tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16557886385611282392024-03-17T22:20:42.635-07:00Mind SparksKatie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-25323158330051718682024-01-22T13:45:00.000-08:002024-01-22T13:45:15.774-08:00Top 3 Mistakes Teachers Make Utilizing Opportunities to Respond<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">When teachers utilize opportunities to respond (OTRs) in their classroom students achieve at higher levels, process information deeply and retain knowledge more effectively. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAEyb_Jigb26ueiIB6CKl_qeDuGpUtxjFmlSVZyIDG-tYtGxw6Aw9XeUMcW9PTql7fX2p9kcY8SGgT5tGiuajfCrZ8VW55AIrbjwN1fbL6Bq1xRY0BjLStDDCcPqeScJbRZ4Zw54wNKY3MYTnHFI04NxWxoGcGXpiC5txQi7oM-EpXe0CRI092lblxo1x/s960/implementing%20OTRS%20ross%20face.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAEyb_Jigb26ueiIB6CKl_qeDuGpUtxjFmlSVZyIDG-tYtGxw6Aw9XeUMcW9PTql7fX2p9kcY8SGgT5tGiuajfCrZ8VW55AIrbjwN1fbL6Bq1xRY0BjLStDDCcPqeScJbRZ4Zw54wNKY3MYTnHFI04NxWxoGcGXpiC5txQi7oM-EpXe0CRI092lblxo1x/w640-h640/implementing%20OTRS%20ross%20face.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>OTRs is a teaching technique that encourages student participation and engagement for all students. There are three types of OTRs teachers can use---getting kids to <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">say things</a>, <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/11/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">write things</a> and <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2024/01/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">do things</a>.</p><p>Despite its potential benefits, however, there are common mistakes that educators might inadvertently make when implementing OTR strategies. Let's explore some of these mistakes, so we can avoid them! </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Mistake 1: Limited Variation in Question Types</span></h3><p><br /></p><p>Research has consistently emphasized the importance of varying question types to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. Unfortunately, some teachers might fall into the trap of using a limited set of question types, such as closed-ended questions that require only brief responses. </p><p>To enhance student engagement, educators should diversify their questioning techniques, incorporating open-ended questions, probing queries, and reflective prompts.</p><p>Check out some of these video examples from <a href="https://classroomcheckup.org/increasing-opportunities-to-respond/" target="_blank">The Classroom Check-Up</a>!</p><p>Or, checkout these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blooms-Taxonomy-Question-Cards-355563" target="_blank">Blooms Taxonomy Question Cards</a> which have over 8 pages of question prompts to ask your students!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blooms-Taxonomy-Question-Cards-355563" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxS3LTHtxX_vqvLxldm4RaPc0qyBz6F6KeV9uj3deWDqqLWCBkzVnWz9d4s9U-FoUYlCbCOQSsADkDzk9EZ0zTUUebWv1jDZ3nJSJOF052QJZ2xumHnoKhKQ8FPtQObMnUzU5NEo4I1sDUp05wZj_bFo53hQjqYayfV-V8Zf4Xu1cenxUrYwmg8DPqIQVQ/w640-h640/blooms%20taxonomy%20question%20cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Mistake 2: Unequal Student Participation</span></h3><p><br /></p><p>In many classrooms, certain students may dominate discussions while others remain silent. This uneven distribution of participation can hinder a collaborative learning environment. Teachers may unintentionally contribute to this dynamic by consistently directing questions to a select group of students.</p><p>Check out <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/strategies-increasing-student-participation/" target="_blank">this article </a>from <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/strategies-increasing-student-participation/" target="_blank">Edutopia </a>which gives some GREAT ideas on how to get ALL students participating! </p><p><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" target="_blank">Response cards</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" target="_blank">Hold Ups</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" target="_blank">Response Mats</a> are another great tool to get every student engaged. Check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" target="_blank">this robust package</a> for under four dollars! Or, download the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-Cards-A-Tool-to-Increase-Engagement-and-Self-Reflection-10796993" target="_blank">freebie mat</a> by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-Cards-A-Tool-to-Increase-Engagement-and-Self-Reflection-10796993" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04HOtHkm96ocPHgA-4lDX-pLkUBHZfjrsXKauleuVaThFuP2VfYzCxD1u6W6tSPoD14NIjDpCIr6jfZBnE7sf4wKum2vgJpqjzjc_V2RXdd80ZkKtMEpgFCFGbo6b5QV-L72Yq9VYX_yvqk8gG6CqV_E54UQ_t5e0823VuvtA-acmbwfrOsV2eH0RZao0/w640-h640/student%20response%20cards.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Mistake 3: Insufficient Wait Time</span></h3><p><br /></p><p>Wait time, is a critical factor in increasing student achievement. Some educators, however, may inadvertently provide insufficient wait time, hindering students' ability to formulate thoughtful responses. </p><p>In fact, on average, most teachers only provide approximately 1 second of wait time between asking a question and allowing a student to respond.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArOrowUwUqROmcRgDffweUDHBTMJ1KzkNSV9J3-5fe8CTRQjE5ap6JTKa_ZagmCZrlgyHS-xYqZdvzsg_-FqbSJH8PaCIG1G-KykjdIRnoFaIqGuivszVfiN_CDt70Wn_sqof6mybCjugFfdNV5i7-mt7p4W0v9JTrRjr4G-ojiqeIL_ekckI0gGG1ybZ/s960/wait%20time%20meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArOrowUwUqROmcRgDffweUDHBTMJ1KzkNSV9J3-5fe8CTRQjE5ap6JTKa_ZagmCZrlgyHS-xYqZdvzsg_-FqbSJH8PaCIG1G-KykjdIRnoFaIqGuivszVfiN_CDt70Wn_sqof6mybCjugFfdNV5i7-mt7p4W0v9JTrRjr4G-ojiqeIL_ekckI0gGG1ybZ/w640-h640/wait%20time%20meme.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Decades of research, which can be found <a href="https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/misc_media/fss/pdfs/2018/fss_wait_time.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>, support that teachers should allow 3-5 seconds of wait time after a question is asked AND after a student has responded. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MsiO2B82qMdj0HEVNjCXvS6xLonhbSAsfbkIAB51MNjSJT91TIvTkhHwyGWf5JdAFGZkCF5XyMbR8TWbm-RXKVhsz0vgdw8hbsehbKFrzYQ7NljCuLuzIRCI71kB4PAI8iZKLwMpKJco1Cny844t1L9Ghwjwp9rzwWWaStt3bYab9qJ9YXGIbY35arEQ/s628/wait%20time.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="628" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MsiO2B82qMdj0HEVNjCXvS6xLonhbSAsfbkIAB51MNjSJT91TIvTkhHwyGWf5JdAFGZkCF5XyMbR8TWbm-RXKVhsz0vgdw8hbsehbKFrzYQ7NljCuLuzIRCI71kB4PAI8iZKLwMpKJco1Cny844t1L9Ghwjwp9rzwWWaStt3bYab9qJ9YXGIbY35arEQ/w640-h92/wait%20time.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Allowing 3-5 seconds of wait time promotes <i>LOTS</i> of positive outcomes for students including:<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>increasing the length of student responses</li><li>increasing the number of unsolicited appropriate responses</li><li>increasing responses from students categorized as low performing</li><li>increasing student to student interactions</li><li>increases in student achievement </li><li>more thoughtful and contemplative answers</li><li>decreases in students not responding or saying, "I don't know." </li><li>decreases in discipline problems</li></ul><div><p>Opportunities to respond are powerful tools that can enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and overall learning experiences. By being mindful of common mistakes, teachers can harness the full potential of OTR strategies. </p><p><br /></p></div></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-85988842621357187542024-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:002024-01-09T00:19:58.977-08:00Increasing Opportunities to Respond Using Physical Movement <p style="text-align: left;">In today's educational landscape--fostering student engagement is crucial for effective learning. Read about what the research says by clicking <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">here </a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvSFfxYPxB11S2rErPjfbi1ImpMc5SPknhew8GbpVVmLshERY9_BJ-C-V91x76XZApVAL9jjjHBEWY2cnYYbpB41yFPvYHcOfiB7lYoxvzPKefnqEwZWFhSinAIrdahV9SlgGIwGRbfsVec4kogMRDOjDwmuN7FuVAaC3DjHKC8wPHPlcnfliZKZkFXdu/s960/student%20engagement.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvSFfxYPxB11S2rErPjfbi1ImpMc5SPknhew8GbpVVmLshERY9_BJ-C-V91x76XZApVAL9jjjHBEWY2cnYYbpB41yFPvYHcOfiB7lYoxvzPKefnqEwZWFhSinAIrdahV9SlgGIwGRbfsVec4kogMRDOjDwmuN7FuVAaC3DjHKC8wPHPlcnfliZKZkFXdu/w640-h640/student%20engagement.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">One powerful strategy educators can employ is increasing opportunities to respond (OTRs). OTRs refer to moments when students actively engage with material you are teaching. Students can engage by <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/11/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">writing</a>, <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">saying</a>, or doing. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Research suggest that increasing OTRs is linked to higher levels of students achievement, as it allows learners to process information deeply and retain knowledge more effectively. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiq8V9ea4yW6ilwYXlZIs52PYxNy08mVw6xnpa1kPS5z2AhHPJUDKDhKrkiY4VE0VbRlNhgKzBXv9iUXC8F9tj7htX3tLKrwsPy-dvnyO50qGBGr2gBK-7sevwOK2sb6RJIOYbyF7RktvFLaXV4SJdBLfnwGF4zhRrWg9ehiB_Nk2vxTGfOQCU4qlo9UC/s960/more%20opportunities%20equal%20better%20results.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiq8V9ea4yW6ilwYXlZIs52PYxNy08mVw6xnpa1kPS5z2AhHPJUDKDhKrkiY4VE0VbRlNhgKzBXv9iUXC8F9tj7htX3tLKrwsPy-dvnyO50qGBGr2gBK-7sevwOK2sb6RJIOYbyF7RktvFLaXV4SJdBLfnwGF4zhRrWg9ehiB_Nk2vxTGfOQCU4qlo9UC/w640-h640/more%20opportunities%20equal%20better%20results.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>In previous posts I shared <span style="background-color: white;"><b>TEN ways students can engage in content in a <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/10/say-something-responses-part-2.html" target="_blank">verbal way</a> and FIVE ways students can respond to taught material in a <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/11/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">written way.</a></b> </span>Find those posts by clicking <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/10/say-something-responses-part-2.html" target="_blank">here </a>or <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/11/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">here</a>! For this post we will focus on ways students can interact with the content by doing--kinesthetic learning! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p>Physical movement can be a powerful tool for understanding and retaining information. Incorporating gestures and whole body movement into the learning experience taps into multiple senses, reinforcing neural connections and making learning more memorable. Keep reading for <b><u>FIVE easy strategies</u></b> that will get your students responding to content in a physical way!