December/January
First Winter Edition 2019/2020
Celebrating Success and Creating Opportunity for Growth
The first Winter Edition focuses on organizing and refining classroom practice, keeping students engaged, and trauma-informed instruction during the winter months.
As you read, view, and listen to myriad resources, take note of your successes and consider new opportunities for growth, both in ourselves and others.
Try not to take on too many goals, but rather consider one or two strategies to align with your personal teaching goals. Remember to keep using your teaching journals/logs as a reflection tool.
Here is our contact information:
Ms. Lisa Sonricker, Program Director, sonrickerl@ccresa.net ; Durham Cohort
Ms. Dana Stutzman, Office & Communication Manager, officemanager@ccresa.net
Ms. Kathy Saunders, Program Developer & Facilitator, saunderskr@ccresa.net ; Wake Cohort
Dr. Morghan Bosch, EC Program Develop & Facilitator, boschm@ccresa.net
Mr. Ryan Logelin. Facilitator logelinr@ccresa.net; Johnston Cohort
Please let us know how we can support!
Happy Holidays!
Lisa, Dana, Kathy, Morghan, and Ryan
Coming Soon: Lesson Plan Design, Planning, and Implementation
Details to be provided.
Thursday, Feb 6, 2020, 09:00 AM
Central Carolina RESA, Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC, USA
Make a List and Check it Twice; The Benefits of Organization
Teaching requires the ability to multi-task while meeting the needs of diverse learners. Consider creating lists for yourself and modeling this practice for your students. You can also create a planner in Google Classroom, on a website, or on your shared space on the board. Students often take pictures on their phones to keep track of 'to-do' lists.
You may enjoy the small win in crossed-off line on the informal list and the sense of accomplishment it brings towards larger goals.
Take a look at the Jennifer Gonzalez' "The New Teacher Checklist" by clicking the picture below. Winter is a good time to reflect on your prior process and check things again, with a seasoned perspective.
While you are there, check out additional resources for reducing grading time and keeping a positive mindset.- Kathy Saunders
The New Teacher Checklist
20 Ways to Cut Grading Time in Half
"May you teach, like the new snow..."-Taylor Mali
The Holidays and Trauma-Informed Instruction
Consider our prior discussions in avoiding conversations which lack equity such as, "Where did you go this summer?" Translate these prior learning opportunities into rich understandings of how students deal with stress during this time of year. I recall students become agitated prior to break due to wonders about food, housing, and daily routine. Consider equitable conversations and continue to build relationships with students by creating opportunities for sharing. If you notice unusual behavior, speak privately with a student or refer to a counselor.
Here are questions to know:
- Is there a food pantry at your school?
- Do you have a clothing closet?
- What is the process for referral if you are noticing student behavior changes?
Watch for the following:
- Students who are not wearing a coat (counseling can help with this)
- Students who want to spend lunch in your classroom but don't seem to be eating(They may be having an issue with a lunch number or the process and don't know how to ask for assistance)
- Any behavior changes (provide an opportunity for discussion with a counselor)
I appreciate the care and attention you place in the lives of our learners. Consider the articles below as we grow in our process. -Kathy Saunders
"The Holidays, School, & Trauma," by The Trauma Informed Teacher
It’s my FAVORITE TIME of the YEAR! Starting in November, I roll my birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas into one big celebration that doesn’t stop until January 1. Growing up, I had happy memories of holidays – spending time with family, presents, shopping, baking, decorations, and SO MUCH food! All things that I love!
The holiday season can be a magical time for children and their families.
But sometimes, it’s not.
Sometimes bringing family together causes verbal and/or physical fights. Sometimes parents indulge too much in alcohol or other substances when they’re with their children, making their behavior becomes unpredictable and frightening. Sometimes there isn’t money for presents or a special meal. Sometimes holiday breaks from school are filled with tension, stress, and unpredictability. The structure and safety of school are gone. Sometimes the expectations of the holiday season create immense disappointments for caregivers and their children. Sometimes there’s sadness that loved ones aren’t around to celebrate – possibly due to incarceration, divorce, abandonment, health issues, or death.
A few tips for new teachers who want to foster strong relationships with students and between students.-edutopia