Excellence in Education:
Reading and Writing Every Day
We’re all reading and writing teachers. No skill is as
important to success in college or the workforce as literacy. As educators we
should strive to include reading and writing skills in our classroom every day.
Both reading and writing can take many forms. Some examples
of the various reading I saw in classrooms this past week:
- Directions and rules in PE’s recreation unit
- Comparing three flood stories in World History I
- Reading from Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in World History I
- Relating the importance of the Magna Carta to today’s government
- Gulliver’s Travels and editing paragraphs in English classes
Reading and writing are, of course, real-life skills (for
more on their value http://goo.gl/nAVGDp),
but they are also effective ways of providing instruction and assessing
understanding. Additionally, reading and writing naturally lend themselves to
scaffolded instruction and differentiation. Let’s strive to make reading and writing part of every lesson plan.
Ideas for the Classroom: 3 Step Rubric
The 3 Step Rubric is a great time-saver and an even greater
means of providing meaningful feedback. In brief the three steps are:
1a. A rubric is shared with the
students. Work samples are provided and students can evaluate these based on
the rubric.
1b: As a class create a rubric.
2: Students self-assess (score and
comment) their assessment using the rubric.
3. The teacher provides feedback using
the rubric. Instead of making comments on all parts of the assessment and
rubric, you only comment where the differences between the student grade your
grade exist. This process enables you to more intently focus your time on areas
where disagreement exist and where feedback is most important.
Administrative Notes
It’s a busy week for me in regards to meetings, especially
eligibilities. I was hoping to touch base with those of you whom I observed
last week, but it’ll be tough for me to do so.
Apparently, there was an issue with either my ipad, the web
connectivity. or my program so some of you may not have received electronic
feedback from my quick visit. I’ll be trying to send these out. Sorry for the
confusion.
It was great to see so many teachers using the small group
flex time to remediate their students. The individualized attention/academic
assistance you provided to your students was invaluable. Hopefully, this will
be time well spent.
I know the snow days have thrown everyone for a loop, especially
you as teachers. You’re flexibility in overcoming such challenges demonstrates
your professionalism and commitment to your craft and your students.
Tweet of the Week
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday, Feb 4 Boys
Basketball Home vs Eastern View (Girls Away)
Scholastic
Bowl Regionals @ Poquoson
FLEX—Social
Studies Expedited Retakes
Wednesday, Feb 5 Signing
Day Ceremony
Winter
Track @ FHS
Girls
Basketball vs J. Monroe (Boys Away)
Math Expedited
Retakes (these take a while)
Thursday,
Feb 6 Conference
Wrestling at Culpeper
Friday, Feb 7 Girls
Basketball (Senior Night) vs FHS (Boys Away)
Some Interesting Reads
A Letter to Teachers http://goo.gl/C6V5S8
Five Powerful Questions Teachers Can Ask Students http://goo.gl/dr3qkD
Criticizing (common criticisms) of Praise http://goo.gl/qWlZmR
High Schools: Grow Up! http://goo.gl/iHQs7e
38 Test Questions That Are Wrong, But Oh So Right http://www.negpoz.com/38-test-answers-100-wrong-oh-right-time/
(This one is fun and purely for enjoyment)
No comments:
Post a Comment