tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44772464746416823862024-03-05T05:53:49.582-05:00Principal HowellSupporting the best job in the world... teaching children! principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-71119356261836642352018-12-31T13:52:00.001-05:002018-12-31T14:17:06.355-05:00Self-reflection to kick off the New Year! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
@rbishop_jr tasked the two of us with creating a blog post by January 2… it’s always good to have an accountability partner who supports you as a positive force to influence professional growth. I find that blogging helps me organize thinking, cements learning, and holds me accountable for my professional growth. My hope is to get back to consistently (once a month) blogging in 2019, and I look forward to reading @rbishop_jr post in the near future. So here is my post: Self-reflection to kick off the new year!<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conclusion of another calendar year is always a great time to celebrate successes while reflecting on how to improve our craft as we make resolutions for 2019. We continually reflect on the effectiveness of our school culture and climate, instructional strategies, district initiatives, school improvement plans, curriculum and assessment, etc. Our PLCs collaborate by setting and monitoring goals that supports learning. With that said, success of a building depends greatly on self-reflection as well as collaborative goals. If one truly want to sustain professional growth, then we need to think deeper than traditional performance reflection questions, while knowing that </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">are the only one who can truly answer self-reflection questions. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<b><br />Self-reflection question for 2019: What does it take to be an Influencer? </b><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My colleagues and I have committed to meeting once a month to discuss what it takes to be an influencer within our organization. Building leaders need to influence sustained professional growth to lead change. We decided to use </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan and Switzler to guide our conversations. The authors do an exceptional job identifying high-leverage behaviors that lead to profound change in an organization. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influencer </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">takes you on a journey of self-reflection by helping one find and clarify actionable vital behaviors to lead to positive results. Too many of us focus on the results rather than the behaviors that lead to results. As a group we have spent time reflecting on the fact that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">successful influencers avoid spending time and effort on the wrong behaviors by drawing from vital behavior such as noticing the obvious, capitalizing on crucial moments, learning from positive deviants, and spotting culture busters: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Notice the Obvious:</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Looking for behaviors that are obvious but underutilized. How do we capitalize on these behaviors and develop them into our actions? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Look for Crucial Moments:</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Identify those times where everything is working against the results you want. Look for behaviors that can help you overcome those crucial moments. How do you prepare for potential barriers? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Learn from Positive Deviants:</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Look for people that do well in a challenging situation even when you or others are having problems within the same scenario. Identify what they are doing differently that could help you or others succeed. How do we identify when we need to learn from others and their experiences? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Spot Culture Busters: </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch for crucial moments when shared vision and mission is necessary for success. How do we build our culture through shared leadership? Those that work against the shared vision and mission can destroy an initiative or organization. How do we prepare for this and build capacity in others. </span></li>
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</span>Understanding these four vital behaviors takes self-reflection. Focusing on yourself and understanding the lens and behaviors you bring to the table will help in the quest to be a positive influencer. How do you know if a behavior is vital to your influence? Like anything, if you are unsure, then track the behaviors and compare with your results. If the behavior has a direct impact on the result then you know it is a vital behavior.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I look forward to self-reflection throughout the chapters of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influencer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I already find myself considering the four vital behaviors, considering each when reflecting on past and future projects, curriculum reviews, and even interactions with staff and community stakeholders. These four behaviors along with Six Sources that will be our focus within the next chapters will be my focus throughout 2019. I look forward to investigating our shared abilities while understanding motivation, defeat, and adjusting to change through the Six Sources:</span><br />
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<li>What is your personal motivation? Are you motivated?</li>
<li>How do you view your personal ability? Are you able?</li>
<li>What does your social motivation look like? Do others pay attention to your advice?</li>
<li>What is your social ability to enlist the support of others? Can you enlist the help of others? </li>
<li>What does structural motivation look like? Is there an incentive conflict? </li>
<li>How do you view the structural ability? Do you have the tools to make it happen? </li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These vital question, behaviors, and sources will continue to guide my focus as we maintain our commitment to leadership and balancing our influence to unlock the potential of our organization. I will keep you posted as our reflection continues and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influencer</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> guides our professional conversations. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you reflect and set goals for 2019, start thinking about deeper self-reflection questions that will support your ability to Influence others. Find balance and pick one or two vital behaviors that might resonate with you and be aware of how behaviors can change results. Continue to grow and embrace change, creating opportunities for professional growth, while enjoying the best job in the world…</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> teaching children and growing capacity of others!</span><br />
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-12238929223815480882018-06-12T21:01:00.001-04:002018-06-12T21:02:00.777-04:00Sharpen The Saw<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEnvlmCtS_w" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” - Abraham Lincoln</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few years ago a very wise principal suggested that I write a blog post about the importance of SHARPEN THE SAW, based on the work of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stephen Covey</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Great reminder as we relax, spend time with family and friends, gain knowledge, and replenish our energy levels to be amazing educators! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer is a time when I have an increased focus on myself and family. I attempt to increase (at the very least... maintain) my exercising habits, vacation with my wife and kids, connect with friends, read educational blogs, catch up on home improvement projects, relax and golf. Summer is a great time to reflect and become rejuvenated to start a new school year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all want to be highly effective people, but it is impossible to do that unless we are in the correct mindset. As you take time to reflect over the summer and transition to another school year it is important to focus on YOU! Creating a balanced-lifestyle is vital to supporting and enhancing your effectiveness as educators, parents, friends, spouse, etc. Enjoy the summer and use Covey’s work as a guide to rejuvenation! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have--you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Beneficial eating, exercising, and resting</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Making social and meaningful connections with others</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through meditation, music, art, prayer, or service</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life. Sharpen the Saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. You increase your capacity to produce and handle the challenges around you. Without this renewal, the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish. Not a pretty picture, is it?</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Feeling good doesn't just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It's all up to you. You can renew yourself through relaxation. Or you can totally burn yourself out by overdoing everything. You can pamper yourself mentally and spiritually. Or you can go through life oblivious to your well-being. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of good health and exercise. You can revitalize yourself and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of apathy because your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal--a new opportunity to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.”</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy an amazing summer filled with experiences to SHARPEN THE SAW!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith Howell</span></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-50538927915720147912018-05-18T08:06:00.001-04:002018-05-18T08:46:38.022-04:00Every Opportunity Can you believe that it is already May 18! It is amazing how quickly a school year can come to a conclusion.<br />
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It will be June in no time at all! During these final weeks it is easy for us to forget what is truly important due to end of the year assessments, activities, paperwork, field trips, assemblies, fundraisers, etc… you get the idea! We are busy this time of year! With that said, we still need to finish strong and focus on the truly important aspects of learning: <b>Building relationships that supports a culture of joy and learning!</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Last month I saw a great post from @Jennifer_Hogan, </span><a href="http://www.thecompellededucator.com/2018/03/we-must-maslow-before-we-bloom.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">We must Maslow before we Bloom</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">. </span></div>
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@Jennifer_Hogan encourages educators to reflect on the relationships that we have developed during the school year and asks if there is anything more we can do as we enter the final stage of the school year. Within her post she included an <a href="http://viewpure.com/VxyxywShewI?start=0&end=0">Every Opportunity </a> video that highlights the importance of being intentional with our interactions. Check it out! <br />
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I hope you find @Jennifer_Hogan’s post helpful. I encourage you to follow the #compelledtribe which is a group of educators who commit to educational blogging. #compelledtrib is a great place to sustaining learning, reflection, and collaboration. I would encourage anyone looking for inspiration to check out the #compelledtribe. <br />
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I appreciate everything you do each day to sustain a welcoming environment at our schools and in your classrooms! Teachers are great!!!! Enjoy the final weeks of the school year!principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-59768352127691574402018-04-08T17:07:00.000-04:002018-04-08T17:07:01.999-04:00Intentional Planning - Relationships & Strategies <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome Back!!! I hope everyone enjoyed a well deserved break with family and friends. As educators return after a long break it is always good to review our intentional plans for sustaining a positive learning environment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“A quality teacher-student relationship means more than the combined power of all teaching and discipline techniques known to humankind.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and logic Teacher-ism</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love this quote! Establishing positive relationships with your students, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while creating an atmosphere where children have positive relationships with each other</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, will truly benefit any classroom, family, or community. Quality teacher-student and student-student relationships will support and increase a positive community where children want to thrive. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It also makes everyone’s experience more enjoyable!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As we move into the final months of the school year it is important to re-establish classroom expectations and learning missions that will empower students to be their best during warmer months. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The best managed classrooms and positive learning environments do not happen by accident. Talented educators are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">intentional</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in their planning. Children, in general, will exhibit some type of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">minor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or major behavior challenge during their childhood. The key is to keep minor behaviors just that…</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> minor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As a teacher, administrator, and parent I have experienced a variety of behavior challenges that can be supported with simple Tier 1 redirection and distraction techniques. Below are two posts that highlight the importance of intentional planning surrounding relationships and distraction, time, and Love and Logic techniques to support learning. Check them out if you are looking for additional strategies.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Before implementing behavior strategies it is important to solidify positive relationships. Check out a few of my favorite relationship building techniques below:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/01/intentional-planning-post-1-of-2.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Intentional Planning Post 1 or 2</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that relationships are established, distractions techniques have a better chance of being successful. Check out these techniques that will support learning. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/01/intentional-planning-post-2-of-2.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Intentional Planning Post 2 of 2</span></span></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you find this helpful. I appreciate everything you do each day to sustain a welcoming environment at our schools and in your classrooms! Teachers are great!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I will leave you with this Love and Logic Quote:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rules provided without relationship result in rebellion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Consequences given without relationship lead to resentment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rewards without relationship feel like bribes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and Logic Teacher-isms</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy teaching and learning!</span></span></div>
<br />principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-5406973037817824802017-11-29T14:45:00.000-05:002017-11-29T14:54:12.062-05:00Conferences 2017<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was a principal,</span><a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2016/11/tips-for-conferences.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">conferences</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> were among my favorite times of the year! Time after time, they reaffirmed an essential belief that I hold: our teachers are great! As parents were leaving the building, many would stop by my office to give accolades about our teachers and praise the learning experiences their children were having throughout the year. This provided terrific informal data that supported the positive relationships and learning environment we created together. What a great feeling for our teachers and families!</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-6f7a993f-094d-5659-e487-cafbcad49d6b" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fall conferences might be the first time teachers are meeting parents, other than a friendly, "hello" during drop off or pick up, and the occasional family night. Conferences are a time when teachers get 10-15 minutes (depending on the district) to showcase academic, social and emotional learning goals that students are setting and demonstrating progress toward throughout the school year. Sometimes, parents don’t know what to expect … and neither do teachers! It is extremely important that we are confident in our abilities to showcase the academic, social, and emotional progress and future goals that empower students to grow throughout the school year. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conference is an important event to make a great impression with parents and provide descriptive feedback of their student’s progress and goals. Please help parents believe what we already know… there is no better teacher for their child!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our teachers do a great job planning and providing parents with a terrific information and strategies of support; however, at times it is based on what we think parents need to hear rather than what they want to hear. It is important to have a nice balance of both. So, what questions do you think parents really want answered when attending a conference? These are the questions parents might not ask …but might just have on their mind. Below are 10 questions to consider:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is my child safe (socially, emotionally, physically) at school? Do they have friends?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is my child’s teacher a happy person and is my child happy at school?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does my child’s teacher love kids?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does the teacher look for the uniqueness in my child?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the teacher finding joy within the teaching profession?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the teacher competent? Is it evident that the teachers knows curriculum and how to impart knowledge? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is my child learning … and more importantly, does my child love learning from this teacher? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the teacher consistent? Does the teacher do what they say?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does my child’s teacher clearly communicate expectations? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is homework purposeful? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is homework targeted and differentiated practice, allowing for choice that empowers students to assume responsibility of their own learning? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am sure you can think of other questions that parents might consider. Again, these are questions that may not be asked; however, parents will be thinking about them when sitting across the table from you during conferences. Or at least these were some of the questions my wife and I considered when at parent/teacher conferences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most importantly, make sure parents leave your room with no question in their mind, you are the best teacher for their child! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It all comes down to positive relationships with teachers, parents, and ultimately students, that will enhance success during conferences and throughout the year. Enjoy conferences, making it a great experience for everyone!</span>principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-3504963773733625562017-09-04T16:45:00.000-04:002017-09-04T16:45:56.033-04:00How do you foster a positive learning environment? School starts Tuesday!!!! As we look forward to meeting our students it is important to start the year strong, creating positive and long lasting relations with our students. From my experience, students will have more success if they feel loved, important, and safe. Below you will find 10 suggesting to get the year started:<br />
