This semester has been a rough one, but oh boy has it been a fun adventure too. In the class and outside I have learned so much about differentiation. As we are getting ready to go out into field I am excited to try out everything I've learned in a real life setting.
I know that differentiation is something that I will never stop learning about. It will be such a key asset in my future classroom and a corner stone in helping me in continuing to grow into a successful teacher. What a ride it is going to be.
I can't believe I'm a SENIOR in college. As I am winding down on my education, preparing to enter the "real world" I can't help but be grateful for my outstanding teachers that have helped in shaping me and preparing me to do something that I love. My hope is that I will some day be as wonderful as them. I'm ready to start this "new chapter" in my life and for the happiness and bliss that will come along with it.
Click here! Oh please click here!!
Signing out for the last time (at least temporarily, don't freak out too much),
Laurel (like Carl)
2.24.2014
Aiming High
Tomlinson says, "It is likely that we underestimate what any student can accomplish, often establishing as performance ceilings goals that ought to be planks in the floor."
I've said it once and I can say it a bazillion times, but we absolutely want our students to succeed. How is it possible for us to do this when we aren't aiming high?
"Aiming high means that all tasks require serious thought, that they deal with important ideas, and that that they cast students as problem solvers."
In my opinion as future teachers we need to be prepared, we need to expect great things from our students, and we need to give them the possibilities to reach that success. When we start settling for "average" or "just skimming by" that is when we become poor teachers. Our students deserve so much more than that.
We also need to help students realize that success is the result of effort. It is our job to teach them well, but if they aren't in return putting forth effort then it is hard to reach our goals. We are doing so much for our students. Not only are we teaching them curriculum, but we are literally aiding in shaping them into the person they will be as adults.
I've said it once and I can say it a bazillion times, but we absolutely want our students to succeed. How is it possible for us to do this when we aren't aiming high?
"Aiming high means that all tasks require serious thought, that they deal with important ideas, and that that they cast students as problem solvers."
In my opinion as future teachers we need to be prepared, we need to expect great things from our students, and we need to give them the possibilities to reach that success. When we start settling for "average" or "just skimming by" that is when we become poor teachers. Our students deserve so much more than that.
We also need to help students realize that success is the result of effort. It is our job to teach them well, but if they aren't in return putting forth effort then it is hard to reach our goals. We are doing so much for our students. Not only are we teaching them curriculum, but we are literally aiding in shaping them into the person they will be as adults.
We must always aim high and continually strive for the best in ourselves and in our students.
Stay classy,
Laurel (like Carl)
What Makes You, YOU?
Morning Meeting rocked today! It's too bad you weren't actually there to witness it. We talked about what makes us as individuals. Several people were able to share experiences of moments in their life that they thought helped define them an a person. Needless to say a few tears were shed.
I was one of those people that was able to share. I talked about my different health "struggles" throughout my life and how those events helped in giving me the determination to push forward in life regardless of the circumstance or situation. I consider myself a healthy person and it's not something I talk about frequently. I was not expecting the responses that I received. Everyone was awesome and gave me such sweet and sincere compliments. They sure are good at boosting my self-esteem. At the end of the meeting we were all able to write a little note about some of the amazing characteristics that each person in our cohort has. It was such a neat experience.
This just goes to show how far a simple little compliment can go in someones life. It is so important that we are doing this with our future students. It literally has the ability to change someones attitude, view on school and life, and so much more. Kind words have SO much power and they are something that everyone can give away. Sometimes we get nervous to compliment someone for one reason or the other, but when you have the chance to make someones day a little bit brighter....do it. Don't miss those golden opportunities to make someone happy. Our students need that. Here's to changing lives.
This is my awesome (slightly goofy) cohort. They make me happy and they are consistently helping me in becoming the teacher I want to be.
Cheers to being the best you,
Laurel (like Carl)
I was one of those people that was able to share. I talked about my different health "struggles" throughout my life and how those events helped in giving me the determination to push forward in life regardless of the circumstance or situation. I consider myself a healthy person and it's not something I talk about frequently. I was not expecting the responses that I received. Everyone was awesome and gave me such sweet and sincere compliments. They sure are good at boosting my self-esteem. At the end of the meeting we were all able to write a little note about some of the amazing characteristics that each person in our cohort has. It was such a neat experience.
