my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

Bilingual bonus…

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We’re lucky enough to have teachers here at Luna that go WAY above and beyond in their classrooms. Our partnership with Donors Choose has been extremely fruitful this year. We’ve added almost $11, 000 dollars in materials to our classrooms….which is INCREDIBLE. From parents to family friends to district support…it all started with Donor’s Choose and willing teachers.

 

One classroom, Mrs. Boswell’s bilingual first graders, have increased the rigor in their room by becoming authors. Here’s a sample of what they’re able to accomplish with their ipad mini.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkhNZeJ-As

 

Lion pride,

Amber

 

ps: $11,000….whoa!!!!

Mathematically speaking….

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I shared this on Twitter this week, an article that details different ways to teach perseverance in math. I then received this as a follow up. convo

Never one to back away from a challenge I’ve talked to several different high school math teachers and complied THESE strategies for David.

  • Set a questions goal. When you are struggling with students understanding a concept, allow each student to ask a certain amount of questions and see how many different ways peers or the lead learner can answer them. For students who DO understand the concept  this will be an especially high level activity, allowing them to “teach” to different levels of weakness. 
  • Set up a section in their notebook or math journal for struggles. In a fast paced class, by the time a student has figured out they have a question, the class may have moved on. Use sticky notes to record the questions that come up, even if they don’t ask them. This allows the students to capture their thoughts and confusion somewhere, so that they can come back to them.
  • Integrate Warm-Up Activities The use of quick warm-up activities in class can be beneficial for several reasons. One of the most common reasons students may need intervention is that they have not fully mastered prerequisites. You can use warm-up activities to review prerequisites and to gauge student mastery. Begin your lessons by having your students complete several problems that cover prerequisites. This technique will also give you time to circulate among your students and have quiet one-on-one conversations. These discussions can be used as valuable informal assessment opportunities.
  • Differentiate instruction. This sounds very basic, but especially in an environment where social expectations are even higher than usual, students will benefit from a variety of instructional methods.  Many students who need intervention struggle to learn concepts because they may not be able to grasp abstract concepts. “Some students may not understand a concept when illustrated symbolically, but may be able to understand it when it is illustrated concretely, either via models, manipulatives, or technology.
  • Try the concept of ““remediation through acceleration.” The concept introduces students to higher-level thinking and higher-level problems. Within the context of those problems, the teacher offers remediation to students who need it. Great example of this here….

Anyone else have any older students suggestions?

 

HS thinkN,

Amber

Leadership Likeability

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Had a great convo at lunch today with two different staff members. We each have different roles on the campus and various experiences. One a former high school teacher, one a former 1st grade teacher and me…

We were discussing our next school event and the inadvertent commotion it has caused. In May, we’re planning a “prom” as our school wide occasion. It was requested by one of our fabulous 5th graders last year, and has just been in the books since then. The “planning” books…it hasn’t been officially announced to students or parents yet.

There have been several concerns, which we were going over at lunch and my two table mates were going back and forth over the pros and cons. Regardless of what one said, the other had a brilliant counter point. Sitting there listening,  it was clearly going to be another situation in life where I wasn’t going to win.

If we just canceled the event…people were going be upset. If we held it, renamed it, re-themed it…people were going to be upset. One lunch mate commented that she was glad she wasn’t ever in my position because it just went against her nature for people to not like her, where as I clearly made decisions that albeit unintentionally, divided people.

Now that I’ve been in this role, I have such empathy for people who have to make hard decisions. (Obviously, the prom isn’t a life impacting decision, but still…you know what I mean.) I look at Obama, or CEO’s, or superintendents and think about what tough decisions they have to make…and those ARE life impacting decisions. They have to stay true to themself and really look out for the greater good. In my lil’ol chair, it can still be tough. You come back to the concept of leader likeability and there’s a great quote that comes to mind.

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As long as the decisions I make are made in the best interest of our Lions, I can handle the naysayers. (Some days better than others, :)) I’ve definitely learned that there are times where I don’t get to share my side or have my say and that just comes with the territory. Being a leader isn’t about being liked, it’s about doing what we have to do. Life isn’t always pretty and if we want to have a successful school, sometimes tough actions need to be taken.

Leaders who have to be liked, rather than respected, lose credibility, confidence and support. I think I’d rather be respected and known as consistent,  more than win a popularity contest.

 

 

like-less, Amber

 

PS:  Event is ON! Come one, come all…to the Luna Family Ball!

 

Spelling fun for 1st grade

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chartMrs.Bennet came down this week SO excited about a spelling activity that she had done with her students. QR codes have taken Luna by storm and we’ve seen some great lessons by both teachers and students.

Primary students can be difficult, I know some teachers are hesitant to let the little ones get their hands on these tools. Well, Mrs. Bennett isn’t scared! 🙂 She created a review to help engage her students with those boring ol’spelling words.

Each code revealed a clue to one of their words for the week. the students had to identify the word based on the clue and then spell it correctly on their paper.

If you’re interested using QR codes in your class room, but not sure how to go about it, see if you can find inspiration here. Plenty of ideas to get ya started!

More suggestions?

Award prizes by having students scan a code leading to fun message from you! An animated gif or classroom “badge”. When they master a concept on say fractions,  perhaps they get a code that takes them to a badge for Fraction Rockstar!

Put codes in different areas of the room that will take students to different online activities, videos or content. An easy center or “when you’re finished” activity!

A great way to provide optional activities for students who want to excel is to simply put the code on the class assignment and let them follow it to the extension activity or question. It won’t take up much space, and might facilitate a little excitement about the extension assignment.

Love that all of these activities have a purpose…remember that using technology for the sake of technology isn’t a benefit for your students. All of your activities should have a goal that ties into your learning objectives. 🙂

 

codeN,

Amber

 

 

 

Taming the Test

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Taming-the-TestThis week kicks off the STAAR tests for spring of 2013. As both a mom of a tester and supporter of those Lions giving the test…I hope to impress upon both that their value or success doesn’t have anything to do with what happens this week.

As a 4th grade teacher (three tests!) I remember the long days, the short days, the days where some students didn’t eat and acted as such, the days where someone’s grandparent passed away and all we did was talk and cry, the days where it was just too pretty to sit inside. I remember having an administrator who valued ME, and didn’t place any importance on my skill as a teacher based on the results of a test.

So, LL’s as we move forward, know that what is done this week will reflect on how you’ve handled yourself ALL year. The late afternoons, the early mornings, and the tears that you’ve put into these students…way more important than an arbitrary test score.

That being said…go home early. Get to bed early. Have a yummy breakfast. It’s all down hill from here!

 

 

testingly,

Amber