We would love to have educators join the conversation on Monday, January 8th at 7 PM for the Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools premiere Twitter edChat. We will be discussing student service learning with guest, Friar Matt Foley! #ShareTheGood #AOBCatholicSchools #RiseAbove
Tag Archives: Student
Join #AOBEDCHAT Premiere January 8th with Guest Fr. Matt Foley
Filed under Curriculum Resources, Twitter edChat
iPad Apps for Creative and Fun Learning Presented by Local Teacher
I was listening to one of my teachers present today to my faculty of 40 and thought that the apps shared were so good that I would share them with our Unlock the Teacher blog readers. I feel blessed to work in a building with such creative energy and passion for teaching and work with a professional development team at Unlock the Teacher LLC that I sometimes have to pause…and remember to whom much is given, much will be expected. Thank you to all the teachers out there who sacrifice and share their time and talent for our children…our future!
Class Dojo: www.classdojo.com (FREE App)
- Great visual for student and teacher; keeps students engaged
- Program has the ability to email parents a graph of behavior data
Showing Student Growth
ThreeRing: www.threering.com (FREE App)
- Capture student work in a virtual portfolio
- Take a picture, audio or video
- Share with parents and peers
- Students can upload various works
Quizlet: www.quizlet.com (FREE App)
- Set up vocabulary flashcards
- Students can access cards from any SMART device
- Do NOT need access to Internet once cards are downloaded
A+Pro: www.A+Pro.com (FREE App)
- Similar to Quizlet
- Flashcard application
- Cards can be placed in groups or topics…great for vocabulary or research papers 🙂
- Cards can be separated into “know”, “unsure” or “don’t know” piles to help with memorization
Educreations: www.educreation.com (FREE App)
- Ability to make presentation videos with voice over…FUN!
- Great to use when student is absent from a class
- Students can create presentations to demonstrate mastery…THINK Bloom’s Taxonomy
If you have some great apps for learning, please share. It is in the collaborative process that we all learn! When we share what we know, the students benefit.
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
P.S. Thank you Karina for allowing me to share with our Unlock the Teacher readers. Mucho Gracias!
Filed under IPad Apps for Learning
An Innovative Program for Helping Students Succeed…Sharing the Good in Education
One school’s approach to ensure educational resources are available for students.
St. Regis Educare – An Innovative Program for Helping Students Succeed
St. Regis Educare (SRE) is a newly created program serving the students of St. Regis Catholic Elementary and Academy, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The SRE program is staffed by three certified teachers who are dedicated to supporting the varied needs of St. Regis students. Based on the premise that each student has unique gifts and talents, with different learning styles and academic abilities, SRE supports teachers in providing differentiated instruction within and outside the classroom.
In keeping with the St. Regis mission: Respect, Educate, Give, Inspire, and Support, SRE is dedicated to respecting individual students’ needs and supporting and inspiring them to reach their fullest academic potential.
The service provided in this program is more than a library of resources for teachers and parents. It is more than a place where students can come for help with their homework. It is a professionally staffed center for learning, where students attend workshops, join literature circles, compete in Math competitions, and follow academic plans designed specifically to meet their individual needs.
SRE Services
St. Regis Educare provides three different types of assistance/enrichment for students. They work with individuals and small groups needing assistance or enrichment in academic subject areas. They provide workshops to help students with concepts such as grammar or study skills, and work with individuals and small groups on specific skills such as comprehension strategies or counting money. In order to make the concepts they are enhancing engaging, they integrate technology, and utilize manipulatives, hands-on activities, and use modeling to help students achieve their goals.
With all this, they also provide the following benefits for teachers: assessments, which they will design and/or administer upon request; a central repository for teacher resources and reference books; and documented processes and forms to make using our services less complicated. To help bridge the ever widening need between parent and school, they provide a central repository for parent resources, and are in the process of planning workshops for parents, so they can learn new ways to help their children succeed in school.
Development of the Program
This school year, St. Regis Educare has evolved from an idea and an empty office, into a focal point of learning for students in need of assistance or enrichment, as well as a central location for student, teacher, and parent resources.
