Knowing Your Students Inside Out!

Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning is the ability to recognize and manages one's own emotions, solve problems, and build positive relationships with others. In the classroom, this looks like daily check-ins, reflections through art and writing, collaborating, sharing, and understanding, and community building games and activities. The teacher should use student-centered discipline practices, be supportive and inviting, set high and attainable expectations, and encourage responsible decisions. 

Activity Examples:

• Dail Check-ins: This could be written, a wall-chart, or even a google survey.
• Calm Down Corner: Choose a secluded area, add visual supports, and refocusing activities (breathing exercises, stuffed animals, coloring book, journals, calming bottles)
• Calming Bottles: This is a great bonding activity for the entire class! All you need are bottles of some sort and things to fill them with!
• Morning Meetings: This can include greetings, sharing, activities, GoNoodle, and routine rundowns. 

Conscious Discipline

Conscious discipline gets rid of reward and punishment. This type of discipline allows teachers to address the emotional and social issues of their students. Instead, it includes empathy, composure, choices, positive intent, consequences, composure, assertiveness, and encouragement. An example of this being used within the classroom is the "Time Machine" method. To begin this method, have students "roll back time" by rolling their hands and wish each other well to set positive intent. Then, ask the students if they are willing to go back and solve the problem at hand. Have them take some calmin breaths and use conflict resolution sentence starters to begin the process of solving the problem. 

Apps:

• Superbetter- sets goals, uses games to progress healthy behavior
• Smiling Mind- guided meditation
• Peekapak- four-week curriculum to help build self-regulation and empath
• Avokiddo- learn essential emotional skills through dressing and taking care of characters

Seriously Awesome Student Led Conferences & Digital Portfolios

Student-led conferences are a great way for students to showcase their work, take responsibility for their own learning, and lead their own learning. Autonomy is key. This is very different than a teacher-led conference. In this situation, the teacher is only the facilitator and the students are the leaders. It is student-centered and student lead. Students are able to lead discussions, be in their own process, pick out and prepare the materials to be shown, and are able to reflect on their own work. The teacher is there to facilitate, mediate, provided support if it is needed, provide expectations for the meeting, and may even provide a script for the student if needed. Parents are able to listen, engage, encourage, and ask their child questions.
In order to prepare for this, teachers need to keep students' work samples, give the student autonomy to choose what they want to include, structure the work for the student, and LET GO!
What is I have an ELL family?? Well, I'm glad you asked! If the teacher can have a translator present, that would be great! There are also translating apps, such as Google Translate that could be used. The teacher should also try to incorporate the diversity in your classroom and encourage the use of native language!

Digital Portfolios are a collection of student performance and assessments over time in the digital form. This should be standards-based and show significant student engagement. Work that is showcased is chosen by the student and should include the students' reflections and comprehension.

Apps to use:

• Artsonia Kids Art Museum - empowers students to exhibit their work
• WeLearnedIt - allows students to showcase, reflect, and comment on student work
• Sesame - Custumizable rubric creation

Benefits of Digital Portfolios:

• Great way to express and show student growth over time and provides a record of their educational career.
• Gives teachers the opportunity to see students' learning and areas of improvement.
• Gives students an audience! 

ACTIVE Learning

An instructional method that helps to engage students in the learning process is active learning! Active learning gives students the opportunity to be active participants in their own learning process and become metacongnitive. Active learning increases students' involvement, engagement, critical thinking, independent thinking, and creative thinking. It also increases students' collaboration with
one another and their motivation and performance.

When Should I Use Active Learning Strategies?

• When students work in pairs or small groups
• When in need of pre-assessment data
• When accessing prior knowledge
• To discover misconceptions and misunderstandings
• To set a purpose
• To check for understanding
• To build movement

Examples:

Biopoems - This acvtivity helps students make a personal connection with characters or concepts, helps to increase creative thinking, and gives the students an opportunity to use descriptive language. 

Guidlines for each line:

1. First Name
2. 3 or 4 adjectives that describe the person/object
3. Important relationships
4. 2 or 3 things, people, or ideas that the person or object leved, was attracted to or interested in
5. 3 feelings that the person/object experienced
6. 3 fears the person/object experienced
7. Accomplishments
8. 2 or 3 places, people, or experiences, the person wanted to see or wanted to have
9. His or her residence
10. Last Name

Think, Pair, Share - This activity helps to build wait time, increase participation, check for understanding, provides time for the teacher to prepare. 

