I was looking for things for some new teachers for math talk and I came across this list. Are there any you would add or change?
I came across this a few years ago, and started implementing in my classroom! My students loved it and I saw immediate engagement. When I had a homeroom, I would also put a positive attribute that students exhibited throughout the week (or weeks) on their name tag on the desk. This also engaged students! How do you build a strong community with your students through the year?
What are some of your first day “must have” lessons? How do you introduce your routines and procedures to your students?
How do you start off science in your classroom? Do you have an introductory lesson you can share?
I like to use the children's book titled, "What is Science?" as it shows children that science can be lots of things and that they are already scientists!
I had the opportunity this summer to attend several workshop sessions about AI. How do you use AI with young children? Do you have any projects you have had them complete or any examples you can share?
Do you use Science Notebooks with your students? I have used composition notebooks for years with my kindergarten students for science notebooks and have dabbled a little in using digital science notebooks. I am curious to know how you have used them and what you think is important to include in them.
I love incorporating read alouds when I'm teaching math and science. As a math interventionist I've used quite a few in the past few years, but as I step into the role as a STEM Coach, I'd like to come up with some science texts that discuss science topics that are good for Kinder through 5th grade. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
What are your favorite play based learning activities you have used with your students?
I love introducing my kindergarten students to new technology! What are your favorite tech items to use with younger children?
What materials do you have in your classroom for your students to play with? We end our day with Discovery time (free play) and I am always looking for new items to add, the more open-ended, the better!
I LOVE school supplies! I get excited at the beginning of each school year as much as my kindergarten students do about using new supplies.
What is your favorite teacher supply or item? Something that you use all the time that others may like to know about?
How do you organize student data?
I have several data recording sheets I purchased online to help me see each of my students' growth over time and keep those in a binder. How do you store and keep track of anecdotal notes or informal observations you make?
How do you use your PLC time? How is it structured? What roles to different members have and how does your meeting time flow?
What is the one thing you wish you knew as a first year teacher?
I wish I knew that it was okay to be firm and consistent with my students (classroom management 101!). Start the year by being firm and consistent with your students in your decision making, classroom expectations, etc., and that will pay you back all year long!
Last year, I had a bulletin board up outside my door with questions for each grade level. Since moving rooms, I don't have as much room outside my door so I was looking for some ideas on how I can engage students. I was thinking of doing some of these boards with questions. I love the idea of them proving me wrong -- that was the premise of what I did last year too. Have you used something like this before? Any suggestions or tips? (It probably goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, this is not my photo.)
Beginning of the year activity -- turned test prep strategy!
At the beginning of the year a few years ago, I decided to play 4 corners with students with get to know you questions. I put up a slide-show with questions and the 4 possible responses. I set out the rules (no running, must choose one of the answers, keep within your own space, etc) and labeled each corner. When they made their selection, they could talk with another person or in a small group, why they choose that answer. Then they could share if there was another one they would have picked. If only one student was at a corner, I would go over and talk with them.
What I realized a few weeks in was that I could also do this with math multiple choice questions for practice (I taught primarily math at the time, but you could do it with other subjects too). Students then had to show their work for the answer or explain how they got it. I occasionally would throw in a question that had multiple right answers and would share that up front with students. They then could discuss in their groups if they thought any of the other answers were correct and how they knew.
From the elementary school lens: one of my favorite beginning of the year brain-break/ice breaker activity is the idea of Stand Up-Sit Down. You put a statement on the board: Stand up if: I have pet. Students then get to see who in the class has a pet and who doesn't. You can allow students to share with a partner or the whole group about their pet or if students don't have one, what pet they might like to have. This helps students move and also get to make connections with others in the room! I usually create a slide show presentation with some statements and use them throughout the first week. That way students don't get bored and gives time for discussion if that's what you want to facilitate!
I have just moved into a new role as a STEM Coach for this upcoming year! I am excited about the next step in my educational journey, and of course, I'm anxious about the transition.
Our district level Science Coordinator gave me some great ideas for reading about coaching. One of my favorites is the book Arise by Elena Aguilar because it relates so much to teachers being human and remembering that in our conversations. Elena also has a podcast called Bright Morning Podcast which I would also recommend.
I also read and loved The Essential Guide for Student Centered Coaching by Diane Sweeney. This gives more of the nuts and bolts of what it means to be a coach. I loved this one and will dive into Student Centered Coaching: The Moves after I finish Arise!
Any other great reads or podcasts you would recommend as a new coach?
