FDLRS Galaxy Newsletter
November 2020
FDLRS Galaxy is here to serve you.
Jody Hays
Director of FDLRS Galaxy
We're More Alike Than Different: Disability Awareness Video
The American's with Disabilities Act is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Please click the link below to view We're More Alike Than Different: Disability Awareness Video created by FDLRS Galaxy. (15 minutes)
FDLRS GALAXY HAS A NEW LOOK
Website: https://www.fdlrsgalaxy.org/
Teacher Tips for Increasing Student Response and Engagement
Pick Sticks Student Randomizer: By Caroline Redding
A quick way to engage the entire class and ensure that all students have an equal chance of being called on to answer a question, be picked to complete a demonstration, or be given a coveted job - is the use of a student randomizer. A random response generator can assist teachers with the following:
• Set expectations that all students are engaged and involved.
• Communicate that all students are worthy contributors to the classroom.
• Decrease appearance of teacher partiality.
• Provide increased opportunities for everyone to respond (not just a few volunteers).
Here’s how a random name generator works:
1. Have all students (or seat numbers) listed in the generator.
2. Ask a question, tell the class you need to assign a job, or provide opportunity for student input.
3. Use the generator to randomly select a student.
It’s a good idea to put the student’s name back into the mix after they participate. If you put the student’s name aside, you communicate that the student no longer needs to engage since he or she won’t be called upon again until your reset the randomizer. Another pro-tip: make a couple of “teacher choice” sticks or slots, so you can call on the student of your choice.
There are many high-tech versions. Some online versions include Wheel of Names, a Chrome extension aptly named Popsicle Sticks, and another free one to try is Teach Starter. Even Class Dojo has a randomizer! Some popular phone apps are StickPick, Team Shake, and Random Student Selector. For a quick, low-tech version, use wooden popsicle sticks.
Name randomizers – a simple strategy to increase student accountability and engagement
Check out our upcoming Professional Development Opportunities!
Technology Trainings Offered by FDLRS
For more information regarding professional development offered by BEESS PDA:
Contact Chris Jordan for more information about upcoming gifted endorsement courses.
Contact Us
Email: jody.hays@stlucieschools.org
Website: https://www.fdlrsgalaxy.org/
Phone: 772-429-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FDLRSGalaxy