</p><p><br /></p><p></p></div><h3><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">1. Interactive Learning Games:</span></h3><p><br /></p><p>Introduce <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2021/06/games-in-classroom-part-2-challenges-vs.html" target="_blank">games </a>that require physical movement to reinforce learning objectives. For example use a game of charades to review vocabulary or act out historical events! </p><p>I have been playing the game <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Quick-Draw-Game-Vocabulary-Review-2885880" target="_blank">Q<span>uick Draw </span> </a>with my students for YEARS. This is a great game to review or introduce vocabulary terms, words on a word wall or even spelling words! </p><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Quick-Draw-Game-Vocabulary-Review-2885880" target="_blank">Quick Draw </a>requires virtually no prep and the materials needed are in almost every classroom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how you play:</div><div><ol><li>Determine the list of words you want to introduce or review</li><li>Provide each student with a marker board</li><li>Provide each student with a dry erase marker </li><li>Shout (okay maybe not shout...but say) the word aloud to students</li><li>Give students <u><b>30 seconds</b></u> to illustrate the word</li><li>Say, "3.....2.....1....show me!" and every student MUST hold up their illustration (if they are still drawing I give them a warning, and tell them they get paper pencil next time)</li><li>Select a couple of students to explain their drawing to the class; or have them turn and talk about their drawing with a neighbor</li></ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Quick-Draw-Game-Vocabulary-Review-2885880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42S81LUf3RteBR0EogIHLb3WG0O9BQQgTq6XSVTQWQGFnzLyq2R6JcR1wpwxR_8qEBAF6DiV4qsoNrNaXSCPH7RpCVVmOA1hReC_P0690mUNs1Kv0saR2u8efyAZgm4Y4Um56_WHNGo_DuCc8KO67DJs3-3LJrbXnzfDsyaPye_OGXVNWAhTMkL2g-lup/w480-h640/Quick%20draw%20pic.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Looking for ideas? Check out this blog <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2021/06/games-in-classroom-part-3-resources.html" target="_blank">post</a>, which is filled with <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2021/06/games-in-classroom-part-3-resources.html" target="_blank">games </a>to implement in your classroom!</p><p><br /></p><ol style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">2. Role Playing Exercises:</span></h3></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div><br /></div></li></ol><p></p><ol style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Allow students to transform into characters or concepts through role-playing. This approach increases engagement AND provides a deeper understanding of material. Reader's Theater is a great way to incorporate role playing into the classroom!</ol><ol style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></ol><p></p><div><ol style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">3. Choreographed Mnemonics:</span></h3></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">Create simple choreographed movements or gestures associated with key concepts or facts. Students can perform these movements as a group, reinforcing the information through physical repetition. Check out this video from <a href="https://eleducation.org/" target="_blank">EL Education</a>--lots of great ideas for how to incorporate movement into your classroom!</span></span></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></li></ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="397" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GpYoZublP5g" width="477" youtube-src-id="GpYoZublP5g"></iframe></div><br /></div></div><div><h3><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">4. Hand Signals :</span></h3></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Try using hand signals during instruction to gauge students understanding of the content being taught. A few examples are: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white;">Fist to five: students rate their level of understanding using a 0 to 5 scale </span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;">Thumbs up and Thumbs down</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;">Pointing to the correct answer (i.e. point to the right if, point to the left if, point on your paper to the correct answer, etc.)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;">Fingers as a number: with your fingers show me the correct number choice....</span></li></ul><div><br /></div></div><ol style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: list-number 0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; list-style: none; margin: 1.25em 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">5. Response Cards:</span></h3></li><li style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: list-number 1; display: block; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 28px; padding-left: 0.375em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></div></li></ol><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Have student engage with the content by holding up response cards. If response cards are too messy to organize--try using a response mat where students use a a paperclip or some sort of marking device to mark their cards. Response cards and response mats (also called hold ups and student participation cards) are great ways to gauge students understanding and get them interacting with taught concepts. Some examples of cards you could use are:</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>true/false</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>thumbs up and thumbs down</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>red and green</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>numbered</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>lettered</li></ul><p></p><div><span style="background-color: white;">Click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-Cards-A-Tool-to-Increase-Engagement-and-Self-Reflection-10796993" target="_blank">here </a>or the image below to get your hands on this FREEBIE student response mat!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-Cards-A-Tool-to-Increase-Engagement-and-Self-Reflection-10796993" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9yJ1Isl1-iLKmEOF1IE-9Rz8gNb6PF_k84pf6edmP7r_DGkhld7QswuaOu2liWJfMr8mPKmb0m3NjHjuoIgbh8uxgpFEXMml7GTwCXbZ_SQ6SkRkQ3SgCwJzdvKHby1q3sFtEQulGt9JzRimDgKhhp7AAFVxamLosEgcb8YrgyW0GYlgOOqbbRaQnRPY/w640-h480/Student%20Response%20Mats%20FREE%205.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Or, if you are looking for a more robust package of response cards, hold ups and mats check out this product by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" target="_blank">here</a>, or the image below. For under four dollars, you will have NINETEEN different ways students can respond to the content you are teaching. WOW!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-CardsHold-Ups-Tools-to-Increase-Engagement-10833206" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDQSzobFSvJeOHqBn18za4zcOe99ApTUcAUiIeleyBR5NHmrYwZFn5BmWnmyJnF1Gls6eoQcq90B7KgViTdGNIbDLFNnLAG9GLZlYyJxFTkmI4U_qZ-8JgnTZXVRofTasAejBEi_3s3Lpn_cBonobbDlZz6A0c-xBoINTOjEEChNfn8V2sQckKjHcPTHg/w640-h640/student%20response%20cards.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><br /></span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-8f8b3a26-7fff-9757-a80c-0006725c8e60"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></span></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-45537008830259097832023-12-29T19:39:00.000-08:002023-12-29T19:40:13.234-08:00What is your ONE WORD for 2024? 🍾🎉 <p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Have you picked a </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><i>word of the year</i></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> before?</span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIZkuSqHNtKbk_WZwYMOJgdh_7R135mDi2tllDz_5viZ0SJ75rRy2jH2UoXwRuPb02OXcMbuLiZqbwENqXuXOhwp1K0d1RuWN801M9sMQ5pEh9kXHnFp-11w2WUuG5sznBHIwKUl2eG13PNoVfLH52VN0405n_l4C6ehEJu_zj1JbXTAQ-1QKcketb0jU/s2000/what%20is%20your%20one%20word.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIZkuSqHNtKbk_WZwYMOJgdh_7R135mDi2tllDz_5viZ0SJ75rRy2jH2UoXwRuPb02OXcMbuLiZqbwENqXuXOhwp1K0d1RuWN801M9sMQ5pEh9kXHnFp-11w2WUuG5sznBHIwKUl2eG13PNoVfLH52VN0405n_l4C6ehEJu_zj1JbXTAQ-1QKcketb0jU/w494-h640/what%20is%20your%20one%20word.png" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">2021 was the first year I selected a single word to guide my goals for the year. Last year's word was <u style="font-weight: bold;">fearless</u><u style="font-weight: bold;">.</u> I was choosing to not let worry, anxiety or fear stand in my way of anything--personally or professionally. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span>As I reflect back on my 2023</span><span> </span><i>one word </i><span>goals; I can say with confidence that I selected the right word. I cast fear aside and jumped into new opportunity--hello accepting a brand new position within my district AND starting my doctoral degree in educational psychology!</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">I love the simplicity of choosing one word to direct your focus for the year. Instead of selecting multiple specific goals to try and achieve, choose <i>one word</i> to be at the forefront of your mind. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">This <i>one word</i> will be overarching, allowing smaller goals and accomplishments to fit within it.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv739FmFZsxZagVq9Z0oqkpmJa7NSyTZl_kglT_sjB2hGzWTBvO5jBE479AQG6fC5daMOf7m-Y-p75c5MCdrEFWZVu6nJpxX8hdab3Ip-FP0xFVGzKkAAVDtjggY-qV0HH5soVei8aVbPtfWNuBF1lyqh7ImD07KpqPMhO_LWlZi3Co5Rj_RhW4HE9QDJ/s940/Happy%20New%20Year%202024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggv739FmFZsxZagVq9Z0oqkpmJa7NSyTZl_kglT_sjB2hGzWTBvO5jBE479AQG6fC5daMOf7m-Y-p75c5MCdrEFWZVu6nJpxX8hdab3Ip-FP0xFVGzKkAAVDtjggY-qV0HH5soVei8aVbPtfWNuBF1lyqh7ImD07KpqPMhO_LWlZi3Co5Rj_RhW4HE9QDJ/w640-h536/Happy%20New%20Year%202024.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">So what is my <i>one word</i> for 2024? </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">I am selecting the word <u style="font-weight: bold;">development</u>. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">The definition of development is to expand by the process of growth<b>.</b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">I am ready to trust whatever educational path I am destined to be on, and challenge myself to grow professionally and personally through it all!</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">If there is an opportunity--I am going to take it and learn from it! </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">If there is an adventure--I am going on it and letting it change me. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">I plan to be bold, courageous and open-minded!</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir2EIlbhRQdSG3h2h385iThOTiY8LFP7OZ1X48g31469pUG2NCn70ueq7IKAWmZgPy4OG3iqUQSnJUQrbKNBMANicn31v5TSV22rlrDQAvokHY2oPd1rzhob60tjo4pvOsEe76fcs76xcj-DMTjfP_xh6eZoyXvkr1bu4kqqTZ3inPkEdqI_JTtVaKHQ=s6507" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6507" data-original-width="4338" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir2EIlbhRQdSG3h2h385iThOTiY8LFP7OZ1X48g31469pUG2NCn70ueq7IKAWmZgPy4OG3iqUQSnJUQrbKNBMANicn31v5TSV22rlrDQAvokHY2oPd1rzhob60tjo4pvOsEe76fcs76xcj-DMTjfP_xh6eZoyXvkr1bu4kqqTZ3inPkEdqI_JTtVaKHQ=w426-h640" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="426" /></a></div><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Need help selecting a word of the year? Check out this <a href="https://elisabethmcknight.com/word-of-the-year-ideas/" style="color: #f88479; text-decoration-line: none;">post </a>from blogger Elizabeth McKnight. She gives some great inspirational word examples and a more in-depth explanation on the benefits of choosing one word to guide your focus. </div><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">What will be your word? I would love if you would share!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Have a happy new year! Stay safe and healthy!</p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-83656524041537748882023-11-13T10:43:00.000-08:002023-11-13T11:25:27.443-08:00Increasing Opportunities to Respond: Written Responses <p>Have you ever been at a staff meeting or professional development seminar where you (or some of your colleagues) were not paying attention? Perhaps they were grading papers, texting, scrolling social media or having private conversations....