Teaching our Children

As teachers, do we not treat our students as if they were our own children? This is a question I have today. Sometimes there's a student that may be hard to love... sometimes we forget that there's such diversity in this world and we sometimes just want people to be just like us. Sometimes it is impossible or very hard to understand student actions and odd behaviors. Why is that so? We have to find the good in each and every student and build from that. We must work to crack the codes of our students... to see what makes them tick. It is hard at times to love ...but as I remember Lucy Calkins saying once at a workshop in DC..."you gotta love them and you gotta love 'em quick!" She's referring to the beginning of school and building relationships. We must develop a trusting and loving relationship with our students. We are powerful adults in their impressionable lives. Our students are with us for a huge portion of their life for that single year. The power of teachers is not to be underestimated! Powers that I never really understood until my own children were in school and experienced both positive and negative powerful effects of teachers in their lives. So... I ask myself. Who is that outlier in the classroom? Why is he such a bully, or sad, or sassy? What can I learn about him and from him? How can we build the relationships? You must touch the heart to reach the brain... they are someone's children... and they send them to US. Treat them as you would your own.

webmail portal

This is the portal or login page for our county web mail. I am trying to understand how the new Google sidewiki works. So this is just a test. And yes...!!! I use my blog to ramble, test, document, etc.

in reference to: Microsoft Outlook Web Access - Logon (view on Google Sidewiki)

Learning in Hand... the ipod touch

So another round of grants are due in a couple of days. I'm hoping to brainstorm some ideas with a teacher at one of my schools who is interested. Last grant was written on final day of school while home sick and for my old school. I gather it was partially funded. Need to follow up.

Some documentation as a resource is here.

http://learninginhand.com/ipod/touch.html

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Notes

Notes, originally uploaded by shuttered glass.

I have notes here, I have notes there... I have saved emails, post-it notes in my pocketbook. I have my moleskin journal, I have my planner book with notepages in the back. I have my Entourage lists, and tasks and calendars. I have my google docs...
Information flies from my mouth, sometimes too fast and messages full of typos, acronyms and abreviations leak out from my hands . Much information passes through my brain. I absorb information with all of my senses, to include the intuition sense! Some info stays, some connects to other notes... some simply never even connects to my life. information makes me laugh and cry. Information makes me smart. I crave to retain most information. That's why I keep Notes.
Thank you, Ryan. Your photograph inspired me.

Google's Sidewiki...whoa baby!

This will be a helpful tool for sharing with teachers and students. I'm just exploring how this might work. I could write a note...and then I need to go add a comment bubble, and see how the highlighting works. Very cool.

in reference to: Google Sidewiki (view on Google Sidewiki)

I want to learn more...

Looking at this article and wondering about blogging with students and how that might work... expecially in upper elementary.

Week of 9/15 Roundup #2

Just when you think you are managing things...it changes! Quotes, lines and words to remember from the week...

ROLES vs GOALS. What's your role, what's really our goal. "This is not an assessment event."

Yammer Conversations!

Comment to Tzst Teacher blog post:

As an instructional coach and a very social teacher that's been in this county for 20 years, I'm one of those yammers that is often inviting folks from all aspects of our domain. I pick several folks from across the county every week. I have randomly and deliberately included folks from all dept and sections... A real cross-section of our ACPS learning community. A few have ignored me, but others are diving in... full force or slowly and cautiously. I think of yammer as a gateway tool to twitter! I hope so anyway. I see this as a closed, but yet engaging way of getting folks sharing across the county.Folks are sharing, asking questions and meeting each other! The closed aspect provides comfort to many... not sure why, but I have to accept where they are as all teachers must when looking at their classroom of students. I believe this is a form of differentiated PD. I think it will be fun and exciting, if we have our own "yam jam" (my version of a tweet-up) at our next all county event. There are many lurkers. I know... I speak to them on a regular basis. I've had folks actually ask me to post something for them. I personally don't understand their hesitation or fear of posting... but I understand the many levels of technology integration and we must try to be patient and encouraging. I've experienced the glazed eyes as people look at me crazily when I refer to twitter as an awesome tool for my personal learning network. But... the folks that are using Yammer, now perk up a bit and I see a bit of understanding in their eyes. As for me... I am digging the conversations and I'm grateful that they are happening! It's a step forward in understanding social tools for professional learning. (I suspect most of these users are also Facebook users for their personal lives as well) Thanks for blogging about your observations, Paula.

Looking Backward so I Can Move Forward

Weekly Roundup #2: Compilation of things done since last Roundup.

