Catching Up With Casey
A Newsletter from Your Coach, September 28th
How are you engaging your students?
You are sure to see outstanding benefits and more authentic learning take place when you implement the kinds of tools and strategies shared below! Videos, printables, and more!
Hexagonal Thinking Discussion Tool
Check out how to use this awesome discussion tool in your upper elementary classroom! There are printables, editable slides, and a podcast in the link here!
Cooperative Learning Strategies
Any and all grade levels can use cooperative learning strategies to get students thinking analytically and TALKING about their learning! Click on each link below, or click on the picture to go to the playlist and see them all!
Think-Pair-ShareTeaching Analytic Discussions
Students don't just come to us knowing how to have intellectual conversations about academics. They have to be taught the skills and provided lots of opportunities to practice. See this amazing example of what students can do when given the opportunity!
Book Alert- Coming Soon to Your Library!!!
"My wish," writes Berit Gordon, "is for there to be more joy and less struggle in a profession where people put in such tremendous effort and do such essential work." No matter what supports you might have in your school or district, you can take charge of your teacher growth and craft your own professional learning journey.
You can hear more about this book from the author in this podcast!
STOP... Collaborate and Listen!
Instructional Coaching Menu
If you're still wondering what I can do for you as an instructional coach, or what exactly my job is, check out the "Coaching Services" google form below. You can find this form on my Hudson page and submit it anytime you'd like to meet.
A Glimpse Into HISD Classrooms
Desire to be Different
The 5th graders at Bonner show their thinking in a variety of different ways on these posters. What's so great about this, is that students are encouraged to meet a set of criteria without being forced "inside a box". No doubt, these students felt valued and safe in taking risks.
Johnny Appleseed
Peavy students were given a multitude of hands-on, real world experiences on Friday after having studied all things "Johnny Appleseed" throughout the week. In this first grade classroom, students made and tasted applesauce and also used descriptive language to tell about various kinds of apples.
Accurate Mathematical Language
The use of accurate mathematical language by teachers and students, alike, is critical. Students can, and should, be encouraged to use this language when explaining their thinking.