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ftTqHr9sD0MOevSgsNCrnVqQDs6tG3lj9biD7rebm2qvJ2GCP-6Y53gQ9SsJYDFUDifAfJVgT5y3V8lTSFAEeSOyg2Ds9bEVOZCnln-EhxQanzivlO5fOv9PzAoXIeNp9qBwjiDVe5Cw7qqiUw_5or6RaLIyREzMxLH8krMFlo5DUdPGGMARk_Vsqcg3/s960/presenter%20calls%20on%20you,%20but%20not%20paying%20attention.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ftTqHr9sD0MOevSgsNCrnVqQDs6tG3lj9biD7rebm2qvJ2GCP-6Y53gQ9SsJYDFUDifAfJVgT5y3V8lTSFAEeSOyg2Ds9bEVOZCnln-EhxQanzivlO5fOv9PzAoXIeNp9qBwjiDVe5Cw7qqiUw_5or6RaLIyREzMxLH8krMFlo5DUdPGGMARk_Vsqcg3/w640-h640/presenter%20calls%20on%20you,%20but%20not%20paying%20attention.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>As we know all too well, kids are not a whole lot different than adults: if they aren't fully engaged in what is going on, they will find something else to absorb themselves in. </p><p>I know all educators strive for maximum learning for all of their students, so we must avoid student disengagement at all costs! One of the ways to do this is by increasing opportunities to respond (OTRs).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKRpRdsqxpoA8J0fE65gKtWHcrFYh2G46XQesIFb7MHw3Zhsqe2Yu1-4uLS8cODY4G27-E3GhwWQeMNG-tqr_HgvTJtZIBswpbW2-uJQmRAxU75PA74tGOXL2jx6myCnEl8VNBe1O1l3rDIdYThjI5Rzjz8k2tmGQi-_pDZZv0co4KdJz0Xhoc9VN73KG/s960/engaging%20students%20kathy%20dyer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKRpRdsqxpoA8J0fE65gKtWHcrFYh2G46XQesIFb7MHw3Zhsqe2Yu1-4uLS8cODY4G27-E3GhwWQeMNG-tqr_HgvTJtZIBswpbW2-uJQmRAxU75PA74tGOXL2jx6myCnEl8VNBe1O1l3rDIdYThjI5Rzjz8k2tmGQi-_pDZZv0co4KdJz0Xhoc9VN73KG/w640-h640/engaging%20students%20kathy%20dyer.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans";">During a lesson students should have LOTS of opportunities to respond by saying, writing and doing! And by lots, I mean 3-5 OTRs per minute for simple responses (verbal or gestural) and 1 OTR per minute when the OTR is more complex (think solving a multi-step math problem) (MacSuga-Gage & Simonsen, 2015)</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">In my previous post I shared <span style="color: #07e3c6;"><b>TEN ways students can engage in content in a verbal way</b>. </span> You can find those posts by clicking <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/10/say-something-responses-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">here</a>. For this post, we will focus on ways students can respond to learning in a written way! Keep reading for <b><u>FIVE easy strategies</u></b> that will get your students responding to content in written form. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">1. Quick Writes:</span></h3><p>Encourage students to engage in brief, focused writing exercises, known as quick writes. Pose open-ended questions related to the lesson and give students a short time frame (e.g., 5 minutes) to express their thoughts. </p><p>Quick writes serve as a low-pressure way for students to respond individually, promoting reflection and comprehension.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibe0gxuQ4j4reDyrOT0qp_1d88z6XGZmS6Oi6kGW-sm0GjCFuI6YGlQOs8YH2VoF97WI-j_PUfbFnmj2iIUbFWmBSa_7xGfhFK2-lzl69Kdiew4ADkLmEX2rqVTgTlYudMkm45NNqDc-OgzhBX4OCsP20TPpEI6OmastP7uuYCIz4ZWLmbaKLR_H95bjF/s960/students%20writing.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibe0gxuQ4j4reDyrOT0qp_1d88z6XGZmS6Oi6kGW-sm0GjCFuI6YGlQOs8YH2VoF97WI-j_PUfbFnmj2iIUbFWmBSa_7xGfhFK2-lzl69Kdiew4ADkLmEX2rqVTgTlYudMkm45NNqDc-OgzhBX4OCsP20TPpEI6OmastP7uuYCIz4ZWLmbaKLR_H95bjF/w640-h640/students%20writing.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">2. Think-Pair-Share with Writing:</span></h3><p>Combine the traditional think-pair-share strategy with writing. After pondering a question individually, students pair up to discuss their thoughts and then collaboratively write a concise summary of their discussion. This approach not only enhances critical thinking skills but also encourages peer interaction.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">3. Journals and Reflections:</span></h3><p>Implement regular journaling or reflection sessions where students can express their thoughts on the material covered in class. Journals provide a personal space for students to connect with the content on a deeper level.</p><p>If your students struggle getting pen to paper, perhaps supporting their thoughts with <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Paragraph-Writing-Frames-Bundle-1999178" target="_blank">sentence frames</a> will do the trick. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Paragraph-Writing-Frames-Bundle-1999178" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhy1mLNOx-re8AGRzDJTFvY3tnoTrdkTUHLVK22kwhevi1PWaIu7JfKDW9xKKSUA5jLuycM4brKs6CeTDD0hPrYtJ26gs2qZYsAPHHjWPpTXuiuZcE9POkXBKwzIGHfXUSjoPQPhSqKNhHzFpY9C7fU868_iQVqhfwZFAndZV1Q6bovTytnpBPQecUTpz/w640-h640/writing%20frames.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">4. Interactive Note-Taking:</span></h3><p>Transform note-taking into an interactive activity. Encourage students to annotate their notes, ask questions, and make connections to their own experiences. This method not only promotes active engagement during the lesson but also serves as a valuable reference for future review.</p><p>Interested in some specific note-taking strategies? Check out this easy <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/critical-thinking-strategy-student-note-taking/" target="_blank">WICK strategy from Edutopia</a>. Or, take a look at downloadable graphic organizers from <a href="https://www.hmhco.com/blog/free-graphic-organizer-templates" target="_blank">HMH </a>or <a href="https://thinkport.org/graphic-organizers.html" target="_blank">Thinkport</a>.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">5. Exit Tickets:</span></h3><p>Use exit tickets as a writing tool for students to demonstrate their understanding of the day's lesson. Require them to summarize key concepts, ask questions, or share their opinions. This quick form of assessment helps both students and teachers gauge the effectiveness of the lesson.</p><p>Interested in a FREE exit ticket for comprehension? Download the resource pictured below, by clicking <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/321-Reading-Exit-slip-680867" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/321-Reading-Exit-slip-680867" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH8O2TEqVs80xcibbDgfW2aqRzKSvNcGnx7uU2CcEjPkm6RvE7gW_orj0kRqj1ShTUt6sxxBac65blC27XyQKcdTwKD7pAN8RX_PYjimll4NdwsMSYYUfH6OlznWObESh4aFlvrUMMR-l_Uw6h7VMdtL455ShfIUjV5WJFuLJ38Rxw9nDonziZ9YLmBdc/w640-h640/321%20exit%20slips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>When you incorporate written opportunities to respond in the classroom, you are enhancing student comprehension while contributing to the development of communication, critical thinking and collaboration. Embracing the power of written expression truly empowers our students to deepen their educational journey!</p><p>If you are interested in deepening your knowledge about student engagement, check out <a href="https://www.nwea.org/blog/2015/research-proof-points-better-student-engagement-improves-student-learning/" target="_blank">How to Keep Kids Engaged in Class</a> from Edutopia. This is a great quick read with resources at the end! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>References</u></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">MacSuga-Gage, A. & Simonsen, B. (2015). Examining the effects of teacher directed opportunities to respond on student outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Education and Treatment of Children, 38, 211-240.</span></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-54673573556841090102023-10-02T20:12:00.004-07:002023-11-13T10:44:17.847-08:00Increasing Opportunities to Respond: Say Something Reponses (Part 2)Learning is not a spectator sport!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-0hwPXngvxVexnsP74kog7pi8sc1kLZBVFM0-YyygvM-gY8X6WvrxBs6KjRWADOk_xy-o3rEscrIn9JZCcZzhfF1nGIAnFGGU0_FwMsCVqIbPHC6Wln3Gh2IMvC14NkeMebrCC71JDQl7VPrj_9ZtmNMYvIh_2mzJj1mJ2Xzx-Uij2IDfx7i1yxtp-wY/s960/learning%20is%20not%20a%20spectator%20sport.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-0hwPXngvxVexnsP74kog7pi8sc1kLZBVFM0-YyygvM-gY8X6WvrxBs6KjRWADOk_xy-o3rEscrIn9JZCcZzhfF1nGIAnFGGU0_FwMsCVqIbPHC6Wln3Gh2IMvC14NkeMebrCC71JDQl7VPrj_9ZtmNMYvIh_2mzJj1mJ2Xzx-Uij2IDfx7i1yxtp-wY/w640-h640/learning%20is%20not%20a%20spectator%20sport.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br />During a lesson students should have LOTS of opportunities to respond by saying, writing and doing! And by lots, I mean 3-5 OTRs per minute for simple responses (verbal or gestural) and 1 OTR per minute when the OTR is more complex (think solving a multi-step math problem) (MacSuga-Gage & Simonsen, 2015).<br /><br />In my previous <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html">post</a>, I shared <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">FIVE ways students could engage with content </a>in a verbal way. And, today I am here to give you FIVE additional ways students can "say something" while they are learning. <br /><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Partner Response</h3><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Assign partners to students (Tip--pair a low performing student with an on grade level student).</li><li>Give partners a number (1, or 2) and have them sit next to one another</li><li>Teach students how to dialogue with a partner by looking, leaning and whispering. Determine if partner 1 or partner 2 will respond first.</li><li>Use this strategy when answers are long, different or require higher order thinking.</li><li><i>Example: </i></li><ul><li><i>Think: Teacher asks students a question (i.e. what might be an an alternative solution to this problem? )</i></li><li><i>Students think about what they know.</i></li><li><i>Partner: Each student gets with pre-assigned partner</i></li><li><i>Share: Students share their thinking with their partner. Teacher expands the share into a whole class discussion.</i></li></ul></ul><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Think-write-pair-share</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This is VERY similar to think, pair share, but with the addition of a written step. The teacher asks all students the same question, gives wait time to think, gives time for students to write a written response, and then students pair up and share their responses with a partner.</li><li><i>Example:</i></li><ul><li><i>Think: Teacher asks students a question (i.e. would you want to be friends with the main character in the book? )</i></li><li><i>Students think about what they know.</i></li><li><i>Write: Students write their thoughts on paper.</i></li><li><i>Pair: Each student gets with a partner</i></li><li><i>Share: Students share their thinking with their partner. Teacher expands the share into a whole class discussion.</i></li></ul></ul><div><br /></div><div>If you find yourself saying, "pick a partner," and kids inevitably choose the same person (aka their best friend)....then it is time to find a better way to pair students up! Check out the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" target="_blank">Student Pairing pack </a> which has <u style="font-weight: bold;">thirty</u> ways to pair students in a quick and organized fashion! </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of the ways include: speed dialers, clock pals, app friends, color buddies, states, regions, famous couples, etc.! </div><div><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.6em; padding: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="945" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJhk4DHRQh2TsRlh4w-ZKeCoPBrY_WCcvU4eVqGxFCB8Nymg8HfZtXwm8O0SHUjuyDeM8KlmzZ-MGfWejeJf8TsYPLPwEwazNCHxLmIHOv0E-Lc00Qb8rA6tjAF9p0XeQuy4b6-qCMA0bZYphyLjY7L7ZBsfbSvKoeXWOoM0AAJdoCw-dXEZfCnDmDsh81/w640-h486/partner%20cards%20preveiw%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RaRazotpY_nR1-ncSv_-akZKrwcv-Ii_FOh98iDsDLZHYYPMu_l85gQD68tH2FHv8lzhk0ZdqYWUgjCnGx9LFlJuSrwUJIjnim7w1j5nRoNG45CPmM1iAiBNKX_WXaBXMlhEqrBlrYETXZBiGuwEWw-mIdShzMVXk7hiprs9qt2czxxKqNWS38R5rZfA/w640-h640/partner%20picking.jpg" width="640" /></a></p></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Quartet Quiz</h3><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This technique was developed by Carol Ann Tomlinson in order to check the understanding of the whole class while creating small and large group processing</li><li><i>Example:</i></li><ul><li><i>The teacher poses a question about the content being learned. </i></li><li><i>Students think about their answer to the question.