This month's training provided me with several strategies I have already found to be successful. Standing at the door to greet students sounds like such a self-explanatory technique, but is not always as easy as it sounds! However, I tried standing IN the door this week only allowing one student at a time to pass through, and I have to say, it worked! Having that one-on-one connection with each student as the enter the room set a great tone for the class that day. I will do my best in the future to be at the door as they leave, though this has been an immense struggle for me. As for starting right on time... We're still working on that as well!
The tech training was enlightening as usual. I had previously set up an account with Discovery Streaming, but had never used it. The site is packed with useful educational "films" to draw students in with a hook, or simply to support some piece of instructional content. I look forward to using this site more in the future. Eventually, I would also like to create my own little videos... but at this point, it feels like I don't have one single second to spare making one!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Total Tech Training!!!
Thank you to everyone who put time into this month's training... It was truly insightful. Even as someone who considers myself to be relatively "tech savvy," I came away with a renewed appreciation for the NEED and benefits of including technology in everyday instruction. I'm especially looking forward to trying out spelling tests with the Promethean clickers!
The engagement segment of the training was also extremely useful. One strategy I plan on implementing as soon as possible is Rick Smith's technique for helping student become conscious of their choices and consequences. Using the sticky notes and pie charts for self-monitoring will be particularly helpful with my more kinesthetic students.
Most of all, I really appreciated the time we were given to exchange stories and tips with other first year teachers, and the flexibility of the Professional Development team in regards to timing and lesson modification! It's exciting to come away with a strategy I can actually use in my classroom.
The engagement segment of the training was also extremely useful. One strategy I plan on implementing as soon as possible is Rick Smith's technique for helping student become conscious of their choices and consequences. Using the sticky notes and pie charts for self-monitoring will be particularly helpful with my more kinesthetic students.
Most of all, I really appreciated the time we were given to exchange stories and tips with other first year teachers, and the flexibility of the Professional Development team in regards to timing and lesson modification! It's exciting to come away with a strategy I can actually use in my classroom.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October Induction Training
As a result of this professional development opportunity, I'm not sure I would make any changes to my lesson plans. We have been learning Kagan structures in Cluster meetings, and I have already been using them in my classes. Also, I have been writing, posting, reading, and reflecting on learning objectives (we call them learning targets at our school) since before school even started! Needless to say, the training was wildly repetitive. Every day I write them on the board, have a student read them at the beginning of class, and refer to them throughout my lessons... So I suppose I will continue to do what I have already been doing. Next month, I hope to have some real time to apply strategies and improve my lessons with the support of the professional development team.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Deep Breaths!
The fatal day is rapidly approaching, and my six years of Education and experience alleviate almost none of my nerves for my first year of teaching. All the experts like Rick Smith have plenty to offer by way of advice for the BNT's, but when push comes to shove we just gotta get in there and do it! The tools we've been given during these two days of orientation will be very helpful, particularly with learning environment, classroom management, and procedures, and I hope amidst all the madness that I will be successful in implementing some of it.
I have to say that my primary goal for my first year is to tackle classroom management. I know this comes with experience, and Rick Smith's idea of "inner authority" is definitely something I need to work on... Confidence in my own abilities. I'd like to create an incredibly strong sense of safety and respect in my room (like Mrs. Toliver!) so that my students are eager to share their ideas and writing. I'd also like to firmly establish my routines, which are yet to be determined! Finally, I hope to keep my head above water throughout all of this... I am a bit of an over-achiever and have a tendency to expect too much of myself. Most of all, I want to enjoy this experience, create incredible relationships with my students and colleagues, and come away a stronger more competent individual for it.
I have to say that my primary goal for my first year is to tackle classroom management. I know this comes with experience, and Rick Smith's idea of "inner authority" is definitely something I need to work on... Confidence in my own abilities. I'd like to create an incredibly strong sense of safety and respect in my room (like Mrs. Toliver!) so that my students are eager to share their ideas and writing. I'd also like to firmly establish my routines, which are yet to be determined! Finally, I hope to keep my head above water throughout all of this... I am a bit of an over-achiever and have a tendency to expect too much of myself. Most of all, I want to enjoy this experience, create incredible relationships with my students and colleagues, and come away a stronger more competent individual for it.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Welcome To My First Blog!
Thank you all for taking the time to check out my first ever blogging experience! My name is Kristen Morgan and I teach 7th and 8th grade Writing and Social Studies in Colorado. The purpose of this blog (besides gaining some much needed technical experience!) will be to share thoughts and information with my community. Hopefully, this may also be an extra resource for my students and their families.
I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. I attended the University of Richmond where I received a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education. Upon graduating in 2007, I moved to the Valley where I have been working with the district as a substitute, reading specialist, and moderate needs assistant. Aside from teaching, I love taking advantage of all the mountains have to offer... particularly telemark skiing, climbing, hiking, golf, tennis, and rafting. I am also an avid traveler who thrives on every opportunity to experience new language and culture. Last year I spent six months traveling solo, volunteering in India and Nepal. I feel so lucky to be a new member of the teaching staff with such an enormous network of support. I am extremely excited about beginning my first year of full time teaching, and can't wait to share my passion for learning with my students.
I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. I attended the University of Richmond where I received a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education. Upon graduating in 2007, I moved to the Valley where I have been working with the district as a substitute, reading specialist, and moderate needs assistant. Aside from teaching, I love taking advantage of all the mountains have to offer... particularly telemark skiing, climbing, hiking, golf, tennis, and rafting. I am also an avid traveler who thrives on every opportunity to experience new language and culture. Last year I spent six months traveling solo, volunteering in India and Nepal. I feel so lucky to be a new member of the teaching staff with such an enormous network of support. I am extremely excited about beginning my first year of full time teaching, and can't wait to share my passion for learning with my students.
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