September 18th-22nd

PLC Schedule

Monday

• Follow In-Service Agenda

Tuesday

• 1st Grade-Literacy Coach (DIBELS and Student Support)
• K, 2, 3-Grade Level Meeting

Wednesday

• 2nd Grade-Literacy Coach (DIBELS and Student Support)
• K, 1, 3-Grade Level Meeting

Thursday

• 3rd Grade-Literacy Coach (DIBELS and Student Support)
• K-Off
• 1 and 2-Grade Level Meetings

Friday

• Faculty Meeting

Lesson Plan Clarification

For the lesson plans that you need to have for your red folders or for me to review when I come into the room, please note that you just need to have a brief outline and time of what you're doing.  At least once a marking period, I will most likely ask for your submit a complete lesson plan for review.  For your outline lesson plans, please also include the following:

• I Can statements
• Questions for Key Ideas and Details
• Questions for Social/Emotional Connections

Go Math Overview

I recently received a very good resource from Go Math titled GO Math: Professional Learning Guide.  I wanted to include a brief overview of the GO Math Lesson Plan.

Engage 

(This is where we want to get students interested in the lesson.)

• We want to spark their curiosity with the Essential Question.  I saw a great lesson opener on Thursday where the teacher had students take the Essential Question and break it down into an I Can statement so that they could then explain what they would be able to do at the end of the lesson.
• We want to connect the new learning to prior knowledge by helping students make connections.
• We want to use guided questions to enhance learning.
• We want to provide opportunities for students to write about math.

Explore 

(This is where we want to facilitate problem-based learning as students build conceptual understanding.  In grades K-2, students will Listen and Draw or Model and Draw to solve problems.  In grade 3, students Unlock the Problem or Investigate to solve problems.)

• Use manipulatives for lessons labeled "hands on."
• Use "Math Talk" to engage students in mathematical discourse.
• Integrate the ELL strategies for Language Learners.  The ELL strategies could also be used for all learners.

Explain

(During explain, students apply their understanding and build fluency.)

• Use a MathBoard during Share and Show to have students explain their thinking.
• Use Quick Checks to determine if students are ready to go on and to differentiate instruction.
• Assign the exercises in "On Your Own" when students understand the lesson's concepts.

Elaborate

(Use the Real World problems as an opportunity for students to apply the concepts and skills during Elaborate.  The following problem types, requiring the use of higher-level thinking skills, are used in Elaborate:

• Go Deeper
• Think Smarter
• Mathematical Practice

Evaluate

(Lessons close with Evaluate, providing an opportunity for students to summarize their thinking, return to the Essential Question, and make connections to the lesson's objectives.)

Teach Like a Champion

Systems and Routines

Technique 45:  Threshold

• Meet your students at the door and set expectations before they enter.  Greet them and make sure they're ready to enter the room and begin the day.

Technique 46:  Strong Start

• Design and establish an efficient routine for students to enter the classroom and begin class.  Consider using a timer to keep you accountable to time.
• Door to Do Now-this where you make a habit out of what's efficient, productive, and scholarly as students take their seats.  Students should know where to find their work, where they should and should not sit, where to hand in homework, hear you compliment them on getting right to work.
• Do Now-this enables you to maximize instructional time, build industrious habits, and make use of a discrete block of time when your students can practice and build skills.
• Review Now-transition into review of the Do Now.

Technique 47:  STAR/SLANT

• Teach students key baseline behaviors for learning, such as sitting up in class and tracking the speaker by using a memorable acronym such as STAR or SLANT.
• STAR (Sit Up, Track the Speaker, Ask and answer questions like a scholar, Respect those around you)
• SLANT (Sit Up, Listen, Ask and answer questions, Nod your head, Track the Speaker)