As a part of an effective classroom management system I have consistently used a practice called Whole Brain Teaching in my classroom this year. I learned of this practice from a colleague a few years ago and since then I have implemented various techniques from WBT into my classroom. This year I was committed to implementing all aspects of it which has resulted in positive outcomes in my classroom.
My students have responded well to this practice. It involves a lot of responses from my students out loud as a group to keep the whole class on track. It also involves all students working together to earn rewards as a class for positive behavior as a class.
When learning new concepts and ideas I incorporate a lot of hand gestures to help them remember these concepts. I then use a method where they have to teach their partner with the hand gestures what the new concept is. This has been really helpful with my students and some of the tricky concepts that come up in 5th grade.
Whole Brain Teaching has several components and steps to implement this into your classroom effectively. I strongly recommend looking at the website to help you with this process.
I am so glad I have committed to implement all parts of WBT in my classroom. It really makes a difference for my class and their behavior this year.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Backwards Design
Backwards Design involves planning a lesson backwards or looking at the assessment first rather than how you are going to teach it. Majority of my college courses focused on this so when I started this program, I found the aspects of backwards design quite easy.
It makes complete sense to have the assessment piece first, so that as teachers we can know exactly what we are going to assess our students on and what we want them to know. I feel that backwards design is really becoming a part of the daily routine at my school being that we are using a standards based report card for the first time this year. Because of this change, we need to have assessments that correlate directly with our report card and we are in the process of creating common assessments in all subject matters. With this process and having all of our assessments designated for each subject area, we are using the assessments to plan our instruction and how we are going to teach it. This process makes so much sense and I can't imagine how to teach without backwards design.
It makes complete sense to have the assessment piece first, so that as teachers we can know exactly what we are going to assess our students on and what we want them to know. I feel that backwards design is really becoming a part of the daily routine at my school being that we are using a standards based report card for the first time this year. Because of this change, we need to have assessments that correlate directly with our report card and we are in the process of creating common assessments in all subject matters. With this process and having all of our assessments designated for each subject area, we are using the assessments to plan our instruction and how we are going to teach it. This process makes so much sense and I can't imagine how to teach without backwards design.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Action Research Abstract
My current action research is around whether ability grouping during literacy instruction improves student's reading scores compared to only using whole group instruction. I have to keep all 31 of my homeroom students for literacy instruction in my room. With so many reading levels and abilities, I have formed 6 reading groups based on assessment data from the beginning of the year. I have a weekly schedule for how many times I meet with each group based on their learning needs in reading. I will still be teaching some whole group lessons or a mini lesson in reading to the whole group weekly. To measure student's progress in reading in regards to whole group instruction and small ability group instruction I will use assessment in whole group as well as the small groups and then compare them. I will use my observations, MAP scores, and daily work to evaluate progress in reading. I am hoping that my small group instruction each day will improve my student reading achievement scores.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Presence
This semester, we are focusing on presence in the A.G.A.P.E. framework. Presence means creating and developing the inner self as the source of caring and meaningful relationships and the willingness to value and maintain relationships that are formed. It is also the feeling ad knowledge that someone is not only visible but they are a part of the group and contribute to the well-being of others.
This is very important for me especially in my classroom. I know my students rely on me for many things and if they are not comfortable in my classroom, then they will not seek out help from me. As we have started the school year I focus a lot on community building especially in our morning meeting. I make sure to take the time each morning for our morning meeting where students can share in a safe environment and create relationships with their peers. I also know that by creating this strong community in the beginning of the school year and maintaining it throughout allows my students to learn in a better environment.
As we approach the 4th semester at St. Mary's this is also important with the individuals I am going through this program with. We have created a community where we know each other and are comfortable with each other which then allows us to share our thoughts and ideas and benefits our learning. We support each other by listening and contributing to the group. This is important to making our weekends together successful.
This is very important for me especially in my classroom. I know my students rely on me for many things and if they are not comfortable in my classroom, then they will not seek out help from me. As we have started the school year I focus a lot on community building especially in our morning meeting. I make sure to take the time each morning for our morning meeting where students can share in a safe environment and create relationships with their peers. I also know that by creating this strong community in the beginning of the school year and maintaining it throughout allows my students to learn in a better environment.
As we approach the 4th semester at St. Mary's this is also important with the individuals I am going through this program with. We have created a community where we know each other and are comfortable with each other which then allows us to share our thoughts and ideas and benefits our learning. We support each other by listening and contributing to the group. This is important to making our weekends together successful.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Circles of Self Reflection
Last month, during class we did a very interesting activity called the circle of self. First, we were instructed to write down five words that define or make up who we are. I chose fiance, sister, teacher, daughter, and friend. This was a fairly easy task. We then were told to get rid of two in which I chose daughter and teacher. This was really hard but I got rid of these because I was looking at the future and what roles were the most important in my life. Then, we had to get rid of a third one. This was even more difficult but I took away friend. Lastly, we were told to get rid of one more which would leave us with just one word that defines us. I was left with sister and fiance. My sister and I are very close but I ended up with keeping fiancé. He is my future and what makes me the person I am today. This activity really made me think about myself and the roles I have and the importance that each identity has for me.