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<b>1. Morning Circle Time</b> – Many of our teachers have morning meetings to start the school day. Creating a morning meeting, allowing for students to learn about each other beyond school life, builds a classroom community of genuine respect and rapport. Daily questions can focus on student backgrounds, culture, interests, events of the weekend, favorite foods/music/movies/games, special events, etc. Becoming familiar with each other on a deeper level will support student self-awareness and acceptance of differences, which will decrease the likelihood of relationship issues during the school year. Daily questions can focus on favorite experiences, field trips, project based learning activities, individual/class accomplishment or anything that was unique to your classroom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Classroom Motto (start the year strong)</b> – One teacher at our school starts the day by reciting the classroom motto. He tells the students to push the button on their desk and all student proudly recites together, “feel good about yourself!” Students truly feel good about themselves… not because they say it… because of the sustained teaching that goes along with saying it, creating a community of students who feel good about themselves. His students feel good about: being a good classmate/friend, the effort they put into an assignment, learning new vocabulary words, solving problems on their own, being a good son/daughter/sibling, improving their writing skills, understanding their target learning, etc. It works because it is a consistent approach implemented with empathy and support. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. The Unlikely Student</b> – It is “easy to connect” with students who demand your attention due to an outgoing personality, academic needs, or behavioral problems. Something to consider, write one student’s name in your plan book each day (those who do not demand your time). Make sure you are connecting with that child throughout the day by noticing their effort: “Wow! Johnny did a great job on the writing assignment because he added exceptional detail”… and share those accolades with the class. Notice things that go beyond school life: new shoes/shirt/haircut, asking about weekend, sporting event, video game, recess, family, etc. It is important that you have a plan to connect, because if you don’t… the “easy to connect” students will demand that time and the “unlikely” student will not be noticed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Student Inventory</b> – Look for the uniqueness of each child – Have students fill out a student inventory at the start of the year. Revisit the student inventory that students provided you throughout the year. Did anything change? Student inventory example is below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What do you like to do outside of school?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite season?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 2 of your favorite foods.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 3 games you like to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite animal, color, sport?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List your favorite type of music.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Do you like to read? What type of books do you like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 3 movies you like to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Who do you like to play with/why? Friend, parents, grandparents, sister, brother, other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite part of the school day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your least favorite part of the school day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite special/subject?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Higher level inventory questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What are your dreams?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What do you want to be when you grow up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Who would you consider to be your hero and why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· If you had unlimited money and could only use it to help people… who would you help and why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It will be fun for you and your students to see how they have changed or stayed the same over the school year! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Positive Proximity</b> – Greet your students each morning with a smile and a friendly hello. Seems simple because it is! It is also much better than asking “do you have your homework?” Be present during independent work, supporting students and noticing their efforts throughout the day. It is even ok to stop by the cafeteria (gym is where we eat lunch) or even shoot a basket or two during recess, positive proximity doesn't need to stop in the classroom. The extra 2-3 minutes of positive proximity outside your classroom will enhance the community feeling that you are establishing in your classroom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>6. Active Listening</b> – When we are busy it is easy to send students on their way with a quick response, knowing that you would give a better response if you had the time... we do this as parents too! Next time try saying this: “Your question/need/etc. is really important to me and you deserve more time than I can give right now… can you hold on for a few minutes/after lunch/until tomorrow/etc. and I will give you the attention you deserve.” If you say this with empathy, the child will usually feel validated and will (most likely) wait for your attention… sometimes it gives them time to problem solve on their own. Obviously, don't use this approach if there is an emergency or safety issues. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>7. Tone of Voice</b> – Be aware of tone, volume and cadence when teaching and managing your classroom. Use a softer delivery when managing behaviors and classroom procedures, planning and using nonverbal cues. Use voice fluctuation, storytelling (instead of lecturing), and suspense during your classroom discussions. Students will love it! I have been in a lot of classroom where I did not want to leave because the tone was so engaging. Your voice can set the relationship tone (positively or negatively) within a classroom. Charlie Brown’s teachers were funny but I don’t think they were building any relationships with their tone of voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>8. “I noticed” notes</b> - How it works: Simply place post-it notes on student’s desk when they least expect it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I noticed you finished your project today… nice work with great detail!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you are being a good friend to Johnny… you are kind!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you helping Sally with her math at lunch… you are a good friend!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you put great voice in your writing today… nice focus on our target learning!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you being a good listener… you rock!</b></div>
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<b>I noticed you asking for help on your assignment… way to take charge of your learning!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you using "active listening" strategies with Sally during turn and talk… keep it up!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You get the idea! I would not walk around the room giving “I noticed” notes all day… it could decrease the value. Use it sparingly, maybe three to five per day and keep track, making sure you are noticing everyone over time. This also works well with number three from above - The Unlikely Student. I love this strategy because it provides encouragement and accolades to support a positive relationship between you and your students. It will also teach students to self-regulate their behaviors, assuming responsibility to academic and social learning. Students will love it and so will you! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>9. Humor</b> – It is ok to laugh, smile, and tell an appropriate joke from time to time. Children want to see us having fun during the start of a school year! A morning joke can go a long way to support positive feelings. We have children telling Friday jokes on the morning announcements, it’s a lot of fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Q: What did the math book say to the other math book?<o:p></o:p></div>
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A: I have a lot of problems!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love a good joke and so will your students!<br />
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<b>10. Closure to the day and year</b> – Facilitate a reflection discussion at the end of each day, showcasing the academic and social learning that took place. Give accolades to individuals for positive effort and remember the happy and/or humorous moments during the day… maybe even tell your corny joke again. Set goals for tomorrow and end the day by saying “be kind to one another,” supporting and modeling the positive feelings you are establishing within your classroom. Make this a consistent conclusion to your day and they will be eager to return in the morning.</div>
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I truly believe that children will not learn from people they do not like or if they do not feel safe within their learning environment. It is important to <b>make connections</b> that will last a school year. @mathequalslove gets it! Check out her post: <a href="http://mathequalslove.blogspot.com/2017/08/21-ideas-for-first-week-of-school.html">21 Ideas for the First Week of School</a>. She provides so many amazing ideas. How do you foster a positive learning environment? Share your ideas in the comments! Let us continue to learn together throughout the year! </div>
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Have great start to the school year!!!!<br />
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Keith<o:p></o:p></div>
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-51564606243298774902017-08-22T06:51:00.000-04:002017-08-22T06:51:58.752-04:00Welcome Back!!!! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Only a couple weeks away from students returning. It has been great to see and talk with so many colleagues who are ready to get the year started. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As this new year begins, take time to reconnect and develop positive relationship with your colleagues, families, and students. We truly believe that children will not learn from people they do not like or if they do not feel safe within their learning environment. It is important to make connections that will last a school year. We shared this inspirational TED Talk by Rita F. Pierson last year, and it is something we watch from time to time as a reminder of why we are educators:</span></div>
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<a href="http://viewpure.com/SFnMTHhKdkw?ref=search" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TED Talks Education: Rita F. Pierson</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relationships - The Key to Learning</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Kids don't learn from people they don't like!"</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you."</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"We teach anyway... because that is what we do! We are educators... We are born to make a difference!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Every kid needs a champion!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As this new year begins, we encourage you to sustain a relationship goal, which is maintained over time as a focal point to everything you and your students accomplish. “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and it will be a part of your culture as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be a champion</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” for your students and enjoy a wonderful start to the 2017-18 school year!</span></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-51833943424491164612017-07-24T09:36:00.001-04:002017-07-24T15:12:55.783-04:00Summer Slide<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Summer is a time to relax and enjoy some lazy days filled with swimming, family trips, backyard barbecues, and pool parties! Unfortunately, summer can also be a time when learning decreases for many students and the proverbial 'summer slide' can take place. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>How can you tell if your child experiences a 'summer slide?' In our district we provide NWEA assessment graphs with end of the year report cards, which plots scores on an “x” axis on the graph using time intervals between test events. If there is a drop between the Spring score and the following Fall score, then your child may have fallen victim to the 'summer slide,' which is common for many students. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Below you will find a variety of ideas to support your children in a fun and empowering manner. Enjoy the many suggestions that may prevent the dreaded 'summer slide!' <b>Please include your ideas in the comments below. Let's share ideas together! </b>Enjoy Summer Learning! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdibwQAJiOZV6IBEzolec8dW9YXQbzh8WzCwRvknvlwEXv-we96qEPgCdJDNGq2C5DWJ2ymtix-hB6aDST-tDp83B_UN5pIRWaSxGhEdTrbOhMHzCOK9hWlQLTKTcIeJOMip5VQmpoVesM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdibwQAJiOZV6IBEzolec8dW9YXQbzh8WzCwRvknvlwEXv-we96qEPgCdJDNGq2C5DWJ2ymtix-hB6aDST-tDp83B_UN5pIRWaSxGhEdTrbOhMHzCOK9hWlQLTKTcIeJOMip5VQmpoVesM/s1600/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Summer Reading </td></tr>
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<b>Reading:</b></div>
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<b>Family Reading</b> – Family reading is one of the most important things we can do for early learners. Take time to read to your children, which will build listening skills. Asking questions about stories your children are reading will increase comprehension and retelling skills. Take turns reading aloud together; this will enhance oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, background knowledge, comprehension, story organization, problem solving, listening comprehension, and writing skills… wow! Not only does family reading create bonding time, but it also helps cement great reading skills that will be used in school! <o:p></o:p><br />
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As you know, reading is the “foundation of success” and is essential in all subjects. Good readers activate background knowledge and are able to predict, infer, and question while reading. Fluent readers can put themselves into the text, making self-to-text-connections. When reading stories together, stop and ask questions, predict, put yourself into the story, and ask, "what would you do?"<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sample Questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Describe the main character. Where does the story take place? When does it take place?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Name the supporting characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What do you think the characters are feeling? Why do they feel that way?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is the problem in the story? How does the character deal with the problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Could the character do something different to solve the problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is your favorite part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Have you ever read a story that is similar to this story?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Does this story remind you of anything in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- If you could rename the story… what would it be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- How did the story end? Would you change the ending? How?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is the most interesting part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Did you learn something new? Give three new facts? How can you use those facts in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What are the main character's traits? How is the character like you/different from you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What do you think will happen next?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Tell an opinion you have about the story. Tell a fact from the story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Purpose for reading</b> - Choose why you are reading… for information, enjoyment, etc. allowing time to make connections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Making Connections</b> - Text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-others – It is important to have conversations to enhance comprehension skills and understanding of the material being read.<br />
