Tiger Times
NEWS AND INFO FOR SLATER STAFF 8.19
Words trigger pictures. Pictures trigger beliefs. Beliefs trigger behaviors.
Remember that our habits, attitudes, and expectations are driven by our beliefs. If we are going to reach our goals, we must examine our beliefs, and how they impact our expectations.
Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes permanent. The expectations we hold students to are what they practice, and that becomes their permanent behavior. Here's an example of how this works:
1. Teacher explains how we should walk in the hall.
2. 60% of the students comply. 40% don't.
3. The teacher keeps walking without 100%.
What have we just taught the student about our expectations?
1. The teacher doesn't really expect us all to follow through.
2. It doesn't matter if all kids are successful at that expectation.
3. It doesn't matter if I'm successful at that expectation.
What habit have we just built?
1. Incomplete follow through
2. Disregard directions and expectations
What beliefs about our students did we just communicate?
1. Not all students are capable of meeting the expectation.
2. Not all students are worth my time, coaching, and feedback.
This is why it is SO important for us to commit to ensuring we Keep It 100.
We haven't even begun the type of academic instruction that we know will challenge, and in some cases trigger, students. If we are already accepting less than 100% now, we can't possibly expect our students to make the academic gains they need to later.
Now, let's get curious about where these beliefs and low expectations come from. Think about the video above. What does this coach communicate about his attitudes, beliefs, and expectations for his players? What does the player believe about himself? What does the coach believe? How does he communicate his beliefs? What does he accept? What doesn't he accept? How do his beliefs impact the outcome?
What will you accept? What outcome do you expect to see? Talk about this with your team this week. We'll pop in to team meetings to chat about your thoughts.
Keep it 100.
Ms. DeVeaux
Ms. Hall
Ms. Richard
- Participants will work to lose the greatest percentage of weight from now until Thanksgiving (8/26 - 11/22).
- Pay $20 to join, and $2 a week.
- There will be 3 winners: 1st place - 70% of the pot. 2nd place - 20% of the pot. 3rd place - 10% of the pot. The more participants, the bigger the pot!
Want to work out with a group? Join us Mondays after school for T-25/Insanity Max 30 workouts!
The competition begins in one week! Let's go!
HUNGRY?
Before Conferences
- Each teacher should schedule conferences with their individual families. Consider using Sign-Up Genius or a similar tool to automate this process.
- MAP data will be printed and provided for you to review with parents.
- As a grade level, prepare a take-away (document, folder, brochure, etc) with what caregivers need to know about the school year. Examples of pertinent information include but are not limited to: major testing dates, standards, upcoming PBL units, communication tools, celebrations, etc. Click HERE for parent roadmaps to standards.
During Conferences
- Begin with multiple examples of positive feedback about the child. Move beyond just saying things like "X is a joy to have in class" and these types of general statements to giving more specific information.
- Provide an opportunity for parents to share the strengths and areas for growth of their child, as they see it. Also ask them if there is any important information you need to know about their family, schedule, needs, etc.
- Share MAP data and goals for the year.
- Share standards for the year.
- Ask the parent what their needs are, goals for their child are, etc.
- End the conference on a positive note.
After Conferences
- Send a thank you note to each parent that attends.
- Reach out to each parent who does not attend to reschedule. Continue to reach out to them until they do attend.
Specific tools will be provided closer to conferences. You will receive a sample script, sample activities to begin the conference, etc.
Instructional Resource of the Week
Lesson Hooks
How: This resource is attached below.
Culture Resource of the Week
What: “Mindfulness for Children” is an amazing article from the New York Time “Well” section. It includes meditation guides, strategies and other resources for incorporating mindfulness with children of all age ranges.”
Mindfulness — a simple technique that emphasizes paying attention to the present moment in an accepting, nonjudgmental manner — has emerged as a popular mainstream practice in recent decades. It is being taught to executives at corporations, athletes in the locker room, and increasingly, to children both at home and in school.”
Why: Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness, the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment. It can help parents and caregivers, too, by promoting happiness and relieving stress. At each developmental stage, mindfulness can be a useful tool for decreasing anxiety and promoting happiness.
Who: This resource applies to all teachers. (Everyone actually.)
When: Whenever you can find the time
How: Click HERE to access the article and resources in the “Mindfulness for Children” piece.
- Motherland Mondays - Wear African print or clothes that represent your heritage.
- Tiger Tuesdays - Wear school colors
- Thankful Thursdays - Give a note to a colleague or student that you'd like to thank. Consider having your students participate!
Got an idea for Wednesday or Friday? Let us know!
TO DO LIST
- Be sure you communicate what you are teaching and what students are learning in your “Monday Communication Folders”.
- Lesson plans are due on 8/19th for the week of 8/26th – Don’t forget 8/19 is the beginning of all content instruction.
- Reach out to parents to schedule conferences using Sign-Up Genius or Dojo. Of course, reach out to parents individually as needed to schedule conference.
- Remember to document daily behavior issues under minor incidents in Educator’s Handbook.
- Click on the link at the bottom of the newsletter to submit ALL calendar requests (time off, in-school, out-of-school event, and field trips)
THIS WEEK
IMPORTANT LINKS AND NUMBERS
Lesson Plans
- Calendar Requests
- YouTube Whitelist:
- Supply Request:
- Tech Requests:
- Digital Instructional Resources: www.portaportal.com Guest Access: dkemp