If you have been paying attention to the transition to common core, you know that collaborative conversations between students are ESSENTIAL to student learning. Learning is social; always has been, always will be. And quality teachers know that quality lessons should include all 4 components of literacy: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (Some might argueContinue reading “Constructive Conversations”
Category Archives: Classroom Environment
Penny Kittle Says It All
This is a stand alone post, something that should be viewed and reflected upon at the beginning of the school year. Thank you, Penny Kittle. Take 5 minutes to sit and listen. Thoughts?
Welcome Back Everyone!
Here we go again, people! It’s time for another school year. (For those that work at a year-round school, you might have long since settled into your classrooms. Hope it’s going well.) As I mentioned before, I have taken on a new role this year as an instructional coach. I’m currently on Day 6 andContinue reading “Welcome Back Everyone!”
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to a new school year! I know many of you are just now getting into “school mode”, but those of us that teach at year round schools have been at it since the beginning of June. This year I am still teaching 5th grade, but a HUGE change has occurred. I am nowContinue reading “Welcome Back!”
My New and Improved Library
Thanks to a wonderful teacher friend, my library arrangement has been significantly enhanced! Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a little “crazy” about my class library. I think “crazy” in a good way meaning I’m always trying to get more books for the kids, add little displays, rugs, chairs, etc. I just wantContinue reading “My New and Improved Library”
Thank you, Rafe Esquith.
Code of Ethics Levels I’ve been meaning to write about this man, his book, and the things I learned from it for a while now. There is so much in this book that it would be impossible to cover in one post. I will focus now on his interpretation of Kohlberg’s Levels of MoralContinue reading “Thank you, Rafe Esquith.”
Kid President, I Love You!
Okay, okay… I know I’m supposed to be planning right now, but I just watched another one of this kid’s videos and I cannot help, but share. If you haven’t seen his videos, do yourself a favor and find him on youtube.com. My personal favorite was one shared by our principal at a staff meeting.Continue reading “Kid President, I Love You!”
Class Set Up
Really quickly—- just going to post some pictures of my new classroom. Once my student work starts going up, I’ll spend more time explaining each part of the classroom. I LOVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT! Students love when they can read at places other than their desks. The Writing Wall — now complete with pictures ofContinue reading “Class Set Up”
Cortez Corner 