</i></li><li><i>Students meet in quads to share their answer and create</i></li><ul><li><i>"We know" statements</i></li><li><i>"We wonder" questions</i></li></ul><li><i>The teacher records the we know responses on the board and corrects any misconceptions</i></li><li><i>The teacher keeps recording until all answers are recorded</i></li><li><i>The teacher records the "we wonder" statements next to the "we know" statements that might relate. There may be no relationship, and that is okay.</i></li><li><i>The class discusses the "we wonder" statements</i></li><li><i>The class develops a closure/clarification/summary statement.</i></li></ul></ul><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Think, Turn & Talk</h3><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This is VERY similar to think, pair share, but instead of randomly finding a partner you turn and talk with peers in close proximity. The teacher asks all students the same question, gives wait time to think, and then students turn and talk about their thoughts with a partner.</li><li><i>Example:</i></li><ul><li><i>Think: Teacher asks students a question (i.e. would you want to be friends with the main character in the book? )</i></li><li><i>Students think about what they know</i></li><li><i>Turn to a peer close by</i></li><li><i>Talk: Students share their thoughts with their partner. Teacher expands the talk into a whole class discussion.</i></li></ul></ul><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Inside, Outside Circle</h3><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Inside-Outside Circle is a great technique to help students develop communication skills as they process or review taught information. It is also a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with a variety of peers. Checkout the video below from <a href="https://www.theteachertoolkit.com/" target="_blank">Teacher Toolkit!</a></li><li><i>Example:</i></li><ul><li><i>Students will form two equal circles.</i></li><li><i>Half of the group stands in a circle facing out, and the other half faces in.</i></li><li><i>The teacher provides a question with differing answers to the students.</i></li><li><i>With a signal from the teacher, the inside circle tells the person directly across from them (in the outside circle) their response.</i></li><li><i>The outside circle responds to the inside circle and then shares their response.</i></li><li><i>The teacher has one group (inside OR outside) circle rotate a space or two, and a new question is given.</i></li></ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="339" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rFCkaPM0zQ8" width="487" youtube-src-id="rFCkaPM0zQ8"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for more structures to add to your classroom, check out the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/1655788638561128239/5467357355684109010#">Teacher Toolkit!</a> Their website has tons of structures complete videos and adaptations! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-45877473849102935442023-09-02T18:11:00.005-07:002023-11-13T10:44:01.482-08:00Increasing Opportunities to Respond: Say Something Reponses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we have students re-engage with material again and again at spaced intervals, we are helping students cement learning to memory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best ways to create re-engagement with your learners is by providing ample opportunities to respond (OTRs). </span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Opportunities to respond is a teaching strategy that elicits students responses by posing questions or comments that provide students multiple occasions to answer (Cuticelli, Collier-Meek, & Coyne, 2016)</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you provide students with OTRs it makes learning:</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><ul style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Micro</b>. You are chunking and chewing content that has been delivered. Students get time to digest and process taught information.</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Interactive</b>. Students are involved in their learning</span></li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reinforced</b>. Students are asked to answer, comment or complete an activity about what they are learning. </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLqCvWf3APD1df3cXdytZr_FgKpYb394hM4S902Nhjt5sEVDTbu_EHiTJ_3jqLf47G1F4vDBnj2wx6-5bpXDoofqbtoWWLwy7_-wTr1NNEv3dPXt6pTN0sSTKSCsq7IDFU8WkeJ3vwgje3QtSRYn0t2wCpd4kAoCl-pjZRcImDBgUnuwfV0H1qMb0nmpu/s960/student%20engagement.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLqCvWf3APD1df3cXdytZr_FgKpYb394hM4S902Nhjt5sEVDTbu_EHiTJ_3jqLf47G1F4vDBnj2wx6-5bpXDoofqbtoWWLwy7_-wTr1NNEv3dPXt6pTN0sSTKSCsq7IDFU8WkeJ3vwgje3QtSRYn0t2wCpd4kAoCl-pjZRcImDBgUnuwfV0H1qMb0nmpu/w640-h640/student%20engagement.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><p></p><p><br /></p><div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://tennesseetsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Opportunities-to-Respond-Tips.pdf" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Research </a>tells us that teachers should provide 3-5 OTRs per minute for simple responses (verbal or gestural) and 1 OTR per minute when the OTR is more complex (think solving a multi-step math problem). For very complex tasks, like answering a prompt in writing, 1 OTR per 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient. (MacSuga-Gage & Simonsen, 2015).</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Learning is not a spectator sport</u></b>, so during a class period students should have plenty of opportunities to:</span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><ol style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit;"><b>say things</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit;"><b>write things</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit;"><b>do things </b></span></li></ol><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For this post, lets take a deep dive into saying things. Take a look at these <b><i>FIVE say something </i></b>strategies below: </span></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fefc82; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><span>1<span style="font-weight: normal;">. Choral Response: </span></span></span></h3></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The teacher asks all students the same question, gives wait time, and then gives a signal that cues students provide a response in unison. </span></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Example: </span></i></li><ul><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teacher: What is the capital of Kansas? </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give wait time </span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students: Topeka</span></i></li></ul></ul><div><i><br /></i></div><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: #fefc82; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2. Jigsaw</span></span></h3><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><ul><li><span>The teacher introduces a subject to be studied. The teacher then assigns students to a "home group" of 3-5 students. Each student in the "home group" is tasked to become an expert for a particular portion of the subject they are studying by getting into an "expert group" with other classmates.</span></li><li><span> The teacher provides each "expert group" with a resources (text selections, videos, websites, etc.) in order to become an expert. </span></li><li><span>After appropriate time studying, reading and dialoging with expert groups, students return to their "home groups" to teach the other members what they learned. </span></li><li>Resource: Check out this <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/jigsaw" target="_blank">video </a>from Reading Rockets to watch a jigsaw strategy in action. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj0zF1VoJl16Xm4nCIK9kimH_lWNCCJz5U0U2g68xoXjNQBvze-Zynr-5VFmXDxCbzZYVNt8Sfjx6dKFIyusr4xXozav8gQlJQOMtOh3gfVl7AAphRVgvgHK71byYFNapUQGbZxIskb3B0utCxbQ7mKQE2OjArLpRYlBDYhAOYWhkadWJoAxEsprefprm/s960/jigsaw%20image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYj0zF1VoJl16Xm4nCIK9kimH_lWNCCJz5U0U2g68xoXjNQBvze-Zynr-5VFmXDxCbzZYVNt8Sfjx6dKFIyusr4xXozav8gQlJQOMtOh3gfVl7AAphRVgvgHK71byYFNapUQGbZxIskb3B0utCxbQ7mKQE2OjArLpRYlBDYhAOYWhkadWJoAxEsprefprm/w640-h640/jigsaw%20image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fefc82; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">3. Numbered Heads Together</span></h3><div><span><ul style="background-color: white;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Numbered heads together is a great strategy that is helpful in reviewing taught concepts. Teachers will create groups and give each group a number 1-6. Within each group, members are also given a number 1-6. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The teacher asks a question and members of the group put their "heads together" to discuss the answer. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The teacher rolls two dice. The first dice is the group that gets to answer. The second dice is the person that gets to answer. Only the student within the group whose number is rolled may speak.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The student will stand and say, "WE decided the answer is...." </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the student is right, that group gets a point. If the students is wrong, the student does not get a point. </span></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Example: </span></i></li><ul><li><i><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teacher: Which character traits are stated directly, and which are implied by the author? </span></span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Numbered heads get together to discuss</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teacher: Rolls 2 dice (ex: 1, 6--group 1, member 6 answers)</span></i></li><li><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Student answers--if correct the group earns a point. </span></i></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resource: Check out this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLHDHlVhcug" target="_blank">video </a>to see numbered heads together in action!</span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white;"></h3><h3><span style="background-color: #fefc82; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">4. Whip Around</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This strategy actively engages all students and encourages participation by all. Students will write down answers to a prompt and quickly share their responses with their class. </span></li><li style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Example: </span></i></li><ul><li><span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i>Question</i></span></span></li><ul><li><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Pose a prompt that has multiple answers. Have students write down as many responses as possible.</i></span></li></ul><li><span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i>Whip Around</i></span></span></li><ul><li><span style="background-color: white;"><i>“Whip” around the room, calling on one student at a time. Have students share one of their responses. When called on, students should not repeat a response; they must add something new.