tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post5351734964101455514..comments2011-08-26T14:36:08.845-05:00Comments on Differentiation in Practice: Session 2 - Question 2tiggeronmarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17701242472897734668noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-26763109592826939072011-06-21T22:28:41.250-05:002011-06-21T22:28:41.250-05:00I agree with Ms. E's and others' comments ...I agree with Ms. E's and others' comments about Eduphoria. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like in the Eduphoria "box" we just need the meat of our teaching and we can work to create more applicable templates to attach to the daily plans. As we are developing these units, even hand written notes or plans/anecdotal records would be good to scan and attach to our plans for future reference and documentation of differentiation.CarrieKohlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-5057639890274743372011-06-21T22:28:00.088-05:002011-06-21T22:28:00.088-05:00In response to cynthiamer, I also agree that the t...In response to cynthiamer, I also agree that the teacher commentary part of the chart was very helpful. I also agree that this would be interesting to add to a unit that I planned so that I could reflect on what I had done and use this for future planning on my own or with my team.Betsy Foyenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-21042117415857712862011-06-21T22:25:29.168-05:002011-06-21T22:25:29.168-05:00I agree with Kaycie D. that our curriculum doesn&#...I agree with Kaycie D. that our curriculum doesn't allow us to take so much time on concepts like the examples. I will be teaching social studies next year and I'm hoping that it will be more flexible. Kaycie- let's collaborate!CarrieKohlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-82427415302986290952011-06-21T22:22:21.953-05:002011-06-21T22:22:21.953-05:00I love how well thought out the two units are. Wi...I love how well thought out the two units are. With the level of technology we have, more teachers should collaborate together to create units of study similar to these. I really like the CLC’s on pages 87-92. They remind me of the Laurie Westphal’s menus but with more details. The CLC’s are great for whenever students have any extra time. I do like how the teacher utilizes a lot of mixed ability grouping and focuses more on interests- that allows the students to learn so much more from each other.CarrieKohlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-81001925327495094222011-06-21T22:21:30.278-05:002011-06-21T22:21:30.278-05:00I also agree with Ms. E as far as making this the ...I also agree with Ms. E as far as making this the format for lesson on Eduphoria. I also found that Eduphoria was not set-up for teachers who are planning units with lessons that last for several days. Also, Eduphoria makes it difficult for me to represent the big focus of a unit. I felt like the format in this book made the unit (and thus the planning) feel more cohesive.Betsy Foyenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-84794081185081158992011-06-21T22:19:38.208-05:002011-06-21T22:19:38.208-05:00I totally agree with what Kacie D. posted on the 2...I totally agree with what Kacie D. posted on the 20th. We DO zoom through the objectives. I think we need to teach deeper and slower. The unit laid out in the book shows a deeper teaching of the standards.Brandy Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-64351733132875104282011-06-21T22:16:53.115-05:002011-06-21T22:16:53.115-05:00I liked how the Unit Overview showed how many peri...I liked how the Unit Overview showed how many periods were needed for a lesson. I liked seeing that some lessons took more than one period to complete. Some even took several days to a week to complete (ex. p. 44). When using more project-based learning and group activities in a classroom lessons don't fit into neat little one-day boxes so this is a realistic representation of what this type of teaching will look like.<br /><br />I also appreciated the Unit Description and Teacher Commentary. The lesson sequence and description part of the chart gave some really great examples of how to group students in a variety of ways and how to set them up for success in these configurations. This part of the chart also gave some examples of tiered activities for struggling learners, on-target learners, and advanced learners (p. 79). I also appreciated the honest responses and tips in the Teacher Commentary section of the chart.Betsy Foyenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-54334358849308962112011-06-21T22:14:35.601-05:002011-06-21T22:14:35.601-05:00I like the way this is set up. I like the way the...I like the way this is set up. I like the way the author broke it down on pages 21 and 22, starting with the standards, then concepts, then objectives, and understandings. It reminds me of the way the Social Studies Lesson Plans are set up. I think planning a unit is the way to go. You can develop the concepts more when you are not jumping from objective to objective. (In this case I am referring to the way the Math Curriculum has been set up. It does not allow enough