So....I haven't blogged for 6 months. I always mean to, but I've struggled with the content. That changed today.
I attended the Blog to Blogger session at EdCampOKC. During the session, Kevin Hime made a what-if comment.
What if teachers did not have to turn in lesson plans but had to write a reflective blog every week about what they had taught?
My mind has been whirling ever since.
Here it goes: What did I do the week of March 2?
Monday - My 6th graders have been learning how to use different research tools, specifically Encyclopedia Britticana and EBSCO. We researched the Mayans (what they are studying in geography) using Encyclopedia Britticana last Friday, so I decided to have them hone their EBSCO skills on Monday.
Since it was Dr. Seuss' birthday, I created a guide in which students would research Dr. Seuss. While it seemed worksheet-ish to me, I also knew that they needed to learn the features of EBSCO. Sixth grade needs step-by-step! The students were engaged, learned more about how to use EBSCO, and seemed to enjoy the activity.
Tuesday - This was one of those days when multiple students were missing from every hour. Students were gone for Math Counts, a band contest, and a pig show. My students always want to read the play from our Scholastic Scope, and this month's play happens to be The Newsies. It fit perfectly with the reference materials we have been discussing. The primary source photographs helped students gain a better understanding of the text and time period. After reading through the play individually, I used the random generator feature of Class Dojo to let students either choose a part to read or pass. After reading, we analyzed the tone of the photographs. Students had a blast reading their parts. I know my students were engaged when I hear, "Class went so fast today!".
Wednesday - SNOW DAY
Thursday - SNOW DAY
Friday - I had a substitute so I could help moderate at our Academic Team's Area Contest.
There you have it - my week in a nutshell. I feel as though I cheated since it was really only two days. But hey, we have to start somewhere!
You DO need to start wherever you are at that moment. I love this glimse into your week.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I feel like I need to figure out how to make it more about student learning and less about a checklist of what we did.
DeleteI like this idea Kelli. I would really be interested in starting my own reflective blog.
ReplyDeleteI can show you how, Jackie! Let me know a time that works for you.
DeleteThat was my biggest take-away comment of the day too. This was great!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love positive a positive "What if?".
DeleteI love this idea. Lesson plans are hit and miss. But actually showing and telling the evidence of what has been learned is so much more meaningful!
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Now that I have a feasible plan for blogging, I can be sure to take pictures and get more student feedback. See - just thinking about publically recording what I do in my classroom has made me a better teacher.
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