Examples:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when I went swimming because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when (character from different story/chapter/etc.) made a new friend because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me when my teacher did ______ because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when we went on vacation because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This character reminds me of my neighbor because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure you can think of additional questions or connection ideas. Also, it is not necessary to use every question during your family reading. Pick three to five questions that will support the particular story and one or two connections. The goal and hope for family reading, besides great family bonding, is that it will support a natural transfer of skills to the child’s independent reading activities, enhancing comprehension and reading fluency.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Spelling and Vocabulary:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/">Spelling City </a>- Practicing spelling was a challenging event in our household until we were introduced to Spelling City, which is a game-based program that provides spelling, vocabulary, and other language arts activities for K-12 cross-curricular word study. The site offers a free or affordable premium membership that allows children to use their classroom generated spelling list within the program for motivational practice while providing immediate feedback to learners. No longer do my children complain when being ask to practice spelling. Give it a try; it might help your family as much as it has helped ours.<br />
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Driving vocabulary – Attach three to five vocabulary words on the back of the driver/passenger seat in your car. While driving, have your child read, spell, and tell the meaning of each word, using them in a sentence. Change the words every week or two but don’t tell your children when the words will change… anticipation will increase excitement for new vocabulary words. Have children keep a driving journal, keeping track of the new words they are learning. Make sure the words are grade level appropriate and keep it fun. You can also use this strategy to practice new spelling words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vocabulary practice/sentence building – Place words on index cards in two different piles – mix them up and see who can make a sentence. Make a game out of this activity, creating a point system and the first one to 50 points wins! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Label the house – Label some items in your house with index cards. Environmental print supports immediate recall and enhances reading fluency.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Word of the week – Take a higher level vocabulary word and make it the 'word of the week' in your house. Use it in sentences, post it in the house, spell it together, and encourage them to incorporate the word into their writing at school. Try to make it fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personal Word Bank – Create a personal or family word bank in a journal or notebook, generating vocabulary words for future writing activities. You can even add your 'word of the week' to your journal, making your own personal thesaurus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Writing:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Students need practice to support good writing – try to keep it fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sports journal – While watching a game, keep a journal of favorite plays so that you can go back and try it on the field. Summer baseball is heating up (Go Tigers!) and the NFL season is right around the corner (Go Lions!), which can provide many writing opportunities, listing exciting plays or favorite players. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Family time capsule journal – Keep track of movies/family vacations/major news happenings/special sporting events/birthdays, etc. in a family journal. You can add pictures and make it into a scrap book of memories and thoughts that can be remembered for years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing for a purpose – Write a letter to a company that makes the best chocolate, game, toy, golf club, etc. Maybe they will send you some free goodies as a thank you! Write a letter if you are not impressed with a product. I wonder if the CEO of the company will respond?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Popplet – Used as a mind-map, Popplet helps students think and learn visually. Students can capture facts, thoughts, and images while learning to create relationships between them. Check out my previous post – <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/popplet-supporting-sons-writing.html">Popplet:Supporting son's writing homework - he loves to build!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Math:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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When teaching 4th and 5th grade, I focused on the students’ ability to understand math concepts and think mathematically. Unfortunately, some of my students had a difficult time because they lacked the ability to recall basic facts. They understood the process; however, they scored low on assessments due to simple computation mistakes throughout the problem. I always encouraged my students to practice math facts for five minutes a day when they were at home. Five extra minutes of intense practice per day might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly. By the end of the summer, they will do over 400 minutes of extra basic facts practice! For additional strategies, <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/10-apps-for-math-fluency-monica-burns">check out edutopia- 10 apps for math fluencyFree Apps:</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>Minecraft:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The creative and building aspect of Minecraft allows players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D world. Not only is it exciting to children (both of mine would play for hours if we let them), it provides them with collaboration and problem solving skills. They are learning skills such as reading, math, inventorying, geometry, social skills, and the interactive environment supports children’s ability to understand cause and effect. Children can even select various languages. So, the next time your child wants to play Minecraft, you might just see it as a learning opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>These are some of the additional learning opportunities I have used with my children, or have suggested to parents, to decrease the 'summer slide.' </i><i>Please remember the importance of keeping things fun and enjoyable while empowering children’s intrinsic motivation to be life-long learners. Most importantly, don’t forget the need for family time, playing board games, enjoying a bike ride, putting together a puzzle and having rich conversations with your children, all activities which enhance family relationships.</i><br />
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<i><b>Please include your ideas in the comments below. Let's share ideas together! </b></i></div>
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<b>Enjoy learning throughout the summer</b>! </div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-67339696269859190122017-01-06T11:58:00.000-05:002017-01-06T12:10:56.104-05:00Happy New Year 2017<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone enjoyed a well deserved holiday break with family and friends. As educators return to school it is always good to review our</span><a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/01/intentional-planning-post-1-of-2.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> intentional plans </span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for sustaining a positive learning environment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A quality teacher-student relationship means more than the combined power of all teaching and discipline techniques known to humankind.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love and logic Teacher-ism</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love this quote! Establishing positive relationships with your students, while creating an atmosphere where children have positive relationships with each other, will truly benefit any classroom, family, or community. Quality teacher-student and student-student relationships will support and increase a positive community where children want to thrive. It also makes everyone’s experience more enjoyable! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we start a new year it is always important to re-establish classroom expectations and learning missions that will empower students to be their best in 2017. The best managed classrooms and learning environments do not happen by accident. Talented educators are intentional in their planning. It starts with </span><a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/09/making-connections.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">making connections</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and sustaining positive relationships. Check out the </span><a href="http://derekoldfield.edublogs.org/2016/12/27/high5challenge/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#High5Challenge</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (focused on </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Reaching My Kids and Showing Them They Matter = PRICELESS</i>) via @Mr_Oldfield or </span><a href="http://glhsprincipal.blogspot.com/2017/01/relationships-are-foundation-of.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Relationships Are the Foundation of Education</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> via @bobby_dodd. Both inspire and highlight the importance of keeping relationships at the forefront of everything we do as educators.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continue to have a strategic plan focused on developing positive relationships with your students. Focus on things that are in your control: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">creating amazing classrooms where students are excited to learn!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thank you for being great and enjoying the best job in the world… educating children! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy teaching and Happy New Year!</span></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-23034077410856430092016-12-18T16:09:00.000-05:002016-12-18T16:09:09.389-05:00Reflection 2017<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conclusion of another calendar year is always a great time to celebrate successes while reflecting on how to improve our craft as we make resolutions for 2017. Educators continually reflect on the effectiveness of district and school improvement plans, culture and climate, instructional strategies, district initiatives, curriculum and assessment, etc. Our Professional Learning Committees do an amazing job of collaborating while setting and monitoring goals to support learning. With that said, success of individuals, buildings, or districts depend greatly on self-reflection, asking questions that hit the core of our professional growth. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Any job needs honest self-reflection. Asking profound self-reflection questions, while understanding yourself and how stakeholders might view you, will truly improve your performance and maybe even the quality of your work experience. Examples of profound self-reflection questions:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 9px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do my students like me? Do I like my students? Do I connect with them by creating authentic relationships?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do my parents like me? Do they know how much I care for their children and enjoy teaching? What would they say about my ability to communicate with them?</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I surround myself with positive people? Do I like my job? Can I do better?</span></li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Do my colleagues like me? Do they feel supported by me, or do I create anxiety for them?</span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I create a collaborative culture of safety and empowerment within the learning process, where students can be risk-takers? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I automatically go to a negative place when hearing about new initiatives or do I consider the positives aspects that might support my craft? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I cast judgment rather than providing support and understanding? </span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I let disappointment in educational politics and uncertainties creep into the classroom?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I find the professional growth process (<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-should-teachers-view-professional.html">evaluation</a>) as a nuisance or a chance to grow and develop my craft?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Am I defensive when receiving constructive criticism? Do I make excuses, or use constructive criticism as a chance to grow professionally?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do I respond to others that are negative?</span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I create my own stress? Are my greatest strengths creating weakness? Am I blinded by my own ambition? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If everyone at my place of work had my attitude, what kind of work environment would it be? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do I have a growth or fixed mindset? Do I self-create opportunities to grow professionally through attending professional development workshops, reading educational blogs and articles, collaborating through twitter chats, etc. </span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Am I the voice of “all good things” in education or the echo of what is wrong?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel extremely fortunate to work in a positive district, with amazing people; however, even the most positive educators should ask these questions from time to time. These are questions that I utilize when reflecting, which sustains my focus of being the best that I can be for the district and ultimately our students. If one truly want to sustain professional growth, then one must think deeper than traditional performance-reflection questions. Genuine self-reflection will get to to core and drive professional growth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you reflect and set goals for 2017, start thinking about deeper self-reflection questions that will support your motivation and positively carry you into a new calendar year. Pick one or two that might resonate with you and try to improve by giving the <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/12/inspiration-212-extra-degree.html">“extra degree.”</a> Always remember the importance of being the <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-are-we-doing-to-our-profession-be.html">“positive voice”</a> in education! Continue to grow and embrace change, creating opportunities for professional growth, while enjoying the best job in the world…</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> teaching children!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks for reading and make this holiday season a time for family, friends, and reflection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy the conclusion to another great year! </span>principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-84716928553350677372016-11-11T21:51:00.000-05:002016-11-22T10:20:42.531-05:00Tips for Conferences <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was a principal, </span><a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/11/successful-parentteacher-conferences.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">conferences</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> were among my favorite times of the year! Time after time, they reaffirmed a key belief that I hold: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our teachers are great! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As parents were leaving the building, many would stop by my office to give accolades about our teachers and praise the learning experiences their children were having throughout the year. This provided terrific informal data that supported the positive relationships and learning environment we created together. What a great feeling for our teachers and families! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fall conferences might be the first time teachers are meeting parents, other than the friendly, "hello" during drop off/pick up, and the occasional family night. Conferences are a time when teachers get 10-20 minutes (depending on the district) to showcase academic/social/emotional learning goals and experiences that students are setting and demonstrating throughout the school year. Sometimes, parents don’t know what to expect … and neither do teachers! It is extremely important that we are confident in our abilities to showcase the academic, social, and emotional progress and future goals that empower students to grow throughout the school year. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/ten-tips-productive-parent-conferences" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ten Tips for Productive Parent Conferences</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a timely read with great suggestions to organize successful parent teacher conferences. This article was adapted from </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your Best Year Yet! A Guide to Purposeful Planning & Effective Classroom Organization</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Shoshana Wolfe, © 2006, published by Scholastic. There are many takeaways from the article and three resonated the most with me: relationships, concrete examples, and organizing an intentional plan of communicating progress, concerns, and future goals. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relationships:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents want to know that you love teaching </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> children and you love </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">their</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> child. It is important to showcase the positive aspects of our profession, school, and district. Parent want to know that you love your job and truly </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">know</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">understand</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> their child. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One great way to create a positive relationship with your parents is by making sure you have great knowledge of their child. Know your kids, ask them questions, and show that you genuinely care for them. Ask the following questions of your students:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you learn best?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What stops you from learning as well as you could?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What needs to happen in our classroom to help you become a better learner?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asking these questions of your students will create relational trust within your classroom while providing you with talking points during conferences. It will also support your understanding of students, allowing you to articulate what their child needs to be successful. Most importantly, it will show that you involve students in the learning/planning process, allowing your students to assume some responsibility to their own learning. Parents will fully appreciate and know that you understand</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and care for their child with this approach. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concrete examples:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents want to see example of their child’s ability and progress. Have a portfolio of work samples and pre/post assessments. This will provide concrete talking points surrounding a child’s ability and progress over time. It will also help when establishing future goals and individualized instruction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Organizing Thoughts:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Going into a conference without a plan can be detrimental to establishing a positive relationship with parents. To help organize thoughts you can use a </span><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/collateral_resources/pdf/parent_conference_form.pdf" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #135f8a; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parent Conference Form </span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(PDF).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This can include strengths, concerns, and future goals. It will also help you stay organized when you are on your 15th conference of the day. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In conclusion, teachers, as you enter into conferences, make a great impression! Help parents believe what we already know: your classroom and school are the best, with amazing teachers for their children! Make sure they leave your room with no doubt in their mind. Parents should be saying, “there is no better teacher and place to learn for my child!!!!!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It all comes down to positive relationships with teachers, parents, and ultimately students that will enhance success during conferences and throughout the year. Feel free to share your positive parent/teacher conference experiences and ideas in the comments. Let’s sustain professional learning together! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy conferences, making it a great experience for everyone!</span></div>
