Small Groups in SLIFE Learning Site
In a Learning Site, educators come together for a full day in a live classroom around a common area of practice (also can accommodate a ½ day model). Participants talk with the host teacher and set goals for their own classrooms. Participants who continue the learning through virtual follow-up sessions are also able to earn an academic ladder credit.
Small Groups in SLIFE Learning Site: This learning site on April 25, 2023 addresses the question "How do we build students’ foundational skills in a SLIFE classroom while promoting their readiness to access grade-level content?" Hosted by Emily Dixon and Ariana Sicairos-McCarthy (Frederick Pilot Middle School), the site will demonstrate these co-teachers’ approach to answering this question by structuring and differentiating small group learning groups and creating a joyful and culturally responsive classroom environment. After the observation educators will debrief with the host teachers around the hows and whys of their teaching practice, and then engage in virtual follow-up coaching sessions for an ALC/PDPs. Hosted by the Telescope Network.
Time: One half school day (sub $ available)
Feedback: 99% recommended
Credits: Up to 12 PD hours or 1 ALC
Capacity: 10-15 per session
Mode: In-person
Resources: Learning Site Packet, Debrief Notes, Driver Diagram
THANK YOU for all the educators that attended the Learning Site at the Frederick Middle School on the topic of Small Groups in SLIFE. Emily Dixon and Ariana Sicairos-McCarthy, SLIFE ESL teachers, were the host teachers at this event. We had 14 participants join from 12 different BPS schools/departments join this session.
After the session, 100% of participants (12 out of 12 exit ticket responses) said that they would recommend this session to a colleague. Additional comments from participants:
[Today was] extremely well structured, very useful balance of prep time/observation time/debrief time
Today's session has allowed me to open my mind to new learning opportunities for my students as well as being able to communicate new ideas to my school leaders.
We asked, “What's one thing you learned today that might benefit your students?” Sample responses:
“[I’m planning on] adding a game to each one of my phonemic awareness lessons. Additionally, I’m excited to incorporate more structured dialogue lessons.”
“Teachers need to take the time to build connections with students genuinely.”
“I will make sure to do small group rotations daily.”