Standard IV
Teachers facilitate learning for their students.
Small Groups
Small groups are used to differentiate instruction for the diverse group of learners in my classroom. My small group instruction is standards based and the lessons are created with the needs of my students in mind. Students are placed in leveled small groups that meet every day. I pull small groups while students are in their rotating stations. Station work is also differentiated based on students needs.
IEP, LEP, AIG
In my classroom, I have students with IEPs and LEPs, and students identified as AIG. In order to support the diverse range of students in my classroom, I support students in different ways. My students with IEPs and LEPs are given sentence frames to support them in their writing, where as my AIG identified students are given opportunities to challenge their thinking. Attached is an example of the sentence frames I provided my IEP and LEP students during our module 4 PSA essay,
I closely collaborate with the CCR, intervention, ESL, and AIG teacher to meet all students needs.
Differentiation
I have a diverse group of learners in my classroom including Academically and Intellectually Gifted, English Learners, Talent Development, CCR, and Intervention students. Differentiation is important to ensure the success of all students in my classroom. I differentiate assignments and assessments based on the level of my students. The assignment linked above is a virtual differentiated math review assignment for my AIG students. This assignment was used in the virtual learning setting.
Variety of Instructional Methods
I use a variety of instructional methods both in person and virtually to ensure my students are learning effectively. Some of the instructional methods used include:
Google Classroom
Quizizz, Kahoot, Blooklet
Kami
Google Slides
FlipGrid
Breakout Rooms (when virtual)
Independent and Partner/Group Work
Blended Learning
During Covid-19, I am taught both in person and virtually. Students came to school in a 3 week cohort rotation.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is an important online tool used to upload and grade student assignments, and communicate with students effectively. I use Google Classroom every day.
Flip Grid
Flip Grid is a fun presentation tool I love to use with my students. It allows them to communicate with one another in a new way, practice their public speaking skills, and get creative.
Online Quizzes
I use online quiz sites such as Blooklet, Quizziz, and Kahoot. Students are actively engaged in these quizzes and I use it as an informal check-in to assess student progress.
Breakout Rooms
Breakout rooms are an effective tool that I use during virtual learning. I use it to break students into differentiated groups or to allow them to work collaboratively.
Google Slides
I use google slides daily to teach my EL lessons. It is also used in social studies instruction.
Anchor Charts
Anchor charts and posters are an important learning tool in my classroom. The anchor charts and posters hanging around the room help keep information fresh in students minds, reinforce important concepts, and remind students of problem solving strategies.
Text Structures
Above is an anchor chart students used to help them with a research project.
Text Structures
For writing assignments, I provide sentence frames.
Hands on Learning
Hands on learning is an effective way to facilitate instruction because it encourages students to be actively engaged in their learning. I incorporate hands on learning in all subject areas. In the picture to the left, students placed organs on a skeleton while working with a partner during the human body unit of our science curriculum.
The pictures below are from our field trip to Wilmington, NC. During our Ecosystems unit, students visited Kure beach where they participated in an ocean study. Students learned about food webs.
Teacher and Student Communication
I use a variety of communication methods to communicate with my students and their families. Every morning there is a welcome message on the board communicating with students the materials they need for the day. I use google classroom to post assignments and students are able to communicate with me, and each other. I use classroom Dojo and Talking Points to communicate with parents, and students are able to communicate with me privately. I use positive office referrals as a way to reinforce positive behavior. When students are following expectations, or went above and beyond, I write them a positive office referral. The office then calls the students family and celebrates their good choices.
Student Leadership
I encourage students to become leaders in my classroom. One way I encourage students to show leadership is helping in the classroom. In December 2020, the school had a door decorating contest. Student volunteers helped me decorate our door, and we won 2nd place!
Social Contract Ambassador
Our social contract ambassador is responsible for greeting an adult when they walk into the room. As they are greeting the adult, they share the purpose behind the social contract and ask the adult to sign it. They also show the adult what we are working on and they repeat the learning target of the lesson.
Professional Development
I consistently participate in professional development in order to grow myself as a professional. I have completed the following professional development courses:
EL New Hire Professional Learning
Communicating with Students and Families in a Blended and Online Environment Feedback and Assessment
Feedback and Assessment in a Blended and Online Environment
Instructional Design in a Blended and Online Environment
Designing an Blended and Online Environment
Capturing Kids Hearts Training
Elementary School ELA: New Curriculum Resources for 21-22
STAR Math Training
LETRS Unit 1 Virtual Training
Online Research
Part of the fifth grade literacy curriculum is being able to conduct research using a variety of tools. Students use computers to research a variety of topics including athletes who are leaders of social change, natural disasters, and Civil War personas. They are able to research using videos, articles, and student friendly websites. I am able to send these options through Google Classroom.