Routines and Procedures

9th Grade Newcomer Class

Collaboration

I work to implement the Community of Inquiry framework where students co-construct knowledge together and work collaboratively towards common learning goals. I create structured opportunities for students to clarify, build knowledge, and interact communicatively. I provide language scaffolds like sentence stems and vocabulary instruction to ensure students feel ready to produce language as they work alongside their peers. I also work hard to give students authentic and meaningful opportunities to use the language we are learning outside of our own classroom. Collaboration in a language learning environment is especially important as helping students to feel a sense of belonging and connection helps to lower that affective filter and ensure students feel comfortable taking risks. This model allows me to make adjustments when students struggle to engage with other learners. If necessary, I can provide opportunities for one-on-one instruction or individualized versions of group tasks.

Teacher Time

One-on-one instruction: I have a space on our whiteboard that students can use to sign up for a one-on-one conference. Based on the progress tracker, I also added my list of names to the whiteboard at the beginning of class. I use the class seating chart to help me identify which students need to revise work and which need to catch up.

Small group instruction: I use small group time to provide students with workshops, re-teaching opportunities, or challenge activities. I use this planner to help me make choices around the purpose of the small group time based on the needs of my students. It helps me to be intentional in who I select and what we cover during our time together.

Whole group instruction: I use small group time to provide students with workshops, re-teaching opportunities, or challenge activities. I use my same planner to help me make choices around the purpose of the small group time based on the needs of my students. It helps me to be intentional in who I select and what we cover during our time together.

Teacher Tips

I think my biggest tip is to remember that this model is a balance of both online and offline learning experiences, and it is important to be intentional and purposeful in your choices. Utilize individual learning opportunities through instructional videos hand in hand with collaborative and interactive whole-class activities that build collective efficacy and deepen the community and connection within your classroom environment. Choose to use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to reimagine what’s possible in your classroom and to address the needs of learners as has never been possible before.

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