Last 2 weeks notes from HES:

• 3rd grade math meeting was focused on math. We talked about maps, potential classroom changes coming due to enrollment, talked curriculum, pacing, and differentiation. Talked about current grouping plan. The teachers are interested in different ideas and looking to address varied needs within the classroom. A concern is basic fact recall and numeracy concept.
• Art: observed and participated in a contour line lesson. What FUN! I was pleased with my work and hopefully can re-join a group and finish the painting of it this coming week. I shared an Andy Warhol idea using Photobooth with art teacher and using a student example. She was very excited at the possibilities this will offer. Need to followup.
• observed and videotaped a great cooperative PE lesson that I need to share the video back with them. Loved the hula-hoop circle and the wrap up of the lessson teaching social skills
• Sat in 5th grade class for President Obama's speech. (need to follow-up on VA Regions Wiki work with this class)
• 2nd grade team interested in a Communities lesson using Activboard.
• invited by fifth grade team to attend 2 PLC meetings for Podcast project support and a general PLC meeting for clarifications of our roles??

HES Coaching response:

• Planning a sequence of lessons for numeracy with Team, Too. And... we will establish model lessons for addition and subtraction fact fluency (S) and I will work with (C) on Chip trading lesson. We also are rounding up reference books, (Richardson, Burns, Van DeWalle) I have picked up my chiptrading supplies from Huddletrailer and I've also sent an email inviting the 3rd grade team to subscribe to AIMS Newsletter. Should be ready to roll with lessons in a week or so...
• other followups include... wiki work with 5th grade, followup on ART teacher after sharing Photobooth idea with her; practice with (C) on Activboard so that we can share Communites lesson with 2nd grade team this Wed.

MLES happenings:

• supported color printing of student photos for longterm sub in Warren's room
• followed up on QRI scoring in a K room
• addressed via email a request for Custom-Typing support in 3rd grade (waiting on tech input of names and passwords)
• Spent time in K classroom assisting with paper mache Statue of Liberty project, flag painting and building model of Washington Monument... (took photos, helped... and rounded up some books from library to support content.) Read one book to the students as projects were winding down. Spent lunch with the student teacher and a few others on my portaportal and showing Ben's Guide to Government that supports curriculum
• observed LMS with kindergarteners based on her request. Had a chat with my teammate and her on transition ideas... offered to help set computers to shut off automatically in afternoon and turn on in morning... will followup to see how this is working and teach her how to do the others.
• worked on Activboard by calibrating ,etc after school...
• delivered pictures to art teacher
• taught basic podcasting to teacher and afterschool students ; Followup will be MORE of this.
• shared how to download photos to iPhoto and then make slideshow... to a teacher

BES Days:

• spent some solid time with a teacher leader showing Google docs with special focus on forms so she may use for PD survey ; followup happened via email to BF for adding staff names to k12 domain. DONE...
• observed a 4th grade math lesson for a solid hour or longer. Great investigations lesson using arrays for factoring... watched kids sort facts they know automatically and ones to work on. Worked with a young man (T) who seemed overwhelmed with what he didn't know. I really enjoyed this lesson and felt like the teacher was comfortable with me in there! Followup: want to share factor house
• Delivered seeds to first grade for sorting/using. Forgot to give (S) the prompt cards I brought on my computer from Boardmaker... DO THIS!
• Spent time with SPED teacher working on Promethean Planet and using Activboard... turning on, calibrating, etc. (just basics...) I learned later in week, that you must hold pen a few seconds in front of button for calibration to start; Also shared my parking lot folder game with this teacher who was excited to learn this strategy. Followup: Check in with her and see how I can support her work with students, Activboard lessons, etc.
• spent time after school with a first grade teacher messing around with activboard. ... wasn't completely successful with lesson downloaded... but gave some ideas for writing activity for next day
• rounded up a remote for same SPED teacher and chatted up with (A) the Technical Support Specialist on workings of classrooms, etc.
• Completed the final order for K teacher's book order...
• Helped a K teacher connect and save documents to server and add shortcut of her teacher folder on dock
• chatted about VA Wiki to numerous teachers: Followup was that I sent the link for them to peruse over weekend and need to check back face to face on interest

On Hawks, Lift and Values

Pam's first paragraph in this post is so beautifully written and reminds me of the Naturally Around Us articles that Jenny Gaden from the VA Natural History Museum use to publish for all educators in Albemarle County back in the mid-90s. observation and reflection...hmmm! I believe anytime we take the time to observe our natural world around us and reflect on our personal and professional goals, we gain much insight into our next steps. Thanks, Pam.
schoolnet.com - Viewpoint Post



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Organization on a Personal Level First!

