Whew! It has been a crazy busy week! HaPpY fRiDaY!
At my school, we are all gearing up for observations - some announced, some unannounced. Mine will be unannounced. And-- not that I am particularly stressed about that....but I do find it terribly distracting. Each morning, I wonder if today will be the day. Through the day, I wonder if she'll be in during this lesson. The door opens, and I look to see if the principal is coming in. haha! I will be so glad when she finally does come in so I can stop thinking about it!
In my district, we have a rubric upon which we are scored. We each chose three areas to target/improve this year, and the principal will be specifically looking at those areas (in addition to all of the others, of course!). So the three areas I chose to target were (and I'm going to paraphrase):
- The goal is posted, attainable and accessible. Instructional methods and materials align with the goal.
- Potential barriers in the curriculum and learning environment are identified and addressed in the design of the lesson and the learning environment.
- An exceptional number of students can articulate their academic achievements, areas that need improvement, and receive grades reflective of that ability.

Happy teacher heart!! I am just loving how this is making them think! Love, love, love it!
Even better? I've noticed that when I'm reading one-on-one with them, they are retelling using the words! And when one of them gets stuck, they're looking over at the poster for a little support! So how does this fit in with my "goal is posted & attainable" goal? Well, we have that goal written out & posted by the easel and every time we work on this skill, I say the goal. Recently, I've also been having them do a bit of self-evaluation: thumbs up if you think you've got it & could explain how to do it to someone else OR thumbs to the side if you'd like more practice.
This was the first time I used magnet sheets for the printer. They worked beautifully! Just run it through the printer, cut the pieces, & it's ready to roll! (Of course, now I have more ideas for those sweet magnet sheets! lol).

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/10414642861797112/ Hoping to win...these are super cute and will be very helpful!!!! teachreason@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to win! Here is my pin: www.pinterest.com/pin/145944844148377635/
ReplyDeleterachelmd93@gmail.com
Hi! These look great! Would love to win the set!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/186125397073687222/
This is terrific!! Keeping my fingers crossed :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/252272016600812169/
Mindful Rambles
What a great idea! We are always working on reading skills, and I know I could use this. I hope I win! Here's my pin:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/256494141251471039/
Psyched to be in 2nd!
Great use for the magnet sheets. I "inherited" some and never could find a great use for them! Genius, I say! :) Thanks! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/110830840803538697/
ReplyDeleteThis is a cute idea which I may edit and use. It bothers me that the words are not all capitalized. The words seem to be used as beginning words to sentences. If they are labels, it may not be necessary to capitalize them. As a first grade teacher I know that whatever I do will be copied and so I must try to set a wise example. To that end, I would also print correctly using correct strokes.
ReplyDeleteI've pinned your wonderful idea at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/245305510927100018/
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Kim
KHenry22@aol.com
Whoa. I never thought to magnetic paper through the printer. I tried running felt through my printer and, well, I had to buy a new one! Do you have to do any prep work to the sheets or to the printer beforehand? I'm now your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteKelly, from
Kelly's Classroom
Nope! I bought Avery Magnetic Sheets & they worked like a charm!
DeleteLove this idea! Never heard of magnet strips going through a printer! Can't wait to try!
ReplyDeleteBetty
DeleteGrace's Tiger Team
gracbe@grisd.net
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/194288171398304914/
ReplyDeleteLove your idea!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/224617100138698017/
Great Idea
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/29836416255036912/