Introducing the WOW Binder! It's WOW. I can't take credit for it, I didn't invent it, but whoever did is a genius. There are many variations of a take home folder/binder out there, but this is by far my favorite. Let me introduce you to...THE WOW BINDER! WOW= We Organize Work. Start with a 1.5'' white binder. When you open the WOW binder, the first thing you will see is the directions page. On the backside of the directions page, I have a nine weeks skills checklist. The front inside cover of the binder holds our weekly newsletter. After the directions page and skills checklist, there is a zippered pencil pouch (see through). Next is the parent communication notebook. This is a terrible picture, but next in the binder are 5 pocket dividers. Here is a reading log! To end our tour, the last item in the WOW binder is The Reading Briefcase. So, that's the WOW binder!
Become an Organized Teacher with 3 Simple Binders With every new year comes new goals and resolutions. Last summer, I decided my new school year goal would be to tackle the piles and piles of paperwork that are always overtaking my desk. Admittedly, I am a naturally messy person. The paraprofessionals in my classroom (who I cannot live without) have learned this and do not attempt to go behind my desk as they know they may get lost in my piles. When we rang in 2012 (ok, I was asleep…) I knew that I would really need to focus on getting my classroom organized so that I when it comes time for me to go out on maternity leave in March, someone else can take over without too much confusion. Being a special education teacher requires an extra level of organization due to all of the IEP paperwork. Since my reorganization effort, I have begun to use binders to manage all of the important documents that I need be easily accessible while I’m teaching and readily available for meetings. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Mindfulness for Teachers
What makes an interactive whiteboard interactive? I was recently asked by a principal how he could tell during classroom visits if a teacher was using the Smartboard "effectively." A pretty good question. While popular (2007, 2010, interactive white boards (IWBs) are controversial even (or especially) among technology enthusiasts. The major complaint is that the use of these devices reinforces the "sage on the stage" teaching methodology. "The IWB is little more than a fancy overhead projector and its touch sensitive screen is only used to save the teacher a couple steps back to the computer to change a slide." seems to be sentiment in the constructivist camp of techno-pundits. But many advocates of this technology (myself included), see IWBs as genuine means of bringing more interactivity, more student-focus into classrooms of traditional teachers. What we don't want to forget is that someone who is coaching a teacher is not really looking for "good technology use" but for just good educational practices.
Unique Teaching Resources: Lesson Plans, Book Report Projects, Bulletin Board Displays April 2010 A hectic week in the heat, an early morning flight, and the tail end of a tummy bug (and OK, I admit it, a dose of Infant Tylenol) resulted in the best case scenerio for us (and the bazillion and one other passengers on Southwest Flight 174)...sleeping babies. As in, out cold for 2.5 hours of a 2.75 hour flight. It was the traveling twin mama jackpot. While I was not able to enjoy a magazine or even an itty-bitty pouch of peanuts, I did enjoy some wonderful, quiet cuddle time. Given the alternative possibility of 2.75 hours of screaming babies, poopy diapers at 30,000 feet and/or angry seatmates, I was thrilled. I used that time to just sit and think. I started to think about school and the fact that the year would start winding down. I started to realize that there was only 8-9 weeks left until summer vacation. And then the realization hit. There is so much that needs to happen in those 8-9 weeks. So I thought today would be a good day to blog about pacing yourself. 1. 2. 3. 3. 4.
{Soap Box Organizers} We are toy-organizing crazy around here, with bins, tubs, boxes, labels...you name it. Organizing simply makes me swoooooooon! All is right with my world when things are organized. There are always a few things though that don't seem to fit into the places you want them to go for one reason or another. Enter: the Plastic Travel Soap Dish Walmart, $1 store, etc....CHEAP. I got interested in soap boxes many years ago when I was a Kindergarten teacher. (16 crayons...and more will fit if you like.) As a Mommy, you also know that crayons can be an essential part of waiting rooms, grocery stores, or the BMV. :) I've made a Crayon Roll-Up to suit those needs for my own kiddo, but if I had 4 kids I'm not sure that would be time or cost-effective. So what I've discovered is that soap boxes are COOL! Our #1 use for a travel soap box at home is for playing cards: You know how the box never stays together for very long? Here are a few other uses I came up with for these little life savers: First Aid
10 Ways to be a Terrible Teacher Teaching is a noble calling. That is why when a teacher doesn't behave nobly it breaks trust and we get upset. I have to admit that I've had days as a "TT" (Terrible Teacher.) If we're honest with ourselves, we all have. So, today, I'll share a few of the things I think make a teacher terrible. Stop and Be Excellent Some of you will be shocked that I've taken my positive tone out of this post. Sometimes knowing what to do means we also know what NOT to do. 10- The teacher is always on their cell phone. 9 - The teacher is always on the computer or not paying attention. I knew a teacher who used to sew on her sewing machine during class. 8- The teacher is always losing his/her temper or is predictably dramatic. The predictably dramatic could be when you get soooooooo mad you jump on your desk. 7- The Teacher shares private student information publicly NEVER call grades out loud - even for the top students. Let me tell you something. 2- The Teacher whose words mean nothing.
Placement Tests Step 1: Giving the Reading Placement Assessments (Grades K - Middle School) If you are uncertain which assessment to administer, use this guideline: If your student will be: 5 years old this fall, give the Basic Phonics Assessment. 6 years old this fall, give the Advanced Phonics Assessment. 7 years old this fall, give Reading Assessment 1. 8 years old this fall, give Reading Assessment 2 Part A and Part B. 9 years old this fall, give Reading Assessment 3 Part A and Part B. 10 years old this fall, give Reading Assessment 4 Part A and Part B. 11 years old this fall, give Reading Assessment 5 Part A and Part B. 12 years old or higher this fall, give Reading Assessment 6. NOTE: Placement test guidelines were updated and new tests were added/replaced on April 6, 2005. If you downloaded and administered a test just prior to that date, you may want to re-administer the tests, following the new guidelines and taking the updated tests. Reading Placement Tests Language Skills Placement Tests
CRCSD - Action Research PDSA - Overview Learn more about quality and continuous improvement... read the blog! Another component of the continuous improvement classroom is the utilization of the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle (also called Action Research). PDSA is a systematic, data driven 7 step process. -Define The System: What system do I want to improve? The PDSA cycle can be used to improve processes at the District, school, classroom and individual student level.
Teacher Binder Update: I gave in and bought a cutesy calendar for this next school year! Note to self-stay away from Target :) Here is one of the ideas incorporated into my year so far, a teacher organization binder. I carry it with me to all my meetings, holds all my grades, calendars and student information. I might add more to it later but this is what I remember needing most. Enjoy and please let me know if you think of something to add to it :) Inside of binder.
20 Ways to Create a Healthy Faculty Environment In honor of Edutopia's 20th anniversary, we're producing a series of Top 20 lists, from the practical to the sublime. When a classroom "works" it is a powerful place to be. While the students ultimately make these moments, talented educators need to set the stage for success. The same can be said of harmonious faculty and staff relations. A building full of talented people does not guarantee a comfortable place to grow as an educator. In honor of Edutopia's 20th anniversary, here are 20 ways to cultivate a healthy faculty environment: Faculty Meetings 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Faculty Lounge 6. 7. 8. Professional Respect 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Information Technology 14. 15. 16. Beyond Campus 17. 18. 19. 20. What tips do you have for creating a safe place to learn and teach?
My teaching manifesto for 2013 Manifestos are big around the web at the moment. I'm not adverse to jumping on a bandwagon, so I've written my own. Here is my personal teaching manifesto for 2013: What about you? Do you have any resolutions for the new year?