Barry Business
August 3, 2018
Learn.Grow.Lead.
10 Characteristics of an Innovative Classroom
2. Constant learning-An innovative classroom never stops to catch its breath. Every event is seen as a teachable moment, and students will benefit from a fast paced, ever-changing environment.
3. Creativity-A creative classroom not only comes up with unique solutions to everyday problems, but it also develops the responses necessary to deal with future challenges. A creative classroom fosters innovation by encouraging students to think outside of the box.
4. Connection-An educator must always know his or her students, as well as the trends that are emerging in the profession. He or she will seek out new techniques and technologies and encourage students to do the same.
5. Principles and routines-You should exist and function on strong principles and routines. Incorporate strong values to guide the class. The teacher in an innovative classroom will encourage consistency and diligence by establishing hard-and-fast guidelines for how the day is run.
6. Problem finding-Innovative classrooms don't wait for problems to appear to them--they actively seek out problems in the classroom, in their learning, and in the world. Innovation starts with a question--not with an answer. New technologies and understandings can only be developed when students begin to ask questions about "why" or "how."
7. Collaboration-A collaborative classroom encourages innovation by pushing students to work with others who may be different from them, either in their beliefs, behavior, or background. Collaboration in the classroom encourages discussion, which is the father of all innovation.
8. Variation-Don't rely on one teaching or learning technique to get a point across. An innovative classroom includes teaching strategies that are always evolving, and are different from day to day.
9. Goal setting-Innovative learners will set goals for themselves, and crush them. These goals may be large or small, or ideally contain some aspects of both types, but should guide learners towards innovation.
10. Opportunities for revision-Not only are innovative learners risk-takers, but they also recognize that nothing is ever perfect. As a result, an innovative classroom is resilient and pushes students and teachers to always be changing, adapting, and improving. Innovative learners will look to themselves and others to better every aspect of their performance. These ten characteristics are important in establishing an innovative classroom. Although they don't necessarily always come naturally, it is important for teachers to be aware of them and to incorporate an action to help develop each characteristic on a daily basis
Pirate Time-Grades 6,7,8
Please let Becky and M.B. know what your Pirate Time "topic" will be this year. We do need one teacher per grade level to monitor students who will be placed in a study hall group due to failing grades.
Pirate Time Time Line:
- August 16th and 17th-Jeff and M.B. will keep all students (Grade 5-8) in the gym to review Barry expectations, make announcements, etc.
- August 20th-Temporary Pirate Time begins.
- September 4th-Last day for temporary Pirate Time.
- September 5th-New Pirate Time groups begin.
*Students will sign up for their Pirate Time by filling out a google form during Pirate Time. This form will be sent to students the first full week of the school year.
Barry Staff Hours
Sub Folders
Have you seen our new sign?
PTSA
Reminders
- All furniture moves/reallocation need to be emailed to Jeff. Jeff will then facilitate this process and collaborate with the custodial staff to approve or deny. With that being said, if you would like to make a change from desks to tables, please email Jeff ASAP. FYI....we are running low on tables.
- As you begin to unpack classroom orders, please make sure you give packing slips to Kristy.
- Update your class website.
- If you have any technology issues, please put in a work order. (Jeff or M.B. can help you, just ask)
Important Dates To Remember
August 7-7th Grade Back To School 2:00-6:00
August 8-8th Grade Back To School 2:00-6:00
August 8-9-New Teacher Orientation
August 13-Work Day (All Teachers) Breakfast Provided By PTSA!
August 14-Convocation 7:45-9:15 Work Day 10:30 to End of the Day
August 14-Back To School Nights-5th Grade and ECSE-5:00-6:00
August 15-Barry Active Shooter Training 7:30-9:30 Work Day-9:30 to End of the Day
August 16-First Day of School
Please refer to the summer edition of Details from the DEC for more detailed information regarding Back To School events for staff.