Video:
An Example of Effective Classroom Management
I find that students are often successful working
independently and with partners when the task at hand is engaging, fun, but
also obtainable. In the video, the students were on task and able to make
progress. I like how one lady shared that it is important to not “over work”
our students. As a teacher, we need to give them enough questions/prompts to
either one, understand that they know the skill, or two, they need remediation.
I also find that students work better in literacy centers when the activities
are not worksheets but more so hands-on/manipulating review games.
Video: Using Literacy
Centers to Strengthen Reading and Writing Instruction
As any guided math or reading instruction, whole group, small
groups and one on one instruction are all necessary for successful instruction.
I love the question posed dealing with what the rest of the class/students do while you, the teacher, is working
with a small group or individual students. Students should be work in literacy
centers, displaying what they have been learning and working on through various
activities. It is never busy work, which should never be the goal of a
successful teacher anyway. Aligned with the new Common Core, these activities
completed through literacy centers should focus on reading, writing, speaking
and listening.
Video: Designs for Balanced
Literacy
I really liked how the teacher in this video arranged her
classroom in groups to foster collaborative thinking and team building skills.
I have done this more this year, and I am amazed at the difference in work
ethics and abundance of depth conversations my students are having. In my
classroom, much like this teacher, I allow my students to use supplies that
they were not able to purchase openly and even “check out” books in my personal
classroom library. I find that it is important for students to feel a sense of belonging-ness and self-worth in their “home away from home”. Structure is KEY.
I love it. In addition, I love how she mentioned about collaborating with your
team. This has been one of the best parts of being where I am. The 5th
grade team welcomed me in last year, some had their doubts, but through our
team work and support of one another, we are a strong and solid team.
Video: Space and Places
I NEED this book. This is so me and what I enjoy doing in my
classroom. I am always rearranging my classroom, especially the student’s desks.
I typically draw it out, like Spaces and
Places described. Also, I would love to see what the book had to say about
organizing your classroom, particularly at the end of the year or when having
to pack everything up. This will definitely be a book I look into purchasing.
