Check Your Pace

     There are many popular training models such as train the trainer, coaching, or early adopters. Each of these takes their own approach to professional development. According to Pearson Prentice Hall, one of the world’s leading book publishers, 65% of the population are visual learners, 30% are auditory, and 5% tactile. Most people are some combination of all three. As coaches, teacher leaders, and others that facilitate learning prepare; a visual should always be in place for trainings. In addition to visuals and more traditional preparation, pacing of sessions is rarely planned.

     After introducing a new idea, it’s important to practice and then practice some more. Typically professional development time is squeezed in to a time slot that is often limited. Pacing is extremely important to best utilize the time that’s available for training.

     Once a new idea is introduced, it is important to build in work time. Sometimes once trainers get started, they keep going forgetting that participants may not be logged in or at the correct screen and/or website before continuing. In today’s “insta-world” that we live in, it’s difficult to pause and wait. Wait time is also crucial for our students. Students have trained educators, when they don’t answer right away the answer is usually provided for them. These same pauses are necessary when working with adults.

     One of the phases of the ADDIE training model is Implementation. During this phase, learners are given new tools and practice time. Formative assessments are built in to monitor along the way. This also can be integrated into professional development by attaching an activity to each learning objective to reinforce practice and wait time.

As you’re planning your next training consider T2P – Time 2 Practice so that participants get the most out of workshop. Slow down and pace yourself.

Play Your Way to Data

 

The best thing about this time of the school year is down time. It’s down time that you don’t get to just stop and reflect any other time during the school year. Most districts implement some sort of curriculum planning for teachers to get together and plan. During this planning, summative assessments are typically district mandates, but teachers choose how and when they use formative assessments. Consider adding some game fun for those reviews and checks. One of my previous posts features Quizizz, but here’s another tool.

Quizalize allows teachers to search from a bank of quizzes/topics or create their own questions. Teachers can even add their own memes that kids see when they get answers right or wrong. With this site students compete individually and it separates participants into teams automatically. After students play, the site automatically gives a breakdown of which students may need assistance and an analysis of question responses. Instantly, teachers can see which questions or topics may need to be retaught.

I saved the best part for last, it’s free. Give it try as you’re planning activities for next year.

Could you @Recap That?

It's really tricky to understand exactly what our students gained from a lesson, especially when working with elementary age students. Most people are able to tell or show sometimes better than actually taking an assessment. In the 1:1 teaching environment where every student has a device with a camera there are so many opportunities to utilize those cameras.

Let's check out Recap! https://app.letsrecap.com/

Recap is free. In addition to being free, it's very easy to use. Teachers can set up classes and students can use the class pin to join their teacher's class. With one click, teachers can create assignments and add questions for students. This app allows the teacher to guide instruction and insert reflective questions of their choice. Students respond to the questions with a video. That's it! 

In addition to being a great tool for elementary students, Recap can also be used with ESL (English as a Second Language) students and those that may have special needs. While you're reflecting on new ideas over the summer, think about what you would like your students Recap. 

Don't be shy, Recap that! 

Barriers & Beignets

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the GAFE Summit in New Orleans with my tech team, the gifted and talented coordinator, and two principals. It was definitely an awesome opportunity.

When we arrived at the airport, we had to wait on our rental vehicle. It was being cleaned and wasn’t ready. It was still dirty when we received it with some gum-like substance on the back of the front passenger seat. After speaking to the attendant prior to exiting, I was instructed to pull over so the car could be taken back to be cleaned. The barrier that typically raises up and down was being repaired. I looked over and asked the attendant again, “pull over?” She replied, “yes.”

I bumped the lower portion of the barrier. Yes, a fender bender before even leaving the garage. After getting the situation squared away with the manager, I thought about how mistakes are a part of the learning process.

Are we teaching kids that sometimes doing it wrong can be a means to getting it right? The accident was a simple miscommunication that if used effectively by the company could result in a powerful customer service learning experience. If the company is truly progressive, this could even lead to development of a policy on how to handle issues with rentals prior to leaving the lot.