</i></span></li></ul><li><span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><i> Discuss</i></span></span></li><ul><li><span style="background-color: white;"><i>After completing the whip around, have students discuss which ideas and themes showed up most in their responses.</i></span></li></ul></ul><li>If you are looking for some great question stems, check out <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blooms-Taxonomy-Question-Cards-355563" target="_blank">Blooms Taxonomy Question Cards</a>! The cards included are flexible and can be used with any text---and over 8 pages of questions!!</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="=https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blooms-Taxonomy-Question-Cards-355563" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fVRNDd0BpFeItDHoQkvLQO_lpfd0J8PxmhXn_ZScBe5yWKJA1FDRKbLKPGQhuYTjm5yIgmXGRs-GMl5ZEcP8xYx8swQW8G4OVAZemuVNkOIakw6_1wiFeG7UsUoT-7PHTPC61sdgIOnyRLBpVI9qwGN9vKnASVrWSjHCwL1C-Y3M4ZdPtZJgpaWBDM-W/w640-h640/blooms%20taxonomy%20question%20cards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resource: check out the whip around strategy in action by clicking <a href="http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/whip-around#:~:text=As%20the%20teacher%20%22whips%20around,something%20extra%20to%20the%20discussion." target="_blank">here</a>. On the <a href="http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/index.php/tool/whip-around#:~:text=As%20the%20teacher%20%22whips%20around,something%20extra%20to%20the%20discussion." target="_blank">Teacher Toolkit website</a>, there are also variations to the whip around strategy. </span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC4OsRddeoxyZ9ECauRj19lR-gYfCR9hpwv52n5tWU0UqrtCzvaYJwLflPdN8-t0LILKs1NPUiWyoh7Buo36xcceptUj_y-ul9hZKH1qDOtUe2ZjiiPuz0yMJd1zlaYAcZXlAJ379V-GXmrH2LYFqqGLWSZwFgv-AUgU7M6cV7o1eSK18CV_TRQcNtX11/s960/whip%20around.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC4OsRddeoxyZ9ECauRj19lR-gYfCR9hpwv52n5tWU0UqrtCzvaYJwLflPdN8-t0LILKs1NPUiWyoh7Buo36xcceptUj_y-ul9hZKH1qDOtUe2ZjiiPuz0yMJd1zlaYAcZXlAJ379V-GXmrH2LYFqqGLWSZwFgv-AUgU7M6cV7o1eSK18CV_TRQcNtX11/w640-h640/whip%20around.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"></span><strong style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"></strong><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"></span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;"></span><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-a6dde6b9-7fff-9b58-5496-424ab56bad07"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 16pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> <span style="background-color: #fefc82;">5. Think-Pair-Share</span></span></span></h3><ul style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The teacher asks all students the same question, gives wait time, and then students pair up and share their responses with a partner.</span></span></p></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Example: </span></span></p></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Think: Teacher asks students a question (i.e. what do you know about the civil war?) Students think about what they know.</span></span></p></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pair: Each student gets with a partner</span></span></p></li></ul><ul style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Share: Students share their thinking with their partner. Teacher expands the share into a whole class discussion</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resource: Check out this <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/think-pair-share">video </a>from Reading Rockets for further examples of think, pair, share. There are even suggestions for using think, pair, share in various subject areas. </span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you are struggling to find different ways to partner students, check out the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" target="_blank">Student Pairing Pack</a>! It has <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" target="_blank">THIRTY </a>ways to pair students!</p></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="=https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Pairing-30-Ways-to-Partner-Students-729780" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-1faQLtswKr5RRGmc-4C17fBAFjJTd6NUhVt8Tsq7wsyEL-DuFQlk5PdRBS1FqH6_-sdyHCLEMiTbGjQxLowOtQIYQJCYbAqDz2QQRqeeW4obxt81R0rh3MNRjEe5YGjmU8Nidbq4T07hBDLASuhQwkgyJGwMkGQPeDjAlBIY0HIIazGD4HPNQ5gmeIn/w640-h640/partner%20picking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div></span></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the above strategies are GREAT ways to get kids saying something during your instruction. I have no doubt you will see student success increase as you maximize students' chances to interact with taught material and increase engagement. </span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #4c2424; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">References</span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Cuticelli, M., Collier</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">‐</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Meek, M.A., & Coyne, M.D. (2016). Increasing
the Quality Of Tier 1 Reading Instruction: Using Performance Feedback To
Increase Opportunities To Respond During Implementation Of A Core Reading
Program. </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Psychology in the Schools, 53</span></em></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span>, 89-105</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">.</span></span></span><span face="Arial, Verdana, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px;">MacSuga-Gage, A. & Simonsen, B. (2015). Examining the effects of teacherdirected opportunities to respond on student outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Education and Treatment of Children, 38, 211-240.</span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #4c2424; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c2424; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.3333px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /></p></span></div><p></p></div></span></div></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-55144162472353135342023-08-18T13:28:00.002-07:002023-08-18T13:28:30.588-07:00A Teacher's Purpose<p>Many teachers across the nation are preparing to head back to school in the upcoming weeks, while some have already began their year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWXVwmOAJt9gtNe4pVVZBwVIRB9Ofv6QbYTP2v1Dqv84PIyHn6ybzE_WsjeH466bT4nmI9sXN1NXMKTbewBIq3stmnOmDhIqOB6xTvFskZ_54tOacr3TWv_Ry4tNEAC74mljpg5XMF5RFYaMUyzXluMlgvQEJTHNR4e7405mc0nokKyUwD8nRa_jmPw/s960/8.21.22%20teachers%20hanging%20on%20to%20summer%20%20meme.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWXVwmOAJt9gtNe4pVVZBwVIRB9Ofv6QbYTP2v1Dqv84PIyHn6ybzE_WsjeH466bT4nmI9sXN1NXMKTbewBIq3stmnOmDhIqOB6xTvFskZ_54tOacr3TWv_Ry4tNEAC74mljpg5XMF5RFYaMUyzXluMlgvQEJTHNR4e7405mc0nokKyUwD8nRa_jmPw/w640-h640/8.21.22%20teachers%20hanging%20on%20to%20summer%20%20meme.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Once the school year begins, teachers quickly get bogged down with never ending to-do lists, supplies to buy, curriculum to learn, and professional development to attend to. The list keeps going...... </p><p><span style="background-color: white;">This overflowing educational plate is all the more reason <b>teachers </b></span><b>should spend time reflecting on "why" they chose this profession.</b> </p><p>Each year I elect to read (and keep posted in my classroom) a poem adapted from Loren Eiseley's work titled "The Starfish Story." <b> It is a perfect message for teachers to recall why they do what we do</b>. </p><p>We are here to invest in youth. </p><p>Invest in our future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/The-Starfish-Story-2730170" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="576" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58fwmJPcEsY/Xz7YbLpwcHI/AAAAAAAACvI/IxhMd7W5OeUL0oqRmzP73X5amvrVTUhCACLcBGAsYHQ/w485-h800/starfish%2Bstory.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><p>Often I present professional development to first and second year teachers, and I like to give them this poem as they leave training. Attached to the poem, I glue a small plastic starfish to serve as a <span style="background-color: white;"><span>reminder of our true purpose in education</span><span>.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;">I know<b> all teachers</b> reach point in the school year when</span> <b>teaching seems too hard and they feel as if they are barely keeping their head above water.</b> My hope is that they will look at that little starfish, and take a moment to refocus and realize the impact they are making. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuOhY8H_MSQ/Xz7Zz9n-tmI/AAAAAAAACvU/h25bTPa_JiAjwNUt2oRag8Lpj9vF1WOCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/starfish%2Bblue%2Bstarfish.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuOhY8H_MSQ/Xz7Zz9n-tmI/AAAAAAAACvU/h25bTPa_JiAjwNUt2oRag8Lpj9vF1WOCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/starfish%2Bblue%2Bstarfish.JPG" /></a></div><p>If you would like to share "The Starfish Story" with your colleagues, click the first image above or click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/The-Starfish-Story-2730170">here </a>to download the poem for free. </p><p><br /></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-73355410120013082352023-08-13T18:41:00.002-07:002023-08-13T18:41:25.885-07:00Teacher Recommended Books to Ease Back to School Anxiety<p> Going back to school, or starting school for the very first time is a momentous occasion in every child's life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0HWyYgimmEkSWLfxcLAJPOyWnFajL0TZ_sNpCzQssO9tYeiQXPnDMN0dM_yQzoKDuUTjGhF5U_mpSQCOb6kiVRVvIKx9VSpnnangv9pHYrgxTEIYXWzRLyod91c3IFyOhQSjdu4gCim8yIecx1-Msl2O_J8CsV1f4wpzCvuZnhWv0nRheKUCQac0Ow/s960/8.10.22%20meme%20bts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0HWyYgimmEkSWLfxcLAJPOyWnFajL0TZ_sNpCzQssO9tYeiQXPnDMN0dM_yQzoKDuUTjGhF5U_mpSQCOb6kiVRVvIKx9VSpnnangv9pHYrgxTEIYXWzRLyod91c3IFyOhQSjdu4gCim8yIecx1-Msl2O_J8CsV1f4wpzCvuZnhWv0nRheKUCQac0Ow/w640-h640/8.10.22%20meme%20bts.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><i>Some kids</i> are <i>bursting with excitement</i> and can hardly wait for the first day back.</p><p><i>Others </i>have lots of <i>back to school butterflies</i> fluttering around in their bellies as they dread the start of school. </p><p>My son is one of the anxious ones. He started first grade this week, and was very worried! I get it!! There are so many new things for him to experience. He will see new spaces and new faces. He will meet new friends and start new routines. SO. MUCH. CHANGE! </p><div>As a parent, I wanted to <b>ease his first day jitters ahead of time</b> by reading books to help prepare him for his first day. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Books are truly an amazing way to reassure kids when new situations have them scared</b>. Authors do a fantastic job putting emotions into words and having relatable characters.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwFIVaImcSU/YR18VJuPdCI/AAAAAAAADXE/ZJpZ1ZEvTr4zmwUS-0y6fNKIwzoNO7ovgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/back%2Bto%2Bschool.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HwFIVaImcSU/YR18VJuPdCI/AAAAAAAADXE/ZJpZ1ZEvTr4zmwUS-0y6fNKIwzoNO7ovgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/back%2Bto%2Bschool.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div>Below are <b><i>six fantastic books</i></b> to help calm the nerves as students return to school.