iReady PPT and Webinar for Viewing

As you are all aware, the district has purchased iReady for both Reading and Math. It is being highly recommended that you view the training webinar in order to ensure proper implementation of the diagnostic assessment as well as the program itself. The district has made available to PPT presentation and webinar for you to view.

Click the link below to download. You will need to be on the dadeschools network:

DOWNLOAD

Promethean Boards: Just The Basics

Now that the Promethean boards are installed throughout our school, it is recommended that you attend one of the District provided PD sessions on how to use them. However, this is not the only way to learn more about these Interactive White Boards. YouTube has TONS of tutorials on how to use the boards. Below you will be able to watch the basics of this technology. The possibilities for use of this technology in the classroom are endless, but hopefully, this will get you started. Leave a comment if you found this to be helpful.

Oh SNAP! Making students Serious aNd Accountable for their Progress...

Reading teachers in grades 3-5 met today to establish our learning community's data wall (photos to come!). I encourage you to develop a "student friendly" version of this tool for your classroom in order to help make students accountable for their progress.

A Pinterest search revealed some creative, classroom friendly ways to display data respectfully in your classroom. Take a look and see if you get inspired!

Click HERE to visit Ms. Chapman's Data Wall board on Pinterest!

Common Core Tools Courtesy of North Carolina



North Carolina has unpacked the Common Core Standards for ELA and Math!

Please visit the tools that they have to offer to add to your "Common Core Toolbox"  including: crosswalks, unpacked standards, exemplar documents, and graphic organizers. There are documents available for both ELA and Math.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/standards/common-core-tools/

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below.

Assessment with Exit Tickets

Check out this fantastic video from the Teaching Channel on assessment with exit tickets.

Exploring the Gradual Release Model

Source: The Teaching Channel

Word Walls Galore! Get inspired!

Word Walls can be done in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors! Browse the photos below to see a gallery of word walls used for diverse purposes and see how you could infuse some of these ideas into your own rooms. Get inspired!

Note: This collection of pictures is from http://azizebesik.blogspot.com/2012/09/word-wall-ideas-and-software.html.

http://www.rundesroom.com/2011/04/word-wall-makeover.html

http://thefirstgradebuzzbc.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-buzzy-garden.html?m=1

http://teachingintheearlyyears.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-word-flower-word-wall.html?m=1

http://www.firstgradeglitterandgiggles.blogspot.com/2012/07/classroom-makeover.html

http://melaniefullerton.blogspot.ca/2010_04_01_archive.html

http://classroomdisplays.org.uk/literacy/classroom-displays-more-word-walls/

http://mrswheelerfirst.blogspot.com/2011/08/interactive-word-wall.html

http://artwithmre.blogspot.com/2011/08/art-room-bulletin-boards-displays-2011_12.html

http://whattheteacherwants.blogspot.com/2011/01/word-wall-centersactivities.html

http://growingkinders.blogspot.com/search/label/word%20wall

http://larremoreteachertips.blogspot.com/2012/05/make-difference-linky-party-respect.html

http://secondgradestyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Expand%20Vocabulary

IMPORTANT: Updated Classroom Environment Checklist

As you are preparing your classroom for the upcoming school year, PLEASE review the classroom environment checklist.

Classroom Environment Checklist 2012-2013

Pacing Guides and Common Core Center Activities

Teachers:

The district has released revised pacing guides for reading, math, and science. The writing pacing guides will be available by July 31, 2012. You can access them via Learning Village found at http://village.dadeschools.net/.

Also, FCRR has aligned center activities for Language and Reading Foundational Skills to the Common Core. You can access the activities for K-5 at http://www.fcrr.org/curriculum/SCA_CCSS_index.shtm.

What does a literacy rich classroom look like?

Start planning now for the upcoming school year! Below you will find useful information on what a literacy rich classroom should look like.

A well-organized, positive learning environment includes:
•    A sense of order (schedule, management, tone) (sample #1   #2)

•    Room is well organized, nurturing, & supports learning  (sample )

•    Room is free of clutter
•    Room reflects teacher’s personal style
•    Procedures are established & students follow them routinely without need for
      repetition (sample  #1    #2 )
•    Appropriate guidelines are in place, which enables students to engage in real learning   
      through inquiry
•    Smooth transitions are evident
•    Materials are organized, labeled, & easily accessible to students (sample #1)
•    Student seating supports interaction & cooperative learning activities
•    Perceptive teachers listen attentively to students, observe learning styles, teach to
      needs, & incorporate strategies to increase learning
•    Provides print-rich environment which includes:

o    Labeling (samples #1 #2 )
o    Concept charts (samples #1 #2 #3 )
o    Definition charts (samples #1 #2 )
o    6+1 Traits posters (posters )
o    Comprehension posters (posters )

•    Provides opportunities for authentic literacy practice rather than worksheets
•    Displays student writing (on walls, in class books, etc.) (samples #1    #2    )
•    Creates a classroom library that consists of narrative and informational texts in a wide variety  

      of genres, that are appropriately leveled for independent reading (samples #1    #2   #3 )
•    Provides literacy centers or independent study literacy materials (samples  #1   #2  #3   #4  )
•    Provides writing areas (samples #1   #2 )
•    Posts Word Walls that are focused on literacy including content words (samples #1    #2 )

(#3    #4)

Source: http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/cbl/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=28&Itemid=54

Lesson Planning Necessities

For your lesson planning needs, please use the downloads below...

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Common Core Standards

Common Core Standards (Math)

3rd - 5th Math Task Cards

3rd Grade Math Task Cards, 4th Grade Math Task Cards, 5th Grade Math Task Cards

K-5 Math Vocabulary Word List

Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade