Learning from Frustration

I knew going into this year that there would be ups and downs. There is much to be learned from the downs. So what is my down? Our teachers are frustrated. They want to do well but have hit a block with UbD and are getting stuck in Stage 1. I think that they are expressing this through throwing up their hands and saying "It's too much!" This has made me really sit and think about where I want our teachers to be right now. What I concluded is that maybe we're going too far to fast for some. They are so hung up in terminology (Enduring Understandings, Essential Questions, Transfer, Meaning, Acquisition) that they are loosing site of the end goal - teaching for understanding.

So for some we're going to slow down. Let's throw out the jargon and decide one thing - what do you want students to understand at the end of this unit. Once we are successful with that we'll break it down more.  I'll let you know how it goes!

Reflections on Our First 6 Weeks

It has been a seriously busy, but amazing first month of school.  As with any new school year, there is a lot to get done and it seems like there is never enough time.  However, I'm proud to say that I work at a school where everyone is willing to try new things.  Since school started we have:

• rolled out 87 netbooks to 6th and 7th graders
• rolled out a netbook cart of 19 for grades K-2
• added netbooks to grades 4 and 5 so that grades 3-5 are 2:1 with netbooks
• taught 3 lunch and learns for teachers on Socrative (me) and our SmartTable (Christelle)
• taught all students in grades 1-5 to use Typing Pal
• taught middle schoolers how to get started and stay organized using OneNote
• met with every teacher to discuss their goals for tech integration and teaching using Understanding by Design
• started wikis with 5th grade (http://thefiftyunitedstates.wikispaces.com/), 3rd grade (http://multiplemeaningwords.wikispaces.com/) and 2nd grade (http://villa-planets.wikispaces.com/)
• created Wordles with 1st and 2nd grade
• taught 8th graders about the importance as well as the logistics of desktop publishing
• presented to parents on our philosophy around 21st century teaching and learning and our netbook initiative
• supported teachers in taking risks by teaching in new and different ways (this has been BY FAR the most rewarding on the list)

Phew! No wonder we're exhausted! But we wouldn't have it any other way.

Missy