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Worrysaurus-Rachel-Bright/dp/1338634089/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=worrysaurus&qid=1629383427&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Worrysauraus</a> </b>by Rachel Bright (PreK-2)</div><div><br /></div><div>Perfect for any reader who might feel the flutter of an anxious butterfly in their tummy. The Worrysaurus has a wonderful day planned, but it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering his his tummy. What is he to do? With a little help from his mom, the worrysaurus finds a way to soothe the anxious butterflies. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIMgYCXiMvk/YR5rssG6CII/AAAAAAAADXM/cg-msnBOWpUWMm2MWH6R-uOKucvqUsBtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s242/worrysaurus.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="220" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIMgYCXiMvk/YR5rssG6CII/AAAAAAAADXM/cg-msnBOWpUWMm2MWH6R-uOKucvqUsBtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/worrysaurus.webp" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1939100429/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=kissing+hand&qid=1629383618&sr=8-1"><b>The Kissing Hand </b></a>by Audrey Penn (PreK-2)</div><div><br /></div><div>First published in 1993, this heartwarming book has touched the lives of millions of children as they struggle with separation. School is starting for Chester Raccoon, and he doesn't want to go. To help ease his fears, Mrs. Racoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give Chester the reassurance of love at any time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXY4VSFmd2Q/YR5r7OPzaoI/AAAAAAAADXQ/5e9iQ3fhR0QY6VpNfg0OU5TXZqZYkEqagCLcBGAsYHQ/s272/kissing%2Bhand.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="220" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXY4VSFmd2Q/YR5r7OPzaoI/AAAAAAAADXQ/5e9iQ3fhR0QY6VpNfg0OU5TXZqZYkEqagCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/kissing%2Bhand.webp" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wemberly-Worried-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0061857769/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=wembley+worried&qid=1629383705&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Wemberly Worried</a> </b>by Kevein Henkes (PreK-2)</div><div><br /></div><div>This book is a warm and comforting back to school book favored by many. Wemberly worries about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it is time for school to start, and Wemberly is worried even more. Wemberly gets to school and realizes that school is too much fun to waste time worrying!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5Pmll2MN4/YR5sQkMywVI/AAAAAAAADXc/gL0CFGADM9IbAZc_zL6kZssB_xPQgi-MACLcBGAsYHQ/s272/wembly%2Bworried.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="220" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5Pmll2MN4/YR5sQkMywVI/AAAAAAAADXc/gL0CFGADM9IbAZc_zL6kZssB_xPQgi-MACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/wembly%2Bworried.webp" width="220" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sad-Bear-Bears-Feelings/dp/1534452710/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sad+sad+bear&qid=1629383771&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><b>Sad, Sad Bear</b></a> by Kimberly Gee (PreK-K)</div><div><br /></div><div>Young readers can relate to bear as he experiences going to school or daycare for the very first time. Bear feels very, very sad as he is in cub care and mommy is at work. Luckily, with the help of some brand new friends, Bear is able to cheer up. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdHanN6bLQo/YR5sekNKcUI/AAAAAAAADXg/IBUDgkTgDs0pTSvv6SfA507iGYIjkrMDACLcBGAsYHQ/s220/sad%2Bsad%2Bbear.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdHanN6bLQo/YR5sekNKcUI/AAAAAAAADXg/IBUDgkTgDs0pTSvv6SfA507iGYIjkrMDACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/sad%2Bsad%2Bbear.webp" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-String-Patrice-Karst/dp/031648623X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KJ9AFC4D81QJ&dchild=1&keywords=invisible+string+book+for+kids&qid=1629383821&sprefix=invisible+string%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Invisible String</b></a> by Patrice Karst (Grades 2-4)<br /><br /></div><div>This book offers a simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation or loss that is easy for children to understand and welcome. In this reassuring story, a mother comforts her two children who are frightened. She explains that even when she isn't with them, that they are all connected with an invisible string. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_zJwnfKF8M/YR5ssXXUjeI/AAAAAAAADXo/f-WyPfldv_0AQot3V3SxikmiNxsygEZXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s220/invisible%2Bstring.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_zJwnfKF8M/YR5ssXXUjeI/AAAAAAAADXo/f-WyPfldv_0AQot3V3SxikmiNxsygEZXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/invisible%2Bstring.webp" width="220" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Misses-Mama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670061980/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ECRGB4L723FF&dchild=1&keywords=llama+llama+misses+mama&qid=1629383876&sprefix=llama+llam%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Llama Llama Misses Mama</a> </b>by Anna Dewdney (Prek-1)</div><div><br /></div><div>Little faces can connect with Little Llama as he experiences separation anxiety on his first day of school. Little llama has a strange new teacher, strange new toys and there is lots of kids and lots of noise. Little llama doesn't know what to do, and he feels so new! <br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01T06u9su9c/YR5s8vxneGI/AAAAAAAADX0/obltNGbQJLoAuhsmO-3LdRmD9avE4loegCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/lllam%2Bmisses%2Bmama.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="485" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01T06u9su9c/YR5s8vxneGI/AAAAAAAADX0/obltNGbQJLoAuhsmO-3LdRmD9avE4loegCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lllam%2Bmisses%2Bmama.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>For more back to school book suggestions check out this list from <a href="https://www.today.com/parents/first-day-school-books-tackle-first-day-jitters-t157919" target="_blank">Today</a> or <a href="https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/top-11-books-to-ease-back-to-school-jitters.htm" target="_blank">Scholastic</a>. </div><div><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-44727989527906834752023-07-18T11:52:00.001-07:002023-11-13T10:45:38.826-08:00Learning Reinforcement: The Best Way to Fight Learning Loss<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Are your students forgetful, and their forgetfulness is driving you cRaZy?</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">If yes--read my previous post about <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Forgetting Curve</a>. It will probably answer some questions you have.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Dhs3Ez35jZVsTaE8T7wNkexorRsUGO4Qg8CF2DdEJSQYcembQgvGMXB8Sbcd297mIXVFF992gSrObKIGqxVk8W8_GtN8P1qxDso79iT4TupzsG35xWwfdJlubCxd0S26_o71oU73V0eUISiRFJvRfqoUg99pdtqXXPY1nZCT0TBw3nn9yy8uBtzB27iX/s960/students%20not%20remembering.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Dhs3Ez35jZVsTaE8T7wNkexorRsUGO4Qg8CF2DdEJSQYcembQgvGMXB8Sbcd297mIXVFF992gSrObKIGqxVk8W8_GtN8P1qxDso79iT4TupzsG35xWwfdJlubCxd0S26_o71oU73V0eUISiRFJvRfqoUg99pdtqXXPY1nZCT0TBw3nn9yy8uBtzB27iX/w640-h640/students%20not%20remembering.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Obviously students forgetting taught information is NOT great for educators, BUT....there is a way to combat the forgetting curve. Read about the FIVE ways to soften forgetfullness by reading <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" target="_blank">The Forgetting Curve: Why Students Keep Forgetting and What Teachers Can Do About It</a>!</p><p>Perhaps one of the biggest findings in Herman Ebbinghaus's original forgetting experiment was that re-engaging with material again and again, at spaced intervals leads to a dramatic reduction in forgetting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n9TIzv7-0QEyM0kPOhD00uK-RucYZH-XiJWGy2JyLU4T65KWsXIzmS8tLZ_z2bFpZ361JMrkhRmX4ZEqCBbn4XQGjYe_A0GH0b9EkOCKdyiLp9yYYaLYgdlyprInsO3pZq9IFvJs7T0Zr_-PjeBC3oZWdc5uouHY7qRMKa6Mz_PW0lr-AYDnau4OOROR/s960/rate%20of%20forgetting%20with%20retrieval.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n9TIzv7-0QEyM0kPOhD00uK-RucYZH-XiJWGy2JyLU4T65KWsXIzmS8tLZ_z2bFpZ361JMrkhRmX4ZEqCBbn4XQGjYe_A0GH0b9EkOCKdyiLp9yYYaLYgdlyprInsO3pZq9IFvJs7T0Zr_-PjeBC3oZWdc5uouHY7qRMKa6Mz_PW0lr-AYDnau4OOROR/w640-h640/rate%20of%20forgetting%20with%20retrieval.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div>So, as teachers, we need to design lessons where students are asked to re-retrieve information at spaced intervals. Hello.....opportunities to respond (OTRs)! OTRs are an excellent way to help cement learning to memory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Opportunities to respond is a teaching strategy that elicits students responses by posing questions or comments that provide students multiple occasions to answer (Cuticelli, Collier-Meek, & Coyne, 2016)</div><div><br /></div><div>When you provide students with OTRs it makes learning:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Micro</b>. You are chunking and chewing content that has been delievered. Students get time to digest and process taught information.</li><li><b>Interactive</b>. Students are involved in their learning</li><li><b>Reinforced</b>. Students are asked to answer, comment or complete an activity about what they are learning. </li></ul><div><div><a href="https://tennesseetsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Opportunities-to-Respond-Tips.pdf" target="_blank">Research </a>tells us that teachers should provide 3-5 OTRs per minute for simple responses (verbal or gestural) and 1 OTR per minute when the OTR is more complex (think solving a multi-step math problem). For very complex tasks, like answering a prompt in writing, 1 OTR per 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient. (MacSuga-Gage & Simonsen, 2015).</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, although an increase in OTRs is good....the goal should be quality OTRs over quantity. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE8TrlB_s_OMWUll3t-TeTcpsduEGFVwEPnklhlz0hKy1oeIdf_dlXMY0gNGrMYyyYiMXU1pv6v_t-nvjLPGPNjfvGboflZLEeR0tDxeb6Be6DryOXj-MI3o2NGejN2IHT0wNywNfz21WFo2bvqnCnk2V8KMv3SkYeeY7GheJ11O3xFKkCi0KNXs_JeLn/s960/OTR%20quote.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE8TrlB_s_OMWUll3t-TeTcpsduEGFVwEPnklhlz0hKy1oeIdf_dlXMY0gNGrMYyyYiMXU1pv6v_t-nvjLPGPNjfvGboflZLEeR0tDxeb6Be6DryOXj-MI3o2NGejN2IHT0wNywNfz21WFo2bvqnCnk2V8KMv3SkYeeY7GheJ11O3xFKkCi0KNXs_JeLn/w640-h640/OTR%20quote.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, what might be some ways to get quality OTRs in your classroom?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Students should be: </b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/09/say-something-reponses.html" target="_blank">Saying things</a></b></li><li><b><a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/11/increasing-opportunities-to-respond.html" target="_blank">Writing things</a></b></li><li><b>Doing things </b></li></ol><div><br /></div></div><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We will take a deep dive into the three types of OTRs in the preceeding blog posts! So, stay tuned. </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the meantime, take a look at this resource from <a href="https://tennesseetsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Opportunities-to-Respond-Tips.pdf" target="_blank">Tennessee Behavior Supports Project at Vanderbuilt University</a> Or, this resource from the <a href="https://www.classroomcheckup.org/increasing-opportunities-to-respond/" target="_blank">Institute of Education Sciences </a>which is funded by the US Department of Education. </p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">References</div><div><br /></div><div>MacSuga-Gage, A. & Simonsen, B.