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-69226198307697684982016-10-20T09:20:00.000-04:002016-10-20T09:37:34.658-04:00Goal Setting <div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
The administrative team is in the process of using the
School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System to set goals and reflect on
progress throughout the school year. We have formative and summative
rubrics to guide our work along with an overall framework of five domains
(Results, Leadership, Programs, Processes, and Systems) accompanied by many
subdomains. The administrators will be evaluated on eight or nine
specific characteristics within four of the domains while being evaluated on
all characteristics of the result oriented domain. Without going into
further detail... it is intense and overwhelming. I am positive that
teachers can relate! <o:p></o:p></div>
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With that said, I believe it is important! If done
though the right mindset an evaluation can allow for sustained reflection,
professional growth, and improvement. As I organized my thought last
night surrounding my professional goals, I was reminded of a blog that I posted
last August. The post highlighted the importance of establishing
purposeful goals rather than thinking of the evaluation as a process of
“jumping through hoops” and completing paperwork. The post focused on
being intentional, exhibiting a growth mindset, narrowing the focus, and
setting an action plan for success. It also focus on the importance of
embarking on all goal setting with a basic question... <b>Is it good for
children?</b> Embedded in the blog is a great post titled <a href="http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/goal-setting-for-teachers/">Goal-Setting
for Teachers: 8 Paths for Self-Improvement</a> via @cultofpedagogy. It is
a timely read to get you started on a path of sustained professional
growth. <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/08/setting-goals.html">Check it
out!</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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I always value the work teachers and administrators do each
and every day! Our jobs are difficult but extremely rewarding! Try
not to let the evaluation process be an activity of "jumping through
hoops." Set goals that will support your professional growth and stretch
your learning. Use the process to take your performance to the next
level while motivating and challenging yourself and your students throughout
the school year! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am now ready to take my own advice and tackle the School
Advance Administrator Evaluation System with more positive mindset!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a great week! <o:p></o:p></div>
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-13127355550795307072016-09-02T14:59:00.000-04:002016-09-02T14:59:09.010-04:00Welcome Back!!! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer is a great time to reflect and become rejuvenated to start a new school year. We hope you all had an amazing summer. No doubt, you are excited to meet your students and reconnect with colleagues! This is the time of year when the proverbial slate is wiped clean with the hopes for another amazing year. It is also when individuals will be setting goals for the upcoming school year. Most people have New Year’s Resolutions… We have School Year Resolutions.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is essential that our curricular, instructional and environmental goals and initiatives are clearly developed through the basic question of: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is it good for children?</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We truly believe that children will not learn from people they do not like or if they do not feel safe within their learning environment. It is important to make connections that will last a school year. Watch this inspirational TED Talk by Rita F. Pierson, which showcases the importance of making connections.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TED Talks Education: Rita F. Pierson</span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relationships - The Key to Learning</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Kids don't learn from people they don't like!"</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you."</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"We teach anyway... because that is what we do! We are educators... We are born to make a difference!"</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Every kid needs a champion!"</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are fortunate to work with a faculty that views positive relationships as the most important consideration within their classrooms, creating environments where students want to spend their days. This happens because we have an amazing staff who intentionally builds relationships and genuinely loves educating children. It also happens because we sustain conversations regarding the importance of relationships throughout our culture and within any new initiative that we establish. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-9d3832c1-ec3f-cb8a-55da-d055e6d24257" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without relationships you cannot get to content. Creating a safe environment where students feel loved and important is essential to a successful school year: Some simple ways to start the school year at any level:</span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Setting expectations together:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Allow students to assume some of the responsibility of creating classroom expectations, promoting respectful, responsible, safe, and kind behaviors. </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching procedures:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Daily teaching of classroom expectations, rather than relying on rules, will enhance any learning culture. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being consistent: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will respond to a teacher that is consistent in daily practice.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Communicating in positive terms and be intentional about your teacher tone:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “I listen to one person at a time… thanks – works much better than, BE QUIET!” Love and Logic Teacher-ism.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remaining competent and calm in challenging moments:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Modeling that you are in control of your emotions will showcase to students the appropriate response when handling their own emotions. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching differentiation:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let students know that everyone gets what they need. Students need to feel comfortable knowing that everyone has different needs and it is OK.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoying teaching with enthusiasm:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Modeling that you love what you do is contagious and students will feel comfort in knowing their teacher loves to learn.</span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Making and responding to mistakes:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Students need to understand that they can be risk takers within the learning process and mistakes are part of learning. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Focusing on teacher proximity: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Be present during independent work, supporting students and noticing their efforts throughout the day. It is even ok to stop by the cafeteria, be in the halls, go to a game, or even shoot a basket or two during recess. Positive proximity doesn't need to stop in the classroom. The extra 2-3 minutes of positive proximity outside your classroom will enhance the community feeling that you are establishing in your classroom.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Encouraging reflection:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When things go wrong, one must encourage reflection rather than scolding for inappropriate behaviors or actions. Consequences might be necessary; however, make sure students understand that it is the behaviors that you do not like, always showing empathy for the child.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As this new year begins, we encourage you to sustain a relationship goal. Going to a workshop on relationship building might be beneficial but setting a goal, which is maintained over time and a focal point to everything you accomplish, will provide results. “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and it will be a part of your culture as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be a champion</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” for your students and enjoy a wonderful start to the 2016-17 school year. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rules provided without relationship result in rebellion.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Consequences given without relationship lead to resentment.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rewards without relationship feel like bribes.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love and Logic Teacher-isms</span></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-26146355994773901572016-05-31T21:35:00.000-04:002016-06-01T12:15:04.158-04:00Quality #finishstrong <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are only a couple weeks left in the school year. The weather is AWESOME, which leads to the inevitable: thoughts of SUMMER VACATION! Kids are more interested in recess this time of year rather than producing quality work. I hear many teachers talk about students who are rushing through assignments with an urgency for completion, rather than quality. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was a fourth grade teacher, I would talk to my students about the importance of being responsible, and when they didn't meet expectations, I would keep them in for recess or after school to complete and/or improve their work. The result was students who resented the assignment and even me at times… can you believe it?! Not to mention, parents didn’t appreciate the generic letter that I would send home asking for help. I didn’t know any better… I was young and many of my colleagues were using similar strategies with limited success. I thought I was providing my class with a lesson in responsibility, but my students were still uninspired when the weather was hot, and it was a struggle for them to complete assignments or produce quality work late in the school year. Who wants to work when the weather is so beautiful? </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-b3c1f359-0981-6142-799f-9b2aa69a4fe5" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a positive from this; I did learn! A wise mentor asked me a question, "Do you know what it means to do quality work?" Naturally, my response was, "Of course I do!" She then asked me if my students knew. I could tell she was setting me up for a professional growth experience. She asked if I ever taught my students about the simple definition of "quality". She explained four activities to put students in charge of their learning.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Teach a mini-vocabulary-lesson on “quality,” and help students understand the simple definition according to Merriam-Webster dictionary: </span></div>
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<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Simple Definition of Quality:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">how good or bad something is.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a characteristic or feature that someone or something has </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 23pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a high level of value or excellence</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Create classroom anchor charts together on the following:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does high quality look like?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What strategies can you use to improve the quality of your work? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is it important to produce quality work?</span></div>
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</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anchor charts are a great way to record student thinking and highlight important parts of the lesson. The classroom created charts will help “anchor” student thinking, and students can revisit that thinking as the charts hang on the walls. This helps validate their ideas, and in this case, allow students to increase ownership and move towards producing quality work. Creating anchor charts on the concept of quality will help your students understand the "why" behind doing their personal best. Children need to know their purpose. They do not need rewards or even consequences, they need to feel empowered to do an assignment. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Revisit and sustain student understanding through journal writing. You can even have students blog about their position on the word “quality” through a student blogging site such as Kidblog. Blogging can give students a meaningful purpose and an authentic audience. Students can be motivated to write for their peers and parents though a safe blogging space where teachers monitor all content before it goes live. Some example journal or blogging prompts: </span></div>
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<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">quality</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> mean to you? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How will you showcase your best </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">quality</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on your assignments?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you think </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">quality</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> will look like when you are in (next grade) starting the 2016-17 school year?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">quality </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">digital citizenship? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What does it mean to be a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">quality</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> friend? </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Lastly, encourage students to place the letter "Q" at the top of all completed assignments to represent their quality work. This reinforces their understanding of quality and gives them a reason to be proud of their efforts. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wow! Empowering students rather than giving consequences worked! I quickly noticed a difference. Students took ownership for their assignments, quality increased, and missing/incomplete assignments decreased. I received some great advice from a quality educator! </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early in my career, I was very fortunate to be surrounded by some amazing teachers. They shaped many of my current educational beliefs and practices. Twenty years later, that trend has continued. I am still surrounded by many great educators who are always sharing and creating opportunities for students to feel </span><a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/02/engaging-empowering-students.html" style="line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">empowered to learn</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let's keep the synergy and sustain learning together. Please share a positive way to empower students to do their best in the comments.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy teaching, engaging, and empowering your students to do “quality” work! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#finishstrong and enjoy the summer!</span></div>
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<br />principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-49314240080210787192016-04-03T14:26:00.000-04:002016-04-03T14:26:30.339-04:00Modern Learning Questions <div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was recently asked, "How would you design a
classroom for today?" Great
question! I would take it a step further; how should we design our classrooms for tomorrow? We need to think creatively as budgets continue to shrink and learning
