It's been a great week back! We have two months left with our kids.. let's finish strong!
Below are some pictures from our transition day back. It was great to see all the excitement, relationships, and teamwork occurring (and the dancing in the drop off lane!).
Co-Teaching in 4th Grade:
We've had some great work this year put into a co-teaching model, particularly between our classroom and EL teaching staff. I have asked Dani Rypka and Laurie Wolhart to write a short description of the co-teaching work they are doing in the area of math- it's VERY impressive. I am continually amazed at the work that is going into this, as well as the opportunities we are providing ALL kids in core instruction.
Co-Teaching Math - by Laurie & Dani
Our co-teaching
journey started with some awkwardness, excitement and a lot of trial and error.
As you all know, the start of the school year was a bit rocky, and so was our
attempt at co-teaching math. Thankfully, we were willing to take the time to
iron out the problems and the students were flexible and eager to help us
learn.
We have 30
minutes of planning every week, we check-in via email or with a quick
discussion before, during or after school. We also use a spread sheet with
student data to stay current on reteaching and student needs. During our
planning time we plan for a short 20-minute whole group and what we call guided
math groups (we each teach two, 20-minute groups each day – the groups are
between 5 and 10 students). We modeled our groups from the Guided Math groups
that Mrs. Stitzmeyer, Mrs. Schlauderaff and Mrs. Zupansic run in first grade.
These groups are flexible and based on needs. Depending on the day, some
students get no independent time, others 20 minutes and the other group 30
minutes.
We see the
benefits of coteaching in so many ways. The biggest success for us is the grit
and confidence that the students show. We can reteach in small, purposeful
groups which allows students to master a skill. Also, students are not able to
“fake it” the way they can often do in a whole group situation. They are held
accountable to themselves and their teachers to show their work, ask questions
and self-check to be sure they understand.
Our co-teaching
time is also the EL service time for any student with a Level 3 or 4 in their
English Language Proficiency. When students are that close to being exited from
the EL Program, research shows that a push-in, co-teaching model is more
effective than a pull-out model.
Students do not miss ANY classroom instruction and their language goals
are embedded in the content.
This is a
win-win scenario. All of our students get individualized math instruction and
our students who receive EL services have language support at the same time.
Somali Name Conventions:
Two weeks ago, Amy Young shared a sheet with me on the conventions of Somali names. It was interesting to read this and understand more about names within the Somali culture. I highly recommend taking some time to read this document to understand more about some of the families we serve.
Anchor Charts- Why & How We Use Them:
I recently shared this article on Twitter - a great reminder of the benefits of anchor charts when teaching students. I appreciate that this author gives us some things to consider when making the charts, too.
#LoveMySchoolDay is next Wednesday!
Next Wednesday, April 11 is #LoveMySchoolDay. This is a day for us to fill social media with all the things we love and appreciate about McKinley School. Mark your calendars for this coming Wednesday!
Building Weekly Newsletter:
The building weekly newsletter will be updated here later today.
McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week:
The McKinleyStrong Educator of the Week goes to Special Education Teacher, Justin Lang! Justin is a true leader, advocate, and relationship-builder. Justin truly believes (& models) all students will learn at high levels. His unwavering commitment to students and staff helps keep us focused on our "real why" - students and learning. Justin is an asset to our building - thank you for all you do, Justin!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
-Justin
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