Co-Teaching Math

This year we are trying a new model of teaching in a few of our classrooms, co-teaching. I was fortunate enough to be able to be a part of the training for co-teaching last spring.  Now, our special education teacher, Mrs. Spearin, and I are trying to implement this model into my classroom.  There is a wonderful website that explains what co-teaching is and the benefits of this model.  Please take some time to read more about co-teaching at, http://www.cehd.umn.edu/teri/co-teaching/foundations/What.html.

In math we have been working on our topic concerning fractions.  On Friday, Mrs. Spearin joined us with her smart table.  A smart table is a technological tool that engages students in their learning through a collaborative and fun method.  To learn more about this fabulous piece of technology please view the you tube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaUxBkkvcmE

As Mrs. Spearin led the smart table group, I led a fun craft activity to reinforce fractions.  Other students were engaged in independent game time.  Every 20 minutes students switched and rotated through the math stations, it was a fun and engaging way to end our week in math!  Below are a few pictures of our math time Friday.

Mrs. Spearin teaching smart table edicate

Learning the fraction smart table game

Working on our fraction pies craft

Sorting fractions on the smart table

Hard at work making our fraction pies

Reading Routine

Over the last couple weeks we have been working on learning our reading centers.  Reading centers are an opportunity for everyone to practice skills that they are learning independently while I run small reading groups. There are 6 main centers that everyone will end up going through throughout the week.  The centers are read to self, buddy read, writing, word work, listen to reading, and computers.  This is also the time of day students are given to creatively practice their spelling words.  In writing they are given the chance to write stories or practice handwriting.  These centers come from a book called, The Daily Five.  If you would like to read more about the idea behind centers and learning please check out, http://www.the2sisters.com/theDaily5.html.  Here are a few pictures of us practicing our centers this week.

Working in our language interactive notebooks

Practicing computer time during centers

Practicing our spelling words through stamping

Practicing handwriting while finding hidden words around the room

Writing around the room

Learning Lane's Plan for Success

As part of a way to help students transition from class to class within Learning Lane, we have developed what we are calling Learning Lane's Plan for Success.  Each classroom is teaching the 5 expectations, 5 encouragements, and the 5 enforcements.  These expectations are in place to help each student have a successful learning environment.  Also, we wanted the expectations to carry from classroom to classroom so students know exactly what to expect no matter what Learning Lane room they may be working within.  We need students to realize how important it is for them to do their part as respectful students.  Please talk to your child about what these expectation are and why they are important!  If you have any questions about our Learning Lane Plan for Success, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Learning Lane's Plan for Success

Expectations:

1. Follow Directions Quickly
2. Raise Your Hands for Permission to Speak
3. Raise Your Hand for Permission to Leave Your Seat
4. Make Smart and Safe Choices
5. Treat Others The Way You Want to Be Treated

Encouragement:

1. Praise
2. ROCK Star Ticket
3. Raffle Ticket
4. Positive Contact Home
5. Class/Learning Lane Reward

Enforcement:

1. Reminder
2. Take a Break
3. Buddy Room/Think About it Sheet
4. Parent Contact or Out of Morning Recess
5. Office Behavior Report

Remind

This past week I sent home a notice about a way for me to communicate with you via text, called remind.  I have had a few people contact me that they have had some difficulty signing up with this system.  One of the confusing issues was the code I gave.  The code that you are to text to 81010 is saunders1s, my number 1 was confused with a letter l.  If you are still having problems with the code, you can try to go to https://www.remind.com/join/saunders1s.  Please let me know if you are still having issues with signing up.

For more information about this system go to https://www.remind.com/.