Blog 5

1     How will you address classroom management in the final weeks of school?  Will you change anything?  What kinds of positive incentive plans will you implement in your classroom?  How will you communicate it to students and parents?

I don’t plan to change the management of my classroom for the last weeks of school.  I have always expected my classroom rules to be adhered to and mutual respect for everyone in the classroom.  I will offer computer time for a few minutes if the kids have been working hard throughout the week.  I do not plan to make it a daily activity, it will be given once the kids have earned the “free time”, I don’t want it to become an expectation.  I did send a letter home with my students reminding parents of the fast pace of the final quarter and upcoming AIMS and that students should get plenty of rest, consistent attendance and be ready to finish strong.

Blog 4

1   How do you plan to implement active engagement strategies into your classroom?  How will this impact your instruction?

  

I really like the “think pair share” strategy.  It takes the stress away from a student who might not an answer.  It gives opportunity for students to share what they know and to learn from their peers what they might have missed in a lesson or comprehension.

Blog 3

1   How can you incorporate the STEM concepts to a particular project or lesson plan in your classroom (or a classroom you’ve been in)? 

 I observed a science class where the students made models of a cell.  I think they learned quite a bit from the hands on learning; hands on activities work well for most students, for this project the students were given the parts of a cell, they had to cut them out and glue them in the correct place while looking at a picture of a cell.  They had several types of learning going on in one project which reinforced their learning the concept.

Blog 2

1.     Have you had to go to your school counselor to assist in a situation?  What was your experience in working with the counselor?  Were you able to get the student or parent the resources they needed?  If you have not had an experience with a school counselor, after hearing this webinar what scares you the most about the topics discussed?  What thoughts did you have reflecting on the content of this webinar?  

I did have to go to my school counselor to assist me in making a CPS call.  There was a student with huge open welts on the backs of his legs.  It was my first year teaching and the whole thing was very upsetting to me.  I did not know if I was doing the right thing.  The counselor talked me through the process and assured me that anytime there is a concern of abuse, it is morally and ethically right to make the call.  I was also informed that if nothing out of the ordinary was noted the CPS worker would close the case and if it was legitimate then I was doing what was in the best interest of the child.I do not know what came after my call, as I have gained more experience, I know I did the right thing and I am glad I had the counselor to go to.

Blog 1

1 Common core and you.

     

     The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be relevant to the real world.