This just goes to show how far a simple little compliment can go in someones life. It is so important that we are doing this with our future students. It literally has the ability to change someones attitude, view on school and life, and so much more. Kind words have SO much power and they are something that everyone can give away. Sometimes we get nervous to compliment someone for one reason or the other, but when you have the chance to make someones day a little bit brighter....do it. Don't miss those golden opportunities to make someone happy. Our students need that. Here's to changing lives.
This is my awesome (slightly goofy) cohort. They make me happy and they are consistently helping me in becoming the teacher I want to be.
Cheers to being the best you,
Laurel (like Carl)
2.18.2014
Tiering Readiness
Today in class we discussed tiering a lesson. We related it to a tiered cake, like the one below (isn't it just adorable?).
Most important to remember. Tiering is only necessary and used for differentiating readiness. The concept of tiering suggests that teachers have layered curriculum. Students learn differently. Fact. You have to adjust accordingly so that everyone is gaining knowledge that is at their "tier" and which they are READY for.
When the teacher plans this right she will make it so everyone is successful without feeling stupid, or like they aren't as smart as some of the more advanced students. This is so necessary because learning isn't a competition. It's about gaining for knowledge and experiences that we can add to our "toolbox" of life. These are the things that will make us go far in life, but we have to remember that it is a latter to climb, not a "jump as high as you possibly can and skip everything in-between" kind of ordeal. Make sure you teach your students this.
I found this website I really liked that talks about how to create a tiered lesson. Click here to see.
Owl see you later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Most important to remember. Tiering is only necessary and used for differentiating readiness. The concept of tiering suggests that teachers have layered curriculum. Students learn differently. Fact. You have to adjust accordingly so that everyone is gaining knowledge that is at their "tier" and which they are READY for.
When the teacher plans this right she will make it so everyone is successful without feeling stupid, or like they aren't as smart as some of the more advanced students. This is so necessary because learning isn't a competition. It's about gaining for knowledge and experiences that we can add to our "toolbox" of life. These are the things that will make us go far in life, but we have to remember that it is a latter to climb, not a "jump as high as you possibly can and skip everything in-between" kind of ordeal. Make sure you teach your students this.
I found this website I really liked that talks about how to create a tiered lesson. Click here to see.
Owl see you later,
Laurel (like Carl)
Curriculum and Instruction as the Vehicle
We all know that curriculum is important. Right? You do actually know this? If not you better get on board.
Instruction is just as important as the curriculum we teach.
This so called "vehicle" consist of 5 key elements. They are:
Many of you might think this seems pretty obvious. How easy it is though to overlook these things though and this is something that you absolutely must not do.
When curriculum and instruction meet these elements students are able to soar. Teaching becomes phenomenal and individual as well as class achievement sky rockets.
It's also important to help your students understand why it is you are teaching specific curriculum. When students understand why you have having them learn about specific concepts they perform better and become more actively engaged. I've seen this from personal experience.
Remember you don't want a vehicle that doesn't run properly. Check it often and adjust where needed and you will be smooth sailing.
Happy Tuesday,
Laurel (like Carl)
Instruction is just as important as the curriculum we teach.
This so called "vehicle" consist of 5 key elements. They are:
- important- What we study is essential to the structure of the discipline.
- focused-Whatever we do is unambiguously aligned with the articulated and essential learning goals.
- engaging-Students most often find meaning in their work.
- demanding-The work is most often a bit beyond the reach of each learner.
- scaffolded- The teacher teaches for success.
Many of you might think this seems pretty obvious. How easy it is though to overlook these things though and this is something that you absolutely must not do.
When curriculum and instruction meet these elements students are able to soar. Teaching becomes phenomenal and individual as well as class achievement sky rockets.
It's also important to help your students understand why it is you are teaching specific curriculum. When students understand why you have having them learn about specific concepts they perform better and become more actively engaged. I've seen this from personal experience.
Remember you don't want a vehicle that doesn't run properly. Check it often and adjust where needed and you will be smooth sailing.
Happy Tuesday,
Laurel (like Carl)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)