PLE Zen Den
Your Guide Toward Becoming a PLE Master
August Zenspiration
Maria Montessori said, "The greatest sign of success for a teacher ... is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist." Think about that quote for a minute. Can you imagine what your class could look like if children entered your room and went to their self-directed work station not because they were told to, but because they want to? This is the ultimate goal of a PERSONALIZED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. Children obtaining mastery as you guide their learning in a way that best meets their needs.
Can you do this? Of course you can. You have the tools. From the PACE summer training to upcoming events offered by your school PLE team to the Amplify tablet, everything you need is before you. Your job is to truly engage in the workshops offered not only in your school but around GCS. Maintain connections with the teachers you met this past summer or become a connected educator and seek out other PLE Masters around the world. Where do you start? Begin by searching educational hashtags on Twitter or subscribing to educational sites such as Edutopia, Pinterest or Discovery Education.
This month, as we kick off our first PLE newsletter we will delve into learning inventories, spotlight apps and embrace the flipped model by engaging in blended learning. We have a lot to accomplish over the next 10 months so let's get started.
Can you do this? Of course you can. You have the tools. From the PACE summer training to upcoming events offered by your school PLE team to the Amplify tablet, everything you need is before you. Your job is to truly engage in the workshops offered not only in your school but around GCS. Maintain connections with the teachers you met this past summer or become a connected educator and seek out other PLE Masters around the world. Where do you start? Begin by searching educational hashtags on Twitter or subscribing to educational sites such as Edutopia, Pinterest or Discovery Education.
This month, as we kick off our first PLE newsletter we will delve into learning inventories, spotlight apps and embrace the flipped model by engaging in blended learning. We have a lot to accomplish over the next 10 months so let's get started.
Food Truck Mania
Food trucks were the star of GCS PACE Summer Training. The Allen/Guilford/High School Ahead teachers enjoyed Fish n' Wings, hot dogs, ice cream and a coffee truck during their week of training. These teachers worked hard, played hard and ate well in between.
Teacher Spotlight
Will this picture be of you and you students next month? Stay tuned as we spotlight PLE Masters at Allen and Guilford each month in the Zen Den.
Back to Work
The Allen teachers got back to work and back to getting to know their tablets in early August. The Vikings will be the second school to deploy in GCS. They are prepared and ready.
Getting to Know You
Student Learning Inventories
Do you plan to do a learning inventory with your students during the first week of school? Hopefully you uttered a yes with so much excitement you quivered. Or perhaps your ears turned red at the simple thought of what to do with the inventories once students discover their True Color? If you experienced both sensations then read on...
Most teachers are fairly good at assessing learning styles just by viewing how your students work. But have you ever thought of how a student can grow if they realize they are extremely auditory, a Gold or visual-spatial? Having this information makes a huge difference when having students process information more effectively. This is why it is to your benefit to use the Me at a Glance sheet inside of each class notebook. Go on, click the link and be prepared to have your mind blown.
During the first three weeks of school, have students complete one of the three inventories (True Colors, Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences) weekly and watch them grow in their understanding of themselves and the curriculum. The Me at a Glance page is also to your benefit. Look at it when working one-on-one with a student. This will allow you to glance quickly and explain things in a way that best suits them. This is also ideal when grouping students..."All golds and blues will work together today!"
You'll find a copy of the Getting to Know You resources via the One Drive links below. If you have any questions, contact your friendly neighborhood zenPLEF. I'm happy to help.
Most teachers are fairly good at assessing learning styles just by viewing how your students work. But have you ever thought of how a student can grow if they realize they are extremely auditory, a Gold or visual-spatial? Having this information makes a huge difference when having students process information more effectively. This is why it is to your benefit to use the Me at a Glance sheet inside of each class notebook. Go on, click the link and be prepared to have your mind blown.
During the first three weeks of school, have students complete one of the three inventories (True Colors, Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences) weekly and watch them grow in their understanding of themselves and the curriculum. The Me at a Glance page is also to your benefit. Look at it when working one-on-one with a student. This will allow you to glance quickly and explain things in a way that best suits them. This is also ideal when grouping students..."All golds and blues will work together today!"
You'll find a copy of the Getting to Know You resources via the One Drive links below. If you have any questions, contact your friendly neighborhood zenPLEF. I'm happy to help.
August App Spotlight: Lensoo
Lensoo Create turns your tablet into a virtual whiteboard with voice recording, video and smooth digital writing. Using Lensoo Create you can quickly share your ideas through email, Playlist Builder, Edmodo, social media... from virtually anywhere. You can also download recordings on the website.
Make sure you get to know Lensoo as one of our first PLE workshops will showcase how you use the app in your classroom. View the video below to learn more.
Make sure you get to know Lensoo as one of our first PLE workshops will showcase how you use the app in your classroom. View the video below to learn more.
Lensoo Create
Flexing the Environment with Edmodo
This year we're flipping PLE sessions by doing the easy stuff solo and the fun/informative stuff as a group. Your first assignment is an easy one - join the course for your school below. More information and your first assignment will follow as meeting dates become available.
Click the Edmodo button below to login!
Click the Edmodo button below to login!
Tamika M. Davis, PLEF
What the heck is a PLEF? PLEF stands for Personalized Learning Environment Facilitator. Tamika brings 16 years of education experience having taught in Houston Independent School District, Guilford County Schools and Higher Education. While her background is ELA, Instructional Technology and Library Media, she will put on her librarian hat and research the answer you're seeking. It's going to be a great year!
Email: davist@gcsnc.com
Website: http://ple.gcsnc.com
Location: Serving Allen MS & Guilford MS
Phone: (336) 370-3287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pace.plefs
Twitter: @zenPLEF