Posted by Marsha on May 9, 2012
A few of the elementary schools I work with have asked me to facilitate discussions on the Common Cores as an attempt to begin to bridge the divide between what is and what will be. One shift teachers always take issue with is the de-emphasis on building background.
The panic comes from the fact that one of the recommendations from the authors of the Common Core is that teachers let students read text cold without any discussion as to what the text is about, and not build background or activate prior knowledge. I can see why this is a shock. We have been bred to build background and teach pre-reading strategies. The importance of building background and prior knowledge has been the cornerstone teacher practice.
I don’t think the Common Core authors are suggesting teachers stop building background. I believe that when and if background is built, it should be built with more forethought and strategic planning. (more…)
Posted by Kira on May 2, 2012
This weekend, I take 4 students to Orlando to compete in the Florida Scholastic Press Association Journalism competition. They have written and self-published a Literary Magazine, among other graphic design projects. Our Magazine is up for Best in Show- after taking 3rd at the district level this year, in it’s second year of publication (first year in actual print- last year it was only digital)!
I’m sure I will be totally bushwacked when I get home, since as an advisor I am supposed to patrol the halls from 11:30 to midnight to be sure the kiddos stay in bed, judge competitions, advise the kids- who decided to compete in 18 different areas over 2 days AND then silly me volunteered to do a seminar on how to self-publish which I have to present at 8 pm after a travel day, check-in and an advisor dinner on the first day. Yay!
But- I am sure the rewards will greatly outweigh the detractors, which include coming up with something for those “left-behind” to do. As the graphics teacher, I use computers in class- which the students can’t use while I am away and they are left with a substitute. At this stage of the game, with only 5 weeks left of school, that means- review quizzes! These kids are going to be rabid when I get back. Plus my AP test is next Tuesday… the list goes on. I’m just praying for some trophies and recognition for the kids who spent the last month getting everything in place to compete.
As we face yet another year of budget cuts, another summer of unforeseen circumstances, layoffs, surplussing, shortages, and in general complaints about the vocation of teaching, try to keep the really awesome parts in perspective. There is a lot to enjoy, the highs are really very high, and when that light goes on in a student’s eyes it strikes a chord in your soul. That is why we teach.
Posted by Barb on April 22, 2012
First and second grade teachers have been asking (on the verge of pleading) when will the Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems flip-books be available for their grade levels. Well, they are here just waiting for you to order your copy. Don’t worry 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers. Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems will be available for you by the beginning of June.
Kindergarten teachers are loving our Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems flip-books. It is helping them plan their lessons, especially Read Alouds. Teachers are now using their Read Aloud time more effectively and are able to easily tie in the CCSS.
These discussion stems are created in a teacher-friendly format, and they are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). As a reading trainer for my district, the question I often hear from many of the teachers in my trainings on the topic of CCSS is, “Where do I begin?” This is what lead LessonPop to develop the grade specific Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems. After all, we strive to Make Teachers’ Lives Easier! (more…)
Posted by Kira on April 11, 2012
This past week, we had some issues. They had to do with Instagram.
Instagram is an app, it takes a split second to take a photo, a few more seconds to write the caption, and another split second to hit send. It’s a mini-blog and the kids are using it. In fact, I’ve been told that “Facebook is for grownups.” Teens like Instagram. I think that opinion is still subject to some debate.
Does the average teen have the proper “filter” to use the several-seconds app Instagram responsibly? The answer is (more…)
Posted by Marsha on March 30, 2012
In my opinion, teachers should not wait for a mandate, program, or training to start familiarizing themselves with the Common Core Sunshine State Standards (CCSS). There are five things I would do to get started.
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Posted by Barb on March 16, 2012
Calling on all Kindergarten teachers to be the first to see our Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems. These discussion stems were designed just for you AND they align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Kindergarten teachers around the country are learning about and beginning to implement the CCSS into their lessons.
As a reading trainer for my district, the question I often hear from many of the teachers in my trainings on the topic of CCSS is, “Where do I begin?” This is what lead LessonPop to develop the Common Core State Standards Discussion Stems. After all, we strive to Make Teachers’ Lives Easier! This 28 page flip-book covers all CCSS for Kindergarten Reading Literature and Informational Text. This invaluable teaching tool includes:
Discussion stems to Start the conversation with…
This allows the teacher to lead a conversation with her students to make sure she is covering the targeted CCSS for that lesson.
Additional stems to Continue with a turn and talk to your partner…
This section provides accompanying discussion points for students to turn and talk with a partner to deepen their understanding of the text based on that specific CCSS.
Performance Tasks to assess students application of specific CCSS
Monitoring of students’ progress to apply each of the CCSS for both Reading Literature and Informational Text is ongoing. We provide sample performance task that will help teachers to gauge a student’s movement towards mastery.
Critical Thinking Question Stems to increase students ability to think beyond the text
One of the overarching goals of the CCSS is for students to be College or Career Ready. Even kindergarteners can start thinking critically!
ORDER NOW for only $9.99 and you will receive a $5.00 coupon for a future purchase at LessonPop.com. First and Second Grade Common Core Discussion Stems very coming soon!
Building Background Debate with Common Cores
