Jeanne from Kirtland, NM teaches Quadratic Equation Through Song

During the week of August 10th I was pleased to work with two great groups of teachers.  During the first great session in Kirtland New Mexico, one of the high school math teachers agreed to demonstrate how she uses music by singing the quadratic formula to the tune of “Pop Goes the Weasel.”

Teachers at Ranches Academy and Rockwell Charter HS Sing Testing Strategies!

Then I spent two awesome days in Eagle Mountain Utah with the teachers from Ranches Academy and Rockwell Charter High School.  On day two, I presented, “Memorization and Test Taking Strategies”. We talked about testing strategies and three groups of teachers agreed to share the songs they brainstormed to remember testing strategies.  Thanks to Sara, Kayla, Allie, Jamie, Stacy, Melanie, Angela, Dorothy, Tiffany, Tammy, and Sue (I hope I got everyone’s  name right) for being courageous enough to let me film them to share with the world!

Establish a Brain-Friendly Classroom Environment

As we discuss in all my seminars, there is no more brain-friendly approach to teaching than using strategies. A teacher who greets students in the morning and looks like he or she is excited about the content, process, and outcome of the learning is an integral part of the brain-compatible classroom. Marilee Sprenger, the Brain Lady, uses the following list when creating brain-compatible environments:

• No clear and present dangers. Keeping threat and stress low is imperative for the brain to function at high levels.
• Many procedures and rituals. Procedures and rituals calm the brain and free up working memory.
• Flexible grouping that encourages a sense of community. Brains work better when they are with other brains.
• Adequate wait time and time on task. Some students process slowly and require more time to access information.
• Choice. Choice is the key to brain-compatible classrooms and to differentiation. The brain loves choice because it allows it to problem-solve.
• Curriculum is meaningful. Meaningful curriculum that relates to students’ lives will be memorable. That is not an easy task, but it’s well worth it.
• Formative assessment with timely feedback is used. Ongoing assessment and feedback let the brain know what is expected of it and provide a framework for learning.
• Attractive and peaceful surroundings. An attractive environment might include plants, stuffed animals, colorful posters, student work, and natural lighting. It would also provide some climate control, because the brain works best in temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees.

Movement is critical to enhancing a student’s educational experience! It keeps students alert and awake, increases the flow of blood to the brain, and creates a medium for memory associations.

Unfortunately, movement is often underutilized in the classroom. Why? There may be many reasons, including a lack of familiarity on the part of the teacher. Active educational activities, the idea that movement is ‘too disruptive’ for the students, and lack of time in a test-driven educational world are common challenges. To help overcome these and other obstacles, guest contributor Fritz Bell, includes 12 time efficient, easy-to-implement movement ideas that you can use in your classroom.

Many of the students in your class are Bodily-Kinesthetic learners.  They learn through their bodies and they need to move.  They wiggle and squirm.  The following ideas Read the rest of this entry »

The Body of An Essay

Visual Demonstration

1. The Brain – the intro: like the brain, the intro “controls” the body of the essay (especially point out ‘thesis’)

2. The Heart – body paragraph: at the “heart” of the essay are the body paragraphs.

3. The Feet – conclusion: like your feet, Read the rest of this entry »

Your Own Wiki Pages

Apologies for my absence, I like to update weekly but I’ve been so busy. The fortunate side of this is I now have loads to share! Specifically, I have this book that was recommended to me by a teacher at a recent seminar.

“THE BIG FOUR”

Jane E. Pollock’s “Improving Student Learning: One Teacher at a Time” builds off of the old saying, “When reading, think like a writer. And when writing, think like a reader.” by applying it to the Teacher/Student relationship.

Pollock offers a structure she calls “The Big Four” to build a learning program that is centered around student achievements.

1. Clearly articulated curriculum, benchmarks, and learning targets

2. Purposeful instructional planning and delivery

3. Purposeful and varied assessment, tied to learning targets

4. Record-keeping and reporting that allow for timely and meaningful feedback that is based on specific criteria

This user friendly book has lots to offer teachers working to differentiate curriculum based on research based best practice. I hope you enjoy the book and feel free to let me know what you think!

Linda Schlyer, the Title 1 Math Specialist at Castle Rock Middle School says she uses wind chimes in her classroom to calm students.

Here are some other options for calming a classroom from the the Thinking Classroom out of the U.K.

What do you use? If you have some calming tips, please add them!

Gilmanton School Works to Reach All Learners

Last Friday, I did my “Differentiated Instruction Strategy Blast” seminar at Gilmanton  School. Not only was a treated to breathtaking foliage on the way to this New Hampshire town, I spent the day with a motivated, positive staff who truly care about helping their students succeed.

Here’s the first indicator: The front tables filled up first! When I saw that happen I knew that I was in for a great day! Ok, it’s true, we presenters are partial to people who are willing to brave the front row.

Rochelle Middle School Teachers Working Hard to Engage Students

Today, I worked with two groups of teachers at Rochelle Middle School who are interested in learning more strategies to differentiate instruction and meet their students needs. We discussed behavior management strategies for working with groups and Four Corners activites, and quietly cueing kids to get on task or to receive Kudos for doing the right thing! We also discussed four powerful teaching tips, adaptation strategies for students reading below grade level, and … Read the rest of this entry »