I think that this activity could be beneficial for some of my students to do but they would definitely have a different perspective on it compared to me. My 5th graders would have words that reflect highly on their social life perhaps and their peers rather than family and other things. I think I could modify this activity a little bit to make this a worthwhile and self-discovery lesson for my students.
This activity allowed me to see again how important my identity and role is in so many situations but at the same time I know how wrapped up I can get in just one of those and then I am not balancing them. With the start of another busy school year upon us, I need to realize what an equal balance is between these identities and where I need to dedicate my time to.
I think that this activity could be beneficial for some of my students to do but they would definitely have a different perspective on it compared to me. My 5th graders would have words that reflect highly on their social life perhaps and their peers rather than family and other things. I think I could modify this activity a little bit to make this a worthwhile and self-discovery lesson for my students.
This activity allowed me to see again how important my identity and role is in so many situations but at the same time I know how wrapped up I can get in just one of those and then I am not balancing them. With the start of another busy school year upon us, I need to realize what an equal balance is between these identities and where I need to dedicate my time to.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Holonomy
After reading an article around holonomy and cognitive coaching, there were a few key points to reflect on.
1. Define holonomy.
After reading this article, I would describe holonomy as the ability to work independently in a successful way where goal setting, self- direction, and self monitoring are visible but when things aren't going right an individual reaches out to other team members or groups for support to improve their ways. This means that they are not working on their own with only their own ideas but they have that independent confidence in their work but are also open to collaboration and new ideas in order to better their work and achieve success within their goals.
2. How does holonomy agree or disagree with what you have learned or what you have done so far in this program?
I feel that this program focuses a lot on this idea of holonomy in which we are becoming a better teacher because of this idea. This program has allowed me to develop new ideas of my own stemming from the work that we do and set goals for myself. With these new ideas we are collaborating with different groups on the weekends in order to perfect and modify ideas. With this process and a large focus on reflection we are able to gain new ideas from others and reflect on the work we are doing in this program. All components of holonomy and this program have helped me to achieve success in many areas of my teaching.
3.) Are any parts of holonomy more important than the others? Why or why not?
When looking at the five different parts of holonomy and their importance I cannot say that certain parts are more important than the others. The idea of a holonomous person is a well-rounded person who possesses all five states of mind in order to achieve this state of holonomy. Flexibility, efficacy, craftsmanship, interdependence, and consciousness are all intertwined together in which individuals must have a balance between in order to achieve holonomy. Even though some of those states of minds might be strong and weak points for various individuals, they all have to be present and balanced.
4.) Explain each state of mind and how it applies to you as a teacher in your classroom.
Efficacy- making conscious attempts to achieve success while being aware that hard work and effort make a difference.
I think this is a quality that teachers internally have for the most part. I go to work everyday with my students being my first and foremost priority. I am there to better them as individuals and make a difference in their lives. With this as my main focus, I am developing ideas and lessons regarding my students and it is clear to the outside that I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my children through the work that I do. As problems come up, I keep this focus in mind to work through the challenges and use my resources for help.
Flexibility- being open to new ideas and perspectives as well as changing when needed.
This is a huge quality in teaching that teachers are constantly working towards. I make sure that I am modeling flexibility for my students to help with schedule changes and classroom management. It is also the idea of working with teams and groups of people and being open to their ideas and perspectives it order to better ourselves. I am always trying to take other perspectives and look through a different lens. Situations arise all the time when I am making sure to be flexible.
Craftsmanship- being proud of your own work and striving to better yourself.
I am always using resources and tools to perfect my way of teaching. I take advantage of workshops or trainings when they come up to better myself in my career of teaching. I also take time to reflect and celebrate my own accomplishments in my career.
Consciousness- being aware of what is going on around you and improving situations from reflective work.
As a teacher I am always conscious of my students and the way I am teaching. This is something that I do all day which then determines what I am doing next in my classroom. This is also something that I teach my students and what it looks like to monitor their own progress.
Interdependence- the act of working together to achieve a common goal.
I work with my students to achieve interdependence by achieving learning targets that are set forth. I also work together with my grade level, PLC team, and administration on a daily basis to achieve one common goal by using the correct resources and collaborating with these teams.
