Another piece to the puzzle
What I know for sure:
In Stage One - make sure the Outcome is World Class.
Have to admit that just saying 'World Class Outcome' sounds world class!
If you spend time analyzing your plan, spend the most time here.
In real terms, ask yourself - what do I really want my kids to learn here?
Say it out loud to yourself in your own language.
I know you find outcomes in the GVC's and the State Standards...
(What's the difference between these two? DCSD plucked the GVC's from the State Standards as the most important outcomes from the standards.)
but I really encourage you to think about what you have learned from the kids you teach and make them real to you. Keep your eye on the outcomes constantly! Think about them, look at them, say them before you teach each day. Maybe jot them on a sticky note on your daily plans? Be intentional and focused!
Oh, but Deborah, I'm just never sure if the outcomes I have are the right ones?
Then, run them through the filter:
Can you say 'yes', that those outcomes are:
Rigorous, relevant, integrated, modern, aligned, and transferable?
(decide what these each mean to you in your own words - that will help!)
In Stage Two - are the assessments you identify or created really measuring what you wanted them to learn?
(More on this later...)
Then those darn 4 C's -
If you aren't implicitly teaching them, then you can't measure or assess them. Do your lesson plans say you are teaching them?
If you are teaching them, and measuring them ---- then they should be in the outcomes!
The 4 C's - (maybe not even all of them) should be stated in the outcomes!
Can I say that I don't think that many district trainers really understand this?
If this is too much to think about right now - then let it glide right over you because I'll be back!
Perhaps you'd like to join me at the kidney table in back for a guided group?
If this is timely, makes sense and can move you forward with your understandings...then, this was perfect timing for you!
Go forth and do some independent practice :)
Mini-lesson is now concluded.
I've been wrestling with fitting the pieces together. I've been listening to multiple people present, looking at plans, trying my hand at plans and questioning the 'experts'. I've identified pieces that aren't fitting together. I'm okay with the disequilibrium and have enjoyed the struggle - it's got me thinking!
Calendar
November 19 - 23:
Short week full of gratitude!
Tuesday:
RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.
Wednesday - Friday:
Thanksgiving Holiday :)
November 26 - 30:
A pretty 'clean' week - take advantage!
Tuesday:
RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.
Wednesday:
Leadership Team Meeting 11:00 - 1:00
Professional Development: Creation of BAS (Balanced Assessment System) All staff - 1:30 library
November 26 - 30:
A pretty 'clean' week - take advantage!
Tuesday:
RTI meeting 7:15 a.m.
Wednesday:
Leadership Team Meeting 11:00 - 1:00
Professional Development: Creation of BAS (Balanced Assessment System) All staff - 1:30 library
Global Citizens
I attended the elementary administrators meeting on Tuesday. They asked us to identify and discuss what we do at our building to impact the world. How are we providing opportunities for our students to be global citizens?
A good reminder to think about where we are carving out the time in our demanding schedule to ensure we are intentional and on track for providing Service Learning projects and opportunities. If you haven't started, give some thought to where that will fit as you glance over the calendar.
Here's a GREAT resource if you haven't seen it before -
Generation On: We are the Service Generation
http://www.generationon.org/teachers
Another idea that was shared was 'party with a purpose'. I think this was something like we did with Bootcamp - the merging of an event with a service component. Something to think about when you plan Crew parties.
Another idea that was shared was 'party with a purpose'. I think this was something like we did with Bootcamp - the merging of an event with a service component. Something to think about when you plan Crew parties.
Wells Fargo has created some Financial Literacy resources and curriculum lesson plans. This is new to me and I think it is targeted for 4th, 5th and 6th graders. If you want to know more about this and where to find it, email or come visit with me. It would be a great resource for Camelot too.
Thursday Folders
Need your help in forwarding the link to Thursday folders along to parents each Thursday. We've heard from families that they need us to send them that email each week to support them with keeping up with communication from the school level. So - please be sure to do this each week. Greatly appreciated!
Peek Into the Life of our School
Field Work
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| Ms. MarySue's Crew used Skype to host an expert scientist from Florida |
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| Expert Speaker shares with second graders about the Star in Castle Rock. |
Monday Morning Drum Circles
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| Monday morning Drum Circles are an important part of our culture. What things are you doing as a facilitator to support the growth of belonging/generosity/independence/mastery? |
Lunch!
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| The joys of lunch - A chance to be with friends. |
Book Fair is always a hit!
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| Writing with an authentic purpose! Creating wish lists! |
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| We do not inhibit the self-expression of our students! |
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| Expert groups struggle through some complex text with a guiding hand. |
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| Using the enhanced sound system here... |
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| and here. If you aren't creating the habit of wearing and using yours everyday, please do. |
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| Conferring with writers. Looks different! |
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| Third graders working as scientists |
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| Fourth graders wrestling with the big ideas |
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| Student with his performance assessment - he provided me with a detailed explanation. |
Thanksgiving Lunch
Building belonging as a community
Thanks Zena for a wonderful feast!
Happy Weekend!
Deborah
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| It's been noted that the males in our building are using facial hair to accessorize - Here is another suggestion. |
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