time to delve deep into the concept before changing to a new one.) I did however, feel that for the most part this type of planning was sort of accomplished in the Science unit. :)Brandy Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-26804391877056031772011-06-21T19:08:54.264-05:002011-06-21T19:08:54.264-05:00I agree with Ms. E as far as making this the forma...I agree with Ms. E as far as making this the format for lesson on Euduphoria. It makes more sense than trying to rewrite many of the same objectives again and again each day. Many of the lessons took more than one class period. If we could set up units of study in this manner, it feel it would be more thought through because you are able to really see the end of the unit and it might even save time and work. I am the same way about reflecting on lesson, most of the time I just hope I remember what I changed next year. But if the unit is layed out like the one in the book then a self assessment at the end of the unit might be easier than one on every lesson everyday.Shaunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08894913939659150344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-46775841803714515072011-06-21T16:39:23.304-05:002011-06-21T16:39:23.304-05:00I'm glad that Kaycie D. on June 20 pointed out...I'm glad that Kaycie D. on June 20 pointed out that we don't usually have as much time for the units as they allot in this book. As I was reading through the units, I came away with great ideas, but like Kaycie feel like I am often zooming through the TEKS without ample time to spend on everything. I am trying to form units with my teaching partner as much as possible so that more thorough teaching ocurrs and so that there is more integration, but it's hard when we have so little time to spend on each TEK.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02225304285148471787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-90487168089268671992011-06-21T16:35:30.134-05:002011-06-21T16:35:30.134-05:00I really like the idea of designing a full unit of...I really like the idea of designing a full unit of instruction. Starting with a pre-assessment activity such as the plant scavenger hunt on p. 46-47 is a great way to get the kids excited about what they are going to be learning as well provide evidence for what they already know. I also liked how the units started skills that the students would need to be familiar with in order to successfully complete the tasks (p. 48-49). One thing that will be really important for my implementation of this is to tie concepts to my students' communities and learning environments. For example, on page 49-50, the class discusses which skills scientists need to use to study plants. As the teacher goes through the comparisons that will be made about the plants' needs and parts, I loved that she continually talks about what the students will need to do to prove their answers and how they should set up their experiment (p.51-52). Also, of importance for my class will be activities like the jigsaw on p. 52-53. My students often learn throughout their experiences in school, how to avoid doing any work. I really like that the jigsaw activity requires each student to participate and be involved in his or her own learning. The accountability factor makes not participating a non-issue. I also liked that some of the tasks were in small groups, some could be done independently, some based on reading level, and others in mixed groups (p.55). Interest groups were also another type of grouping used. By continually changing the groups, students get to learn more from their peers, aren't bored with the same groups, and get more of a say in their own learning. Also, the review and assessment of the unit p. 57-59 was something that I always try to incorporate so that my students as well as myself get a chance to reflect on the lesson and determine what worked and what didn't, what was learned and what needs clarification, and possibly gives us ideas for how we could have made it better.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02225304285148471787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-57835960085388539532011-06-21T14:07:39.472-05:002011-06-21T14:07:39.472-05:00One thing I really liked about the two units (espe...One thing I really liked about the two units (especially the plant unit) was the use of small groups to learn the information in the unit. Many of the units in our curriculum has so much information that needs to be taught. I really like the way the author uses group activities to teach the information; which she is not teaching in the general sense, she is more assisting as the students become their own teachers. On page 51, she uses a group activity where the students create their own experiment to learn about plant parts. On page 55, they work in small groups to do a research project to learn about plant parts and needs. I think the use of small groups in the unit was great way for students to learn. They become more autonomous and have ownership of their learning.Shaunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08894913939659150344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-2534300363316440812011-06-21T11:54:37.397-05:002011-06-21T11:54:37.397-05:00Chapter 3 really was something I could use! Liter...Chapter 3 really was something I could use! Literally, that is!!!