Process:

1. Ask a question
2. Tell students to think quietly, allow for at least 30 seconds to a minute of think time
3. Tell students to pair up with a partner and discuss their thinking, allow 2-3 minutes

Signal Cards - This activity gives students a chance to express their understanding of something or express that they are in need of more help. Students are given cards to signal this understanding. 

Differentiation is a MUST!

Differentiation is the act of tailoring and modifying inctruction based on the needs of individual students. By differentiating your lessons, your are giving students from all walks of life and with all differnt learning abilities the best chance to learn and succeed.

Lower-level Students
Students with lower academic abilities often need more supports for their prior skills to help build a firm and solid foundation for any future learning. They need hands-on activites and a diversity of learning modes. They may not also be able to show their understanding through standard tests or assessments, sometimes they may need different forms of assessment ot trully show what htye know and are capable of doing. These students most likely already feel discourage because of their academic struggles, it is our job as teachers to constantly and continuously encourage them and help them feel valued within our classroom.

Strategies:

• Anchor charts
• Visuals
• Video Modeling
• Demonstrate think alouds and the thinking process
• Lists
• Sensory Activites
• Google Doc Collaboration
• FlipGrid
• SeeSaw
• Limited answer choices
• Verbal Exams
• Drawings instead of writings
• One-on-one meetings
• Classroom Jobs

Average Level Students

These are students who are in the middle of the spectrum, not overachieving, but not necessarily underachieving, just meeting the standard right where its at. These students usually need reinforcment of strategies and need misconceptions to be corrected. They tend to be more successful with specific strategies. These students often can show understanding in many ways. Sadly, these student get overlooked the most because they do not need extra help, nor do they need extra challenge. 

Higher-level Students

These students are the ones that are not only meeting the standard, but are exceeding it. They need more challenge and may want to use different strategies than what has been taught. The can show their understanding in many ways that demonstrates their strengths. Many times these students get bored in the classroom from a lack of challenge. 

CoDiNg & rObOtIcS

Helpful Tips

• Let students explore! Give the time to play with it and come up with their own codes.
• Let students be the teacher! Let the students learn own their own and teach YOU!
• Encourage failure! Let students know that this classroom is a safe environment for them to try, fail, and try again!
• Coding and robotics is NOT only for science!!!

Coding with Bee Bots:

Math:

• Adding & Subtracting: have the students roll two dice, add or subtract, code the bot to go to the sum. 
• Mapping: code locational coordinaates to navigate a map.
• 
  
• Even & odd numbers: have students roll the die, if they get an even number they code the bot to go up the ladder, if they get an odd number they code the bot to go down the ladder. 
• Colors & Shapes: code the bot to go to certain colors and/or shapes.

Literacy:

• Spelling words: one student draws a card and the other spells the word on the card using the bot to move from letter to letter.
• Short stories: prepared drawings on the board and have students tell the key events from the story using the bee bot.
• Retell: have students to use the bee bot to retell events from a story
• Letters and Sounds: have students to identify letters and sounds useing the bee bot. 

Super Assessments for Super Teachers

Assessments
Assessments are the key component of learning. When students can see how they are doing, they will be able to see what they are able to understand. Assessments help to motivate studets by setting goals and being able to see when they achive those goals.

Formal and Informal Assessment
Informal assessment is catagorized as non-standardized and is not taken for a grade. This type of assessment is formative, meaning it is taken throughout the learning process and is used as a way for the teacher to further specifiy their instruction so that it is meeting students' needs throughout the process. This type of assessment is individualized to the student and is used to motivate student learning.
Examples:

• Think-Pair-Share
• Discussions
• Journal entries
• Kahoot!
• Hand signals
• 4 Corners
• Stop/Go sticks, cards, or cups

Formal assessment, on the other hand, is standardized, structured, and taken for a grade. This type of assessment is taken after the learning process. For example, an end of unit test of end of semester comprehensive exam. This assessment is testing the students knowledge and comprhension of the skills that have been taught to show what they know.
Examples:

• End of chapter/unit tests
• Midterms/Finals
• Projects 
• Presentations
• Term Papers

Assessment Tools:

• Kahoot!
• Prodigy
• educreations
• FlipGrid
• goformative.com

The Wonders and Uses of Nearpod

This amazing instructional platform provides a space for teachers and students to engage and participate in formative assessment and dynamic media so that they are able to learn and build new experiences together. This platform enables and enhances student participation while promoting 21st century skills and creating digital citizens. Teachers have the option to choose between a variety of pre-created lessons of all subjects and age ranges or they may create their own lessons and fun activities. There are many different games, vitual field trips, discussion tools, and quiz tools available to be inserted into a lessons. The teacher may also download a presentation they have created from Goolge Docs or Google Slides into their Nearpod lesson. Once they have picked the lesson or created their own lesson, their students may access it from any of their own devices using a code given to them upon starting the lesson. They may interact with the lesson, with the teacher, and with each other in real time throughout the lesson. They can participate in games together, write on virtual sticky notes and post them on virtual boards, go on virtual field trips, and take quizes created by the teacher in real time. All answers and progress are recorded for the use of assessment by the teacher.

