Curriculum

A few years ago I went to a conference given by "The 2 Sisters".  They presented on books they have written called  "Daily 5" and "The Daily Cafe".  I've used this LMS system in my class for the last two years and I have seen a tremendous improvement in my student's love for reading, their knowledge of the purpose for reading, and higher reading levels from the start of school to the end. For me it's been one of the best ways to transition students into student-centered learning.  It was an amazing conference and I would highly recommend that you go.  I'm ready to go again just to soak in even more good teaching practices!  My mother always says, "You can never get enough of a good thing!".  

                      Whole Brain Teaching!

Click here for the link!

                                             

Whole Brain Teaching rests upon the principle that teachers at every level share the same difficulties: students lack discipline, background knowledge and fundamental problem solving skills. From kindergarten to college, teachers face students who have difficulty with reading and writing. Nonetheless, our students respond to challenges, enjoy well-designed learning games, and can make, in the proper setting, astonishing educational progress.

Click here for the link to the website!

Improvement Focus vs. Grade Focus

By focusing on constant improvement, rather than summative feedback, students realize that learning is a process, causing them to take more risks and no longer fear failure.

Responsibility

When students are given responsibilities in the classroom, they take on more ownership which leads to increased leadership of themselves and those around them.

Active Learning

In order for students to avoid distractions and off-task behavior, they need to be learning actively and moving around the room.

Twenty-First Century Skills

When you focus your feedback on 21st Century skills rather than content, students are more likely to engage in conversations about the material with their peers, often leading to a deeper understanding.

Empowerment

In order for students to lead the class, help their peers, and maximize their time on task, they need to be given privileges and responsibilities that empower them to make decisions on their own.