As teachers, we should be helping students to develop solutions. Some of them will go on to develop solutions for problems that don’t currently exist. In order for this to happen, mistakes play a very important role. What’s your response when a student gets it wrong? Do you encourage them to ask questions so they can see why their error was made? How often do you consider allowing them to re-take quizzes or tests? What about resubmitting a project?

Mistakes also allow for collaboration opportunities that extend learning. How much more powerful would reteaching be if we allowed students to take ownership of their learning? With strategic grouping, you’re a teaching ninja that just made re-teaching meaningful.

Maybe being wrong isn’t so bad after all.

It’s Hot, I’m bored, I’m Hungry, Go Play….Preparing for Summer Days

     Here in South Carolina, It’s roughly 13 – 15 days before summer break. Some districts here release as Memorial Day Weekend begins and some conclude on June 3.  As teachers prepare to get rested and rejuvenated for the fall, what will your little ones be doing all summer? How can you keep them on track? What will prevent those developed brains from turning to mush? Summer learning losses are real concerns when kids aren’t active during summer months. Here are a few suggestions that are easy to implement.

1.                   Keep a routine – While summer is important time for students to rest and the recommended amount of sleep for school age children is around 10 hours; keep some necessary tasks during the break. For example, chores should stay intact. Children should still take care of their normal cleaning responsibilities. It’s important for them to get some time outside or some sort of exercise. For smaller children, keep naptime. They need those procedures they’re used to in place.

2.                  Require Reading – There are several apps, games, video game systems, and the internet to keep them busy, but the best way to get better at reading is to read. Even if it’s just 10 – 30 minutes each day (varying depending on the child’s age), keep them reading and building their vocabulary. Encourage your child to read something fun that may not have been able to read during the school year. For example: Diary of A Wimpy Kid is a very entertaining read, but it’s not exactly on the list of classics.

3.                   Family Time is A Must – With relief from some of the afternoon stressors such as dance practice, recitals, sports, and band that usually leave more time to resume the family dinner. Families sitting down together promote communication among all members of the family. This also helps with language and soft skills. One of the biggest complaints about students entering the work force is their lack of soft skills. Through the family dinner, students learn how to listen and it helps expand their vocabulary.

Summer is a fun and restorative time for educators and students alike, make the best use of your down time. Relax, Release, and Enjoy! 

Zaption + Google Classroom

   

 How often do you use videos in your class? 

YouTube has several educational resources that can be utilized for all disciplines. What if you could make those videos interactive? Or embed questions? Here’s where Zaption comes in. Zaption has a free option available as well as professional features that are available with paid subscriptions. Videos can be added from YouTube, Vimeo, PBS and many more websites. Your videos can easily be assigned to students in Google Classroom.

          In addition to being able to add interactive features like questions, polls, and quizzes, the reports provide great data for teaching. After each lesson, a report is generated that gives a summary of the report. Zaption’s gallery has professional development to help assist teachers with ideas.

          Zaption isn’t just for teachers, it’s great for anyone that trains others. Short videos can be an asset to any trainer. More importantly, using an application like Zaption provides a record of exactly what participants take away from training sessions.

3 Ways to Implement Zaption in your Classroom:

1. Assess prior knowledge. Use a short video about a topic and embed questions to see     how much students already know about a topic.

2. Add to Google Classroom for review. Post a Zaption video in the Google Classroom     to support the lesson that was taught during the class period. This gives students a         reference as well as a way for you to gather data about what they learned. Based on       the lesson report, you can reteach portions of the lesson or move forward.

3. Parent Communication. Short videos are great ways to communicate with parents.         The Zaption link can be shared to parents via e-mail, the embedded questions allow       for parents to solicit feedback or simply documentation that they viewed the video. 

 If you haven’t tried it, Get “Zaptioned”!

https://www.zaption.com/signup/

You Will Survive!

It’s May, spring is in full swing and standardized testing is coming to a close. The majority of districts around the country will be heading out for summer break in just three weeks. With a room full of excited and anxious kids, how do you make it to the end?

