The teacher I spoke of earlier this week had another idea I wanted to jot down...
She uses composition notebooks as class folders. She has the students number each right hand page. She then has them make tabs for the following labels and attach them to the composition notebook.
Table of Contents: (First page - unnumbered)
Toolbox: pg.1
Warm-Ups: pg. 15
Notes: pg. 60
Writing: pg. 75
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
On the wall...
This teacher amazed me. I was copying down every poster she had. She finally said "I can email those to you." and I was sold. The nice thing... most of this stuff came from Pinterest!!!
so... here we go!!!!
Teacher
Definition: Talking: (verb)
1. Your mouth is moving and there is any kind of sound coming
out. This includes talking to yourself,
talking to somebody else, whispering, singing, laughing or making sound
effects.
2. Your body is making
movements or motions in an attempt to communicate or distract somebody
else. This includes waving, hand
signals, or rotating your body away from the speaker.
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| http://pinterest.com/pin/207728601535754383/ |
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| http://pinterest.com/pin/138626494752711753/ |
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| http://pinterest.com/pin/111112315778809986/ |
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| http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735120541808/ |
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Baseline
Friday was my first day back to work this school year.
My favorite part of subbing is going back to see students I haven't seen since before summer. That is exactly what happened on this visit. A teacher, for whom I have never subbed, requested me because the students asked for me, and the administrational staff backed up the request. I was so humbled, honored and excited all at once.
When I did my application interview AGES ago, I was asked to describe the greatest thing about teaching. I can't choose just one, there are over 35,000: the students, and the staff of the schools. Everyday I meet someone new, develop a relationship, and appreciate the newfound friend. Even more than that, I come to understand more fully that each of these students and teachers are children of a loving Heavenly Father. To see them as such changes the whole paradigm of teaching. It is truly a blessing!
My best practice for today: At the beginning of the semester, choose an opinion topic and have the 7th graders write an essay based upon prior knowledge. This formative assignment will help the educator determine a baseline as to the student's ability. From there, you can watch progression and develop curriculum and assignments encouraging the students to get better.
I've thought about what my baseline should be this year. Last year, it was my goal to work when I was available to do so, and to earn what we needed to make ends meet. As I reviewed what we needed for income this year, with some major events coming up, I determined that I need to up my game a bit.
Goals for this year:
My favorite part of subbing is going back to see students I haven't seen since before summer. That is exactly what happened on this visit. A teacher, for whom I have never subbed, requested me because the students asked for me, and the administrational staff backed up the request. I was so humbled, honored and excited all at once.
When I did my application interview AGES ago, I was asked to describe the greatest thing about teaching. I can't choose just one, there are over 35,000: the students, and the staff of the schools. Everyday I meet someone new, develop a relationship, and appreciate the newfound friend. Even more than that, I come to understand more fully that each of these students and teachers are children of a loving Heavenly Father. To see them as such changes the whole paradigm of teaching. It is truly a blessing!
My best practice for today: At the beginning of the semester, choose an opinion topic and have the 7th graders write an essay based upon prior knowledge. This formative assignment will help the educator determine a baseline as to the student's ability. From there, you can watch progression and develop curriculum and assignments encouraging the students to get better.
I've thought about what my baseline should be this year. Last year, it was my goal to work when I was available to do so, and to earn what we needed to make ends meet. As I reviewed what we needed for income this year, with some major events coming up, I determined that I need to up my game a bit.
Goals for this year:
- Remember that each student and staff member is a child of God.
- Work at least 4 days per week, by accepting requests to teach and checking the computer systems when I don't already have an assigned job.
- Promote the rewards systems at the schools while I am there.
- Be better about classroom management.
- Stay on my feet whenever there are students in the room.
- Follow the protocols exactly.
- Keep my excited attitude about my job. I truly love what I do and I need to remember that.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Simplicity
I recently taught in a 3rd grade classroom. Since I usually prefer the middle levels, this was a change up - welcome, I might add - and let me use some of those versatility skills I mentioned last week.
The classroom teacher left 1 page of notes - back and front - with times and materials. They were simple and easy to manage. I could carry around the one sheet and follow along. (Not that I don't love the details, which she left in her VERY organized substitute teacher binder...) She is also a sticky note person, and a paper clip person (right up my alley!), so I was able to make notes to give back to her. She had the materials all lined up along the back counter, or in the spots I would need them...
Then, she had her classroom routines set up so the students knew their expectations, and completed them without any fuss. I was so impressed with the day to day preparation of this educator because it makes my job so much easier. When teachers set up good patterns, the students are more likely to behave appropriately (there are always exceptions... I know).
With only a half hour to prepare for teaching assignments, I love when I can pick up a piece of paper, scan the room and everything is ready to go. It gives me breathing room, and I like that!
I must give a shout out to the support received at this school! The para-educators were fantastic, and the administration stopped in regularly to check on things! Fantastic!
The classroom teacher left 1 page of notes - back and front - with times and materials. They were simple and easy to manage. I could carry around the one sheet and follow along. (Not that I don't love the details, which she left in her VERY organized substitute teacher binder...) She is also a sticky note person, and a paper clip person (right up my alley!), so I was able to make notes to give back to her. She had the materials all lined up along the back counter, or in the spots I would need them...
Then, she had her classroom routines set up so the students knew their expectations, and completed them without any fuss. I was so impressed with the day to day preparation of this educator because it makes my job so much easier. When teachers set up good patterns, the students are more likely to behave appropriately (there are always exceptions... I know).
