MoB (Matters of Business)
Edgewood's Weekly Staff Update for the week of 5/6-5/10
We are committed to the journey of developing EACH child to be an inspired learner and a caring, contributing citizen.
Learning Notes
Because of good use of picture support in 5K, 1st, and 2nd grade, some of our kids fool us. We think that they get it; we think that they're really thinking about the words that they read, asking questions of the text, and visualizing as they read. But at each grade level, 2-5, we've talked about how some kids miss that; what exactly is it that we need to teach them?
As we give our final push, I came across an oldie-but-goodie resource that I want to remind you of: The Reading Strategies Book. If you're looking to figure out how to self-monitoring for comprehension, check out the following strategies:
2.17: Visualize to Focus (p. 64)
2.27: Hear the Story (p. 74)
5.14: Chapter End Stop Signs (p. 147)
5.15: Where Am I? (p. 148)
No doubt there are other strategies in the book that support self-monitoring as you read, but these were a few that stood out to me.
As with anything, remember that developing a new habit (such as monitoring), doesn't happen overnight. Teaching a strategy like the above would likely take 3 small group/conferring lessons, and subsequent check-ins/follow-ups. Want to work on some of these? Reach out to Jenna or Jennifer!
TCB (Taking Care of Business)
- Placement Cards: I'll have placement cards for you by the end of next week. I'm changing the format a bit this year, but the process itself should be familiar. The purpose of the cards is to form balanced classes; not to convey all important information about a child.
- 5/17, I'll have Summer PO sheets ready for you. As you begin to think about your needs, (1) please remember that anchor charts and bulletin boards are most meaningful when they're co-constructed. (2) If there are instructional resources you'd like (like subscriptions, for example), please put a note at the bottom of your PO list with what you'd like and how you'd use it. (3) Take a look at your bins, whiteboards, etc. If there are things that look worse for the wear, please put them on your list. I"ll see what I can do.
- PPGs & SLOs: I prefer hard copies, please. Please share your high leverage artifacts with me as well so that I can do a thorough review.
- The end of the year is exciting AND stressful. Let's remember to laugh, support one another, and remember why we're here. The growth we've seen each kid make this year is remarkable. Some days are tougher than others. Find your theme song. Here's mine: Meg's Theme Song (yes, this is embarrassing).
Staff Shout Outs to...
To DeAnn, Jessie, and Paula for the heart they put into the musical. Comments heard from the audience, "Her vision and creativity is remarkable." "What she can do with elementary kids is amazing."
To Alex, Maria, Crystal, and Anna, for pitching in and helping out, and rocking it.
To Diane and Jenna, for pushing my thinking.
To DeAnn for all of her hard work with the musical. Another amazing year!
To 2nd grade, for planning and organizing their 1st field trip!
To the 5th grade teachers for helping facilitate a successful service learning project. $1,500...WOW!
To all of you who have continued to have empathy, patience, and grace with students.
Upcoming Dates
Teacher Appreciation Week! Get excited!
5/6: Coffee & Donuts provided by the EHSA
5/8: Staff Meeting, 7:40--Academic Language & Welcome Walks
5/8: Lunch provided by the EHSA
5/10: Core Character Committee, 7:40
5/10: PPGs/SLOs due to Meg
5/10: Walk-a-thon (2:15-3:15)
5/10: Lunch provided by yours truly and friends
Next Week:
5/13: Author Visit, Grades 3-5, 1:45 pm
5/15: Staff Meeting--Reflection & Planning
5/17: SLAIT Meeting, 7:40am
5/17: Assembly, 2:30pm
Other Upcoming Dates
5/21, 5/22: Grade Level Class Placement & Reflection meetings, schedule TBD
5/31: Learning Celebration, Grades 5K and 3, 2-3pm
6/4: Senior Walk, afternoon (time TBD)
6/7: Field Day, afternoon