the RAH
February 1-5, 2016
Just. Wow. (about 10 min- grab a tissue)
from J
My favorite moment from this week came during a site visit. I was in a classroom, and knelt to learn about the team activity the 3rd graders were engaged in. My question: "What is happening here?" A young squire, without missing a beat, responded immediately "Awesomeness!" I loved the response, and challenge each of us to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with that same response.
I'm looking forward to visits along the south this week: Sequiota, Holland, Cowden, Disney, Mann, Jeffries, Gray, McBride & Harrison, plus a couple make-ups from last week. If you're not scheduled but need a visit, please don't hesitate to let me know-
BOE Study Session
Tuesday, Feb 2, 2016, 05:30 PM
KAC - The Happiest Place on Earth
from the Mayor-
The Delta Team agenda this week consisted of: PBL training, writing IC, guided reading data collection, principal contracts, para and secretary evaluation, and other odds and ends. Connect with your feeder pattern representative if you would like details.
We hope to begin interviews for aspiring Explore! principals next week.
Minus technology, the easiest win for teachers in making classrooms more engaging, personal, and relevant is classroom space design. Click here for a quick read about classroom design which would serve as a great conversation starter for leadership teams.
City PTA Council
Wednesday, Feb 3, 2016, 09:15 AM
Robberson Elementary School, Springfield, MO, United States
The Man, the Myth, the Hubb-
Last year, I wrote a lot of articles on the topic of work stations. I thought this might be a good time to revisit the topic. And, I’m having writer’s block. So, let’s recap.
- · Work stations/centers/must do-may do time is a wonderful way to differentiate instruction on previously taught concepts
- · It can be difficult to organize, monitor, and maintain
- · It can be difficult to make activities purposeful
- · It looks different at different grade levels
Last year, I shared an observation tool for work stations. Again, since I’m having writer’s block, and since I’m still getting a lot of questions about work stations, I thought I’d share the document again (click here, or find it in Canvas Elementary Files page). It is organized into 5 categories and can be used as a tool to examine work stations. It also provides a common language for conversations between teachers and between teachers and principals. So, hopefully, you’ll find the observation tool useful.
Remember, one of my favorite work stations is plain old reading. Of course, I don’t call it, “plain old reading”. That station name doesn’t tend to get kids too excited. And, it can be done on a fancy dancy ebook now. But, you know what makes you a better reader? Answer: Reading
Numercy Support in Glass Classroom - Julie Veatch
The Title I Guided Math page and additional Numeracy Support Resources are now available for all SPS Teachers on Glass Classroom! You will find:
· *Video and photo examples of all components of the Guided Math Instructional Configuration
· *Video of SPS teachers answering “Why Guided Math?” and their tips for how to get started
· Examples of mini-lessons, small group lesson formats, conferencing, management and station rotation tips K - 5
· *Numerous Apps and differentiated station activities
Directions for digging in: Glass Classroom -> In Depth Study -> Title I -> Guided Math, A Workshop Approach and Numeracy Resources