This week I had a proud moment with technology and curriculum integration. I serve on a tech team where we assist teachers with the implementation of technology in their lessons. One of the problems I see is that when teachers implement technology they often do it for "fun" or as a lesson hook... this can be great at times... but often times teachers do not understand how to authentically use technology to enhance core learning.
A new teacher came to me this week with a problem... her ELL students need more pictorial guides. They need to be front loaded with pictorial references and then have the ability to go back throughout the unit to refer to the pictures as a review.
She said she often uses Youtube videos as an introduction and stops along the way to discuss and ask questions. She asked if there was a way to give her students access to the videos with pictorial support that they can view at any time through the unit. She wanted them to be reminded about the discussions they had the first time it was used to front load information. She also wanted to avoid having inappropriate youtube ads pop up as her students went back for review.
We discussed her class needs and I showed her a video creation tool that sounded like it would fulfill her need, Zaption. She came after school for a quick 5 minute tutorial on how to create a video with Zaption.
She left my room excited and filled with ideas on how to use the tool to enhance her students resources.
Two days later, I got an email from the teacher that was full of !exclamation! marks... she was so excited because she was able to create a video to front-load material for her students. They used the stopping points as a whole class discussion. Then, the video was shared with students. Students were able to go back and reference the video as needed for scaffolding. The students thought it was "so cool" and it served an academic purpose.
This teacher found an area of need in her classroom and found and authentic way to use a fun tech tool to assist her students in the learning of core curriculum.
Now THAT my friends is a technology implementation WIN!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Welcome Autumn!
Today is the official end of summer as we fall into a new season, AUTUMN! As each season changes into another I find myself as excited as I was as a child. Each season is my "favorite" upon arrival. We are lucky to line in a place where we usually have each season and can feel and see the changes around us.
Looking forward to fall....
Crisp leaves,
Cool breeze,
Crunching sound under your feet.
Leaf piles,
kids jumping
a chill in the air
pumpkin patch
cider warming
pumpkins transforming
jack-o-lanterns glowing
a hay ride
filled with laughter
scarecrows placed on haybales
pumpkin patch
kids in costume
trick or treat
colored leaves
bare trees
Autumn has arrived!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Too Busy...
When did we get too busy to care?
It seems like no matter what month we are in, no matter which season it is, no matter how many or how few items are currently on the to do list ...we all remain in a constant state of busy.
We hardly have "time" to stop and socialize. We often get so wrapped up in checking things off the to do list and going from one meeting to the next that we often don't stop to check on each other. Some of these people I have worked with for years and I couldn't tell you what they face at the moment. If conversations derail from the current meeting or agenda we are often then forced to apologize for veering off topic and steer back on course. A substitute in our building last week asked why none of the teachers were eating in the teacher's lounge. I responded... "We are too busy."
Too busy.
Too busy to eat?
Too busy to socialize?
Too busy to allow ourselves to connect with those around us?
When did we get too busy?
How did we get too busy?
I have learned that the best and most productive meetings are in an environment where people feel comfortable. Sometimes a teacher has a headache and needs to not take the lead that day. Sometimes there is a sick kid at home and the teacher's mind is elsewhere.
We do not expect our students to learn and grow in our classrooms without nourishing their souls and making personal connections. We strive to create a culture of care with our kids. The same should be true of teachers. We are all people working on the same team toward the same goal.
Take a minute to ask how someone is doing and really listen to the answer.
You never know when someone may need to unload.
Next time you feel like you are too busy to make a personal connection ask yourself WHY?
After all, we are in the business of making personal connections.
It seems like no matter what month we are in, no matter which season it is, no matter how many or how few items are currently on the to do list ...we all remain in a constant state of busy.
We hardly have "time" to stop and socialize. We often get so wrapped up in checking things off the to do list and going from one meeting to the next that we often don't stop to check on each other. Some of these people I have worked with for years and I couldn't tell you what they face at the moment. If conversations derail from the current meeting or agenda we are often then forced to apologize for veering off topic and steer back on course. A substitute in our building last week asked why none of the teachers were eating in the teacher's lounge. I responded... "We are too busy."
Too busy.
Too busy to eat?
Too busy to socialize?
Too busy to allow ourselves to connect with those around us?
When did we get too busy?
How did we get too busy?
I have learned that the best and most productive meetings are in an environment where people feel comfortable. Sometimes a teacher has a headache and needs to not take the lead that day. Sometimes there is a sick kid at home and the teacher's mind is elsewhere.