So... organization is very tricky in this new job. How many tools do I carry on my body throughout the buildings. What do I have in my car/traveling office that should be available?Having the right tool to document/note/make a list, right on the spot is tricky. In my past jobs, I've pushed carts with tools, worn schedules clothes-pinned on my body, created felted bags and purchased small pocketbooks for hauling my toolkit. I've had a garage in my classroom where all of my carts and boxed teaching materials were parked. Now... I have the large items in my CES Huddle-Trailer. But the "day to day" tools are still my organizational nightmare! Do I strap my phone, my ipod and my flip camera on my person... but then what if I want to take a simple still picture? Ah... I need that one, too! How does this blog help me with my memory? So far... I've been too exhausted to write every night. So... I'm playing catchup with my thoughts, concerns and soul-baring admissions. I also have my moleskin journal and my hardbound calendar planner. Then there's my Entourage Calendar with my schedule...and there's the Google Calendars for all the PLCs of each school. And OH!! how do I handle all of my paper copies of items from meetings, and coach training sessions? As far as the coach training documents...I certainly KNOW that I need to keep those language stems close to my head and mouth!! On to the Laptop: I have school folders on my computer... color coded. I have calendar schedule that's color coded for each school and I can view my teammates calendars as well. I have Yammer as a micro-blogging tool for noticing what's happening out in the schools for insight. I have emails from 3, actually 4 schools coming in. Then Face 2 Face: I have at least 1 huddle meeting a week with My Team to coordinate and come together with stuff...we often meet midweek and then at Cville Coffee prior to the Friday Forum. We have cluster meetings intended for weekly right now.... (only 1 so far since school started, but another one this week). and...We have Friday Forums for our entire coaches PLC time. I also have my second team to coordinate with as well... my Team, Too. I'm meeting with them this week as well. Face 2 Face is good, but it's hard to coordinate it all.

The latest plan that My Team is piloting is to try a google doc for writing up things daily that have happened, or teams we are working with, etc. We hope that this collaborative document will help us know what each of us is doing at a given school and with what folks or teams. We start this tracking tool this week! So... as I feel discombobulated... I just need to breathe and exhale. This will be a challenge for a while, but hopefully we will all be in a groove soon.

email said.. You're amazing and I said, NOT so...

She asked, "why did you say, Not so?" And in addition she wrote... "I hope your job is going well...we still miss you." (this is an email exerpt from a colleague at my former school)

My response to her...

Ha... I guess I was a little down yesterday when I wrote that.

The job is the hardest thing I've done in a long time. I'm use to being an independent agent, and not second guessing everything that I do or don't do. I'm use to representing just myself... But now I represent much more than just me. I am part of a new structure that should bring systemic change. I need to remember how I felt as one of the first CTIPS and how I felt stressed at that initiative... Maybe it's really the same, but I'm not sure. There are similarities. I see things that amaze me and then I see things that sadden me... And I don't always know how to be a positive influence. Because I've been out of the classroom for a while, I have insecurities that I didn't have back in the early CTIP days. In addition... because I've been doing so many jobs and have combination years of experience, I know people and have insights into systemic issues and understand behind the scenes stuff almost too well... Which also stresses me because I’m not necessarily in a place that I can be effective in the way I’d like to be. I want to just fix things and I can’t!! When I take care of things that I do know how to do or address issues... I am sometimes stepping on other folks' jobs or roles or I'm afraid I am. Many messy roles and situations in schools right now and it's hard to know what to do at times in this role as a coach. AND the worst of all...I'm use to people knowing me and feeling comfortable with me... And welcoming me into their meetings, not closing doors, for fear I will come in... I have to worry about perceptions and first impressions, and what I say, do, don't say, don't do... Etc. etc.

But, the absolute best thing is that I get to see AMAZING things happening in classrooms and LEARN LEARN LEARN.

So..The job is definitely becoming better, but I'm still stressing over parts of it as you can tell.. I guess if I was just out of the classroom like Matt, I would really enjoy the flexibility and the freedom. But I've had that part within one building and so the driving and rushing from one meeting to another actually makes me crave the stability of a classroom and students of my own. :) Please appreciate the autonomy that you have in your room and feel blessed to have a compatible team.

