PLC tables in my room, or you can download one here. Happy visiting!
12 Ideas to Propel Your Growth Journey - Steve Wyborney
Click here for a great article on growth by Steve Wyborney.
Interactive Read-Alouds - Linda Hoyt
Are you familiar with Linda Hoyt's book Interactive Read-Alouds? They are books of lessons that are designed around favorite children's literature and standards in the areas of comprehension, story elements, vocabulary/literary language, literary elements and devices, genre, and writing traits. If you haven't tried them before, below are some samples lessons that you can download and use.
- Grades Kâ1 Sample Lesson: Goodnight Moon (Comprehension/Use Prior Knowledge)
- Grades 2â3 Sample Lesson: Hansel and Gretel (Comprehension/Summarize)
- Grades 4â5 Sample Lesson: Two Bad Ants (Comprehension/Activate and Apply Prior Knowledge)
If you are interested, we have a Grade 4-5 book and Grade K-1 book in the Professional Library in my room. You are welcome to check them out and try a few lessons in your classroom.
Cindy Pearson - Learning Liaison
Email: cindy.pearson@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/3315
Location: 5911 Pleasant Run Road, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: 817-307-4949
Twitter: @CPearsonGCISD