Here you will find archived professional learning opportunities as well as The 'Pint Sized' Professional Learning Library designed to support curriculum evaluation, revision and development.
Scroll to the bottom and find Pint Sized professional learning modules narrated by AI avatars in Canva!
Your AI best friend that will take a topic search, a URL link (even video) or pasted text and provide you with:
A summary of the information, key vocabulary, different question prompts...but there is more.
Translate into any language and select a grade level for reading ability (2nd-11+).
AND...recently added - export in seconds to graphic organizers, google docs., studnet engagement and partner work. You can even export directly to Google Classroom!
Watch a 3 minute tutorial HERE.
Purposeful Play in K-1
In the 2022-2023 school year Region 18 embarked on implementing Purposeful Play in all Kindergarten classrooms. There are many reasons to embed this type of learning into the classroom, but we were specifically trying to target executive functioning skills to increase independence, self-regulation and interpersonal skills. However, what we did not expect to see were the HUGE gains students made in their writing, one of the toughest metacognitive tasks we ask students to perform!
“Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain -
unless it is done with play, in which case,
it takes between 10 and 20 repetitions!”
- Dr. Karyn Purvis
Check out what Purposeful Play is, why it is critical for the development of the whole child, and how it can be incorporated into classroom routines.
All staff participated in reviewing Executive Functioning skills in 2022-2023 as recommended by the Region 18 PDEC. This decision was in response to the 'post COVID student' who seems to have less stamina, is harder to engage and is more dysregulated. Our goal was to have common definitions and strategies. We will build on this professional learning in 2023-2024 where we will embed specific strategies into units of study to support identified skills based on teacher cohorts. Click the HERE button on the left for all EF PD slides from 22-23.
Below, please find the link to a shared folder containing grade level EF strategies and pages dedicated to the five EF strategies reviewed as part of the Peer Goal in year 1.
Folder Design: Grade level resources/strategies and EF skill specific resources and strategies. There is a combination of ideas to implement and further discussion on skills.
Integrating IABs into Curriculum
Smarter Balanced IABs
Regional District 18 were early adopters of Interim Assessment Blocks and were featured nationally by The Smarter Balanced Consortium. We have expanded and further developed the use of IABs in all classrooms that support Common Core Standards. We also have incorporated SAT training for staff and students and embed SAT prep. into all academic departments at the high school.
Curriculum Related Professional Development: "Pint Sized" Learning Library
