How do you assess the literacy needs of families at the start of the school year?
Assessing the literacy needs of families at the start of the school year can help tailor support and resources effectively.
One of the ways that our district approaches this is through family surveys. We distribute short, simple surveys to families asking about their reading habits, access to books, preferred languages, and any specific literacy challenges they face at home. This helps us with providing the right intervention supports for the whole child overall.
We also utilize Family Literacy Nights where we host an event where families can participate in reading activities, allowing us to observe engagement levels and identify areas where support might be needed. Post event surveys also provide insight to family preferences and needs.
How can families incorporate literacy development into holiday traditions and activities?
What are some other ways to engage students in an immersive experience? I’ve used mock crime scenes, but would like to expand to other experiences.
One of my favorite read aloud chapter books that I've ever read to students was The Unteachables by Gordon Korman. I loved this book for so many reasons, but the character development is top notch. I have attached a choice board I gave to students after we finished the text for some ideas on what you can do with the book afterwards! What are some of your favorite book studies?
How do you teach students in grades K-2 on how to explain their work? I give my students sentence stems with the words first, next, then, and last. I also teach sequencing to help keep my students organized.
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I wish I would have planned like this when I was a teacher! When I read this, I immediately thought how much this could have helped me a new teacher (or even a few years in!). Does anyone plan like this and have some feedback?
Chunking is a reading strategy that helps students break down complex text into manageable, meaningful parts or "chunks." This approach is particularly useful for improving comprehension, especially when students encounter longer texts or difficult passages.
How do you integrate chunking into early literacy development?
Differentiated instruction vs. Scaffold Instruction How are they different?
Scaffold instruction provides support for students to understand the material. This type of instruction is temporary, and the support is only used until the student understands the material.
Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach tailoring it to address students' needs. Each student has the same learning goal, but the instruction is varied based on the student’s learning style, strengths, and interests.
To meet the different needs and interests of each student, the teacher may vary the
-course content
-activities or
-assessments
Differentiated Instruction takes time and patience. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach but based on each student's needs.
What are some ways that you differentiate to meet the needs of all your students?
How do you promote student leadership in your classroom? One way that I promote leadership with the students is by giving a list of Leadership Axioms. During the first days of school while review policies and procedures, the axioms are introduced. We use these to help us become a better leader.
I love introducing my kindergarten students to new technology! What are your favorite tech items to use with younger children?
To find ways to make learning history more appealing to the students, I try to find things that they find familiar and learn the history behind it. Whether it is a celebration, observance, sport, word, or food. This one was particularly interesting because of the fable and the movie Shrek. The history of the Gingerbread Man is a fun way to guide students in asking the question, "Why?".
How to you increase fluency practice in your classroom?
Answer: Whisper Phones
Our math curriculum is using an inclusive definition of a trapezoid being a 2 dimensional shape with at least 1 pair of parallel sides. This means a square could be classified as a trapezoid. This might cause some issues with parents who have statements like, “that is not what I was taught.” What are some other possible academic stumbling blocks that you might have to discuss with parents?
What are some behavior management strategies you've found to be most effective with your students?
What is the best way that you incorporate civic education in your classroom? What are some of the mandated standards that you have to address?