expectations (along with technology needing to be an "accelerator" to learning) increases. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I attended</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the MACUL15 conference where I had the good fortune to attend a session hosted by </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KleinErin" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.71429; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KleinErin</span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnCRubin" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.71429; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ShawnCRubin</span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/thomascmurray" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.71429; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">thomascmurray</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Personalized Instruction for ALL Learners and Create a Brain-Friendly, Blended Learning Space. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">The information provided by the presenters inspired many and generated great questions that we should use to guide our actions regarding modern learning. Some questions to consider: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How much has changed in past 100 years? Why do classrooms still look the same today as they did 100 years ago? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where do you want to go to school? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In what type of world will our kids live? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we enhance what we already do well? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What motivates our students? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/6-learning-methods-every-21st-century.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we increase intellectual engagement? </span></a><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can we make learning memorable? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Kids are instant!” How can we prepare curriculum and instruction that matches their learning style? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/08/07/classroom-redesign-challenge-think-like-a-designer/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do we need to reconsider our learning space? </span></a></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we personalize instruction?</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What digital learning tools are needed to enhance personalized instruction and student collaboration? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we restructure our day? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are the learning outcomes we want for our students? What technology is to be the “accelerator” to those learning outcomes? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What should we “put up” in our classrooms? </span><a href="http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/08/to-foster-productivity-and-creativity-in-class-ditch-the-desks/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Should we ditch the desks</span></a><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? </span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How should we arrange the layout in the classroom? What does good design look like? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Should we create “Maker Spaces” within our classrooms and schools? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are we </span><a href="http://www.futurereadyschools.org/futureready" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Future Ready</span></a><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? </span></span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is best for kids? </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.71429; white-space: pre-wrap;">What will education look like in the near and extended future? My hope is that these questions will continue to drive our educational beliefs and decision-making about modern learning. I look forward to using these questions as a guide to enhance personalized instruction for all learners while creating a blended learning space that is brain-friendly. </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.71429; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What exciting times in education!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please share how you would design a classroom for tomorrow! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy teaching and learning together!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.71429; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We should strive to be the teacher that we want our own children to have!”</span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @KleinErin</span></span></div>
</div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-69577750327045140642016-03-13T14:47:00.001-04:002016-03-13T14:47:47.923-04:00Reading Month---What can parents do to help?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.6363636363636362; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.88px;">During March, Reading Month in Michigan is celebrated! S</span></span><span style="line-height: 18.88px;">chools all over the state, along with </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/w2e7RS5PZBk">State Superintendent, Brian Whiston</a>, and our very own @GPSchools will be focused on planning literacy-related activities to motivate children and sustain positive habits of lifelong reading. W</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;">hat can parents do to help cultivate good reading habits at home? My suggestion would be family reading! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.88px;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Family reading is one of the most important things we can do for early learners. Reading to your children will build listening skills. Asking questions about stories your children are reading will increase comprehension and retelling skills. Taking turns reading aloud together; this will enhance oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, background knowledge, comprehension, story organization, problem solving, and listening comprehension… wow! Not only is family reading a nice way to spend time as a family, but it also helps cement great reading skills that will be used in school! </span></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you know, reading is the “foundation to success” and is essential in all subjects. Good readers activate background knowledge and are able to predict, infer, and question while reading. Fluent readers can put themselves into the text, making self-to-text-connections. When reading stories together, stop and ask questions, predict, put yourself into the story, and ask, "what would you do?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;">Sample Questions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Describe the main character. Where does the story take place? When does it take place?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Name the supporting characters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">What do you think the characters are feeling? Why do they feel that way?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;"> What is the problem in the story? How does the character deal w/problem?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Could the character do something different to solve the problem?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">What is your favorite part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Have you ever read a story that is similar to this story?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Does this story remind you of anything in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">If you could come up with a new title for the story then what would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">How did the story end? Would you change the ending? Why/How?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">What is the most interesting part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Did you learn something new? Give three new facts? How can you apply this lesson to your life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">What are the main character's traits? How is the character like you/different from you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">What do you think will happen next? Why do you think that? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">Tell an opinion you have about the story. Tell a fact from the story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;">Set a purpose or objective for reading, and allow time to make connections, such as: text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world. It is important to have conversations to enhance comprehension skills and understanding of the material being read. Simple “making connection starters” could include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">This story reminds me when I went swimming because…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">This story reminds me of when (character from different story/chapter/etc.) made a new friend because…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">This story reminds me when my teacher did ______ because…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">This story reminds me of when we went on vacation because…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="X-NONE" style="line-height: 18.88px;">·</span> <span style="line-height: 18.88px;">This character reminds me of my neighbor because…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;">I am sure you can think of additional questions or connection starters. Understand that it is not necessary to use every question or connection starter during your family reading. Pick a couple that will enhance your reading experience. The goal for family reading, besides great family bonding, is to support a natural transfer of skills into the child’s independent reading activities, enhancing comprehension, reading fluency and fostering a love of books. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.88px;">Enjoy reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-75841349184970327542016-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:002016-01-03T21:16:20.793-05:00Happy New Year! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone enjoyed a well deserved holiday break with family and friends. As educators return to school it is always good to review our intentional plans for sustaining a positive learning environment. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A quality teacher-student relationship means more than the combined power of all teaching and discipline techniques known to humankind.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love and logic Teacher-ism</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love this quote! Establishing positive relationships with your students, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while creating an atmosphere where children have positive relationships with each other</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, will truly benefit any classroom, family, or community. Quality teacher-student and student-student relationships will support and increase a positive community where children want to thrive. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It also makes everyone’s experience more enjoyable!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we start a new year it is always important to reestablish classroom expectations or learning missions that will empower students to be their best in 2016. The best managed classrooms and positive learning environments do not happen by accident. Talented educators are </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">intentional</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in their planning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children, in general, will exhibit some type of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">minor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or major behavior challenge during their childhood. The key is to keep minor behaviors just that…</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> minor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As a teacher, administrator, and parent I have experienced a variety of behavior challenges that can be supported with simple Tier 1 redirection and distraction techniques. Below are two posts that highlight the importance of intentional planning surrounding relationships and distraction, time, and Love and Logic techniques to support learning. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/01/intentional-planning-post-1-of-2.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Intentional Planning Post 1 or 2</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.principalhowell.blogspot.com/2015/01/intentional-planning-post-2-of-2.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Intentional Planning Post 2 of 2</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you find this helpful. I appreciate everything you do each day to sustain a welcoming environment at our schools and in your classrooms! Teachers are great!!!! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will leave you with this Love and Logic Quote:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Rules provided without relationship result in rebellion.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Consequences given without relationship lead to resentment.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Rewards without relationship feel like bribes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love and Logic Teacher-isms</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy teaching and Happy New Year!</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith </span>principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-45821187621749338282015-11-06T11:06:00.000-05:002015-11-06T11:06:13.089-05:00Parent/Teacher Conferences <div class="MsoNormal">
Conferences are one of my favorite nights of the year! They reaffirm the beliefs that I already have: our teachers are great! As parents are leaving the building, many would stop by my office, to give accolades to our teachers and praise the learning experiences their children are having throughout the year. This is terrific informal data which supports the positive relationships and learning environment that we have created. What a great feeling for our teachers and families! </div>
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Fall conferences might be the 1st time teachers are meeting parents, other than the friendly, "hello" during drop off/pick up, and the occasional family night. Conferences are a time when teachers get 10-20 minutes (depending on district) to showcase academic/social/emotional learning, goals and experiences that students are demonstrating throughout the school year. Sometimes, parents don’t know what to expect… and neither do teachers! Some simple things for teachers and parents to consider as conferences approach. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Research tells us that there are 5 things parents want for their children:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1. Success<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Safety<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Love<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Happiness<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Wisdom<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Research tells us that there are 5 things teachers want from parents: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1. Establish child’s behavior<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Initiate warm conversation<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Get involved, monitor homework/school work/notes sent home/etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Respond to teacher communication<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Good health<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am positive you could add a few more "wants" to each list. The goal of a conference: make sure both parent and teacher “wants” are met<b> for the benefit of our children.</b> When parents and teachers are able to collaborate and meet each other’s “wants,” then conferences are usually a great success, where student goals are established for the betterment of learning. Unfortunately, on occasion, (maybe no fault to anyone) conferences might be difficult. Some things teachers and parents should consider to avoid a negative conference:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Parent and teacher traps to avoid: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Comparing student (teacher) with siblings (last year teacher).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Arguing, becoming negative, or being judgmental towards parent or teacher.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Becoming defensive: if you made a mistake (teacher or parent), apologize and move forward, brainstorming to find a solution. Constructive brainstorming is much better than becoming defensive. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Psychoanalyzing the student (teacher) (parent).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Blaming each other or child.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b>Teachers should avoid:</b> lecturing, speaking in generalities, using professional jargon, overwhelming parents, trying to be the all knowing authority. Remember, <b>parents are human,</b> they love their children, and it is hard to hear negative things about them. <b>We are all in this together! </b> <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b>Parents should avoid:</b> taking the word of others without meeting with teacher, speculating before knowing (ask questions if you have them), demanding or being accusatory. Remember, <b>teachers are human, </b>they love their job and students. Their goal is to give parents a clear picture of the school day, while setting future goals for success. <b>We are all in this together!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I know these seem like simple things; however, it is easy to fall into some of these traps if parents/teachers are discouraged or concerned with the developmental progress of their child/student. Sometime you can fall into these traps due to only having 10-20 minute for your conference. If extended time is needed from either party, let each other know and establish an agenda to support a positive and collaborative experience, keeping student success at the forefront of all conversations. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Positive things parents and teachers can do during conferences:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Shake hands and welcome each other, acknowledge by name, smile and create a friendly conference environment.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Talk about things of interest, establishing a relationship.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Make friendly eye contact.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Have positive body language.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Try to appear unhurried.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Have a caring attitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Be a team, provide strategies with each other’s input.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>End all conversations on a positive note.