It's been a cold winter season! It's time to GET OUTSIDE and let nature do its healing work. There is tons of research showing the benefits of being in nature. Spending time outside improves mental health, relieves stress, and activates the brain in new ways. Getting outside the school walls gives our brains a break and offers a new context for learning.
THIS Edutopic article suggests the following activities for outdoor learning.
1) Read together: Non-fiction or fiction books about nature mean more in the outdoor context
2) Write: Students journal or write nature-inspired poetry (take clipboards or journals for a hard surface)
3) Create a scavenger hunt using ELA or math searches, i.e., what do you see that starts with the "fff" sound? or What shapes do you see on the playground?
4) Gather items based on colors, textures, purposes, etc. Have rich discussions about their discoveries.
5) Take a nature walk asking students to identify what they experience with their 5 senses or create Venn diagrams comparing and contrasting things in nature.
Taking your students' lessons outside for even a few minutes will provide a mental break for them and yourself.🌿
TEACHFLIX
A curated collection of videos- sorted into categories - that you can use with your students. Teachers can suggest videos, as well. Also provides teaching ideas, templates, tech tools etc.
Developed by Ditch That Texbook.
"Stella Writes an Opinion" by Janiel Wagstaff
Stella learns about the genre of argumentation/persuasion in this simple book. Through engaging examples and step-by-step guidance, the story helps young writers understand how to state their opinions, provide reasons, and support them with details.
HERE is a YouTube readaloud of the book.
There are 3 other books by this author that teach the genres of narration, information, and poetry.
Adapting Math Word Problems for English learners
HERE is an excellent article from Edutopia listing practical ways to adapt difficult or obscure word problems. These ideas can be shared with math teachers to make them aware of ways that language can interfere with math comprehension.
Fourth quarter is such a busy time as we sprint to the end of the year. These engaging activities give students an opportunity to reflect on their learning and plan for the future.
1) Create a portfolio of the work they are proud of. This could be digital or in a folder or binder. Allow students to decorate and get creative. They can then present to their class, teacher, parents, etc.
2) Curate a playlist of songs that describe their journey this school year. Songs can be in English or the home language. Include an accompanying writing task that explains why each song was selected.
3) Write a letter to next year's students or to themselves back in August. Have them offer suggestions for how to have a great school year and share lessons that they have learned this year.
4) Create a More and Less list for the coming year. Encourage them to take ownership of what they allow to take up time in their lives as they look to the future. This is great for teachers, too!
(Adapted from THIS New York Times article.)
Summer Book Study
July 14 - 18, 2025 (time TBD)
"Boosting Achievement SECOND edition" by Dr. Carol Salva
In this intense one-week book study, we will explore effective literacy practices for SLIFE and recent arrivals, consider an appropriate scope and sequence for newcomers, highlight the importance of growth mindset. The second edition has additional resources, including findings from Dr. Salva's doctoral dissertation on the key factors contributing to persistence toward graduation.
Watch for more details coming soon!
WIDA Self-Paced Workshops
There are 12 self-paced workshops available to educators in MO until 8.31.25. They are tailored to all educators: school leaders, coaches and facilitators, classroom teachers, and ELD teachers.
They are available under the Professional Learning tab within the WIDA Secure Portal. Log-ins are available to all teachers.
Learn more HERE.
Rhonda Hittenberger Ortiz
SW*MELL Instructional Specialist
Agency for Teaching, Leading, and Learning
Missouri State University
rhittenbergerortiz@missouristate.edu
417-836-4093