February 2012 Goals
Accomplishments this Month
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
This month we continued the choices for 5th and 6th grade reading. I am trying to create something that is student centered for writing. I have to give writing probes each week and these students struggle with any writing prompt I give them. I have researched ad found a few different strategies. We have journals and I am trying to bring the joy of writing to them - so, so hard. I am using a lesson that will focus on auditory, visual, and kinesthetic/physical learning. Our first lesson is very simple. I am saying random words and they write down the first word that comes to mind (rhyming or not) We do this with a few words. I wrote down words with them. Something so simple - I have writers!!!! They laughed and laughed - making silly sentences out of their words - they were writing. Eventually they will use pictures, sounds, smells, etc. to write on their own. This will be included on our choices for reading and writing.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
The act of thinking of this goal and writing helps me grow. I am finally seeing myself - I get worked up at times - I want everyone to be happy and learn and, and, and - students being loud, disrespectful, off-task. I need to step back - not react. Think, model the behavior I want. . . . .slow, slow process. Relinquishing the power - huge!!!!
I am adding a goal. This is for me and my students. I am trying to get into the habit of making sure everything is relevant. My goal is to have a discussion with my self - daily and at least once per week with students.
This month is a struggle - some buy into it and some don’t. I am finding it difficult to grab all the students . . . work in progress. I also find it difficult at times to make it relevant. How does one make each lesson relevant? Hmmmmm . .
Well giving up the power has also helped with this. During our discussions and by me asking how it is relevant brings greater thought from the students. Simmering . . .
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
This month we continued the choices for 5th and 6th grade reading. I am trying to create something that is student centered for writing. I have to give writing probes each week and these students struggle with any writing prompt I give them. I have researched ad found a few different strategies. We have journals and I am trying to bring the joy of writing to them - so, so hard. I am using a lesson that will focus on auditory, visual, and kinesthetic/physical learning. Our first lesson is very simple. I am saying random words and they write down the first word that comes to mind (rhyming or not) We do this with a few words. I wrote down words with them. Something so simple - I have writers!!!! They laughed and laughed - making silly sentences out of their words - they were writing. Eventually they will use pictures, sounds, smells, etc. to write on their own. This will be included on our choices for reading and writing.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
The act of thinking of this goal and writing helps me grow. I am finally seeing myself - I get worked up at times - I want everyone to be happy and learn and, and, and - students being loud, disrespectful, off-task. I need to step back - not react. Think, model the behavior I want. . . . .slow, slow process. Relinquishing the power - huge!!!!
I am adding a goal. This is for me and my students. I am trying to get into the habit of making sure everything is relevant. My goal is to have a discussion with my self - daily and at least once per week with students.
This month is a struggle - some buy into it and some don’t. I am finding it difficult to grab all the students . . . work in progress. I also find it difficult at times to make it relevant. How does one make each lesson relevant? Hmmmmm . .
Well giving up the power has also helped with this. During our discussions and by me asking how it is relevant brings greater thought from the students. Simmering . . .