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Everything you talk about should focus on the student and their future goals while celebrating their success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>For Teachers:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Say something positive:</span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Show parents that you have a positive relationship with their child. Show parents that you care about their child as if they were your own. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Focus on the 5 things parents want from teachers (see above).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Act, instead of react. Watch body language of parents and adjust if necessary, focusing on positive collaboration.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Have some suggestions ready, setting goals for behavior or academic needs. <b>Know your students</b> and their academic and behavioral characteristics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Keep to your conference schedule, and if you need more time then reschedule an additional conference. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Let your principal or colleague know if you need support with any of your conferences. It is always beneficial to work as a team, collaborating to meet the needs of all students. Parents will appreciate the extra support and ideas to increase learning and/or improve behaviors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><u>Understand parents:</u> there is nothing more important to them than their children, parents act out of love for their children. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>For Parents:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Be on time for your conference and understand that if you are 5-10 minutes late, then that will affect the entire conference schedule for the rest of the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Focus on the 5 things teachers want from parents (see above).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Don’t wait until conferences to provide teachers with a list of your concerns. Waiting months to articulate your concerns will only lead to speculation and negative feelings. Many times a quick conversation or e-mail will answer your questions and put your mind at ease. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><u>Understand educators:</u> the teaching profession is their calling and a life-long journey of learning. Teachers act out of love for their students and their passion for educating children, helping them become their best.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Co-founder of Love and Logic Institute, Jim Fay, in his CD, <b><u>Putting Parents at Ease</u></b>, teaches a variety of tips for building relationships with others within an educational setting. In my opinion, the ideas can support Parent/Teacher conferences. Many of these tips are even great for supporting relationships with a spouse, friend, or family member. Highlights are as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Remember that people who look angry and resistant are usually hurting inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When we remember this, it becomes easier to avoid becoming defensive or angry ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>The most powerful skill involves listening and allowing others to vent about their frustrations, before sharing ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>“Tell me more.” “What would you like to see here?” or “How long have you felt this way?” are great responses to show others how much you care. <o:p></o:p></div>
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-<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Share your ideas only after making sure that the other person is ready. Asking, “Would you like to hear my thoughts on this?” is a good way of showing respect and testing to see if they are ready to listen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In conclusion, teachers, as you enter into conferences, make a great impression! Help parents believe what we already know: <b>your classroom and school are the best, with amazing teachers for their children! Make sure they leave your room with no doubt in their mind. Parents should be saying, "there is no better teacher and place to learn for my child!!!!!"<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Parents, I will leave you with the conference note my son’s teacher sent to her families, which truly puts conferences into perspective. It is a letter to parents from their child. Please keep this in mind when you are listening to the “snapshot” of your child’s learning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>To my parents,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>When you see my snapshot, remember this is a report of someone near and dear to you. So, please don’t get too uptight if you see a blemish. I hope you will accept me as I am.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Please do not picture me as being better than all the other children. Remember that all children do not learn to talk or walk at the same time, nor do they learn math and reading at the same rate. I ask you not to compare me with my brother, my sister, or the kid next door. You can set realistic goals for me, but please be careful not to push me to succeed at something that is beyond my ability.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I want you to understand that my report card is a picture of my school progress. This will show many things about my life at school, even some things that might surprise you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>My teacher knows me as I am at school. You know how I am at home. The “real” me is somewhere in between. When those two pictures become blended with acceptance and understanding, I hope my “snapshot” will be a shining portrait. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Your child,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>It all comes down to positive relationships with teachers, parents, and ultimately students that will enhance success during conferences and throughout the year. Enjoy conferences, making it a great experience for everyone!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Keith Howell<o:p></o:p></div>
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-39947470672768676692015-10-16T09:12:00.000-04:002015-10-16T09:45:05.329-04:00What's Important? <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many thoughts, phrases and acronyms that educators utilize when talking about assessment data and student growth. Simply measuring student learning and reviewing data does not increase learning… </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good Instruction Increases Learning!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Data should inform our decisions; however, educators need to be careful, not to get hung up on chasing classroom/building data, but to focus on the following:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building relationships that support a culture of learning</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Motivating and creating a love for learning</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maximizing instructional time that includes many opportunities for descriptive feedback</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Increasing student engagement, empowering to be lifelong learners</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rather than chasing data we should be focused on creating a culture of achievement, one where assessment data is used to gauge how to create lessons that maximize effectiveness of student engagement and learning. Educators should utilize assessment strategies that are formative in nature; and that drive decision making, emphasizing flexibility and responsiveness to individuals </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">during</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the learning process with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>descriptive feedback</u></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The most important informal assessment data educators should be looking at is student engagement and excitement for learning. If educators are able to build positive relationships, maximize instructional time, and create a love for learning that motivates students to be cognitively engaged throughout the day while providing descriptive feedback then we should not need to worry about summative achievement data… </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">they will achieve!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"You have to begin to weigh formative versus summative assessment." </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Wormeli, author of Fair Isn't Always Equal and Differentiation, explains the difference between the two and how formative assessment helps you offer better feedback to your students. This clip is part of Rick's Fair Isn't Always Equal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJxFXjfB_B4" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Formative Assessments Helps Offer Better Feedback to Students</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please consider the following questions after watching the clip from Rick Wormeli:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do I plan for formative and summative assessments within my day and school year?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the greatest impact on teaching and learning?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What should we include within formative assessments to make them most effective?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can a summative assessment become a formative assessment? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do we give feedback to our students?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for always putting students first and not thinking they are a number, recognizing their individual needs! Educators are the best!</span></div>
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<br />principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-54437214893012436172015-09-04T12:07:00.001-04:002015-09-04T12:07:21.745-04:00Making ConnectionsSchool starts Tuesday!!!! As we look forward to meeting our students it is important to start the year strong, creating positive and long lasting relations with our students. Below you will find 10 suggesting to get the year started:<br />
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<b>1. Morning Circle Time</b> – Many of our teachers have morning meetings to start the school day. Creating a morning meeting, allowing for students to learn about each other beyond school life, builds a classroom community of genuine respect and rapport. Daily questions can focus on student backgrounds, culture, interests, events of the weekend, favorite foods/music/movies/games, special events, etc. Becoming familiar with each other on a deeper level will support student self-awareness and acceptance of differences, which will decrease the likelihood of relationship issues during the school year. Daily questions can focus on favorite experiences, field trips, project based learning activities, individual/class accomplishment or anything that was unique to your classroom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Classroom Motto (start the year strong)</b> – One teacher at our school starts the day by reciting the classroom motto. He tells the students to push the button on their desk and all student proudly recites together, “feel good about yourself!” Students truly feel good about themselves… not because they say it… because of the sustained teaching that goes along with saying it, creating a community of students who feel good about themselves. His students feel good about: being a good classmate/friend, the effort they put into an assignment, learning new vocabulary words, solving problems on their own, being a good son/daughter/sibling, improving their writing skills, understanding their target learning, etc. It works because it is a consistent approach implemented with empathy and support. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. The Unlikely Student</b> – It is “easy to connect” with students who demand your attention due to an outgoing personality, academic needs, or behavioral problems. Something to consider, write one student’s name in your plan book each day (those who do not demand your time). Make sure you are connecting with that child throughout the day by noticing their effort: “Wow! Johnny did a great job on the writing assignment because he added exceptional detail”… and share those accolades with the class. Notice things that go beyond school life: new shoes/shirt/haircut, asking about weekend, sporting event, video game, recess, family, etc. It is important that you have a plan to connect, because if you don’t… the “easy to connect” students will demand that time and the “unlikely” student will not be noticed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Student Inventory</b> – Look for the uniqueness of each child – Have students fill out a student inventory at the start of the year. Revisit the student inventory that students provided you throughout the year. Did anything change? Student inventory example is below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What do you like to do outside of school?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite season?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 2 of your favorite foods.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 3 games you like to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite animal, color, sport?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List your favorite type of music.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Do you like to read? What type of books do you like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· List 3 movies you like to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Who do you like to play with/why? Friend, parents, grandparents, sister, brother, other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite part of the school day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your least favorite part of the school day?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What is your favorite special/subject?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Higher level inventory questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What are your dreams?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· What do you want to be when you grow up?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· Who would you consider to be your hero and why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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· If you had unlimited money and could only use it to help people… who would you help and why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It will be fun for you and your students to see how they have changed or stayed the same over the school year! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Positive Proximity</b> – Greet your students each morning with a smile and a friendly hello. Seems simple because it is! It is also much better than asking “do you have your homework?” Be present during independent work, supporting students and noticing their efforts throughout the day. It is even ok to stop by the cafeteria (gym is where we eat lunch) or even shoot a basket or two during recess, positive proximity doesn't need to stop in the classroom. The extra 2-3 minutes of positive proximity outside your classroom will enhance the community feeling that you are establishing in your classroom. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>6. Active Listening</b> – When we are busy it is easy to send students on their way with a quick response, knowing that you would give a better response if you had the time... we do this as parents too! Next time try saying this: “Your question/need/etc. is really important to me and you deserve more time than I can give right now… can you hold on for a few minutes/after lunch/until tomorrow/etc. and I will give you the attention you deserve.” If you say this with empathy, the child will usually feel validated and will (most likely) wait for your attention… sometimes it gives them time to problem solve on their own. Obviously, don't use this approach if there is an emergency or safety issues. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>7. Tone of Voice</b> – Be aware of tone, volume and cadence when teaching and managing your classroom. Use a softer delivery when managing behaviors and classroom procedures, planning and using nonverbal cues. Use voice fluctuation, storytelling (instead of lecturing), and suspense during your classroom discussions. Students will love it! I have been in a lot of classroom where I did not want to leave because the tone was so engaging. Your voice can set the relationship tone (positively or negatively) within a classroom. Charlie Brown’s teachers were funny but I don’t think they were building any relationships with their tone of voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>8. “I noticed” notes</b> - How it works: Simply place post-it notes on student’s desk when they least expect it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I noticed you finished your project today… nice work with great detail!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you are being a good friend to Johnny… you are kind!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you helping Sally with her math at lunch… you are a good friend!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you put great voice in your writing today… nice focus on our target learning!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you being a good listener… you rock!</b></div>
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<b>I noticed you asking for help on your assignment… way to take charge of your learning!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>I noticed you using "active listening" strategies with Sally during turn and talk… keep it up!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You get the idea! I would not walk around the room giving “I noticed” notes all day… it could decrease the value. Use it sparingly, maybe three to five per day and keep track, making sure you are noticing everyone over time. This also works well with number three from above - The Unlikely Student. I love this strategy because it provides encouragement and accolades to support a positive relationship between you and your students. It will also teach students to self-regulate their behaviors, assuming responsibility to academic and social learning. Students will love it and so will you! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>9. Humor</b> – It is ok to laugh, smile, and tell an appropriate joke from time to time. Children want to see us having fun during the start of a school year! A morning joke can go a long way to support positive feelings. We have children telling Friday jokes on the morning announcements, it’s a lot of fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Q: What did the math book say to the other math book?<o:p></o:p></div>
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A: I have a lot of problems!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love a good joke and so will your students!<br />