(2015). Examining the effects of teacherdirected opportunities to respond on
student outcomes: A systematic review
of the literature. Education and Treatment
of Children, 38, 211-240.</div><div><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-64856936922945413972023-07-06T04:49:00.001-07:002023-07-06T04:49:34.717-07:00The Forgetting Curve: Why We Keep Forgetting and What Teachers Can Do About It<p>Are your students forgetful, and their forgetfulness is driving you bananas?</p><p>If yes--read my previous post about <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" target="_blank">The Forgetting Curve</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6YJkIs1rispTE23OTTv6T-QCNcx2tdV-ljSpEQJ1Psv1d8DleMlfcdtweqwe1T3I8DCv3wf5jtimT2sIi2lYcFH12nc3DdlNleA-uRdpLhMx618cocCssw-b44KZkFOU5mSN1AG9h1A9Qt6wkJs_ojzHacjY4CKQgxYA0fnBh7yRd2oxeFgqrv1fEnJX/s16000/frogetting%20curve%20pin%201.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Basically, our brains are hardwired to get rid of any information they don't deem necessary for survival. <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" target="_blank">The Forgetting Curve</a> presents a real challenge for educators.....after all our job is to bestow knowledge to students.</p><p><b>So how do we fight the forgetting curve? How do we help students retain taught information? </b></p><p>We combat the Forgetting Curve in following ways:</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Improve Clarity</h3><div><br /></div><div>Make information easy to absorb from the onset by using <a href="https://blog.bigideaslearning.com/how-to-use-learning-intentions-and-success-criteria-remotely-and-in-the-classroom" target="_blank">learning intentions and success criteria.</a> We want students to know what we will teach them and how they will know they're successful. We should tell them BEFORE we teach. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this quick video about learning intentions an success criteria from educational guru, John Hattie:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dvzeou_u2hM" width="484" youtube-src-id="dvzeou_u2hM"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Learning Reinforcement</h3><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps one of the <i><u>biggest findings</u></i> in Ebbinghaus's original experiment was that re-engaging with material again and again, at spaced intervals, leads to a dramatic reduction in <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-forgetting-curve-why-we-keep.html" target="_blank">the forgetting curve</a> (check out that graph below!)</div><div><br /></div><div>So, as teachers, we need to design lessons where students are asked to re-retrieve information at spaced intervals. This is an excellent way to help cement learning to memory.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JLXE1MK-psB9IQCkb3dAqSxRv2QwbDNpsjJ5jKozK_ocA2gLRemDHUYhtwRXNQws4xQSj21kCUZS55xFz_-cK91P7WWCnMIzv5WSc6c2U9ba5Itb6lp3G8aBhQN495LgVC-IJxqC1ch79eGFGRDvsfFQ6zr6akYwlIMvISlC72WuxhSDNSsoJIqpEkgx/s960/rate%20of%20forgetting%20with%20retrieval.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JLXE1MK-psB9IQCkb3dAqSxRv2QwbDNpsjJ5jKozK_ocA2gLRemDHUYhtwRXNQws4xQSj21kCUZS55xFz_-cK91P7WWCnMIzv5WSc6c2U9ba5Itb6lp3G8aBhQN495LgVC-IJxqC1ch79eGFGRDvsfFQ6zr6akYwlIMvISlC72WuxhSDNSsoJIqpEkgx/w640-h640/rate%20of%20forgetting%20with%20retrieval.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Make Learning Relevant</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>We all remember information easier if the topic is something we are passionate about. How might we present information to students to help them care about it and to help them see the relevancy? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Make Learning Interactive</h3><div><br /></div><div>People learn better when they are actively involved. We must give learners opportunities to interact with the content and not be passive observers. <b>Learning is not a spectator sport!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Use Microlearning </h3><div><br /></div><div>Microlearning is a fancy word for chunking and chewing information. Information is easier to learn when it comes in bite-sized pieces. A long teaching session makes it difficult for our brains to absorb all of the information. </div><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-39825238946806649552023-06-25T16:00:00.000-07:002023-06-25T16:00:13.040-07:00The Forgetting Curve: Why We Keep Forgetting<p>Have you ever experienced teaching a skill and when you bring it up again, students act like they have never heard it? </p><p>Annoying, right?</p><p>Or, you begin to build upon learning students were supposed to have mastered last year, and THEY SWEAR they NEVER were taught it?</p><p>Frustrating, right? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsol9ORfGzlUt-5GKTp2jQER7E7pXcN_sCCE3oo5N10fn9a-7FCMr2dYl7CHyek9biMVkgI5Ypqd-31gDWaeaZvY72fX-pJqe5BL7EtN0_bptW9DF_c56DkCZ0xQywIzY-wbKyiXF17cYUXp2WXynQeSQraam2e5gaP99NOjh1xdg-K4yMEtd2zXNZiPy1/s960/students%20not%20remembering.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsol9ORfGzlUt-5GKTp2jQER7E7pXcN_sCCE3oo5N10fn9a-7FCMr2dYl7CHyek9biMVkgI5Ypqd-31gDWaeaZvY72fX-pJqe5BL7EtN0_bptW9DF_c56DkCZ0xQywIzY-wbKyiXF17cYUXp2WXynQeSQraam2e5gaP99NOjh1xdg-K4yMEtd2zXNZiPy1/w640-h640/students%20not%20remembering.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Well, it turns out.....your students might be telling you the truth. </p><p>They might really have forgotten.</p><p>Over 100 years ago, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus wanted to understand more about memory, why we forget and what we can do to prevent it. </p><p>So, he conducted a study, using himself as the subject. </p><p>He presented himself with a list of nonsense CVC words (i.e. dok, bov ) and attempted to recall those nonsense words over different lengths of time.</p><p><b>Ebbinghaus discovered that when you first learn something, the information disappears at an exponential rate without retention. </b></p><p>According to Ebbinghaus's research you lose 50% of all information within a day and 90% of all new information within a week (Virtanen, 2023). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RmAFQ0yaoC2Rc1kT1pzTajKQ3ZLLoSJFuj1jagZSY_9AidjdwSS3bgvlbDUR8hW4td9d6QicuarZnJBLh8LyW2jUkF6Qyqrk_6MlqUVPJegTFczuQJ-lb-jGBb5r4Q86FXoOtzbO3uFRuG2wA7QQaul9Q8jYq82_dZofhHH_ilxO_cCKQKW340wgBfna/s960/Forgetting%20Curve%20graph.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RmAFQ0yaoC2Rc1kT1pzTajKQ3ZLLoSJFuj1jagZSY_9AidjdwSS3bgvlbDUR8hW4td9d6QicuarZnJBLh8LyW2jUkF6Qyqrk_6MlqUVPJegTFczuQJ-lb-jGBb5r4Q86FXoOtzbO3uFRuG2wA7QQaul9Q8jYq82_dZofhHH_ilxO_cCKQKW340wgBfna/w640-h640/Forgetting%20Curve%20graph.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>Check out this short video from <a href="https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/" target="_blank">Growth Engineering</a>, which does a fantastic job describing the forgetting curve! This would be a great video to share with administrators and fellow teachers.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCsQHe-NpaM" width="484" youtube-src-id="SCsQHe-NpaM"></iframe></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Over the years, many researchers have replicated Ebbinghaus's study to see if his findings were accurate. </p><p>AND.....all studies reached the same conclusion Ebbinghaus did. The forgetting curve is real, folks! </p><p>So what were the findings Ebbinghaus discovered about knowledge retention? The four key takeaways are:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Relevancy </b></span> </span></span></h3><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Memories are stronger when an individual has an interest in the information being presented.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Time</b></span></span></span></h3><br /><div><ul><li>The biggest drop in retention happens soon after learning. Learners will forget an average of 90% of new information within the first seven days.</li></ul></div></div><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Presentation</b></span> </span></h3><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The way information is presented matters. Make learning logical and clear.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Feelings</span></b></span></h3><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Physiological factors (such as sleep and stress) influence how well we retain information. </li></ul><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>We know the forgetting curve is real.</p><p>We know brains are hard wired to get rid of any information they don't deem necessary for survival.</p><p>So, as educators, how do we combat the forgetting curve? How do we help our students' memory? </p><p>Check out the next post in the series, to answer just that! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>References</b></p><p></p><div></div><p></p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -1cm;">Virtanen, A. (2023, February 23). <i>What is the forgetting curve and how can you combat it?</i>. Growth Engineering. <a href="https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/what-is-the-forgetting-curve/#:~:text=Ebbinghaus%20discovered%20that%20reviewing%20new,help%20it%20to%20become%20stronger.">https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/what-is-the-forgetting-curve/#:~:text=Ebbinghaus%20discovered%20that%20reviewing%20new,help%20it%20to%20become%20stronger. </a></p></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-22767049215698245152023-06-15T05:08:00.000-07:002023-06-15T05:08:13.558-07:00Teacher Recommended Books to Celebrate Summer<p><span style="background-color: white;">Warmer weather has arrived!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Alarm clocks are turned off, and lazy summer days are here to stay. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Well....here to stay for at least a couple of months. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5hSu0QgjMviEE4P1IEtidaY67iOwxlPUf2qVeHYTY_pCOrkU9N4f02uVmo3JSBIOzOe4rpekkSfDLePZUCoCLjwPigJul0M4ZR7dHBsk0MTswdZrrGyKxRpV60V0yXxp5qFUavq2SrIPQAegwUFb0Opq_yGwqbmRlEsXujEASbTp42VPmDv52yla4Q/s960/sweet%20summertime%206.22.22.