Which Kagan strategies do you find the most useful in your classroom? I like to use quiz-quiz-trade and talking chips. Both of these strategies help the students with their speaking and listening skills.
I have students who are struggling with reading. What are some strategies that I can use to help them?
First, you need to determine the area of focus that the student is struggling with. This can be done by using various assessments. Gather data on different areas of reading: decoding, sight words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Once you have determined the area(s) of concern, you can apply reading interventions to address these needs.
Word Study
Phonemic awareness
Decoding
High Frequency (sight words)
Syllabication
Spelling
Fluency
Modeled and assisted oral reading
Prosody development (pacing, intonation, volume, smoothness, phrasing, expression)
Guided reading
Partner reading
Vocabulary
Teacher models and explains
Technical
Content specific (using different genres)
Teaching word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes)
What foundational skills should I focus on to prepare students for success in algebra?
Students need to understand the foundational principles of algebra that include properties for each of the operations and the idea of substitution in variables. Order of operations is also a pivotal skill for Algebra. The key to understanding is knowing that algebra involves equivalencies. Because this can often be very abstract for most upper elementary students, providing as much context as possible makes it easier. I HIGHLY recommend https://borenson.com/product/the-hands-on-equations-learning-system/
It is well worth the investment to purchase this kit for your students to teach the parts of an equation and how to solve algebraic expressions.
What curriculum do you use for classroom circles? I like to introduce my students to a circle by using this book called the Sharing circle. The animals in the story help the students learn how to resolve conflicts. We don't have a curriculum in my district, but we do teach our students how to handle conflicts in a peaceful way. I also use my circles to discuss how we can improve as a class as far as treating each other with respect.
I started a leadership program through my district in January and one of the videos we had to watch is a Ted Talk called Embrace the Shake. Linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is
One of my biggest take aways is that I don't necessarily have all of the tools, yet, to move into a coaching position, but there are many things I can leverage that I do have so that I can build my strengths. One of them is stepping outside my comfort zone to try new (and sometimes scary) things!
What are some ways you've stepped outside your comfort zone to be a leader inside your school building?
To differentiate materials effectively for all students, you can offer various formats and levels of complexity.
What would this look like in a multi-age classroom?
Civil Rights is an issue that must be addressed in schools today. To engage students in learning about the Civil Rights Movement and its lasting impact, I would begin by exploring the current civil rights issues in the U.S. today, such as racial justice, voting rights, police reform, and systemic inequalities in housing and education. By starting with these contemporary issues, students can immediately see the relevance of civil rights struggles in their own lives and communities. We would then examine what has changed since the 1960s—such as the progress made through legislative victories like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act—and where challenges remain, such as ongoing racial disparities and the rollback of some protections.
From here, I would guide students in drawing parallels between the Civil Rights Movement of the past and today’s social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter. Using primary sources from both eras—speeches, protests, and media coverage—students can critically analyze how strategies for achieving equality have evolved and where the fight for civil rights continues.
By facilitating thoughtful discussions, I would encourage students to explore how activism, both past and present, has shaped U.S. society. This approach not only connects historical movements to ongoing struggles but also empowers students to reflect on their own roles as active participants in shaping a more equitable future. Hands-on projects, guest speakers, and community connections would further deepen their understanding, helping students see how the Civil Rights Movement’s legacy remains alive today.
I am working a university on revising/creating a M. Ed. program that is going to be offered for elementary classroom teachers who are interested in becoming master reading teachers. It would be more so for teachers that want to learn more about differentiation, assessments, RTI, MTSS - difficulties vs disabilities, rather than becoming a reading specialist. What areas, topics, competencies would you suggestion be considered?
How do you connect with your students prior to the school year beginning?
There are times when people have asked, "What keeps your going year after year?" I am a very fortunate individual who has a profession that is also a hobby. I love the aspect of understanding how the mind works. It is like a human puzzle. Each year I am blessed with a new bunch of students. Each year is different. I love planning the year with new activities to keep my mind fresh and the focus on the standards. There are some activities that I will keep, but I love the challenge of finding creative ways to explain the content. Working with a new class of students is always a challenge. I love the newness of learning opportunities and would not change my profession for the world!
Does your district operate on a schedule where you attend less than 5 days a week - i.e. 4 day school week? If so, what are the benefits for your school - community? If not, how would that benefit your school - community?
During Black History Month, I encourage the students to research other influential African- Americans than just the ones that are most studied. I ask the students to find local individuals who have made an impact. Florida has a rich history of African American contributions. To that, I also encourage the teachers to teach Black History all year long, after all, all the history of African Americans did not happen only in the month of February.
How do you organize your teaching materials?
Recently our district began professional training that focuses on Classroom 180 - Trauma informed classrooms. What professional training or resources are your favorites?
https://www.classroom180.com/
What are some classroom management rituals or practices that you start at the beginning of the year?
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