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Sent to the Principal's Office

4/23/2013

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Memory researchers tell us that in order for learners to move information from short term to long term memory, they must recode the information into their own words. 

Today, after teaching new math terms, we asked students to develop definitions in their own words. Students then worked together in small groups to share definitions and choose one that they felt was the best. 

I then introduced students to an iPad app called
MailVU or video mail (FREE). This app is a very simple, intuitive way to take a brief video and email it to someone. We used the app to video students reading the chosen definitions, and then emailed them to the school principal. Students loved chanting,"You just got sent to the principal's office!"


This app has some great features - the sender can choose to be notified when the email has been read, and can choose to have the video self-destruct after a chosen number of viewings. Students especially liked the self-destruct feature.


Here are some other great ideas for using this app in your classroom:
  • When a student forgets something again (a signed permission slip, homework, etc.) he could use MailVU to send an video email reminder to his parent.
  • If a student accomplishes something special in class, send a video mail to celebrate the accomplishment.
  • Capture the student demonstrating an intermittent, inappropriate behavior and email it to the behavior specialist.



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Visually Enhanced T-Charts

4/15/2013

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   T-Charts are a common graphic organizer to assist students in thinking about the differences between two things that are related in some way. At times they are used to show examples and non-examples of one thing. Visually, they typically look like an capital or lowercase t. 

   For students who struggle with language, whether because they are learning English or a student with a disability, T-charts can be enhanced by using pictures in addition to the traditional words. Here is a photo of a student-generated T-chart to show the differences between narrative writing and expository essay writing. Students worked with a partner. Each pair was given a paper with either a word or a picture. Pairs came up and placed the paper in the correct column and justified their decision.



  Research is clear that non-linguistic representations are very powerful. The next time you are using a graphic organizer, whether on chart paper or the computer,  consider adding simple drawings, printed pictures, or photos. 

  




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The Art of Coaching

4/8/2013

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Thanks to Elena Aguilar, we have another solid, research-based call for professional development that ties traditional workshop learning with job-embedded coaching. Aguilar’s new book, “The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation,” begins with a synopsis of the coaching research, best summed up as:

 “Coaching allows teachers to apply their learning more deeply, frequently and consistently.”

and:

 “Schools with coaching programs saw significant improvement in measures of teacher practices and student outcomes compared to schools without coaching programs.”

My own experience reinforces this truth. Teachers who attend my workshops walk away excited. Teachers who receive job-embedded coaching remain excited over the long term, transfer their learning to their teaching, and develop the skills to reflect and improve on their learning, even after my coaching has ended.  Aguilar also cites research on school climate:

“effective embedded professional learning promotes positive cultural change.”

When leadership teams embrace and support coaching as a key strategy for improving teaching and learning, teachers will value professional collaboration.

Aguilar’s book has much more to offer – chapters on models of coaching, elements of effective coaching, steps in the process and tips for success. Check it out at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118421027.html


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My Tool Bucket

4/1/2013

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I am frequently asked about the kinds of materials I want to have with me when I am co-teaching in classrooms. While the things I take depend on the specific lesson objectives, I also like to have some standard supplies that could be used on the spur of the moment.

Here's my (ever changing) list of favorite items:

  • colored acetate strips (highlight lines in text)
  • colored sticky arrows
  • large neon paper arrows to stick on board
  • green, yellow and red restickable dots
  • index cards
  • poker chips
  • dice
  • plastic plates for Pass the Plate brainstorming
  • transparency markers (water-based)
  • a noisemaker (bell, harmonica, clapper)
  • file folder work masks
  • clear plastic report covers (to slide over text pages, use markers to write on)
  • Challenge Questions Bag (see downloadables)
  • Deal or No Deal Briefcases for vocab review (see downloadables page)
  • Nite Lite Companion Pens
  • Wikki Stix
  • post it notes
  • scratch off stickers see idea explained HERE
  • Highlighter Tape

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    Anne M. Beninghof

    Anne's mission is to improve instruction through collaboration and the sharing of creative, practical ideas for educators.

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