Newsletter
Volume 17 | Issue 3 | April 2022
Happy Spring!
Schoolytics.pdfInduction Programming Overview
Click image above and log into your Google account to view the Nearpod presentation.
Introducing a New Topic? Want to Build Background Knowledge?
Try an Explore Board!
Try an Explore Board!
What is it?
Explore boards are a board of learning choices that help students develop background knowledge. They are more than just an online worksheet of tasks for students to do. They are filled with links to a set of different forms of media surrounding a common topic, theme or issue.
Why use it?
High-interest content for students
Builds background knowledge to deepen comprehension
Extends lessons with more resources
Prepares students for class lessons
Check out this example used to introduce students to Tulsa and the 1960’s before jumping into reading The Outsiders. Click to open. Then make your own copy.
Explore Boards can be used to introduce all these and more:
Novels
New time periods
Historical events
What the Research Says About "Round Robin Reading"
by your MPS Literacy Coaches
“My students take turns reading paragraphs aloud. When each one finishes, I ask them questions or ask them to explain what the book said. I like this strategy because the students are attentive. I find that when I have them read the book silently, they don’t get it.”
Does that scene sound familiar? If so, you’ve likely used the instructional strategy known as Round Robin Reading or Popcorn Reading. What implications do these strategies have on student success? Here’s what the research states and some alternate strategies to help students reach their greatest potential as readers far beyond our classrooms.
What the Research Says
As students, we likely experienced Round Robin Reading. Some of us never actually attended to what their peers were reading - instead we were reading ahead to ensure we knew what we were about to read so we wouldn't embarrass ourselves in front of the other students in our class or group. Students need to begin developing the ability to read the majority of their texts silently and monitor their understanding. Round Robin reading also hinders a student’s ability to become a fluent reader and may have just the opposite effect. It causes readers to slow down their silent reading in order to keep pace with the oral reader who is reading at a markedly slower pace.
Alternatives to Round Robin Reading
Having students independently whisper read allows the teacher to prompt, support and provide timely feedback. Specific feedback that addresses the specific teaching points that the teacher was able to notice will help each student reach their full potential. Having the students read independently at their own pace also increases the amount of volume each student is reading within the group. Lastly, in the real world, round robin reading is rarely used. The main goal for reading is to make meaning of the text and round robin reading doesn’t support that goal.
Click HERE to learn more about Alternatives to Round Robin/Popcorn Reading.
Table or Spreadsheet? New Functionality in Google Docs!
Tables in Google Docs.pdfNew Ideas and MIM Resources!
Educator.pdfLike the images above? Learn more about creating your own using Canva!
Canva is offering MPS free virtual training. Jenna Dawson, a Canva trainer, is delightful and her sessions will certainly help to ramp up your Canva skills!
Leadership Academy
Forgivable Loan Program!
The Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) is a forgivable loan program designed to provide support for current educators pursuing master’s degrees or endorsements in shortage areas across the state of Nebraska. The 2022-2023 EETP application is available on the EETP website until May 2, 2022. The 2022-23 EETP funds are for classes that begin July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Click here for more details.
Scholarship Opportunities
Millard teachers who are working toward additional certification or continuing education may choose to apply. Summer 2022 applications are being accepted. The form is submitted electronically. Deadline for Summer 2022 applications is Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Click here to review scholarship options. Please review the application carefully to determine eligibility and be sure to submit all the required documentation.
Superintendent-Approved Graduate Classes
While our scholarships may support both graduate and undergraduate courses as needed, only approved, graduate level courses will qualify for salary advancement in the Millard Public Schools. Please make sure you complete an “Application for Graduate Credit Approval” prior to the beginning of the course if you plan to seek salary advancement. The application is available on the Human Resources Website and then by selecting Application for Graduate Course Approval.