<br /><br />I love the way that they break down the unit in a way that is easy to understand. Some of the activities that they have are practical and go with the 21st Century Learner. :) I'm thinking in particular where we could use SKYPE to interview a fire fighter at a fire station during the school day. That would be authentic, absolutely at NO COST to the district, and meaningful to the children asking questions. <br /><br />I also like the Anchor Chart Activities (like on Pg. 61) which correspond to Bloom's Taxonomy. It also serves as a "menu" for students to use after learning a concept.<br /><br />The contracts that page 87 - 94 are pretty cool too. It helps to establish the norms and what the expectations of the teacher to learner are.<br /><br />I have to agree with Karen about "Teacher Reflection." I don't necessarily sit down and reflect each and every time, but I do take quick notes so I change what went wrong for next time.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01721861906313875574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-59690592116345970262011-06-21T10:26:34.489-05:002011-06-21T10:26:34.489-05:00In response to Katie K's- I agree with you abo...In response to Katie K's- I agree with you about the scavenger hunt being an ideal activity to use in the science content area. It enables the kids to test their thinking but in a comfortable format. It ensures that curiousity and creativity are being used as well. After you do an activity like this, the kids will want to create a similar version to help review curriculum as well!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-38980114542416712342011-06-21T10:24:09.241-05:002011-06-21T10:24:09.241-05:00I really enjoyed reading this plant unit and much ...I really enjoyed reading this plant unit and much of it is applicable to my students because I am teaching science to 5th graders. One particular part that I was interested in using was on pg. 47- the independent or partner work based on learning profiles. I really think my students would enjoy the choices offered, and many of my students would learn a great deal from each other as well. It seems like such a win-win situation. I think the activities such as option 1- writing a letter to a kindergarten student would enhance the writing that is much needed in science. I am really excited about this idea!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-83391889413049393252011-06-21T01:10:20.367-05:002011-06-21T01:10:20.367-05:00In response to Mrs. M Kinders: I like how you alre...In response to Mrs. M Kinders: I like how you already have an idea to modify these units to fit your classes needs. I agree that these are very thorough and can be easily tweaked with our curriculum while keeping the format and rigor.Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05635941268388222361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-18948851320688817352011-06-21T01:08:32.279-05:002011-06-21T01:08:32.279-05:00I like the way the science unit is set up, but I e...I like the way the science unit is set up, but I especially like, on page 45, Lesson 1's scavenger hunt. I think it incorporates prior knowledge, movement and discussion (great for Elementary kids) and gives them a focus. Not only that, but gives the teacher a starting point to see what (and which) kids know.<br /><br />I also liked the closure activities throughout the science unit, as well as how each part is a bit different with either a jigsaw activity, independent and partner work.Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05635941268388222361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-35813928058413805182011-06-20T22:15:07.439-05:002011-06-20T22:15:07.439-05:00I like the way that these units are set up. Ideal...I like the way that these units are set up. Ideally we would have time to teach this way, but the only subject I can see having enough time to “spread out” and take out time with the curriculum is Social Studies. The way we are zooming through objectives and TEKS ours would look like a fast forward version of these lessons or we would seriously cut down the time allotted in the left margin. I love the idea of anchor activities (61) and learning contracts (87-92) as extensions to the lessons.<br /><br />Miss Roth said on June 20th that she loves the idea of electronic portfolios, I agree. It will be great for the kids to have access to their portfolio instead of it riding around (maybe...maybe not) with the blue and green folder.Kaycie D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-35535516453348125042011-06-20T21:38:21.773-05:002011-06-20T21:38:21.773-05:00In response to Of Life, Education, E-bay, Travel &...In response to Of Life, Education, E-bay, Travel & Books post on June 19th: I am new to technology so I am very interested in the two websites you mentioned. I am somewhat familiar with Glogster which will make electronic ‘posters’ about a topic. Similar to the old-fashioned posters about ‘George Washington’. I think my new class will love trying Glogster and I know their parents will love it. <br />I do not know much about Mind Meister. What does this website do? Is it fairly easy for elementary students to work through? <br />And I love the idea of electronic portfolios! I think this is definitely the wave of the future. Once we no longer use Microsoft Office programs and kids are completely using Google Docs, they will have an electronic portfolio. Ah-the future is rolling in like a hurricane!