Some highlights include:
- A room that is now both inviting and functional for assisting students
- Resource materials, games, technology, and manipulatives that are arranged by subject matter on labeled shelves for easy access
- Documented processes and forms that are based on research of best practices and collaboration with professionals both in and outside the school
- An extensive list of services designed to meet the varied needs of our students
As of this writing, at least one student or group from every grade, is being serviced by SRE, and they have had an abundance of positive comments from students, parents, and teachers who are grateful for the expertise and supportive of this team’s efforts. It is too soon in the development of the program to provide concrete results; however, I plan to monitor this program’s progress …stay tuned!
If your school or community is doing something great to help students, teachers or parents, please share. It is in the collaborative model that we all rise to the level in which we have the potential to be.
May we all continue to seek knowledge in all things~
Denise
100 Positive Comments to Utilize when Referencing Student Behavior
100 Positive Student Comments to Utilize with Parents
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev148.shtml (Jan. 23, 2012)
Recommended by Jen J., a third grade teacher in Michigan.
The student:
- is an enthusiastic learner who seems to enjoy school
- exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in the classroom
- appears well rested and ready for each day’s activities
- shows enthusiasm for classroom activities
- shows initiative and looks for new ways to get involved
- uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way
- strives to reach his (or her) full potential
- is committed to doing his (or her) best
- seeks new challenges
- takes responsibility for his (or her) learning
Behavior
The student:
- cooperates consistently with the teacher and other students
- transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction
- is courteous and shows good manners in the classroom
- follows classroom rules
- conducts himself (or herself) with maturity
- responds appropriately when corrected
- remains focused on the activity at hand
- resists the urge to be distracted by other students
- is kind and helpful to everyone in the classroom
- sets an example of excellence in behavior and cooperation
Character
The student:
- shows respect for teachers and peers
- treats school property and the belongings of others with care and respect
- is honest and trustworthy in dealings with others
- displays good citizenship by assisting other students
- joins in school community projects
- is concerned about the feelings of peers
- faithfully performs classroom tasks
- can be depended on to do what he (or she) is asked to do
- seeks responsibilities and follows through
- is thoughtful in interactions with others
The student:
- has a well-developed vocabulary
- chooses words with care
- expresses ideas clearly, both verbally and through writing
- has a vibrant imagination and excels in creative writing
- has found his (or her) voice through poetry writing
- uses vivid language in writing
- writes clearly and with purpose
- writes with depth and insight
- can make a logical and persuasive argument
- listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting
The student:
- offers constructive suggestions to peers to enhance their work
- accepts the recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate
- is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others in the group
- takes on various roles in the work group as needed or assigned
- welcomes leadership roles in groups
- shows fairness in distributing group tasks
- plans and carries out group activities carefully
- works democratically with peers
- encourages other members of the group
- helps to keep the work group focused and on task
Interests and Talents
The student:
- has a well-developed sense of humor
- holds many varied interests
- has a keen interest that has been shared with the class
- displays and talks about personal items from home when they relate to topics of study
- provides background knowledge about topics of particular interest to him (or her)
- has an impressive understanding and depth of knowledge about his (or her) interests
- seeks additional information independently about classroom topics that pique interest
- reads extensively for enjoyment
- frequently discusses concepts about which he (or she) has read
- is a gifted performer
- is a talented artist
- has a flair for dramatic reading and acting
- enjoys sharing his (or her) musical talent with the class
Participation
The student:
- listens attentively to the responses of others
- follows directions
- takes an active role in discussions
- enhances group discussion through insightful comments
- shares personal experiences and opinions with peers
- responds to what has been read or discussed in class and as homework
- asks for clarification when needed
- regularly volunteers to assist in classroom activities
- remains an active learner throughout the school day
The student:
- makes friends quickly in the classroom
- is well-liked by classmates
- handles disagreements with peers appropriately
- treats other students with fairness and understanding
- is a valued member of the class
- has compassion for peers and others
- seems comfortable in new situations
- enjoys conversation with friends during free periods
- chooses to spend free time with friends
The student:
- tackles classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized manner
- uses class time wisely
- arrives on time for school (and/or class) every day
- is well-prepared for class each day
- works at an appropriate pace, neither too quickly or slowly
- completes assignments in the time allotted
- paces work on long-term assignments
- sets achievable goals with respect to time
- completes make-up work in a timely fashion
Work Habits
The student:
- is a conscientious, hard-working student
- works independently
- is a self-motivated student
- consistently completes homework assignments
- puts his (or her) best effort into homework assignments
- exceeds expectations with the quality of his (or her) work
- readily grasps new concepts and ideas
- generates neat and careful work
- checks work thoroughly before submitting it
- stays on task with little supervision
- displays self-discipline
- avoids careless errors through attention to detail
- uses free minutes of class time constructively
- creates impressive home projects
Positive words go a long way in educating a child and building relationships. When we create positive school and classroom environments, the learning experience is enhanced.
