ELD Class

I LOVE my ELD Class!  They have all the characteristics of a perfect class!  They are:

• determined
• intrinsically motivated
• teachable
• involved in their own learning
• not afraid to try 
• super fun

I know ELD can be a tough class, but this year our school tried something new and I have implemented a new format to teach this class and I have found it to be super successful.  There are many factors that make it successful.

1. Administration has set up the schedule so that I have my ELD students (23 of them) in Language Arts and Social Science for 1st and 2nd period with other students.  There are 42 in all!  My ELD students stay with me 3rd period for ELD instruction.  Successes:  My 1st and 2nd period are heterogeneous which is SO beneficial for my ELD students.  My ELD students are getting access to CORE content and being supported in my 3rd period class.
2. I am able to connect the curriculum.  I introduce concepts 1st in my ELD class, so that when they are introduced in my Core class, my ELD students are now the "experts".  
3. We read, write and present SO much!  Everyday they are practicing the language through genuine conversations and organized writing and presenting.  

Here they are presenting!  

Accountability

Someone shared a tidbit with me today that was very encouraging.  She explained that students in my class are engaged because I hold them accountable (paraphrase).  That made me smile.  I like that an outsider observed that my students know that THEY are responsible for their learning.  They can't come in and just be observers or space out or only participate when they think it is "fun" or "interesting".

My students are responsible for their learning, for participating, for sharing out, for pulling their weight, for thinking, for analyzing, for fixing mistakes, for asking questions.

I haven't always been good at holding my students accountable, but I learned from a dear friend, Mrs. Rodriguez.  I implemented jobs this year and they have been incredibly successful.

• Leader/Notetaker
• Reading
• Reporter

Students in my class are just used to having to share out (using a microphone).  They have grown accustom to reading out loud together.  More importantly, leaders have taken their responsibility seriously and have asked their groups good questions, led their groups in good discussions, and kept their group focused.

I thought it would be too challenging to implement, but I kept it super simple and use the jobs daily and it has been successful.  I know Mrs. Rodriguez uses a rubric to assess each other in completion of jobs, but I am not there yet!  Maybe in January! :)

PLN (Personal Learning Network)

Today's post is about ME.  So this school year has been AMAZING so far.  Mostly because I have stepped into a new position that has challenged me to grow, given me confidence to share what I know, and sparked a flame in my passion for teaching.

I am a part time DLC (Digital Learning Coach) for Tustin Unified School District.  I have the privilege of working with some amazing educators who have CHANGED education and teaching in TUSD.  Everytime I gather with them, I am challenged and encouraged to pursue growth in my career as a teacher and to share that with others.

I also enjoy sharing that knowledge with my site and can't wait to see the amazing ways in which all staff members at my site can grow this year and become better educators.

One of the concepts that the DLCs have taught me this year is the importance of PLNs.  So one of my goals is to expand my depth of knowledge as a teacher through different networks.  I would like to try to participate in a few online seminars and some educational chats.  I want to redefine my learning as an educator just like I want to redefine my teaching.  Any suggestions of good webinars or educational chats, send them my way!

Teaching and Learning!

All day and Every day!

Image from:

http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/pln-challenge-1-what-the-heck-is-a-pln/

Successful PBL

cWow!  My amazing students presented their projects today to 3rd and 4th graders!  They were absolutely amazing.  The whole scene was inspiring to watch.  Professionally dressed, well prepared, and enthusiastic 8th graders teaching engaged, question filled 3rd and 4th graders.  Every presentation was different with well-researched information and statistics along with engaging activities and deep thought-out questions.  Here is a glimpse of the some of the aspects that were used in their presentations today:

• A Kahoot Quiz at the end of a presentation to check for understanding on calories
• An emaze presentation about types of exercises to do at home
• A game to match the type of exercise to its name
• An I-Movie about how to stop the spread of germs
• Whiteboards to check to see if students understood the different ways to prevent bullying
• A Smore to teach about sugars

I love that every booth was different and unique and that every child who participated learned something new!  I can't wait for the next one.  I would love some suggestions on ideas for topics.