This blog is meant to promote learning at Hudson Prairie. We can ponder ideas and learn from the professionals with whom work. Questions to ponder include:
What do learners need to prepare for our changing world?
What shifts can we make in our practices to prepare our students for the changing world?
If you would like something added, please email it to behnkejs@hudson.k12.wi.us
With Spring Break coming, we will not have a staff meeting so you can plan for after break. I hope you all have an awesome week off with family and friends!!!
Some common question educators ask themselves are:
How can I balance the work as a teacher and my life? I could be working all day and night and it's never done.
How can I be the best teacher?
How can I continue to grow as a teacher?
How can I feel good about the work I do?
How can I meet all of my students' needs?
How can I work SMARTER, not harder?
Here are some tips: Prioritize your work Ask yourself: Is this something I should do or the kids should do? Can a volunteer do this? How can I sort the work as what I need to do to teach, personalize instruction, and provide strong feedback for students. Collaborate Share the work oad. Share your work and learn from your colleagues. Plan guided reading lessons together Get it done Set aside some time, shut your door and get it done. Minimize conversations, distractions, phones, and concentrate on your tasks. Invest in students Give them jobs in the classroom. Think about how students can have choice and voice in the classroom. Have students responsible for teaching each other. Take care of yourself Exercise Enjoy time with family and friends Schedule these times in your calendar. Work hard and play hard! Here are some great resources: 15 Ways to Work Smarter Not Harder by Genia Connell Work Smarter, Not Harder: 10 Tips for Teachers
Please add a tip below to share with your colleagues on working smarter not harder.
Feb. 23 is designed as an informal exploration of technology resources. We want you to explore, share and learn from one another. Chloe will demonstrate the Swivel camera and how that can help microteaching. No formal presentation will be given but Jodi will be there to support you. Please bring a device and ideas you may need support with including Literacy, Math, Integrated Units, etc.
Reflections from the 2015-16 WI Forward Exam were that our students needed more support in answering Text Dependent Questions or answering questions citing text evidence.
Our goal as a SMART/ Leadership team is to help all staff understand these types of questions and how we can prepare students to think in this deeper, more complex manner. We want to see what each grade K-5 can do to support this rigorous thinking.
Learning Targets
I understand what text-dependent analysis is and the criteria for success.
I have one thing to apply to my Guided Reading or Reading Responses to prepare my students for text- dependent analysis.
Go Public some of your learning from today in your classroom. 1. Use electronic resources to cite evidence
Highlighting important evidence and using it in an a complete answer
Taking Notes
Scrolling text
Padlet
Diigo
Padlet
2. Create opportunities to respond to reading by citing evidence. 3. Use Rubricto adapt for your students reading responses 4. Use exemplars to share high-quality responses.
Conferences are an important time to connect with families. We are fortunate at Hudson Prairie with the supportive and involved families we have. As I spend time conferencing you I am impressed how well you know your students, have data to share, and how we are our student's biggest advocate, cheerleader, and coach.
Here are some tips:
Send a questionnaire home to get a focus for parent concerns.
Getting students involved is important so they are owning their learning. See information on student-led conferences below.
Take the "sandwich" approach. I start with something positive, continue with the things that the child needs to work on, and I finish with something positive.
Plan the essential things you want to share. Strengths and an area to work on. Essential data and work samples. Don't feel like you have to discuss MAP and PALS assessments. We will have those printed out for you along with explanation letters.
Listen to parents concerns and have a 2-way conversation.
Don't talk down to parents. Be honest and truthful. Try to speak in the positive, not always negative. Offer positive ways to help a struggling child
Don't diagnose students. Describe areas of difficulties and accommodations you are doing to support them.
Speak about your student the way you want someone to talk about your child
Get support from Susie or Aria as needed! Sign up sheets are outside my office.
How could it evolve? I would start small in the Fall with a short reflection. In February, students can lead it more. Please share comments and resources to support your colleagues with conferences.
