Some of the teachers from my school are participating in a book study. The book is about differentiating instruction and is written by Bertie Kingore. I can’t say that it is the book I am taking to bed, but it does have some very good points. One point is that in order for teachers to truly be able to differentiate instruction, they must have time to collaborate with other teachers. Thus …today’s blog. How many of us have time to collaborate with other teachers about anything???? I believe bost of us will agree that the very best ideas for teaching come from other teachers. So why do we never have time to share those ideas????? Wouldn’t it be nice if we were given just half a day every now and then to sit down with our peers and talk about the things we are doing that are working and share ideas for new activities? Last year our kindergarten and first grade teachers were given half a day every 9 weeks to meet and plan. This year that has not been the case. So…to end on a more positive note…THANK GOODNESS FOR THE INTERNET! Have a great day and don’t forget to become a fan of The K-Crew on facebook.
Differentiated Instruction
January 27th, 2010Back In The Groove
January 26th, 2010I am back at school for the second day after having my 7th foot surgery. I must admit it is nice to be back in the groove.
I think my students are in shock because they are not getting away with the things they got away with while having a substitute in my room. Why do students think they can act like they have never been in school whenever a sub enters the room????
Any way, we are discussing Alaska this week. This unit is one of my favorites because we get to eat “Polar Bear Pies”, have an Iditrod race, and listen to Johnny Horton’s song “North To Alaska”. A teacher who used to work across the hall from me came by my room yesterday and heard it playing. She let me know that she did not miss hearing that song for the entire month of January!. However, I can’t think of a better way to embed “Alaska” into children’s brains. If you have Alaska unit activities you would like to share, please visit us on Facebook . We are giving prizes for the best activities shared. Hope you all have a great day.
Recovering
January 21st, 2010Well, I had very good intentions on being back at school today or at the latest tomorrow. However, my very good friend, Bonnie, and my daughter, Mandy, persuaded the doctor to write a letter that states I can’t return until Monday. I know that it was for the best, but I really didn’t want to be out 3 days. So…the only thing I can tell you is that I am resting and others are waiting on me. Teachers have brought food, spent the night, and called to check on me. I really appreciate everyone and all they hacve done. I plan on spending some time searching the web for cool ideas for Valentines boxes. If anyone has suggestions please let me know!
The Splatter Painting Adventure
January 19th, 2010OK, so we didn’t get to the splatter painting today. We did get
the city drawn and the snow sponged on to the roofs of the buildings. We also responded to the sentance frame “Snow is___.” I got some pretty good answers and then I some some that were….well, you know how that goes.
Anyway, I won’t be at school tomorrow. My sister is my substitute. So I have left the splatter painting for her.
I won’t be blogging tomorrow either because I am having surgery #7 on my foot. I know, I can’t believe it either.
So if any of you have room in your prayers for me I would appreciate it. Hopefully I will be back blogging on Thursday. I promise I will post pictures of the splatter painted pictures when I get back.
K-Crew Blogs
January 18th, 2010We are so excited to now have a blog!
I will be sharing my adventures in teaching.
Today was staff development. Now we all know that staff development days can be really boring. So…when you have one that actually gives you new ideas, you want to share them with others. Our last session today was given by an OTR. She shared great ideas for strengthening fine motor skills. One of her suggestions was to take a coffee can, make small slits in the lid and then have students push marbles through the slits. The resistance strengthens their fine motor muscles.
Tomorrow we are reading “Snow” by Uri Shulevitz. After we read and discuss the story, we will be drawing our own cities and splatter painting them to make the snow. Check back for photos!