Here are 3 strategies to close out the school year:

1.       Keep Teaching – Everyday students should still have a routine. Don’t abandon your bell ringers or classroom procedures. Now is a great time to engage students by diving deeper. We are all faced with the stress and time constraints of pacing guides, so use this opportunity to revisit or continue to build using something fun.

2.       Try Something New – Perhaps during the year, you were anxious about implementing a new strategy now is a great time to try it. Often times, we as teachers are nervous about losing control of our class or just unsure about the outcome of a lesson when trying something new. Technology is a great option to insert here. Typically school computer labs are booked by ELA and Math teachers for students to work on district mandated programs, sign up for a lab and allow students to explore an assigned topic.

3.       Assign a Hands-On Project – If you don’t give kids something to do, they will find something to do. Keep those little hands busy with projects. If you’re secondary check out: http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/100-hands-on-activities-for-middle-school-and-high-school/

Elementary teachers take a look at: http://www.playdoughtoplato.com/stem-activities-for-kids/

There are also a plethora of ideas on Pinterest.

Hang on just a little while longer, your break is closer than you think. 

Nobody Ever Told Me That…

            Teaching is such a vast field ranging from different subject areas to different age groups. I recently spoke with a first year teacher that needed to vent. As she listed tasks she never anticipated doing, I reflected back on my own laundry list of items that caused stress. Here’s a few things your professor didn’t tell you:

You Raise Children

            Your college professor probably didn’t tell you that you would raise children. Yes you will teach and remind them often to use their manners. You’ll teach them how to interact with others and how to treat their friends. Respect is a requirement and you make them say,” yes ma’am and no sir.” Some days clothing will need adjusting because it doesn’t meet the dress code criteria. It’s possible to find your inner artist as you explore the world of duct tape and its use in fashion. 

You will be VERY Tired        

            There will be days that you just want to go home and go to bed. Some days you will be asleep before the sun goes down. In addition to being tired, sometimes your body will be invaded by cooties carried by your little darlings. After morning duty, recess, teaching, lesson planning, and discipline you will need rest. 

You Wear Several Hats

            Your role extends far beyond teaching and lesson plans. Duty posts are assigned to make sure students are safe. You’ll find yourself taking on tasks that you didn’t even consider yourself equipped to handle. Coaching responsibilities will magically land on your to-do list, especially if you’re a female and a position is open like…cheerleading. 

You’ll find your Inner Iyanla

            I’m sure the classes included in your teacher education program didn’t cover life coaching. In order to effectively teach a child, it’s important to know that child. Sometimes you’ll have to cheer them up or listen to what happened over the weekend. You’ll wipe tears and give hugs. Other times, you’ll be stern and offer advice from your own life lessons. 

You Will Have to Say, “Good Bye”

            One of the most challenging experiences is the loss of a student. Over the years, I’ve had to say good-byes due to illness, car accidents, and suicide. When you get a chance to get close to them, it’s very difficult. It’s a challenge to see a name on your roster and the next day it’s no longer there. 

As you reflect on your own duties, allow the times that are most rewarding to outweigh the challenges. Your contribution to your school, students, and community is extremely valuable. As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, I would like to thank you for every tear you wiped, every hug good-bye, and every day that you show up to teach.

Formal or Just Fun?

Formal or Just Fun?

Today’s educational apps and sites create several opportunities for teachers to quickly assess student progress. Formative assessments are checks after teaching and during units to gauge student understanding. They can be used for the purpose of reteaching or to identify students that may need additional help. They also let teachers know what concepts students have grasped. Exit tickets and questioning are just a few strategies that are used often. The popularity of game sites are great resources for formative assessments and engaging for students. Here’s a bonus...they’re free.

Quizizz is one of my new favorite educational sites. Check it out at: www.quizizz.com ! Once students have played the teacher created game, an Excel spreadsheet is generated with details of student answers. The report yields a breakdown of the number of correct responses, number of attempts, and accuracy. The newest feature on Quizizz is that it can be added to the Google Classroom, so students do not have to enter the game code. This is a great feature when working with younger students.

Worried about not having time to create your own quiz? There are several quizzes already prepared by other teachers. The quiz bank has quizzes from all content areas.

Have you Quizizz”ed”??

It’s free! Give it a try!