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Filed under Curriculum Resources
A Glance Back at A Successful School Year
As many of schools are winding down for the school year, student energy is high, teacher energy low, it is important to look back, reflect and make notes on what worked and what did not, while your mind is still in “school” mode.
As an administrator, I find this is a helpful tool not only in regards to the building standard operating procedures, but in what worked in motivating my team or not. It is just important for an administrator to reflect as it is for a teacher, because it is in the exercise of being a reflective practitioner, do we continue to grow and challenge ourselves to higher standards.
When I was in the classroom, I would spend the last week of school with my students and the last week after they were gone, to spend a few minutes each day writing in a journal. I would reflect upon lessons taught, the differentiated tools utilized and next to each reflection, I would put IDEAS on how I could change it up for the following year to ensure more students’ needs were met.
I would spend time thinking about how I felt I impacted my building as a whole…did I contribute to the greater good, was I encouraging to those around me, did I spend most my time picking up versus putting down…This excercise helped me grow as a teacher and an individual.
Although it is easy to get caught up in trying to close down a building and get home to rejuvenate before it all begins again…in a matter of weeks…I encourage you all to pause, reflect and take a good look at how you made a difference this year in the life of a child.
To all the parents, children, teacher and administrators out there, our Unlock the Teacher team would like to say to you…”Job well done!”
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~
Denise
Recommended summer reading:
“Reeasing the Imagination” by Maxine Greene
Filed under Curriculum Resources
Educational Websites to Utilize in the Classroom for Grades 4-12
At a recent principal’s meeting, the Web 2.0 presenter showcased some fabulous online resources that any 21st century educator could utilize to enhance classroom instruction.
This site includes multimedia components and visual displays for presentations. *Very user-friendly.
Present information to students integrating a multimedia format.
Identify real-life connections between words and their use. *This is a great tool…words with videos!
This is a site where students can retell stories to demonstrate an understanding of concepts.
This is an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G site for teachers to utilize really grades 2 on up. Students can create animated cartoon strips by utilizing a combination of drawing, dictating and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events. This site also has a homework component…great vocabulary builder and speaks to the visual learner.
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings or events in a story or drama. *neat site
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Great virtual dissects to utilize in class with students.
Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
Add drawings to displays and stories.
This is just a few of the many resources available online.
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Wonderful 8th Grade Literature Scrapbooks through the Eyes of the Characters
- Utilizing Character Journals/Scrapbooks in the Classroom
Sue Martin, a middle school language arts/literature teacher has allowed us to utilize these great pieces of student’s work. Students were given a rubric to create a scrapbook/journal in the eyes of one of the characters in the book they were reading. As the pictures demonstrate, this is a unique and fun assignment for student and teacher and can be modified for various age groups.
"The Lying Game""The Lying Game" scrapbook on the inside"Wait till Helen Comes""Wait til Helen Comes" scrapbook on the inside
"Wait til Helen Comes" Character Scrapbook"Harry Potter" Character Journal
"Wicked" Character Journal
"Wicked" Character Scrapbook on the inside
I find these pictures creative and I have no doubt that the students had a great time identifying with the characters in the books they read as they created these wonderful assignments.