Nearpod Categories:

• Nearpod DCL: Digital Citizenship & Literacy
• Nearpod CCE: College & Career Exploration
• Nearpod EL: English Learners
• Nearpod LL: Learning Lab
• Nearpod HPL: Historical Perspective & Literacy
• Nearpod SEL: Social & Emotional Learning

Cost:

• Silver (Free) - Includes sessions sizes up to 40, storage space up to 50 MB, lesson size up to 20MB, and basic features.
• Gold ($120/year) - Includes session sizes up to 50, storage space up to 3GB, lesson size up to 50 MB, and advanced features.
• Platinum (349/year) - Includes session size up to 75, storage space up tp 5 GB, leasson size up to 50 MB, premium features.
• School & District (Contact Nearpod 1-855-NEARPOD) - Includes session size up tp 200, storage space up to 20 GB, lesson size up tp 80 MB, and all features.
• Higher education (Contact Nearpod 1-855-NEARPOD) - Includes session size up to 250, staorage space up to 25GB, lesson size up to 100 MB, all features.

My Nearpods

https://share.nearpod.com/afjqf84cQ0
https://share.nearpod.com/LjA1EUsk30
https://share.nearpod.com/30vKWNSGH0

Poetry Book Blog #2

The Llama Who Had No Pajama
Written by Mary Ann Hobermann
Illustrated by Betty Fraser
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 1, 2006
Genre: Poetry
Number of Pages: 68




Overview
This wonderful book of poetry covers every topic from centipede to whales, from swinging on swings to ice-skating in winter, from eating applesauce to celebrating birthdays, the wonderful poems in this amazing collection convey the experiences of childhood in a fresh new light without sacfrificing its timelessness. The illustrations by Betty Fraser dont just add to the text, but enhance it all together. With beautiful pops of color and discriptive imagary, readers will be engaged and entertained from beginning to end.

"Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities . . . Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."

--School Library Journal

Grade level: K-2

Content Area: Poetry, Literature, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Early Literacy

Student Connection: This book is not only full of rhyming words and alliterations, but it also full of all sorts of information about different experiences. This book could be used for a vieriety of different topics and a great way to introduce new experiences to your class!

Poetry Book Blog

The Wonkey Donkey
Written by Craig Smith
Illustrated by Katz Cowley
Published by Scholastic Paperbacks on October 2018
Genre: Poetry
Number of Pages: 24




Overview
   Children and adults of all ages will love this spunky, funky book! Follow the journey of the endearing, wonky donkey and find out what all he gets into along the way. Warning: this book may cause fits of laughter and a demand to be reread. The illustrations of this lovely wonky donkey help to further express the silly nature of the book and its intent to make readers laugh.

Grade level: K - 3
Content area: Literature, Poetry, English, Phonemic Awareness
Student connection: This would be a wonderful book for a phonemic awareness lesson to teach rhyming words. Especially if you had students who were struggling to grasp the concept. It would be great to read in a small group and maybe have them hold up something or do something every time they hear words that rhyme. If I wanted to take it one step further for gifted students, I could have them to name out the sounds and explain to me what would make the words rhyme.

Historical Fiction Book Blog #2

Number the Stars
Written by Lois Lowry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2011 (reissued edition)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 137




Overview
   While the German troops are beginning their campaign to "relocate" the Jews of Denmark, the main character, Annemarie Johansen, and her family takes in Annemarie's best friend, Ellen Rosen, and hides her by pretending she is a part of their family. Throught the eyese of a ten year old, we get to see the Danish Resistance smuggle almost an entire Jewish population, nearly thoughsands of people, across the sea of Sweden.  The heroism shown by the nation in this book helps to reminds us that there was pride and humannity even in the world of war and terror.

"The whole work is seamless, compelling, and memorable—impossible to put down; difficult to forget."

