Coaching Connection
October 2019
Professional Readings
Open Your Door: Why We Need to See Each Other Teach
There are many reasons why observing a colleague teach benefits our own teaching and our school culture. Read this article to see an open-mindset of being our own best professional development fore each other.
6 Ways to Build Rapport with Students
How do we get the best out of our students? By building a rapport with them. We hear that over and over again, but do we really know what that looks like or what that means?
Read about six strategies of how to get to know your students better.
Faster Feedback: Creating Editing Shortcuts in Google Docs
This two minute video would be a great time saving tool to use when helping students edit and revise in Google Docs.
Engagement and Instructional Strategies
Sage and Scribe
In this activity, one student plays the role of teacher and the other the attentive student. Explaining concepts clearly is a difficult skill that requires a lot of practice, and recording information helps students build note-taking skills.
Students work in pairs. One student is the Sage (speaker) and one is the Scribe (silent writer).
Pose a question and allow a few moments for Sages to think. For example: “Explain how the water cycle works.”
When the teacher says “Go,” the Sage explains the process clearly to the Scribe. Scribe records Sage’s thinking on paper.
When time is up, Sage and Scribe switch roles with a new question.
Alternative: Scribe could video record on an iPad while the Sage speaks. Partners can view the video and then review if all concepts were included.
One Word Splash
Although this activity is one that most teachers are unfamiliar with, it’s a very effective way to help students process what they’ve already learned. After explaining new material, ask your students to write down one word to sum up that material. Now, you might think that writing down one word is overly simplistic but it actually requires higher processing skills that will help your students digest their learning. This can be done either with a pencil and paper or a dry erase marker and personal whiteboard for each student.
Digital Tool: Mentimeter - Word Cloud Version
Done as an entrance or exit ticket
Extension -- Word Splash - Word Splash
(You must use Chrome to access)
Find Your Match
This is another activity that will get your students up and moving. Hand out one card to each student in the class and then have them get up and find another student with the matching card. You can do this with many topics including: antonyms/synonyms, vocabulary words/definitions, problem/solution, and words/pictures. ** I especially like doing this with math problems and solutions.
Professional Development Opportunities
Introduction to Restorative Practices - Nov 5 Restorative Practices
Key Warning Signs for Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children and Adolescents & Suicide
Prevention Best Practices - Nov 12 Mental Illness
Student Mental Health - Nov 18 Mental Health
Through a Child’s Eyes: How Trauma Affects Children’s Development (Infant & Early Childhood Focus) - Nov 25 Trauma
Foundations of Effective Teaching - Dec 5 Effective Teaching
MN Middle School Association State Conference- Dec. 5-6 http://mmsa.info
Donalyn Miller - Making a Case for Reading Joy - Dec 12 Donalyn Miller
TDE/Q-Comp/PLC Tidbits
Begin the observational process with your IDSS or administrator
Consider when and which colleague to observe for cycle years 1 & 2
Use a Common Formative Assessment to analyze data in your PLC
Complete your 1-on-1 Goal Meeting with your admin by Oct. 31
Schoology Tip
Included in these leveled Schoology documents are how-to directions to help you use and incorporate Schoology tools into your classes. If you need support with using Schoology in your classroom, your IDSS Coaches and Media Specialists are ready to help! Click on the numbers below to explore these resources.