If you would like to share your Best Practices, we would love to read them and share them with our readers. Please email documents to denise@unlocktheteacherllc.com
May we seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Wire Sculpture Activity for the Classroom -Teachers Sharing Best Practices
Activity/Lesson: Wire Sculpture Activity
Submitted by: Linda Irwin~ Middle School Social Studies Teacher
School: St. Mary School, Royal Oak, Michigan
To get to know my students and to do a quick assessment of writing, I utilize this lesson on the first day of Religion class. (Note: This lesson could be utilized for any class.)
- I give each student a piece of floral wire. (NOTE: Wire ends can be sharp, so be careful.)
- I ask students to think about their lives.
- Using wire, students create a design that represents them and their lives. (e.g. a musical note~if your musical, a tornado~if you feel at times your life is spinning too fast, a flower~if you feel you are growing and changing etc.)
- I remind students that there are no wrong designs, that we are all unique.
- Once students have created designs, they write/type a five-seven sentence summary, describing why this given design represents them.
I have found this lesson and the student-created designs insightful and have learned a lot about each student through this process. This is a great lesson that builds self-awareness and trust.
~Linda Irwin
Thank you, Linda, for sharing this great lesson that speaks to the multiple intelligences and allows students to be creative in writing their thoughts.
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Odyssey of the Mind and Team Building Lessons for the Classroom and Home
As the school year has just begun and we are busy in schools, I thought I would share a couple of great sites that offer “team building” lessons for students. We are excited to hear from and meet new teachers this year. I think that these sites provide great problem-solving scenarios for students to work through and can enhance any lesson in any discipline and be modified for any age to meet the needs of all students. Enjoy and have a super school year full of many new discoveries!
http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/
Computer Science Unplugged
Computer Science Unplugged is a great site to utilize in the classroom because it offers creative scenarios to solve or work through without utilizing a computer. This site has various activities for both teachers and parents to utilize with students to enhance team building and higher-order thinking.
I love to know your thoughts, ideas or lessons found successful in enhancing these skills. Please keep sharing. Together we can make a difference!
May we seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
Filed under Curriculum Resources, Science
Teachers are Planters of Seeds…What Kind of Seeds are you Planting?
As I sit and review my notes for Unlock the Teacher‘s first professional development session for the 2011/2012 school year, I reflect and wonder, what
words can I provide that might inspire and instill hope for all the amazing teachable moments that will happen in the life of the teachers with whom I will be speaking to tomorrow. Teaching is SO much more than a job, I honestly believe it is a calling; an urge that a person feels to make a difference, and is played out in the classroom.
We often think about all the teachable moments that happen throughout the school year for our students, our future. However, I also think of the amazing teachable moments that occur for the individual teacher. I hope that at this time of year, the teacher is reflecting and writing a curriculum map for the school year that will be used as a master plan.
The teacher, who starts the school year, is often different from the one who finishes it. Hopefully, this is the case, as a true reflective practitioner will evolve throughout the year as his/her students will…keeping in mind no two students are alike, no school year should ever mirror another for a teacher.
In regards to a teacher’s master curriculum plan, this is just a tool that is utilized to create lessons full of discovery for each quarter, with one scaffolding on the next to ensure that students are maximizing their potential. However, this is just a plan, as all good teachers know, true
“teachable moments” sometimes just happen and must be capitalized on in the moment.
I have chosen the theme of “Teachers are Planters of Seeds” for tomorrow. I have had the pleasure of working with this staff on curriculum alignment and I am honored to be asked back into their building on their first day back to school before their eager students arrive next week.
I think as teachers, we have the awesome power to create new worlds in our students’ minds. We can take them to places they might not ever get an opportunity to experience, tell them and show them how to achieve the impossible dream OR we can crush the human spirit with one angry glance or snide comment.
Think about what kind of world we hope to have in the future and remember that it all begins with how we treat our children today, what opportunities we provide, what words of encouragement or defeat did we choose to utilize at the moment of chaos in the classroom. When we train our eyes to see the good and choose to use words to share the good, amazing things can happen!
Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live!
What kind of seeds are you getting ready to plant this school year?
May we all continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
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