We do not expect our students to learn and grow in our classrooms without nourishing their souls and making personal connections. We strive to create a culture of care with our kids. The same should be true of teachers. We are all people working on the same team toward the same goal.
Take a minute to ask how someone is doing and really listen to the answer.
You never know when someone may need to unload.
Next time you feel like you are too busy to make a personal connection ask yourself WHY?
After all, we are in the business of making personal connections.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
What's Happens in September?
September is when settlement happens.
*Students become acclimated with their teachers and peers.
*Teachers settle into a routine as they tackle their new block schedule.
*Teachers cultivate a community as learn about each of the members of their new tribe.
*The Christie community begins to shift their thinking about planning and how it should look.
*Thoughts of summer dissipate as fall starts to creep upon us.
*Routines are established.
*Expectations are set.
*Relationships are built and solidified.
*Classes dive into learning as students and teachers are pushed out of their comfort zones.
*There is noise and things that once looked brand new start to show signs of wear.
In all of this season of great change we must not forget the most important part of our job is to touch the heart and mind of a child. We must teach our students that building positive relationships and cultivating friendships is of equal importance to math and reading concepts. Working in groups and becoming a positive member of society should be a key focus throughout the year.
In September we are building communities, positive productive citizens, and instilling a love of learning. If these things aren't happening, then really what's the point? Students must feel valued before they will grasp and retain educational content.
So raise your water bottle (or coffee mug) and let's cheers to a September of settlement!
*Students become acclimated with their teachers and peers.
*Teachers settle into a routine as they tackle their new block schedule.
*Teachers cultivate a community as learn about each of the members of their new tribe.
*The Christie community begins to shift their thinking about planning and how it should look.
*Thoughts of summer dissipate as fall starts to creep upon us.
*Routines are established.
*Expectations are set.
*Relationships are built and solidified.
*Classes dive into learning as students and teachers are pushed out of their comfort zones.
*There is noise and things that once looked brand new start to show signs of wear.
In all of this season of great change we must not forget the most important part of our job is to touch the heart and mind of a child. We must teach our students that building positive relationships and cultivating friendships is of equal importance to math and reading concepts. Working in groups and becoming a positive member of society should be a key focus throughout the year.
In September we are building communities, positive productive citizens, and instilling a love of learning. If these things aren't happening, then really what's the point? Students must feel valued before they will grasp and retain educational content.
So raise your water bottle (or coffee mug) and let's cheers to a September of settlement!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Don't Judge On Construction
As you walk through the halls at Christie Elementary you will immediately notice streaks on the floors, bare bulletin boards, a courtyard that is "under construction," dirt pits on the playground, an impassible front drive, & many other indicators that we are not ready for school to start on Monday. In fact, finding a place to park among the construction vehicles and debris presents its own set of challenges.
When you look past the mess and start to observe the things happening around our school you see hard work, dedication, teamwork, and collaboration. Teams of teachers sitting together discussing how to plan, what to plan, and what will be best for their students. You see binders open to grave level TEKS, computers projecting weekly plans, TEs scattered, and educators fully engaged. Construction workers come in and out of the room sanding, painting, talking... and the teachers keep right on planning.
The TO DO lists of our teachers seems to grow longer every year... but you don't see anyone looking at their lists today.
We are a tech savvy school... but the phones have been put away.
We are all here for one greater purpose. We all have the same end goal, to grow our kids.We know what we have to do, and no matter what the building looks like... we will do it.
Our teachers were just told that they are not allowed to come to school this weekend because of last minute construction preparing for kids to arrive on Monday. One would think that they would be relieved to get the weekend off before the start of a busy year, but they are not. These teachers want everything to be perfect for the students entering their rooms. They wish for their classrooms to reflect the excitement and love they feel for their incoming students.
As I walk through the halls at Christie Elementary I feel pride. I can't wait to see what amazing things happen during the 2015-2016 school year.
When you look past the mess and start to observe the things happening around our school you see hard work, dedication, teamwork, and collaboration. Teams of teachers sitting together discussing how to plan, what to plan, and what will be best for their students. You see binders open to grave level TEKS, computers projecting weekly plans, TEs scattered, and educators fully engaged. Construction workers come in and out of the room sanding, painting, talking... and the teachers keep right on planning.
The TO DO lists of our teachers seems to grow longer every year... but you don't see anyone looking at their lists today.
We are a tech savvy school... but the phones have been put away.