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<b>10. Closure to the day </b>– Facilitate a reflection discussion at the end of each day, showcasing the academic and social learning that took place. Give accolades to individuals for positive effort and remember the happy and/or humorous moments during the day… maybe even tell your corny joke again. Set goals for tomorrow and end the day by saying “be kind to one another,” supporting and modeling the positive feelings you are establishing within your classroom. Make this a consistent conclusion to your day and they will be eager to return in the morning.</div>
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I truly believe that children will not learn from people they do not like or if they do not feel safe within their learning environment. It is important to <b>make connections</b> that will last a school year. Watch this inspirational TED Talk by Rita F. Pierson, which showcases the importance of making connections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>TED Talks Education: Rita F. Pierson<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion"><b>http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion</b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Relationships - The Key to Learning<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>"Kids don't learn from people they don't like!"<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>"You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>"We teach anyway... because that is what we do! We are educators... We are born to make a difference!"<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>"Every kid needs a champion!"<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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As the year gets started, I encourage you all to sustain a relationship goal. Going to a workshop on relationship building might be beneficial but setting a goal, which is maintained over time and a focal point to everything you accomplish, will provide results. “<i>You say it long enough it starts to be a part of you”</i> and it will be a part of your culture as well. </div>
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Enjoy setting relationship goals to guide and sustain <b>making connections</b> to last the school year and beyond. “<i>Be a champion</i>” for your students! Please share your thoughts and goals with us! </div>
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Have great start to the school year!!!!<br />
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Keith<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i> Rules provided without <u>relationship</u> result in rebellion.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Consequences given without <u>relationship</u> lead to resentment.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Rewards without <u>relationship</u> feel like bribes.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Love and Logic Teacher-isms</i><br />
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-50525008156360488412015-08-03T10:41:00.000-04:002015-08-03T10:41:07.287-04:00Setting Goals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1oh-tj8tKaftFcxrCrmmQzwRO_LoLeQbhJecy-WeQMfSfrdUdLEtxDvf8MF8296lz18yg7GMRbu0Rsw0Em1gLQug6ngPXHRa6KRx5snVFr-MsHkKC0ICSeyNXz_GSaEgTKu_86pmgbSx/s1600/natalie+hoops+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1oh-tj8tKaftFcxrCrmmQzwRO_LoLeQbhJecy-WeQMfSfrdUdLEtxDvf8MF8296lz18yg7GMRbu0Rsw0Em1gLQug6ngPXHRa6KRx5snVFr-MsHkKC0ICSeyNXz_GSaEgTKu_86pmgbSx/s1600/natalie+hoops+1.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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“Daddy, do you want to jump through this hoop?” This is a question my daughter asked me and of course I had to take a couple of pictures! Besides it being a very cute moment, it reminded me of a comment I heard from one of my friends regarding his goal setting and performance review. He stated that it is a process of “jumping through hoops” and completing paperwork. My friend is not an educator but his comments generated a question for me: How many educators feel the same way? My guess… there might be a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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August is the time when many educators start considering goals for the new school year, while having goal setting meetings with their administrators in September. <a href="http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/goal-setting-for-teachers/">Goal-Setting for Teachers: 8 Paths for Self-Improvement</a> via @cultofpedagogy is a great read to get you started. If educators (or anyone in a goal setting profession) feel that setting goals is a process of “jumping through hoops” then the following list of suggestions might help to enhance and change your mindset towards sustaining professional growth:<br />
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<b>Be intentional</b>: The key to a successful goal is to take ownership for that goal rather than viewing the process as an evaluation requirement. Avoid setting goals that you are already close to achieving. Set a goal that will support your professional growth and stretch your learning, taking your performance to the next level. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Make it Motivating:</b> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.56; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Build lasting motivation through self-efficacy. A person with high self-efficacy </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.56; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment. They understand that hard work supports success and adjusting direction is essential if obstacles get in the way of their goals. People with high self-efficacy will <i>choose their attitude</i> by reacting to obstacles as an opportunity to grow. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.56;">Make sure the goal is something you want to accomplish, not just something that sounds good. Set goals to motivate and challenge you and your students throughout the school year! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n425n-kXilNuIfjr2-CzQZVEYPjTJbbaQxWCITOhYX_x8-imtif3OzM-q78K7vIU9Uf8fkyn43IeFJ_bs5M_L_pwfvkf_n-z7snPH97Y8vjb6C_6ZhiKLsfGFr55T75AUAf2PPZV_egE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n425n-kXilNuIfjr2-CzQZVEYPjTJbbaQxWCITOhYX_x8-imtif3OzM-q78K7vIU9Uf8fkyn43IeFJ_bs5M_L_pwfvkf_n-z7snPH97Y8vjb6C_6ZhiKLsfGFr55T75AUAf2PPZV_egE/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Exhibit a Growth Mindset: </b>What is your mindset? Are you “jumping through hoops” to meet an evaluation requirement or are you focused on professional growth that will take your professional craft to a new level? Only you can establish your attitude about goal setting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Narrow the Focus</b>: Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Taking on too many goals can be overwhelming and stepping out of your “comfort zone” to establish a goal may be scary. Set small attainable goals to reach the ultimate goal. Take on the SMART philosophy of goal setting: Make sure goals are <b>S</b>trategic/<b>S</b>pecific, <b>M</b>easurable, <b>A</b>ttainable, <b>R</b>igorous/<b>R</b>elevant/<b>R</b>esult Oriented, and <b>T</b>ime Bound. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Set an Action Plan and Partner up</b>: Utilize the “buddy system” to hold each other accountable for your goals. Write your goals out in complete detail. Set up regular meetings with a trusted colleague who can support your professional growth initiatives, keeping track of your progress, while celebrating your accomplishments throughout the year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Understand</b> <b>that mistakes are part of learning:</b> Teachers and principals alike need to understand that thinking “outside the box” when establishing goals might result in a few mistakes. If we continue to do the same thing then we will continue to get the same results. If we notice something not working then we need to adjust. It is also important to have a<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/07/most-principals-worry-about-teacher.html"> trusting relationship </a>with our administrator where taking risks and trying a new approach is encouraged. Setting goals and trying new strategies, while demonstrating an enthusiastic approach to our goal setting process and profession, will enhance the quality of our experience and most importantly the quality of our learning culture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxG2f99sRazVtetFGCiTazATQEYQvbadZoVnol7CBMRDdCLCzcgtr0mFBGVIX7Cm_R1StVPQfResHhD6nPjq92Ing2wE-QeUDbCPJATL_je5gPvKovNhoFQUtEGZjmBfx_5ClL-nz6M6K/s1600/albert+einstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxG2f99sRazVtetFGCiTazATQEYQvbadZoVnol7CBMRDdCLCzcgtr0mFBGVIX7Cm_R1StVPQfResHhD6nPjq92Ing2wE-QeUDbCPJATL_je5gPvKovNhoFQUtEGZjmBfx_5ClL-nz6M6K/s1600/albert+einstein.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last but not least... Embark on your goal setting with a basic question:</b> <b>Is it good for children?</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I always enjoy the start of a new school year! Try not to “jump through hoops” and always look at goal setting as an <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-should-teachers-view-professional.html">opportunity to grow</a> and have<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/06/reflection-is-important-what-you-do.html"> honest self-reflection</a> as an educator. Enjoy setting and sustaining your goals throughout the school year.<br />
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principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-6676076228183915122015-07-06T08:13:00.000-04:002015-07-06T08:14:20.678-04:00SHARPEN THE SAW<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEnvlmCtS_w" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe.</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” - Abraham Lincoln</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A very wise principal suggested that I write a blog post about the importance of SHARPEN THE SAW, based on the work of </span><a href="https://www.stephencovey.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stephen Covey</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Great reminder as we relax, spend time with family and friends, gain knowledge, and replenish our energy levels to be amazing educators! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="334px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/VXgI9adyY1RWQkj6mT_XEok3XnhZb99tGtbHYUXMoLjXizywQ_fl55CBHJt5f9zoKtBxqO0k7YYDS6yH_eRtqCFazT_vUmeMDWvDHMrNRzR-7QUNNSrKTdpppkYNgMef3YY3GVU" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="418px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer is a time when I have an increased focus on myself and family. I attempt to increase (at the very least... maintain) my exercising habits, vacation with my wife and kids, connect with friends, read educational blogs, catch up on home improvement projects, relax and golf. Summer is a great time to reflect and become rejuvenated to start a new school year.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the first time in almost 20 years that I do not get the month of July off for vacation. I am currently transitioning to the Director of Pre K Elementary Instruction position within our district, which is a 12 month position. On top of that, my wife and I are overjoyed about expecting our 3rd child in September. It is an exciting summer of learning a new position and getting our house ready for a baby. More than ever, I need to remember the importance of </span><a href="https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit7.php" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SHARPEN THE SAW</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> so that I can sustain being my best for others. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all want to be highly effective people, but it is impossible to do that unless we are in the correct mindset. As you transition to another school year it is important to focus on YOU! Creating a balanced-lifestyle is vital to supporting and enhancing your effectiveness as educators, parents, friends, spouse, etc. Enjoy the summer and use Covey’s work as a guide to rejuvenation! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have--you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Social/Emotional:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Mental:</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Learning, reading, writing, and teaching</i></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 7px 7px 5px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Spiritual:</i></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 0px; border-left: solid #000000 0px; border-right: solid #000000 0px; border-top: solid #000000 0px; padding: 7px 7px 5px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through meditation, music, art, prayer, or service</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life. Sharpen the Saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. You increase your capacity to produce and handle the challenges around you. Without this renewal, the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish. Not a pretty picture, is it?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Feeling good doesn't just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It's all up to you. You can renew yourself through relaxation. Or you can totally burn yourself out by overdoing everything. You can pamper yourself mentally and spiritually. Or you can go through life oblivious to your well-being. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of good health and exercise. You can revitalize yourself and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of apathy because your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal--a new opportunity to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.”</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy an amazing summer filled with experiences to SHARPEN THE SAW!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith Howell</span></div>
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<img src="http://newsletter.franklincoveyphilippines.com/_/rsrc/1282189266789/Home/sts%20logo.jpg" />principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-60557795220028304532015-06-09T22:03:00.000-04:002015-06-09T22:03:53.032-04:00Prevent "Summer Slide!"<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>It is finally here: the last week of school and on to summer vacation! Summer is a time to relax and enjoy some lazy days filled with swimming, family trips, backyard barbecues, and pool parties! Unfortunately, summer can also be a time when learning decreases for many students and the proverbial “summer slide” can take place. <o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<i><b>How can you tell if your child experiences a “summer slide?” In our district we provide NWEA assessment graphs with end of the year report cards, which plots scores on an “x” axis on the graph using time intervals between test events. If there is a drop between the Spring score and the following Fall score, then your child may have fallen victim to the “summer slide,” which is common for many students. </b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I have included a variety of ideas to support your children in a fun and empowering manner. <b>Enjoy the many suggestions that may prevent the dreaded “summer slide!”</b> I hope you all have a happy summer! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdibwQAJiOZV6IBEzolec8dW9YXQbzh8WzCwRvknvlwEXv-we96qEPgCdJDNGq2C5DWJ2ymtix-hB6aDST-tDp83B_UN5pIRWaSxGhEdTrbOhMHzCOK9hWlQLTKTcIeJOMip5VQmpoVesM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdibwQAJiOZV6IBEzolec8dW9YXQbzh8WzCwRvknvlwEXv-we96qEPgCdJDNGq2C5DWJ2ymtix-hB6aDST-tDp83B_UN5pIRWaSxGhEdTrbOhMHzCOK9hWlQLTKTcIeJOMip5VQmpoVesM/s1600/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Summer Reading </td></tr>
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<b>Reading:</b></div>
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<b>Family Reading</b> – Family reading is one of the most important things we can do for early learners. Take time to read to your children, which will build listening skills. Asking questions about stories your children are reading will increase comprehension and retelling skills. Take turns reading aloud together; this will enhance oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, background knowledge, comprehension, story organization, problem solving, listening comprehension, and writing skills… wow! Not only does family reading create bonding time, but it also helps cement great reading skills that will be used in school! <o:p></o:p><br />
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As you know, reading is the “foundation of success” and is essential in all subjects. Good readers activate background knowledge and are able to predict, infer, and question while reading. Fluent readers can put themselves into the text, making self-to-text-connections. When reading stories together, stop and ask questions, predict, put yourself into the story, and ask, "what would you do?"<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sample Questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Describe the main character. Where does the story take place? When does it take place?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Name the supporting characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What do you think the characters are feeling? Why do they feel that way?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is the problem in the story? How does the character deal with the problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Could the character do something different to solve the problem?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is your favorite part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Have you ever read a story that is similar to this story?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Does this story remind you of anything in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- If you could rename the story… what would it be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- How did the story end? Would you change the ending? How?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What is the most interesting part of the story? Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Did you learn something new? Give three new facts? How can you use those facts in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What are the main character's traits? How is the character like you/different from you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- What do you think will happen next?<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Tell an opinion you have about the story. Tell a fact from the story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Purpose for reading</b> - Choose why you are reading… for information, enjoyment, etc. allowing time to make connections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Making Connections</b> - Text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-others – It is important to have conversations to enhance comprehension skills and understanding of the material being read.<br />
