SLATE 2014

I just returned from the Wisconsin 2014 SLATE (http://slateinwi.com/) at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  The keynote speaker was Scott McLeod and the closing speaker was Julie Mathiesen.  I wasn't sure what to expect from the conference.  I knew going into it that I wanted to learn more about preparing students for the Smarter Balance assessment that is fast approaching.  What I left with was a renewed sense of purpose and direction as a building tech coach. 

I have been waffling everyday whether or not I would continue my position as the building technology integration coach.  Part of me has been on the fence daily because I struggle with balancing the three different roles: 3rd grade teacher, technology integration coach, and mentor to my intern.  After my second session (Engaging Activities to Get Kids Ready for the Smarter Balance), I boldly pronounced to the district's technology integration director that I will be returning as tech coach next year.  The session provided me with new tools to show teachers to use with students so they can meaningfully prepare for the tech side of the Smarter Balanced assessment.

Close Reading

This year I was exposed to Close Reading.  Close reading is using a passage or an article that is curriculum based and reading it for multiple purposes.  Then using text based evidence to use answer questions, make inferences, and prove their points.  At first it seemed daunting for first graders, but we created steps to the process and used them consistently.  The power of a highlighter should not be underestimated.  Learning to dissect a text that is out of your reading level is especially important with the Smarter Balanced test implementation coming and text-based evidence in Common Core. 

 

Our Steps
1. Set a Purpose
2. Cold read with perseverance
3. Highlight/underline important details

Next year I am moving back to third grade and plan on collaborating with my colleagues to develop steps that we will use consistently across the curriculum.
 

Big Paper

A few years ago, I was super fortunate to be apart of a team who worked with the University of Northern Iowa on literacy for special education students.  One of the take-aways from the our time together was Big Paper.  The idea behind Big Paper is that all kids can participate no matter their abilities.  I used the over arching Essential Question for our American Symbols unit as the introductory lesson for the unit.

Students can draw pictures or write what the answer to the question.

For this Big Paper activity, students worked in table groups.

Pluggin' Along

After 5 days of new teacher training, I was back in my classroom with no agenda.  Here a few things I accomplished today.  There are more but I need them laminated and that is something I am not "supposed" to do.  We'll see what happens when I am working late tomorrow night:)

Not sure why these photos are vertical...grr.  The numbers booklet is an idea I got while subbing in the Davenport schools.  I have used them every year for early finishers.  This year they will be apart of Math by Myself.




 

I had this printed last school year from a Pinterest post.  This year I added the frames to put the kiddos pictures in.

New Teacher Training

For the past three days I have been entrenched in "new" teacher training.  My brain is full and unorganized.  My stomach is in knots. And my butt hurts from sitting all day:)  Despite how my body is feeling, I am READY to dig in to the curriculum and figure the WHAT and HOW of teaching my firsties.

Here is what I am thinking and feeling about the information presented the past three days in no particular order...

• I heart the Common Core (http://www.corestandards.org/)!
• I am anxious to see how I make it all work in first grade.
• I want to be apart of writing curriculum.
• I need to get to work on Flipcharts.
• How am I going to effectively monitor report card requirements with standards based grading?
• I NEED to get questions answered about my schedule.

I am relieved that Superior's philosphies, practices, and people mesh with my teaching style and personality. 

Mrs. Benner + School District of Superior = a good fit

Sunday Funday

This week the floors in our building are getting waxed.  Therefore, there is no working in my room.  The good thing is that it conisides with my new teacher training which is Wednesday through Friday this week.  So to put my mind at ease, I went in this morning at 8:30 and worked until noonish.  I feel a little constrained because I currently don't have access to a printer/copier (those floors are in the process of getting waxed and the copier needs toner) or a laminator.  Here are a couple of things I did accomplish today.

Math wall, calendar area. 
It needs a schedule, some dates, and a Math Words header.

Word work table.
Alphabet tape in a square with pens, markers, and rulers.

One of the ways I organize and work my way through my classroom as I set up for the school year is to place like items on tables.  Once I clear off a table it remains clear.  My word work table was cleared off today!

Classroom library

I did it!  I spent all day yesterday sorting and resorting my books.  Last week, one of dearest teacher friends and her husband, drove my books 4 hours to Minnesota.  We exchanged books, ate lunch, and said good-bye.  Short and sweet.  Now back to business...

My mission for yesterday was to get my classroom library in order.  I was fortunate to be left lots and lots of books from the previous teacher.  I checked out the 2 Sisters website for guidance on sorting and storing my books.  Then I headed to the Dollar Tree, Target, and Wal-mart for bins and crates.  Now, being a native Minnesotan, Target is always my go to.  However, some things I have to admit, Wal-mart has a better selection.  I bought the small, blue crates at Wal-mart in the Back to School section.  I went to 3 Wal-marts to get 20 blue crates.  My mom is picking up two more blue crates and 8 green crates from another store near her.

One pile of books.

This was mid-way through my all day sort.

This is where I started from yesterday.

Instead of sanding and painting my bookshelves, I bought contact paper from Amazon.

This is how it turned out yesterday. 



My CAFE board. 
Aww.  The letters and captions were part of the loot brought by Tammy and Paul.  I downloaded them from the Ladybug's Teacher Files last school year.  I had them printed on cardstock, mounted them on black, and laminated them. http://www.ladybugsteacherfiles.com/