1. Define holonomy.
After reading this article, I would describe holonomy as the ability to work independently in a successful way where goal setting, self- direction, and self monitoring are visible but when things aren't going right an individual reaches out to other team members or groups for support to improve their ways. This means that they are not working on their own with only their own ideas but they have that independent confidence in their work but are also open to collaboration and new ideas in order to better their work and achieve success within their goals.
2. How does holonomy agree or disagree with what you have learned or what you have done so far in this program?
I feel that this program focuses a lot on this idea of holonomy in which we are becoming a better teacher because of this idea. This program has allowed me to develop new ideas of my own stemming from the work that we do and set goals for myself. With these new ideas we are collaborating with different groups on the weekends in order to perfect and modify ideas. With this process and a large focus on reflection we are able to gain new ideas from others and reflect on the work we are doing in this program. All components of holonomy and this program have helped me to achieve success in many areas of my teaching.
3.) Are any parts of holonomy more important than the others? Why or why not?
When looking at the five different parts of holonomy and their importance I cannot say that certain parts are more important than the others. The idea of a holonomous person is a well-rounded person who possesses all five states of mind in order to achieve this state of holonomy. Flexibility, efficacy, craftsmanship, interdependence, and consciousness are all intertwined together in which individuals must have a balance between in order to achieve holonomy. Even though some of those states of minds might be strong and weak points for various individuals, they all have to be present and balanced.
4.) Explain each state of mind and how it applies to you as a teacher in your classroom.
Efficacy- making conscious attempts to achieve success while being aware that hard work and effort make a difference.
I think this is a quality that teachers internally have for the most part. I go to work everyday with my students being my first and foremost priority. I am there to better them as individuals and make a difference in their lives. With this as my main focus, I am developing ideas and lessons regarding my students and it is clear to the outside that I am committed to making a difference in the lives of my children through the work that I do. As problems come up, I keep this focus in mind to work through the challenges and use my resources for help.
Flexibility- being open to new ideas and perspectives as well as changing when needed.
This is a huge quality in teaching that teachers are constantly working towards. I make sure that I am modeling flexibility for my students to help with schedule changes and classroom management. It is also the idea of working with teams and groups of people and being open to their ideas and perspectives it order to better ourselves. I am always trying to take other perspectives and look through a different lens. Situations arise all the time when I am making sure to be flexible.
Craftsmanship- being proud of your own work and striving to better yourself.
I am always using resources and tools to perfect my way of teaching. I take advantage of workshops or trainings when they come up to better myself in my career of teaching. I also take time to reflect and celebrate my own accomplishments in my career.
Consciousness- being aware of what is going on around you and improving situations from reflective work.
As a teacher I am always conscious of my students and the way I am teaching. This is something that I do all day which then determines what I am doing next in my classroom. This is also something that I teach my students and what it looks like to monitor their own progress.
Interdependence- the act of working together to achieve a common goal.
I work with my students to achieve interdependence by achieving learning targets that are set forth. I also work together with my grade level, PLC team, and administration on a daily basis to achieve one common goal by using the correct resources and collaborating with these teams.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Math Workshop
This year I have tried something new in math with my students for a few of my units. It is called Math Workshop or Guided Math and is a similar approach to Daily 5 in reading. This is a great way for me to meet with small groups in math and give my students the one on one support that they need in math. It also allows me to identify the concepts that they are struggling with on a day to day basis instead of waiting for the final assessment. My students seem to enjoy working on different games or activities in math while I am meeting with small groups. I would like to learn more effective strategies for this and find out how other teachers are implementing guided math in their classroom.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Action Research
For my action research I have been looking at the amount of student effort put into an interactive math journal correlating with student success in math. There are several definitions of math journals and the basic understanding of this is for students to expand on their reasoning in math and explain their thinking. It is also a way for students to record major concepts in a way that they are going to remember and understand important ideas.
I have started to use math journals in my classroom this year and so far they have been a success. I model for the students what should go into their journals. Then, I have them reflect or explain in their own words regarding the concept for that day. I have found that students seem to have a deeper understanding about certain concepts when they are asked to go in depth and reflect on their thinking. I will continue to implement these throughout the rest of the school year. I also plan on evaluating their journals using a rubric. This allows them to understand the expectations set forth with their journals and know that it is a part of their math grade. It is also a more effective way to get across the major concepts in math and incorporate writing into math beyond the definitions of vocabulary words.
I am excited to use this research of math journals to keep implementing them with my students and use them in more effective ways. The research shows great increases in math achievement levels and I hope to continue seeing this with my students!
I have started to use math journals in my classroom this year and so far they have been a success. I model for the students what should go into their journals. Then, I have them reflect or explain in their own words regarding the concept for that day. I have found that students seem to have a deeper understanding about certain concepts when they are asked to go in depth and reflect on their thinking. I will continue to implement these throughout the rest of the school year. I also plan on evaluating their journals using a rubric. This allows them to understand the expectations set forth with their journals and know that it is a part of their math grade. It is also a more effective way to get across the major concepts in math and incorporate writing into math beyond the definitions of vocabulary words.
