Coaching Connection
November 2019
Engagement and Instructional Strategies
Three Balloons
• Imagine that each group member had three balloons on which there was space to write one word or phrase that captures an important idea from today’s work.
• Members record their ideas.
• Members report to the full group.
Optional Addition: Have students journal reflect on which words they chose and why.
Cubing
Display 6 questions from the lesson.
Have students in groups of 4.
Each group has 1 die. Each student rolls the die and answers the question with the corresponding number.
If a number is rolled more than once the student may elaborate on the previous response or roll again. Responses may also be written.
Tip: More basic Depth of Knowledge questions could be used at the beginning of a unit compared to DoK Levels 2, 3, and 4 questions could be used towards the end of a unit.
Alternate: To have students feel more prepared for group Cubing activity, they could respond independently in writing to all six questions prior to the activity.
Onion Ring
Students form an inner and outer circle facing a partner.
The teacher asks a question, and the students are given time to respond to their partner. Next, the inner circle rotates one person to the left. The teacher asks another question and
the cycle repeats itself.
Tip: Have 3-4 questions related to the day's Learning Target(s).
Professional Readings
The Importance for Mental Health Awareness in Schools
Mental health awareness is an important issue for all educators, who are often the first line of defense for their students. This article focuses on seeing the signs, understanding the impact, and spreading awareness.
https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/importance-mental-health-awareness-schools1810.html
Teacher Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding career. With long hours and a heavy workload, it's easy to fall prey to teacher burnout. Without proper support, teachers are in danger of being overworked and not taking care of their own mental and physical health needs.
https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/teacher-burnout-causes-symptoms-and-prevention1711.html
25 Reasons to Give Thanks for Teachers
There are many reasons to thank a teacher. This article not only shares 25 reasons, it also has many links to innovative ways teachers are connecting with students.
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/11/25-reasons-to-give-thanks-for-teachers-3/
Unicheck- a Plagiarism Resource for Teachers
Are you concerned about plagiarism? Are your students cheating on writing assignments or sharing documents within Google Drive? Consider using the Unicheck LTI app in Schoology. This app is available to teachers across all content areas to have students evaluate their original writing. Along with Google Docs, Unicheck can read many different types of documents and powerpoints. Typically, students can see their originality report in less than ten minutes.
Every assignment submitted through Unicheck adds to our database of submissions district-wide to help reduce sharing by students whether in our building or from across the district or beyond.
We recommend using the app multiple times throughout the year, beginning with a low stake writing assignment and progressing to larger assignments.
Unicheck was purchased for the high schools, but there are extra licenses to test at all three middle schools. Please ask your Media Specialist for directions using Unicheck.
NoodleTools- citation platform
Shock, dismay and tears…this was the reaction when the ELA teachers found out EasyBib was going away due to losing functionality. NoodleTools, the untried replacement, had some big shoes to fill...which it did luckily! This citation platform has a robust functionality that allows students to dive deep into the research process. One feature that the Language Arts teachers wanted was the ability to use and create note cards. Since EasyBib lost that function and Noodletools has it, the switch was no brainer. Sharing projects with peers and teachers is seamless because it lives in the cloud and is easily accessed through Google apps.
Learning (Prof. Development) Opportunities
Combining Conscious Discipline and Trauma-Informed Care in an Early Childhood Classroom (Infant & Early Childhood Focus) - Dec 2 Trauma
Managing Behaviors in the School Community - Dec 19 or Feb 27 or April 16 Behaviors
Strategies for Student Success - Dec 12 or Feb 20 or April 9 Student Success
Calming Challenging Behavior: Skills to Improve Your Practice & Get Parents on Board - Dec 10 - Webinar Behavior
Student Mental Health - Nov 18 or January 13 or March 2 (5:00 - 6:30 pm) Student Mental Health
Foundations of Effective Teaching -Dec 5 or Feb 6 or April 2 (5:00 - 7:00 pm) Effective Teaching
TDE / Q-Comp / PLC Tidbits
Reflect on student data. Plan interventions and enrichment activities.
Plan to visit a colleague's classroom.