—The Horn Book

Grade Level: 5-6

Content Area: Social studies, History, Diversity

Student Connection: This would be a wonderful book to read when descussing the history of the German's and Jew's and the whole time period associated with that. I remember reading this book in sixth grade and I have never forgotten it since. I would have my gifted students read it and discuss it to help them to further expand their knowledge and to challenge them to really get into the perspective of someone living out this historical time period. 

Historical Fiction Book Blog

Bud, Not Buddy
Written by Christopher Paul Curtis
Published by Yearling in 1999
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 245




Overview 
   This historical fiction is about a 10 year old little boy during the Depression era in Michigan. As he sets out to find his father he is filled with an abundance of hope and adventure. This is a wonderful book for a class that is studying this particular time era and is a great way for the students to really get into the perspective of someone who is actually living it. This novels realistic style is complimented by its humor and air of wonderment.

“Curtis writes with a razor-sharp intelligence that grabs the reader by the heart and never lets go. . . . This highly recommended title [is] at the top of the list of books to be read again and again.” 

—Voice of Youth Advocates, Starred

Grade Level: 4-5

Content Area: Social studies, History, Diversity

Student Connection: This would be a geat book to read when discussing the Depression era with your students. If you had a student who struggle to become interested in the topic of history, this book would definitely help them to become more enthused and interested in the events of that time period. 

NonFiction Book Blog #2

For The Right To Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story
Written by Rebecca Langston-George
Illustrated by Janna Rock
Published by Capstone Press on July 1st, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Number of Pages: 40



Overview
   Malala Yousafzai grew up in a society where women are supposed to be quiet, but she refused to abide by this standard! Malala defied the Taliban's rules, fought for women's education, and was even almost murdered for her actions. This powerful and inspirational story of one courageous girl that helped to change the world and prove that one person CAN make a difference!
   The illustrations help to further explain the true events and helps the reader to understand the complexity and danger of Malala's quest to fight for women's' educational rights!

   

"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

-Malala Yousafzai

Grade Level: 4-6

Content Area: Social Studies, Diversity

Student Connection: This book is a great way to show students how one person can really change the world and it helps them to learn more about how life is in different cultures and different parts of the world. It would be great for a social studies lesson!

Science Fiction Book Blog #2

A Wrinkle In Time
Written by Madeleine L'Engle
Published by Square Fish; Reprint edition (May 1, 2007)

Genre: Science Fiction
Number of pages: 256




Overveiw 
   The arrival of a disturbing stranger in the middle of the night is a shock to Meg Murry and her family. This is the beginning of an exciting and crazy adventure to find her father, who is a scientist who dissapeared while working on a secret project. This story perfectly dipicts Meg's unusual adventures throughout space and time.

Grade Level: 3-8
Contant Area: Language Arts, Science
Student Connection: This book is a wonderful book for gifted students who need a bit a more challenging read. This would be a great discussion book and class read, as well.

Modern Fantasy Book Blog #2

A Bad Case of Stripes
Written and illustrated by David Shannon
Published by Abridge on June 1st, 2004
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Number of pages: 32



Overveiw 
  Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she doesnt eat them because the other kids in her school doesn't like them. She is very worried about what they will think about her and wants to fit in, but then she becomes compltely covered in stripes! Not just that, she seems to change color to match what is happening around her! Insead of blending in, like she desperately wanted, she is standing out more than ever! Is there anyone that can help fix Camilla Cream?
    The illustrattions in this book are fantasitically creative and colorful. They help students to make connections with the characters and the plot. The pictures are very detailed and beautiffully depicts the scenes of the wonderful story being told!



Grade Level: K-4
Contant Area: Language Arts, Sequencing, Acceptance
Student Connection: This would be a great book for students with special needs or disabilities. It helps to teach students to learn how to accept each other difference and accept their own differences. It helps to start disscussions about not being afraid to stand out. This would also be a great book to help students learn sequencing and themes.

Modern Fantasy Book Blog

Tuck Everlasting
Written by Natalie Babbitt
Published by Square Fish; first edition in 1975, Sunburst edition 1985, Film tie-in edition 2002
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Number of pages: 192



   In this fantastically written book, the Tuck family is presented with a new way of life after drinking from a magical spring. They must live life inconspicuously as they can because of their newfound immortality. One day, Winnie Foster stumbles upon their secret, everlasting lives and is dragged into their world of life without death. Throughout this exciting adventure, problems arise and obstacles are met. Will Winnie choose to join their immortal way of life in the end?

"A fearsome and beautifully written book that can't be put down or forgotten."

- Jean Stafford, The New Yorker

"Flawless in both style and structure."