With only a half hour to prepare for teaching assignments, I love when I can pick up a piece of paper, scan the room and everything is ready to go. It gives me breathing room, and I like that!
I must give a shout out to the support received at this school! The para-educators were fantastic, and the administration stopped in regularly to check on things! Fantastic!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What's on the board?
Today's post is pretty basic.
It describes the importance of posting expectations where students can see, and positively respond, to them.
The teacher for whom I filled in wrote the assignments, objectives, agenda, everything on the board. When the students asked for what was next, all I had to do was point. GREAT THINGS!
Even when I changed the schedule, it was still visible, and the students adjusted smoothly.
One of my favorite activities as a sub is "work time". Basically, I write all of their assignments up on the board, and then work with individuals or small groups while the other students go through the list. In my experience, this has been a very positive way to get things turned in, and to teach students about "real-world life." It isn't often that we are given just one task to complete. Often, we are taught that we must do several things. Prioritizing, and then following the list is a key procedure many don't know. I love teaching this simple skill, or reinforcing this simple skill, when I guest teach!
It describes the importance of posting expectations where students can see, and positively respond, to them.
The teacher for whom I filled in wrote the assignments, objectives, agenda, everything on the board. When the students asked for what was next, all I had to do was point. GREAT THINGS!
Even when I changed the schedule, it was still visible, and the students adjusted smoothly.
One of my favorite activities as a sub is "work time". Basically, I write all of their assignments up on the board, and then work with individuals or small groups while the other students go through the list. In my experience, this has been a very positive way to get things turned in, and to teach students about "real-world life." It isn't often that we are given just one task to complete. Often, we are taught that we must do several things. Prioritizing, and then following the list is a key procedure many don't know. I love teaching this simple skill, or reinforcing this simple skill, when I guest teach!
Two Stars and a Wish
Latest and greatest of best practices -
A computer class has each student write a blog. They reinforce computer use, typing and learn appropriate etiquette and behavior online. They can also learn safety. I was very impressed with this idea.
With regard to the comments on the posts, the students were asked to use a "Two Stars and a Wish" mentality - 2 things they really liked about the post they read, and one thing they wish the writer had done. AMAZING!!!
A computer class has each student write a blog. They reinforce computer use, typing and learn appropriate etiquette and behavior online. They can also learn safety. I was very impressed with this idea.
With regard to the comments on the posts, the students were asked to use a "Two Stars and a Wish" mentality - 2 things they really liked about the post they read, and one thing they wish the writer had done. AMAZING!!!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Administration Support
Substitute teaching is fraught with peril. Every so often, you will get a school/students that would test the patience of even Mother Theresa.
That is why I devote this post to the administrators who support substitute teachers.
A recent teaching assignment brought me to a school reputed as difficult for substitute teachers. While I had negative experiences in the past, this most recent was AMAZING! The principal and vice-principal took turns stopping in to each of my class periods. They would check in with me through eye-contact or a brief conversation, then walk around to see what the students were up to.
Now.. I know what you are going to say... "I don't want them in MY class..." you say.
I do...
If they want to come - let 'em. First of all... It isn't YOUR class. It is THEIR SCHOOL. They know the students better than the substitute teacher, and they are there to make sure that you CAN do your job! They will provide support and help, and they will back you up when you need it. Furthermore, because the students are familiar with them, they can remind the students about appropriate behavior and expectations.
Even better than that.. they can observe your teaching and offer you helpful hints, comments, and maybe even a bit of praise! For a substitute teacher, evaluations don't happen often, so take the opportunity to perfect your craft!
An added bonus that day - an instructional coach stopped by to check on one of the class periods. She observed the beginning of my lesson, and the students interactions with me. While her presence was brought about because the students had given the substitute teacher the day before a rough time, she did not stay more than 10 minutes, telling me on her way out that I had "good energy, a positive attitude and great interaction with the students." It made my whole day!
.
Appreciate the administrators! They are there to help you, just as you are there to help them!
That is why I devote this post to the administrators who support substitute teachers.
A recent teaching assignment brought me to a school reputed as difficult for substitute teachers. While I had negative experiences in the past, this most recent was AMAZING! The principal and vice-principal took turns stopping in to each of my class periods. They would check in with me through eye-contact or a brief conversation, then walk around to see what the students were up to.
Now.. I know what you are going to say... "I don't want them in MY class..." you say.
I do...
If they want to come - let 'em. First of all... It isn't YOUR class. It is THEIR SCHOOL. They know the students better than the substitute teacher, and they are there to make sure that you CAN do your job! They will provide support and help, and they will back you up when you need it. Furthermore, because the students are familiar with them, they can remind the students about appropriate behavior and expectations.
Even better than that.. they can observe your teaching and offer you helpful hints, comments, and maybe even a bit of praise! For a substitute teacher, evaluations don't happen often, so take the opportunity to perfect your craft!
An added bonus that day - an instructional coach stopped by to check on one of the class periods. She observed the beginning of my lesson, and the students interactions with me. While her presence was brought about because the students had given the substitute teacher the day before a rough time, she did not stay more than 10 minutes, telling me on her way out that I had "good energy, a positive attitude and great interaction with the students." It made my whole day!
.
Appreciate the administrators! They are there to help you, just as you are there to help them!
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