Instructional Coaching Newsletter
Leah Cogswell - Volume 1, Issue 2
Introductions, Procedures & Expectations... Oh My!
Thank you for graciously letting me sit in on your lessons and activities! It has been exciting to see the wide variety of getting-to-know-you activities and exciting strategies different teachers use to get to introduce classroom procedures and expectations.
I have also begun meeting with teachers individually to discuss everything from lesson planning to looking at student data. Please reach out if there is anything I can do to support your classroom over the next several weeks!
Giving Good Directions - Classroom Management 101
It isn't enough for us to teach students the knowledge and skills necessary to master our content, we also have be clear about our expectations about how students should go about doing an assignment or activity. Too often, directions we give to students lack clarity and result in misunderstandings and off-task behavior.
Important steps for giving good instructions:
- Internalize your plan
- Ensure you have every student's full attention before and while you give directions
- Communicate the activities connection to the objective/indicator/I can statement
- Emphasize key parts of the instructions
- Address potential confusion
- Communicate and enforce specific time periods for each task
- Use age-appropriate language and directions
- Find the right balance between 'too much' and 'not enough information'
- Check that students understand the directions
These steps were taken (and adapted) from the Teaching as Leadership rubric
http://www.teachingasleadership.org/execute-effectively/manage-student-practice-e-2
How to give unforgettable directions: http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2011/12/17/how-to-give-students-directions/
Three ways to give student directions: http://resumes-for-teachers.com/blog/classroom-management-tips/three-ways-teachers-can-give-instructions-to-students/
Excellent Teaching Shoutouts to...
...Joanne Broekhuizen (IH)
...Chris Dinnin (TR)
...Calleen DeWinter (IW)
Do you have an amazing activity I should see?
So much MAP data; so little time!
Never fear! This is a perfect way for me to collaborate either with individual teachers or with PLCs.
If you are looking for a way to use the coming MAP data to drive your instruction, please let me know and we will schedule an opportunity to review and analyze your data.
Coaching Connections
- Unit planning
- Lesson planning
- Addressing rigor & relevance
- Data analysis
- Classroom management strategies
- Professional learning goals
The options and opportunities are endless!
Leah Cogswell
Email: leahcogswell@smsd.org
Website: www.smsd.org
Phone: 913-993-1069
Twitter: @iCoach_Cogswell