Piasa Bluffs Writing Project
March 2012 Newsletter
February 29th Renewal: Writing, Inquiring & the Common Core
Quick Write: What Does Learning Look Like?
Connecting the Actions of Writers, Scientists, Mathematicians
Making Sense of the Common Core Standards
Next, Patti and Jeff, with the assistance of Ann, demonstrated an IIMP before leading the group in an exploration of the Common Core Standards. In pairs, participants brainstormed the actions of different people (scientists, writers, mathematicians, and such). Then, each pair selected the four most important verbs they had recorded and rewrote them on brightly colored pieces of paper, which were then displayed and arranged on the floor by group members, placing related words near each other. Observations were made that many of the words applied to multiple areas of study. As words were moved, new relationships became visible between the disciplines. The words also seemed to form a narrative arc, telling the stories of various areas of study.
After examining the actions of different learners, participants went on a gallery walk of the Common Core State Standards, leaving comments regarding each standards as they passed. Then, participants paired up and summarized the "thinkings" of others. Amanda made the observation that "students have to learn how to think before they can think to learn."
As the renewal came to a close, Ann helped Patti and Jeff reflect on their practice, asking them how they thought their demonstration went. Patti and Jeff both felt that the day went well, and that the activity would be great for CCSS staff development. Attendees also reflected on the day's events by participating in a second quick write, this time about the CCSS themselves. Patti ended by sharing her hopes that some of us had had a WOW experience. Ironically, WOW was the first word on my final quick write.
The next Renewal will be held Thursday, March 29, 4:15-5:40, in the library of Mascoutah Middle School. Our host will be Amy Shubert, a 2009 Fellow.
Summer 2012 ISI
Remember that amazingly "charge" you got from your ISI? Encourage a colleague to share the experience and join you in the professional community of innovative educators that form the PBWP.
Summer 2012 ISI ApplicationASIA2 in Santa Barbara, CA
You can read much more about this innovative experience on the Digital IS website HERE.