Examples:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when I went swimming because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when (character from different story/chapter/etc.) made a new friend because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me when my teacher did ______ because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This story reminds me of when we went on vacation because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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- This character reminds me of my neighbor because…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sure you can think of additional questions or connection ideas. Also, it is not necessary to use every question during your family reading. Pick three to five questions that will support the particular story and one or two connections. The goal and hope for family reading, besides great family bonding, is that it will support a natural transfer of skills to the child’s independent reading activities, enhancing comprehension and reading fluency.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Create a Reading Community </b>– Have your child join the local library’s summer reading program or have them start a book club. Let you children set goals for reading, while keeping track on a book ‘growth’ chart. Schedule once a week meetings with friends to discuss the book, enjoying rich conversation during the summer. You might even want to have a fun summer treat while discussing a favorite part of the book. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Spelling and Vocabulary:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/">Spelling City </a>- Practicing spelling was a challenging event in our household until we were introduced to Spelling City, which is a game-based program that provides spelling, vocabulary, and other language arts activities for K-12 cross-curricular word study. The site offers a free or affordable premium membership that allows children to use their classroom generated spelling list within the program for motivational practice while providing immediate feedback to learners. No longer do my children complain when being ask to practice spelling. Give it a try; it might help your family as much as it has helped ours.<br />
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Driving vocabulary – Attach three to five vocabulary words on the back of the driver/passenger seat in your car. While driving, have your child read, spell, and tell the meaning of each word, using them in a sentence. Change the words every week or two but don’t tell your children when the words will change… anticipation will increase excitement for new vocabulary words. Have children keep a driving journal, keeping track of the new words they are learning. Make sure the words are grade level appropriate and keep it fun. You can also use this strategy to practice new spelling words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Vocabulary practice/sentence building – Place words on index cards in two different piles – mix them up and see who can make a sentence. Make a game out of this activity, creating a point system and the first one to 50 points wins! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Label the house – Label some items in your house with index cards. Environmental print supports immediate recall and enhances reading fluency.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Word of the week – Take a higher level vocabulary word and make it the “word of the week” in your house. Use it in sentences, post it in the house, spell it together, and encourage them to incorporate the word into their writing at school. Try to make it fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personal Word Bank – Create a personal or family word bank in a journal or notebook, generating vocabulary words for future writing activities. You can even add your “word of the week” to your journal, making your own personal thesaurus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Writing:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Students need practice to support good writing – try to keep it fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sports journal – While watching a game, keep a journal of favorite plays so that you can go back and try it on the field. Summer baseball is heating up (Go Tigers!) and the NFL season is right around the corner (Go Lions!), which can provide many writing opportunities, listing exciting plays or favorite players. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Family time capsule journal – Keep track of movies/family vacations/major news happenings/special sporting events/birthdays, etc. in a family journal. You can add pictures and make it into a scrap book of memories and thoughts that can be remembered for years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing for a purpose – Write a letter to a company that makes the best chocolate, game, toy, golf club, etc. Maybe they will send you some free goodies as a thank you! Write a letter if you are not impressed with a product. I wonder if the CEO of the company will respond?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Popplet – Used as a mind-map, Popplet helps students think and learn visually. Students can capture facts, thoughts, and images while learning to create relationships between them. Check out my previous post – <a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/03/popplet-supporting-sons-writing.html">Popplet:Supporting son's writing homework - he loves to build!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Math:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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When teaching 4th and 5th grade, I focused on the students’ ability to understand math concepts and think mathematically. Unfortunately, some of my students had a difficult time because they lacked the ability to recall basic facts. They understood the process; however, they scored low on assessments due to simple computation mistakes throughout the problem. I always encouraged my students to practice math facts for five minutes a day when they were at home. Five extra minutes of intense practice per day might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly. By the end of the summer, they will do over 400 minutes of extra basic facts practice! For additional strategies, <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/blog/10-apps-for-math-fluency-monica-burns">check out edutopia- 10 apps for math fluencyFree Apps:</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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For the past couple of years, our building has been utilizing <a href="http://www.thinkthroughmath.com/">Think Through Math</a> (TTM) as a supplemental tool for fourth and fifth grade students in conjunction with our district math curriculum. We have found it to be extremely beneficial. Think Through Math does exactly what its name suggests. It provides students with opportunity to understand mathematical concepts rather than just getting to a final answer. The uniqueness of TTM is that students can connect with a LIVE certified teacher when they are unable to solve a problem on their own. They can also access the program from home! TTM understands the importance of immediate support when a student is struggling with a new concept. Connecting and interacting with a live teacher enhances the likelihood of student success, while taking their mathematical skills to the next level. <a href="http://www.principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/09/think-through-math.html">Check out a previous post for more detail about TTM. </a></div>
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It is amazing how many free (and very reasonably priced) apps are out there to support learning. My kids are using a variety of apps to practice reading and math concepts along with basic facts. I like ABC Mouse and Grasshopper Apps for reading, and there are many different basic facts apps that engage and reward students for their efforts. I will usually have them “play” an educational app for 15 minutes before they start playing one of their iPad games; Minecraft is usually their game of choice right now! Take time to visit the app store or Google top educational apps for reading/math/etc. You will find many that could fit your child’s educational interests and needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Minecraft:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The creative and building aspect of Minecraft allows players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D world. Not only is it exciting to children (both of mine would play for hours if we let them), it provides them with collaboration and problem solving skills. They are learning skills such as reading, math, inventorying, geometry, social skills, and the interactive environment supports children’s ability to understand cause and effect. Children can even select various languages. So, the next time your child wants to play Minecraft, you might just see it as a learning opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>These are some of the additional learning opportunities I have used with my children, or have suggested to parents, to decrease the “summer slide.” Please remember the importance of keeping things fun and enjoyable while empowering children’s intrinsic motivation to be life-long learners. Most importantly, don’t forget the need for family time, playing board games, enjoying a bike ride, putting together a puzzle and having rich conversations with your children, all activities which enhance family relationships.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<b>Enjoy learning throughout the summer</b>! </div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-18045660430611788622015-05-31T20:55:00.001-04:002015-05-31T20:55:23.600-04:00Professional Growth <div class="MsoNormal">
The evaluation tool should operate as a <b>support to teachers and administrators</b>, guiding our instructional conferences and encouraging continuous improvement within our craft of educating children. We should have a strategic plan that changes with the landscape of education throughout our careers. Educators should focus on building relationships that <b>motivates and creates a love for learning, maximizes instructional time, increases engagement, and empowers students to be life-long learners! </b> </div>
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So, as you finalize your evaluation for 2015 and consider goals for next school year, remember to utilize the evaluation tool as an instrument to flourish, supporting and enhancing your professional growth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How should teachers view the professional growth process? As an experience to:<o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Grow as a professional</b>, creating opportunities to set goals and embrace professional development to sustain growth. Provide quality differentiated instruction for <b>all</b> students, while focusing on innovative ways to improve classroom instruction and ultimately student learning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Collaborate</b> efforts between fellow teachers, working as a team to improve building climate and instruction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Be positive!</b> Embrace change with an open mind and be an active participant during professional growth meetings and instructional conferences. Be prepared and excited to sustain learning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Develop high expectations</b> for yourself and students while consistently self-reflecting on your teaching and professional growth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Build trust </b>and personal relationships with building principal and colleagues, approach the evaluation process in a professional manner, willing to accept positive and constructive feedback.<o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Be open</b> about concerns or frustrations, working with building principal to problem solve solutions rather than remaining stagnant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Remain confidential </b>regarding your rating within the evaluation process. The process should be an experience of continuous improvement and discussing ratings between teachers is not recommended. It’s another reason why I continue to advocate for the elimination of the highly effective rating, while changing the mindset from an “evaluation” process to a “professional growth” process.<o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Understand </b>that the teacher evaluation process is never final, we are always setting professional goals focused on improvement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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• <b>Accept </b>that a single classroom observation (one way or another) does not provide the entire picture. Multiple visits during the year and honest self-reflection is necessary to make a holistic assessment of effectiveness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>• Recognize that our children deserve and need effective teachers! If you are unable sustain a positive evaluation ratting then you must have an honest conversations with yourself, your principal or a trusted colleague. Find a mentor that can support you, either by reestablishing your teaching skill set or counseling you into another profession. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="background-color: white;">• <b>Embark on </b>all<b> </b>decisions with a basic question:</span><b><span style="background-color: white;"> Is it good for children?</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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I always value the work teachers and administrators do each and every day. Our jobs are difficult but extremely rewarding. Thank you for always putting students first and recognizing their individual needs! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Reflecting on our effectiveness is important… what we do after we reflect is professional growth! Keep reflecting and making the most of your profession. Educators are the best!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keith Howell<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Related Posts:</b></div>
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<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/07/most-principals-worry-about-teacher.html">Most principals’ worry about the teacher evaluation process…you are not alone! </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/07/effective-vs-highly-effective-do-we.html">Effective vs Highly Effective – Do we need to clarify?</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/06/reflection-is-important-what-you-do.html">Reflection is Important - What you do after you reflect is professional growth!</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/04/achievement-student-growth-philosophy.html">Achievement & Student Growth Philosophy - What is truly important?</a></div>
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<a href="http://principalhowell.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-are-we-doing-to-our-profession-be.html">What are we doing to our profession? Be the Positive Voice!</a></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4477246474641682386.post-61909294677251417692015-05-09T08:20:00.001-04:002015-05-09T08:20:54.768-04:00Modern Learning Questions <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the MACUL15 conference I had the good fortune to attend a session hosted by </span><a href="https://twitter.com/KleinErin" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KleinErin</span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnCRubin" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ShawnCRubin</span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/thomascmurray" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #66b5d2; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">thomascmurray</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Personalized Instruction for ALL Learners and Create a Brain-Friendly, Blended Learning Space.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The session was extremely inspirational and generated many great questions that I will continue to focus my learning on this summer: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How much has changed in past 100 years? Why do classrooms still look the same today as they did 100 years ago? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where do you want to go to school? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In what type of world will our kids live? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we enhance what we already do well? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What motivates our students? </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/6-learning-methods-every-21st-century.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we increase intellectual engagement? </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Can we make learning memorable? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Kids are instant!” How can we prepare curriculum and instruction that matches their learning style? </span></div>
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<a href="http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/08/07/classroom-redesign-challenge-think-like-a-designer/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do we need to reconsider our learning space? </span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we personalize instruction?</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What digital learning tools are needed to enhance personalized instruction and student collaboration? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we restructure our day? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are the learning outcomes we want for our students? What technology is to be the “accelerator” to those learning outcomes? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What should we “put up” in our classrooms? </span><a href="http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/08/to-foster-productivity-and-creativity-in-class-ditch-the-desks/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Should we ditch the desks</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How should we arrange the layout in the classroom? What does good design look like? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Should we create “Maker Spaces” within our classrooms and schools? </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are we </span><a href="http://www.futurereadyschools.org/futureready" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Future Ready</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is best for kids? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The inspirational session may have lead to additional questions for me; however, it is these questions that will continue to drive our educational beliefs and decision-making about modern learning. I look forward to using these questions as a guide to enhance personalized instruction for all learners while creating a blended learning space that is brain-friendly. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What exciting times in education!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7142852; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please share what your summer learning will consist of this year.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enjoy teaching and learning!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“We should strive to be the teacher that we want our own children to have!”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> @KleinErin</span></div>
principalhowellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596246239325645935noreply@blogger.com4