A Creative Teaching Tale

  I have always been curious about the "blogging experience", as I regularly read and look for teacher blogs. I started an Instagram account to document the different teaching and classroom ideas I use from year to year. With the Instagram, I went back and forth about doing a blog to go along with my posts, however, I never found the time to do so.  As a result of taking this course, I had the opportunity to make time to blog and record my own ideas, thoughts, and reflections to educational news and strategies. At the beginning, it seems like a lot to keep up with, but as I continued, i enjoyed taking the time to write and reflect! Similar to the reasons I did not blog before this class, I do believe that it may be challenging to keep up with it in the future - strictly due to a lack of time. Although, I think that if I find additional time in my schedule, blogging would definitely be something that I could get back into. It also helps that my blog is already up and running! ...

FIND THE PODCAST HERE  In the world of education, it is so easy to find ourselves replaying moments and experiences in our heads over and over. I am constantly overthinking and reflecting on what I have seen, said, heard, or did throughout the day. If I have a negative situation sometime during my day (or before/after), I will take it home with me and think and think and think about it and what I could've done or said to make it better. That's when I got to thinking....how do I reframe these negative situations? I did a little research for a podcast that discuses this, and I came across Angela Watson's podcast. What stuck out to me the most was that she validated feelings and experiences that I, and many other educators, have, and she provided strategies and skills to help for when it may happen again. Watson provided scenarios with examples for how to reframe the situation. This is so incredibly helpful for those, including myself, who just don't know how to break that...

  When we went virtual in April 2020, I was encouraged by a coworker to hop on Twitter and begin tweeting educationally. I was hesitant at first. I have an educational Instagram which was something I enjoyed doing for myself, but this was going to add just something else to my plate. I decided to give it a try. I tweeted every once in a while, but rarely used the app to connect with others or read others' tweets. I only used it to share my own information and media. I tweeted here and there but was never really consistent. Fast forward to beginning this course - now I had the opportunity (requirement - LOL) to begin tweeting for the real deal. Some days were easier than others to find "content" or ideas to tweet. Other days I struggled to find the time and mental space to log on to Twitter. I learned that it was all about balance, and I am finally finding it.  I enjoy connecting with other teachers, administrators, leaders, and educational technology companies through Twi...

 The Wild Card - Room Transformations This book ignited a spark in me to create an immersive experience in my classroom with my students. Through reading this book, I reflected on my own teaching practices, and I gained new strategies to implement. A deck of cards, hence The Wild Card , were used as metaphors to provide professional and self learning. According to Hope and Wade King, the authors of the book, you will learn: Why the deck is not stacked against you, no matter what kind of hand you've been dealt Why you should never listen to the Joker How to identify the "Ace up your sleeve" and use it to create classroom magic How to apply the "Rules of Rigor" in order to fuse creativity with learning How to become the Wild Card that changes the game for your students What stuck with me the most was "How to become the Wile Card that changes the game for your students". I wanted to be that for my students, and I wanted to provide opportunities for my stu...

 Building Leaders It took a moment for me to fully process this quote. In my experiences of being a teacher and team leader, leadership has meant so much more than just relaying information from administration to my team. Good leaders want to build up others. They want the best for their team (and, in this case, the students as well).  Since becoming a team leader my second year of teaching, I have had many goals and aspirations for what kind of a leader I want to be. I want to: Create a safe and trusting space Build my teammates to be the best versions of themselves Identify goals and supports to make our students successful learners Provide opportunities for ALL voices to be heard Determine the assets that each member of the team brings Enjoy our time and job I have implemented specific roles for each team member to engage in during our meetings. The most important role, in my opinion, is the "Meeting Facilitator". This provides equal opportunity for each team member to lea...

Automatic rotations slides provide a structured routine for students and teachers to follow during daily instruction. All you have to do is click "Start Slideshow" and voila! You are ready to teach!! So why should you use automatic rotations boards over regular slides? There is no need to set your own timer or watch the clock. The timers will automatically start, stop, and transition to the next slide when time is up! Students become more independent . Student become used to a routine that is associated with the slides and times being consistent. They know exactly where to look to know the expectation. These slides are completely editable to make them just right for you and your class! Determine the number of groups, number of rotations, and number of minutes for the timer and you are all set. You can also create your own icons to match your own classroom supports and needs. How will this work in your classroom? Reading & Math Small Groups Rotations can support small gr...

  As a way to implement PBIS this year, our school decided to give the "House System" a try.  What is the House System? The House System is a way for students and staff to create an inclusive, positive environment while building each other up, challenging themselves and others around them, and creates and sustains relationships across the school. This system was developed by The Ron Clark Academy - a nonprofit middle school in Atlanta, GA.  How Does it Work? There are FOUR Houses Every teacher AND student get randomly assigned to houses At SLES, students chose a black balloon and the balloon was filled with confetti that matched the House color Students gain points for following “Essentials” There are weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly House Meetings / Competitions! Students can only gain points - they can never lose points! Weekly/Quarterly/Yearly Winners! What are the Houses? Quantum If you are chosen for this house, your core value is respect!  Respect yourself, respe...