I am excited to use this research of math journals to keep implementing them with my students and use them in more effective ways. The research shows great increases in math achievement levels and I hope to continue seeing this with my students!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Spring Conference
In, April we have an opportunity to attend the Spring Conference at St. Mary's. This will be an excellent opportunity to see year 2 learners presenting their research and information. I am excited to learn some new things and bring them back to my classroom as well as get some insights and what I will be doing next year at conference as a year 2 learner.
We were able to choose 5 sessions. I chose a variety of topics to gain new insights in all areas of my teaching. Differentiation seems to be the buzz word in education in order to meet all learners needs. I am attending a session about how differentiation in reading affects fluency and comprehension. I am really looking forward to this as I am always look for reading strategies to help my students.
Another session I will be attending about reading has to do with a concept called Reciprocal teaching. This is really going to help me understand what needs in reading my students have and how to help them with this. It is also focused on comprehension strategies which is a big struggle for some students.
I am also going to a session regarding formative and summative assessments. The topic of assessments is very popular in the education world and figuring out the best ways to assess our students is crucial. This session looks at ways students can be advocates for their own learning and progress. I am really looking forward to this session regarding assessments.
The last two sessions are about integrating iPads to help engage students, motivate them, and increase their achievement scores and mathematical problem solving instruction . Our school has iPads for our students to use when we can check them out so I am looking forward to this session to help me use iPads effectively with my students. The mathematical problem solving instruction session is something I am really looking forward to. In the last couple months, I have been working on implementing math journals in my classroom. This is a way for students to reason in math and explain their thinking rather than just solve problems and get the correct answers. I am hoping this session helps me use math journals in my classroom effectively.
I hope to learn a lot a take away a lot of great resources from the conference in April.
We were able to choose 5 sessions. I chose a variety of topics to gain new insights in all areas of my teaching. Differentiation seems to be the buzz word in education in order to meet all learners needs. I am attending a session about how differentiation in reading affects fluency and comprehension. I am really looking forward to this as I am always look for reading strategies to help my students.
Another session I will be attending about reading has to do with a concept called Reciprocal teaching. This is really going to help me understand what needs in reading my students have and how to help them with this. It is also focused on comprehension strategies which is a big struggle for some students.
I am also going to a session regarding formative and summative assessments. The topic of assessments is very popular in the education world and figuring out the best ways to assess our students is crucial. This session looks at ways students can be advocates for their own learning and progress. I am really looking forward to this session regarding assessments.
The last two sessions are about integrating iPads to help engage students, motivate them, and increase their achievement scores and mathematical problem solving instruction . Our school has iPads for our students to use when we can check them out so I am looking forward to this session to help me use iPads effectively with my students. The mathematical problem solving instruction session is something I am really looking forward to. In the last couple months, I have been working on implementing math journals in my classroom. This is a way for students to reason in math and explain their thinking rather than just solve problems and get the correct answers. I am hoping this session helps me use math journals in my classroom effectively.
I hope to learn a lot a take away a lot of great resources from the conference in April.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Learning in the 21st Century
This weekend in class, we dove into taking a closer look at 21st century learning. As we explored this topic, I realized the things that I am doing now in my classroom and the things that are still a work in progress. I think that my students are benefiting from many of the things that I am doing now and will continue to benefit as time goes on and all aspects of the 21st century are implemented. The explosion of technological resources has been a big part of my lesson planning this year and slowly introducing this to my students. It is a lot to keep up with but I am starting with one thing at a time so I am not overwhelmed as well as my students. I am implementing life skills that my 3rd grade students will need to know for the future as they grow up and become individuals. The four C's are something that I feel are so important and I have been implementing throughout the year. My students are collaborating in small groups, communicating in different ways, thinking critically about a variety of subjects, and using creativity across subjects. Overall, I feel good about a 21st century learning perspective and will continue to implement these factors into my teaching.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Master's Program
Lately, I have been into reading blogs but I never had the time to start my own! Now, I get to start one since it is part of my master's program! I am getting my master's program through St. Mary's University in Teaching and Learning. One component of this program and to grow as a teacher is to plan changes that we want to make in our own classrooms. One change that I am focusing on for this semester is during my math block. I plan on starting math journals in which the students will make flip cards for vocabulary and come up with different ways to illustrate in their journals the important math concepts and ideas that we are learning. This is different from just writing down the definitions of vocabulary words as we learn them. This is meant to be a reference for the students to refer back to and learn math in a different way besides just writing definitions. I am excited to see how my students react to this and how it will enhance their learning in math. Updates will be coming this semester on this project I am working on!
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