-The Horn Book

Grade Level: 3-5

Content Area: English Language Arts 

Student Connection: This would be a wonderful book for gifted students to be able to have discussion groups about the plot, characters, and moral standings of the book. You could discuss with your students the choices Winnie makes and ask what choice they would have made and why. 

Diverse Perspective Book Blog #2

The Name Jar
Written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Published by Dragonfly Books; Reprint edition on October 14th, 2003
Genre: Diverse Perspective Fiction, Children's Literature
Number of Pages: 40



Overview 
   Being in a new school is hard enough, but imagine also being in a new town and new country. Unhei is the new kid in school who just moved from North Korea with her family. As every kid would be, she is worried and anxious about making friends and the other kids not being able to pronounce her traditional Korean name.  During the first day of school, instead of introducing herself, she decides to pick a new name. Deciding on a new name is a whole new adventure!

   This is a wonderful book to introduce diversity, multiculturism, and acceptence of differences. Students can become aware of idividuality and self acceptance while also learning about friendship. This would be a great way to integrate different cultures into your classroom! Xangsook Choi (author and illustrator) created beautifully simplistic illustrations that enhances the readers experience. Students will adore this book!

“Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story." 

- The New York Times

“Beautifully written and illustrated.” - Philadelphia Times

“Interweaving several issues into this touching account and delicately addressing the challenges of assimilation.” 

- Kirkus Reviews

Lesson and Activtiy 

Content Area: Self-Acceptance, Confidence, Kindness, Multiculturalism

Standard: 3 ) Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. [RL.2.3]

6 ) Acknowledge differences in the points of view of characters, including by speaking in a different voice for each character when reading dialogue aloud. [RL.2.6]

15 ) Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain, or describe. [RI.2.6]

Model: Read the entire book out loud to students twice with no interruptions.

Guide and Scaffold: After reading the book out loud to the students the first time, ask them about what questions they may still have. Tell them to think about those questions while reading the book to them the second time.

Discussion: Discuss the importance of acceptance, differences, and diversity. Ask students to identify the characters motivation to change her name and why she ended up deciding against it.

Activity: Discuss the importance of names, cultural diversity, tolerance, and self acceptance. Read other books on the subjects, such as, Crysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn, and The First Thing My Mama Told Me by Susan Marie Swanson. Set out a variety of book with baby names and meanings. Do "What's Behind Your Name" activity shown below.

Reading level: Grades 1-4
Interest level: Grades K-3

Sources: 

https://www.dogobooks.com/the-name-jar/book-review/037580613X

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/alycia-zimmerman/what-s-name-back-school-literacy-unit/

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=11998&a=1

 

Integrated Arts In Early Childhood Education

Integrated Arts Digital Portfolio

Here is a Digital Portfolio I made for my 21st Century Teaching and Learning class. This presentation has many great resources for how to integrate the arts into the Early Childhood curriculum. Enjoy!

 
DIY Integrated Arts Crafts

Creative Movement Cube

 This was super easy and cheap to make.

Supplies:
Styrofoam cube
Cardstock
Scissors
Hot glue

I personally made each of the activities in a word document. I just typed the activity and inserted clipart underneath it. Once it was all printed out, I laminated it and cut it out, then hot glued each one onto the sides of the cube.

Classroom Use:
You can use this as a fun and interactive activity for creative movement. Have students roll the cube like a dice and do the activity it lands on.

http://choices4children.blogspot.com/2013/10/move-like-animal-cube.html

Drama/Theater Puppets

These were surprisingly easy and fun to make!

Supplies:
Felt
Scissors
Marker
Hot glue
Googly Eyes (optional)

I printed out the template from the website below and used it to cut out each piece of the puppets. Then, I hot glued them together and drew the mouths or noses on and added googly eyes! Super simple and cute!

Classroom Use:
These can be used for so many different things!

• They can enhance storytelling time or read aloud time. 
• They can be used for drama/theater. 
• Students can use them to help express themselves.
• Used as an interactive activity during centers.

https://30minutecrafts.com/2018/01/no-sew-felt-puppets.html

Sensory Letter Activity

Originally, I started to make the road letters myself but ended up printing out the road letters that were already made on the website below. However, if you want to make them yourself, I'll list the supplies below.

Supplies:
Cardstock
Black or grey construction paper
White or yellow marker or paint

Cut each letter from construction paper and glue them onto white cardstock. Add white or yellow road lines to each letter. Laminate each one (optional).

Classroom Use: 
Have students use hot wheels cars or their finger to trace over each letter. This is great to help them learn their letters and can even be used with numbers and punctuation, as well.
https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/product/road-letters/