Bonus Post! Classroom Pictures

Here is a slideshow of my new classroom. Please forgive me for the blurry shots - not sure what happened.  It is definitely a work in progress! I'm amazed at how much got done in just 2 days! I can't wait to get back in to put up bulletin boards, posters, etc.


New 6th Grade Classroom - In Progress!! on PhotoPeach

NC Teaching Standard #4 - Teachers Facilitate Learning

This is a huge standard.  And it has some goofy, super formal language in it.  So let's dissect this one a little more than the others. Here are the big ideas (my comments are in red):

• Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development for their students. As a teacher, you need to know about child development and about how the brain/student learns.
• Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. 
• Teachers use a variety of instructional methods. 
• Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction. In my district we have talked about how integrating and utilizing tech means getting it into student hands - not just being able to say that you use it yourself.
• Teachers help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities. 
• Teachers communicate effectively. 
• Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.

This standard also throws around the idea of 21st Century skills and assessment.  But it doesn't really explain it!  Through my research, I finally decided that most folks agree that collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication are the key points. So that is what I focused on getting my students deep into.  I'll continue to do that next year in my new position.

Here are some things I used for artifacts:

• Learning contracts in math
• Began to use the Wiki (email or leave a comment to see the link)
• Chrome Fast Word Game
• Cuttin' Kate project
• ABC's of the EOG's project
• Video products created for Nutrition Project after EOG testing (in addition to posters, booklets, and brochures which were also options.)

Because this standard is so long and the wording is awkward, it can be intimidating.  It turns out that this is one of my favorite standards though, because it keeps me on track - I can't keep doing the same old thing if I want to get different/better results!