Wow...my first two weeks of summer were purely recuperative. How about yours?
I finally feel like I've got my energy and stamina back...just in time to start planning for next year!
image via someecards
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Can I get an amen? Wow...my first two weeks of summer were purely recuperative. How about yours? I finally feel like I've got my energy and stamina back...just in time to start planning for next year! image via someecards
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I promised myself this summer break that I'd spend at least one hour a day engaged in some kind of professional development: join a Summer Learning Challenge on Twitter, revise my PLN, align my curriculum maps with the CCSS, etc. Like the meandering days of summer tend to do to a person, however, I've found myself sticking less to the "plan" and veering down the side roads instead of sticking to the guided path. And what that means is that I've found myself time-sucked into the mighty Pinterest vortex. I'm not the first teacher to use Pinterest as a professional development tool, and don't get me wrong--it's been an incredibly useful resource. (Never underestimate the power of a teacher's need to collaborate!) It's just that Pinterest probably gets a pretty bad rap when it comes to PD because of its "cutesy" layout--and compared to the serious nature of my Twitter PLN, it probably is. Still, I've found Pinterest provides some very practical applications for classroom use. One of those practical applications is the Interactive Student Notebook (ISN). I hadn't heard of these until last week, and now I'm hooked. ISNs provide for purposeful, student-owned, creative, and useful critical thinking, which makes them perfect for use with the CCSS, and they can be used in ANY subject at ANY grade level. Basically, an ISN is a regular spiral-bound notebook or binder in which students keep traditional notes on one side of the notebook, but they also paste in graphic organizers, flippables, and foldables on the other side. Here are some examples: image via ohmohamed image via sciencenotebooking image via teachingsocialstudiesandlanguagearts And here's an image of the basic overall concept of an ISN: image via 4mulafun What I love about these notebooks is that it's a combination of technology (graphic organizers and such) and traditional learning (notebooks). It also places the onus of learning where it should be: on our students. If you're looking to transform one thing in your classroom for next year, then this is the thing to do. It will take some planning, but, hey, that's what our summers are for, right? :-) RESOURCES top image via someecards UPDATE: Closely aligned with the idea of interactive notebooks is the concept of visual notetaking, which is also becoming increasingly popular. Teacher Vikki Davis outlines the art of effective notetaking here.
So much for taking the week off, but I just can't stay away from Pinterest. I wouldn't say it's my "serious" source for professional development (that's Twitter), but it's still a fun place to visit--kind of like visiting the amusement park after a long day in the office. Anyway, I was randomly perusing the "education" section last night with no end goal in mind (I'm on a break, mind you), and I came across some items that made me think of my dear colleague and friend, Mary S. the 4/5/6 math teacher. Her biggest concern this year was that her students weren't retaining what they were being taught. Now, Mary's one of the most dedicated teachers I know and her passion for teaching math is worn there right on her sleeve., so it was tough to see her so dejected. However, I'm not a math teacher and couldn't think of any way to help her. Better late than never...at least she can get a head start on the next school year! Here's what I just emailed her. Even if you're not a math teacher, these innovative lesson ideas can be applied across all subject areas. Interactive Math Journals I don't know if you use math journals, but from what I've been reading, they're a GREAT way to increase retention, AND they take some of the burden off of teachers in that kids take more ownership of their learning.
Mrs. White's 6th Grade Math Blog Mrs. White is definitely on to something here. This simple blog is for her students to use. She keeps it simple, posting homework and videos she created on an interactive whiteboard or found online. It's a GREAT resource for the kids to use, and it keeps them accountable! 4mulafun This math teacher has "a passion for differentiated Instruction including Interactive notebooks, workstations & individualized learning" Rundes Room This woman has her act together; she's got great ideas ALL OVER the place, no matter what subject you teach. Follow her! Who knows what other information for a subject I don't teach I'll find on Pinterest tonight? Any requests? image via (where else?) Pinterest As I mentioned in a previous post, Calvin & Hobbes is one of my (still) favorite comic strips, and this one seems especially appropriate at this time of year. I really need a break. My colleagues and I have spent the last month cleaning up and packing up, and not just for summer--but for good. Our school is closing at the end of the week. It's a sad thing readying a school for closure. What a mix of emotions! I'm angry and melancholy and bitter and grateful, and I'm trying to keep it together in front of the students on top of everything else. So, I'm definitely ready for summer vacation after this week. I'm ready to read books on my front porch. I'm ready to visit outdoor festivals and dine al fresco. I'm ready to sleep in. I'm ready to sit on a blanket and listen to local bands and watch outdoor movies at our local park. I'm ready for my dear friend's wedding to a great man who loves her. I'm ready to stick my toes in the sand and feel warm right through to my bones. I'm ready to spend unhurried hours with my two sons. I'm ready to drink wine on my best friend's deck and laugh until it hurts. I'm ready to feel a summer breeze float through my bedroom window. Right now, I'm ready to cry. But I know that soon, I'll be ready to squeeze every last luscious and satisfying drop out of my summer break. I'm feeling pretty blessed, despite everything. Enjoy your break, too. :-) Image via GoComics |
Stephanie DeMicheleEducational Consultant - Presenter - Instructional Coach Educational consultant + coach in Cleveland, Ohio sharing innovative technology ideas for educators.
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