I'm sure all of my stress is just real growing pains. I'm getting to know completely different schools than WES, and I'm also working closely with an amazing team of coaches, but we are completely different people as well... So we are learning how to collaborate, differ, complement, and compromise.

Wow... Aren't you sorry you asked?!! Thanks for reading.
Janelle

Thinking about Projects

Once again, Kim Cofino has given me great advice and ideas. I have multiple ideas spinning in my heads, I just need teachers to be interested in diving into some with me. I'm working on building trust, relationships, and planting ideas.

A few ideas percolating right now in my new schools:

• Va Regions Wiki Project in 2 schools with upper elementary kids
• classroom wiki in 3rd grade at 1 school
• comiclife possibilities in first grade
• Garageband ideas in 3rd grade at one school
• use of Google forms as a PD resource for teacher leader

Many ideas... Hopefully some will come to fruition.

What a Week, What's Your Interest? Roundup #1

Okay... first let me say, I feel much better today compared to earlier in the week! Warning, here comes the RAMBLINGS... too tired to be completely cohesive.

I'm becoming much more reflective on things and starting to say appropriate responses. Still working longer hours than I should, and spending much time just talking and getting to know teachers. Had a class of wine or beer almost everyday this week, but no exercising. NOT GOOD. (remember my 3 words? grow, active, accept) Very active at school with walking the halls... but not sure that's enough!

Today, We had our first Cluster meeting with my team, our principals and assistant principals. We, the coaches, organized our deeds, tasks, efforts according to TPA domains and it was a nice conversation starter. Not our original idea... but an idea from other coaching teams that met earlier this week.

I've accomplished a few jobs, such as making a huge order for 2 K teachers, only to find out only one is going to get money for ordering... and only a pittance compared to what is needed for my huge order. Oh well... it is done, I've shared out with others just in case it can save others time. Grabbed some of my personal picture books from WES this week to take to a friend who is desperate need of classroom books. Saw many of my old colleagues. It was heart-warming to be back in the building... got hugs from many students and teachers. I wanted to cry! Maybe I did... just a little.

This week... I did an assessment, that I really don't believe was necessary... but I did it! Give a QRI to a kindergartner on the 2nd week of school!! WOW. But... as the teacher already really knew. A very bright kid. very articulate, very interesting. I had a blast with this young one. he even drew a picture that I now have hanging up in one of my spaces (at the school). Had a great meeting with one school's teacher leaders, helping to understand roles, explored SIP plans, received comprehension strategy work, etc. Great points came up such as potential future issues that may arise in reference to SBIT kids. I also spent time in some first grade classrooms today at one school. What fun that was! I was amazed at one young teacher's mannerisms and rapport with her young students. It was heartwarming and just a class I want to hang around. Walked into a classroom where other first graders were discussing scientists. Again... I was amazed at explanations and vocabulary. Budding scientists for sure! Attended an Activboard training yesterday and spent some time w/ ActivChad trying to problemsolve at a school. I walked into a bee's nest when I entered the classroom he was in observing. Long complicated story with mulitple issues. Had long conversations and sent a carefully crafted email.. I just worry that tech decisions will be made now without considering all instructional points. I think I care too much about stuff... UGH. and this causes stress!! I empathize with the teachers who are frustrated over technology not working and their old fashioned whiteboard is limited in space due to IWB placement! What a mess in this state of the art addition, as well as older rooms. Each room has a different problem. overwhelming...

Today, I met another incredible male teacher in 1st grade by hanging with him at recess. I was able to articulate what the coaching model was all about. using the word interest instead of need... turns everything just right. Thanks to DC, at our meeting this morning, this brilliant wording came out. OMG... how words can change the sway of things... So, to address this verbage... When I say to a teacher, What are you interested in doing? What are you interested in trying? What are you interested in exploring? It is so much more welcoming and can open collaborative possibilities. As the principals were reminded today... this is not a coaching model for the principals, this is a coaching model for the teachers. Wow... simple, yet so profound. Now... isn't that just the most interesting thought?

Things to remember for next week:

• get seeds and share (2 schools)
• find picture Cue cards (B)
• comic life examples for cycles (B)
• help unpack a transferred teacher (B)
• work on garageband lesson (M)
• explore Promethean Planet
• followup on VAwiki (H)
• followup on twitter talk (B)
• followup on googledocs talk (B)
• math meeting (H)
• followup on transition observation (M)
• wait and see if anyone bites on math parking lot lesson (B)
• PALS login coming???
• Camp Albemarle date question
• followup with teacher on IWB math playing afterschool