Welcome back everyone! I hope you enjoyed your time with family and are returning rejuvenated and energized to finish this last quarter of the year with the same passion you had back in August. I like to look at this time of the year as a time to experiment with ideas you have been wanting to try. For example, Meghan Mais is trying out genius hour in her classroom. Here is the exciting message she shared with parents:
When we come back from break, we will be starting something called Genius Hour. Some of you may have read about it, but if you have not, I will give you a run-down on what it entails. Genius Hour is one hour of class-time set aside each week where the kids have a chance to collaborate, work toward a common cause, use their talents and strengths, and get creative about something they are passionate about! We will come up with an idea as a class and they will have one hour per week to work on their projects. The possibilities are endless and totally driven by the kids. The goal of genius hour is to mold little innovators and creators- students who use inquiry and creativity to think for themselves and problem solve in ways they may not have before.
Before we start our BIG genius hour in a few weeks, we will be doing a smaller, intro version where we will be creating different types of transportation, asking and answering essential questions about them, etc. We just finished our unit on transportation, so the kids know a bit about it. I would love to have them create their projects using recycled goods such as cardboard boxes (tissues, cereal, shoe boxes, etc), paper towel and toilet paper rolls, straws, paper cups and really anything else they can think of or have on hand. Things like pipe cleaners, stickers, foam sticky shapes and things of that sort would also be great if you are interested in donating those as well. If you can save these items for us as you use them, we would LOVE it. Please send them in anytime during the next 2-3 weeks. The more the better!
I am so excited to start this with our little kiddos- there's nothing better than watching their little minds light up when they get excited about something! This is SUCH an authentic way to get them excited about school, boost self-esteem, and get them researching and thinking outside the box about things! I can't wait to get started.
Student to Student Feedback: Check out these two students having a quick peer conference. In this video, you get to see students critiquing one another’s work and helping make their work stronger. PS: The video is only 3 minutes!
Making Digital Portfolios Easier: Are you looking for ways for students to create digital portfolios? Or, are you looking for ways to make your student’s digital portfolios easier? Here is a quick read with some great ideas.
Your Shining Moment: Check out this super quick (1 minute) video on how a teacher uses student celebrations in their classroom.
DESE ELA Resources: link to DESE's ELA portion of the website with some great resources. (click on the green bar for grade-level resources)
Resources include:
- Grade-level writing prompts and scoring samples (this would be particularly beneficial for 5th & 8th grades right now)
- Grade level blueprints
- Grade level writing rubrics for the 3 genres
Here are some bulletin board ideas that might support an activity to go along with this video.
I also really like this goal setting bulletin board for writing (seen during our Crestwood learning walk). For the unit, the writing checklist is posted and then students set personal goals. Each time they use a strategy, they add a sticker to their goal sheet. Easy way to help students hold themselves accountable.
Feel free to share any of your ideas on ConcordU or in a response to this post. We would love to see how you are using goal setting in your classroom.
Garden Work Day-April 2nd 9-12
- Please send a copy of your conference schedule to Terri.
- Update student work in hallways and anchor charts.
Wednesday 3.30.16 Learning Visits-4th grade a.m. and 1st grade p.m.
Thursday 3.31.16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7
Friday 4.1.16 ½ day release @ 11:50, ½ day Conference Compensation day
Monday 4.4.16 Visitors from Mehlville in a.m., Major Saver Limo ride
Tuesday 4.5.16 PTG board meeting 9-11, Learning Visits-2nd grade a.m. and 3rd grade p.m.
Wednesday 4.6.16 Learning Visits-Kindergarten a.m. and 5th grade p.m., 2nd grade circus 6-7
Thursday 4.7.16 Learning Labs
Friday 4.8.16 Librarian’s Day, Kindergarten field trip to fire station
Angie Out:
Tuesday 3.29.16 Internal Interviews @ CO
Friday 4.8.16 1:00 Principal meeting @ Moore