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-17646224639945001982011-06-20T20:33:55.420-05:002011-06-20T20:33:55.420-05:00Here is the link for Blabberize http://blabberize....Here is the link for Blabberize http://blabberize.com/ I thought they could take or get a picture of community helpers and have the helper "say what his / her job is in the community.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17333382268292453140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-9151189434790356432011-06-20T19:25:27.965-05:002011-06-20T19:25:27.965-05:00In response to Of Life, Education… after completin...In response to Of Life, Education… after completing the “11 Tools” and the “23 Tools” before that, I have so many tools that can be used for pre-assessment which I plan to implement this next year. I’m getting a bit tired of the printing, paper and pencil as well and I think it’s all going to be on docs and elsewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-85435800039765630022011-06-20T19:18:22.181-05:002011-06-20T19:18:22.181-05:00The two units were designed in a simple and easy t...The two units were designed in a simple and easy to understand format. I think a novice teacher could easily follow the plan and an experienced teacher could benefit from the commentary ‘on the side’. My two favorite strategies from the lessons are the use of anchor activities and the learning contracts.<br />Students are forever finishing whatever class-work has been assigned and are looking for something else to do. The concept of Anchor Activities will keep that student engaged and learning while others complete work. I think I will add to this idea by having the student design some of these Anchor Activities and by having the student design how the Anchor Activity will be assessed. This will add even more accountability to them, hence making them even more valuable to learning.<br />Differentiation is all about meeting the needs of the individual learner. Learning contracts do just that. The term contract implies a two-way agreement between the student and the teacher. I think gifted students will especially thrive knowing they are partially in control of their class-work and how it will be assessed. Not only is content learned with a learning contract, but also students learn responsibility and commitment. Signing a contract is a big deal and I think kids would love this!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-46701466493065625812011-06-20T13:46:29.736-05:002011-06-20T13:46:29.736-05:00In response to what D. Pico said on June 19 at 6:1...In response to what D. Pico said on June 19 at 6:12 PM, kindergarten was also allowed to attach plans to Eduphoria. I'm changing grade levels next year, and I have to admit, I am a bit afraid of having to put plans in Eduphoria the "regular" way. I don't think its format is appropriate for elementary school where we have so many integrated lessons (like language arts/social studies and science/math) and many TEKS that are covered in just one lesson (like with shared reading or shared writing.) I think more teachers would like to be able to plan more like Units 2 and 3 but can't get Eduphoria to work for them in that way.tifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239541289728822821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-76845187904684773882011-06-20T13:37:35.867-05:002011-06-20T13:37:35.867-05:00I liked how detailed the units were and the unit c...I liked how detailed the units were and the unit cycles: pre-assessment/introduction, the various lessons, review/concluding activity, and assessment. It all flowed and made sense. It's a smart way to plan a unit. I really liked the anchor activities on page 45. I thought it was nice that she had a list of extending activities to challenge her students further one the regular lesson activities were completed. I also liked how the teacher from Unit 3 considered the multiple intelligences in her room and made lessons to accommodate those learners on pages 77-78. I think sometimes we as teachers forget that kids learn in lots of different ways. It's something I need to remind myself of more as I plan.tifhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239541289728822821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2310640378082615811.post-13090331896924073492011-06-20T11:20:47.891-05:002011-06-20T11:20:47.891-05:00In response to Karen Donathen...I also like that t...In response to Karen Donathen...I also like that the objectives are listed so concisely. It will make this easy to use in our lessons and very easy to adapt for other lessons.Mrs. M's Kindershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01772733504936942828noreply@blogger.com