Embedded Files
Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students
Teachers Facilitate Learning for Their Students
Element IVa: Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.
Element IVa: Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.
Students check in daily at the beginning of our morning meeting. If needed, we pull strategies from our toolbox to help us move to the green zone.
Students that do not meet with teachers everyday are given differentiated independent activities to do during small group time. They refer to their Seesaw checklist so they know what they need to complete. They do this independently in a breakout room.
I reached out to our literacy coach to provide enrichment lessons to two students that were ready to learn new spelling patterns beyond the required kindergarten skills.
I create differentiated lesson plans for all teachers working with my small groups.
Virtual word walls were provided to students. These were presented during live instruction or posted in our Google Classroom.
IVb: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.
IVb: Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.
As a grade level we plan weekly to plan for literacy and math. During this time we come up with necessary scaffolds and lesson enhancements that would better serve our students. We also anticipate points in the lesson that may be difficult for our students, such as cultural bias and technological challenges that may occur. As a team, we analyze our classroom data to notice trends in certain standards. To do this we look at unit assessments, DreamBox data, iStation data, Letterland assessments, and NCELI GOLD data. I also use informal observations to drive my instruction. This may include changing my already planned out lessons prior to teaching to better suit students' needs.
Element IVc: Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.
Element IVc: Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.
As a virtual academy teacher, I have really needed to change up my instructional methods based on student engagement and to better serve students needs. To do this, I try to keep a balance between using hands on tools that I sent home for students to use and utilizing digital tools.
Several tools were sent home to students.
The following were created for specific lessons so students can be engaged digitally:
Element IVd: Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.
Element IVd: Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.
I was one of the two virtual academy kindergarten teachers at FRES.
My kinders experienced their first year of school 100% online!
Live instruction is taught via Google Meet.
Independent assignments are assigned via Google Classroom, Seesaw, and FlipGrid.
Assessments are taken via Jamboard, FlipGrid, & PearDeck.
Students have learned how to be safe digital citizens and how to troubleshoot when faced with technological challenges!
Students have learned multiple computer skills, such as typing, using the mouse, switching tabs, and closing windows.
I offer assistance to other teachers that may need support in using digital tools within their own classroom. I became a Google Certified Level 2 Educator this year. I also love learning about new tech tools that can be used in the classroom!
Element IVe: Teachers help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Element IVe: Teachers help students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
This year, I worked at the district level to digitalize the math curriculum.
I facilitate math talk within my math community. Students are required to explain the "how" or "why" behind their thinking and must be able to state in their own words what a classmate said or if they agree or disagree. I refer to Bloom's Taxonomy when asking higher level questions.
The value of saying "why" may also help them catch their own misconception and cause a "lightbulb moment!"
Element IVf: Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.
Element IVf: Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.
Students are able to provide feedback to each other in a kind, respectful manner. When feedback is provided, students are given an opportunity to go back to make changes to their work.
When using breakout rooms, students are often grouped strategically where student leaders can provide support, if needed. Students are empowered to help facilitate a group discussion and others feel more empowered to share with their peers. If we realize that students are passionate about something or have a strength in a specific area, we let them "teach" their peers about the topic.
Element IVg: Teachers communicate effectively.
Element IVg: Teachers communicate effectively.
Our newsletters and independent activity directions are translated into Spanish. My instructional assistant is also present during conferences that a translator will be needed.
Students cheer each other on when there is something to celebrate or if they know that a friend may need cheering up.
I use equity sticks to ensure that everyone is getting a chance to be called on.
Students have the opportunity to participate in various ways, such as typing in the chat, verbally participating, or using their bodies to participate.
Element IVh: Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.
Element IVh: Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.
Multiple methods of assessment are used to drive instruction and to see student proficiency.
DreamBox
iStation
Letterland Assessments
Informal Observations
Unit & Summative Assessments
Assessment data is analyzed to determine what scaffolds are needed during CORE instruction or if anything needs to be retaught. I also use the data to reflect on my own practices as a teacher and brainstorm other ways to reach my students.
Assessments and independent activities are checked by both myself and my instructional assistant.
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