We are all here for one greater purpose. We all have the same end goal, to grow our kids.We know what we have to do, and no matter what the building looks like... we will do it.
Our teachers were just told that they are not allowed to come to school this weekend because of last minute construction preparing for kids to arrive on Monday. One would think that they would be relieved to get the weekend off before the start of a busy year, but they are not. These teachers want everything to be perfect for the students entering their rooms. They wish for their classrooms to reflect the excitement and love they feel for their incoming students.
As I walk through the halls at Christie Elementary I feel pride. I can't wait to see what amazing things happen during the 2015-2016 school year.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
The End OR A New Beginning?
Around August 1st each year I start developing symptoms.. it's the same thing every year for the past 11 years....
*exhaustion by day and insomnia by night
*headaches
*lethargy and the desire to "do nothing"
*procrastination (but if I'm being honest this is a 24/7...365 symptom of just being me.)
I feel as if I were momentarily taken over by Grumpy the dwarf and I have to fight hard to not have an attitude with those around me...the ones I love most.
It hits me like a ton of bricks. It's when I stop sleeping that I then realize, summer is over.
No more waking up and slowly sipping my coffee while I watch my daughter explore the world.
No more traveling around to see family. No more lakes and beaches.
No more days spent at the pool.
No more spontaneity of plans, back to structure and routine.
No more staying up late.
No more free time.
No more being a stay at home mom.
But then I think about my job...
...the kids
...the teachers
...the admin
...about what I actually do
What is the real source of my stress? What am I worried about really?
I have built up this fantasy in my head about the summer break. A dark cloud lurks over August.
I will always cherish my summer vacations but with school starting comes a new beginning.
A chance to make a difference
A chance to reconnect with colleagues
Here is what I know for sure, when school begins...
I will laugh.
I will reconnect with friends that by the end of the year are more like family.
I will collaborate.
I will teach and they will learn.
I will watch as light bulbs of understanding flicker on a million times.
I will be part of something big.
I will have ideas that are unimaginable in August.
I We will dream and implement.
We will celebrate successes and work through failures.
We will grow together.
I must force myself to stop and reevaluate my body's response to the end of summer.... what am I so worried about?
After 11 years I know one thing for sure, I love my job. I love the kids.
Summer is over but will come again.
Now it's time to get my butt in gear and rev up for an amazing adventure.
BRING ON the 2015-2016 school year!
*exhaustion by day and insomnia by night
*headaches
*lethargy and the desire to "do nothing"
*procrastination (but if I'm being honest this is a 24/7...365 symptom of just being me.)
I feel as if I were momentarily taken over by Grumpy the dwarf and I have to fight hard to not have an attitude with those around me...the ones I love most.
It hits me like a ton of bricks. It's when I stop sleeping that I then realize, summer is over.
No more waking up and slowly sipping my coffee while I watch my daughter explore the world.
No more traveling around to see family. No more lakes and beaches.
No more days spent at the pool.
No more spontaneity of plans, back to structure and routine.
No more staying up late.
No more free time.
No more being a stay at home mom.
But then I think about my job...
...the kids
...the teachers
...the admin
...about what I actually do
What is the real source of my stress? What am I worried about really?
I have built up this fantasy in my head about the summer break. A dark cloud lurks over August.
I will always cherish my summer vacations but with school starting comes a new beginning.
A chance to make a difference
A chance to reconnect with colleagues
Here is what I know for sure, when school begins...
I will laugh.
I will reconnect with friends that by the end of the year are more like family.
I will collaborate.
I will teach and they will learn.
I will watch as light bulbs of understanding flicker on a million times.
I will be part of something big.
I will have ideas that are unimaginable in August.
We will celebrate successes and work through failures.
We will grow together.
I must force myself to stop and reevaluate my body's response to the end of summer.... what am I so worried about?
After 11 years I know one thing for sure, I love my job. I love the kids.
Summer is over but will come again.
Now it's time to get my butt in gear and rev up for an amazing adventure.
BRING ON the 2015-2016 school year!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Engineering Expo
We are gearing up for the Engineering Expo on May 21st! The students are busy making their way through the engineering design process. Below are the details of this exciting event! We invite you to join us as our Christie Cubs present their engineering projects.. it's sure to be riveting!
The students have all been given a TEK connected problem to solve. They are working through the design process below and are fully engaged in the task of creating and improving their prototypes.
Check out this second grade class as they work through the challenge to create a toy that will move on its own. https://vine.co/v/eKrK3xX6AOB
We hope you will join us for this exciting event!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)