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5hSu0QgjMviEE4P1IEtidaY67iOwxlPUf2qVeHYTY_pCOrkU9N4f02uVmo3JSBIOzOe4rpekkSfDLePZUCoCLjwPigJul0M4ZR7dHBsk0MTswdZrrGyKxRpV60V0yXxp5qFUavq2SrIPQAegwUFb0Opq_yGwqbmRlEsXujEASbTp42VPmDv52yla4Q/w640-h640/sweet%20summertime%206.22.22.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Whether you plan to spend these delightful days at the beach, by the pool, in a tent or in the comforts of an air conditioned home....make sure to crack open one of these summertime favorites to delight everyone in the family! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYx0n5Hjwof8ZUEqHkUeJhkKyWefBHWjULHd-q22MetfJgHGibD4DkzeuW19zHtHi5oWdVyFnH11puqn650ArMP35riy3UKU3IXjJnlWKyiU2jCjS5_UtSay0xE4McDxubPuK-QjWthIa8pzhRZcF-iD-HA4wmSz-0x-EbQXFJXCWjSlCP6-UefbfDQ/s960/BOOKS%20THAT%20CELEBRATE%20SUMMER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYx0n5Hjwof8ZUEqHkUeJhkKyWefBHWjULHd-q22MetfJgHGibD4DkzeuW19zHtHi5oWdVyFnH11puqn650ArMP35riy3UKU3IXjJnlWKyiU2jCjS5_UtSay0xE4McDxubPuK-QjWthIa8pzhRZcF-iD-HA4wmSz-0x-EbQXFJXCWjSlCP6-UefbfDQ/w480-h640/BOOKS%20THAT%20CELEBRATE%20SUMMER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The following <b>seven books celebrate all that summer has to offer. </b> There is a book about camping, visiting the beach, swimming, amusement parks and spending quality times with loved ones.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060284412/readingrockets-20?scrlybrkr=7929e055" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWj8_5ilPuLibxa3olZ8lnPvH3DYDH3fqaqBj0AVhXHb_L66ZmCoX5mlsMgto1_yI8QPkQ9XIYp5CLWRayTwpdhQfRXF5ANBkduHjAIt0FfOs2LxyY0V8FQFcvWEqG1V_uFSoswTP84r7qvkWrD2kbuvlaTKy-M3lORzRKQlIRsp7DBBdt9y69iVf_sQ/s320/Katie%20Matz%20makes%20a%20splash.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3NUd2va" target="_blank">Katie Catz Makes a Splash </a> by Anne Rockwell</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Do you have a child that is afraid to swim? Katie Catz was terrified to swim, but she learned how from ultracool Patsy Polarbear just in time to attend Brendan and Belinda Porker's birthday party. Young swimmers can share Katie's fears AND celebrate with her as she completes her first lap across the pool. This is a great book at bout facing fears and taking chances!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSD_QUepb00Lr1i65f8kV8073qwum4TORbGXeKVnYvB0uRRtLcq0f48leAB4axKwH92VCIuO8Xu_oG6e2G152gmh8iTbcKG5L8Ytv6SvYTzVR8rYeZwSUk-atDs2XYb1t-g68nrTKRKxVh7IU0RmtU9N7LfGobQLHgSKQ8yzdZ1cwyPoqTk_XPZISqA/s500/On%20the%20way%20to%20the%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSD_QUepb00Lr1i65f8kV8073qwum4TORbGXeKVnYvB0uRRtLcq0f48leAB4axKwH92VCIuO8Xu_oG6e2G152gmh8iTbcKG5L8Ytv6SvYTzVR8rYeZwSUk-atDs2XYb1t-g68nrTKRKxVh7IU0RmtU9N7LfGobQLHgSKQ8yzdZ1cwyPoqTk_XPZISqA/s320/On%20the%20way%20to%20the%20beach.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3mHD4GN" target="_blank">On the Way to the Beach </a>by Henry Cole</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Little readers will follow a young girl on a summer stroll to the beach. As she walks, she passes through the woods, a marsh and sand dunes. She often pauses to observe and think about the wildlife watching her. A foldout reveals animals, birds, insects and plants in each of the coastal settings---which is great for curious young minds!</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060529210/readingrockets-20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuCoCi8S9RbuGMPzeTLTcllQ0N8IvhGHyc26JtEwcMK5W8z0wEEWYHWhR8gvXnWnHclPOQiMWqWHOiAj1uJLJnpnqBkUlcr-YOOvc_RMwzvgdqyDDU8elPZ5lHX4RDRN3oSJ3FIZGFvjH7HHP0dVYo6aC87coIQ-htrDwgrcfBZWkHpfjB2z8jF6krw/s320/zigby%20camps%20out.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3xpDRCg" target="_blank">Zigby Camps Out </a>by Mr. Brian Patterson</span></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 15.4px;">Follow along as Zigby Zebra and his friends decide to campout in the deepest, darkest part of the jungle. When Zigby and his pals get cold, hungry and scared they decide to pack it in, head home and eat dinner. Zigby finishes his campout in the safety of his own backyard. I'm sure Zigby's camping story rings true for many families who have "camped" for the first time. </span></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildKCGrWzsYFlJSYixYNT7mL3g3TcWckzPCBmo32rRcXlaebigwzGNlyz9z7uKj27sl1VtpHAPh4AMk4elSsxUOy6HNww5Sy56MM1Bpom9jgDyEezkkZUCb4FuRK3JK1B0rliXmhikCJVnoz8uFHEhHSS0Cezp101fJO71Z1P9kyt5SlTHi7aWg1iSdg/s500/blackout.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildKCGrWzsYFlJSYixYNT7mL3g3TcWckzPCBmo32rRcXlaebigwzGNlyz9z7uKj27sl1VtpHAPh4AMk4elSsxUOy6HNww5Sy56MM1Bpom9jgDyEezkkZUCb4FuRK3JK1B0rliXmhikCJVnoz8uFHEhHSS0Cezp101fJO71Z1P9kyt5SlTHi7aWg1iSdg/s320/blackout.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3GXpGrg" target="_blank">Blackout </a>by John Rocco</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">One hot summer night in the city, all of the power goes out. What is a family to do? They can't use the phone, work on the computer, watch tv....or even finish cooking dinner. John Rocco authors this lovely story about the pure joy in being fully present in the moment. </p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2BzQpzSFBDGK1XsVPewwc1rssqBmm2GPnuSZMQIOi19Nm_X-5uKMcO_tWpCS6DrdRJFVza-A2ErE64Wcj3Yug7Ebf-L_vUGjj4mS5AkAub-0g9XleJpIldCQ9ybCtLL63osLeSDvGGGO1qZXmXvDUITLsX5N9ZOYou3FK8_n7G2mUd0aTt5A93bR0w/s773/Lucille%20Camps%20In.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2BzQpzSFBDGK1XsVPewwc1rssqBmm2GPnuSZMQIOi19Nm_X-5uKMcO_tWpCS6DrdRJFVza-A2ErE64Wcj3Yug7Ebf-L_vUGjj4mS5AkAub-0g9XleJpIldCQ9ybCtLL63osLeSDvGGGO1qZXmXvDUITLsX5N9ZOYou3FK8_n7G2mUd0aTt5A93bR0w/s320/Lucille%20Camps%20In.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3mms4hF" target="_blank">Lucille Camps</a><a href="http://"> </a>In by Kathryn Lasky</p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Poor Lucille is too young to go on the camping trip with her dad and older siblings, and she is NOT happy about it. Lucille's mom tries everything to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work.....until Lucille gets an idea of her own! Lucille and her mom are going to camp in!! A delightful story about how your imagination can take you anywhere!!</p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nlz3eIgQFQGledDUWuoaMkdHpcYtJTS9P3XPyLrJiRpF5JZVBkFvSUCMOsUI8UwKieDD1TlGi5FzLLaTA6SKtvnxq66e1fMPxlOIj6mRc6NR93-GEz8qR2L0jRWdBdFLEQrM78ZE8Zuc9nha5b08rpWeiWA7ES7MbJ-46hpyTl1lf_9eW0GC2LD0ag/s500/rOLLER%20COASTER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nlz3eIgQFQGledDUWuoaMkdHpcYtJTS9P3XPyLrJiRpF5JZVBkFvSUCMOsUI8UwKieDD1TlGi5FzLLaTA6SKtvnxq66e1fMPxlOIj6mRc6NR93-GEz8qR2L0jRWdBdFLEQrM78ZE8Zuc9nha5b08rpWeiWA7ES7MbJ-46hpyTl1lf_9eW0GC2LD0ag/s320/rOLLER%20COASTER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Q72ESP" target="_blank">Roller Coaster</a> by Marla Frazee</p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Do you like riding a roller coaster, but hate the wait? If so...check out this book, as it has all of the excitement without the dreaded long line! This book is so fun to read aloud with sounds like clacking and yelling as the text loops and drops! </p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlUO9N8Y3ZZqFRvAqJStxNQNf4tWnwd-VdUkHpoBHg0HAtSBpm-ltsBhGp5ADqfmuC_8Vrb7e3siPengZsITjWodnhtsO5CiFDEo7E2KVVcDR1nptzsjyAcDR8l4E6CqpEmBc8hl8pcUpYwrSoYLnCyDOtG_QDW0YA3__OsRkobW12CC0Xl6tnQ-e9A/s500/And%20then%20comes%20summer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="500" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlUO9N8Y3ZZqFRvAqJStxNQNf4tWnwd-VdUkHpoBHg0HAtSBpm-ltsBhGp5ADqfmuC_8Vrb7e3siPengZsITjWodnhtsO5CiFDEo7E2KVVcDR1nptzsjyAcDR8l4E6CqpEmBc8hl8pcUpYwrSoYLnCyDOtG_QDW0YA3__OsRkobW12CC0Xl6tnQ-e9A/s320/And%20then%20comes%20summer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3xsy9zB" target="_blank">And Then Comes Summer </a>by Tom Brenner</span></span><div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">This ode to summer will delight anyone who has ever counted down the days until school gets out. Tom Brenner has a summer favorite for everyone in this book--flip flops, hide and seek, fireworks, ice cream trucks, lemonade stands and even roasting marshmallows! This book leaves little doubt that summer is a season like none other!<br /></span></span></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Are you looking for more great summer book reads? Check out this list from </span><a href="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/childrens-books-for-summer-fun" style="font-size: 15.4px;" target="_blank">PBS</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"> or </span><a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/booklists/summer-stories" style="font-size: 15.4px;" target="_blank">Reading Rockets</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">!</span></p></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-45495178211041711692023-06-06T19:43:00.001-07:002023-06-06T19:43:19.011-07:00A Teacher's Summer Bucket List<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">My previous blog </span><a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/05/summer-bucket-lists-for-students.html" style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">post </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">was devoted to kids and what they want to do over the summer months. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">BUT.........</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">What about us? What about teachers? What about adults? <b>We DESERVE to make fun plans for ourselves too!!</b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Can I get an Amen?!?!</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Every school year is taxing for educators, administration and support staff.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlIJ4S_JguovC1U7Hm90e8OiN1RHPp5zY6aCPzILiZ1yPeOL82HODxNx8MaH0_5s5jEXDzenlOdLz9fObGwHTNoK47goLZ7U0TZ25IlsB8RD6m_rLmnwO_Y0NRf8-N1nTkVqvDTVtiSwPRKwz5jOEXeulzicImpZ17b08DG33fGwnbtzwZJZw6UcdWw/s960/Teacher%20tired%20end%20of%20year%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlIJ4S_JguovC1U7Hm90e8OiN1RHPp5zY6aCPzILiZ1yPeOL82HODxNx8MaH0_5s5jEXDzenlOdLz9fObGwHTNoK47goLZ7U0TZ25IlsB8RD6m_rLmnwO_Y0NRf8-N1nTkVqvDTVtiSwPRKwz5jOEXeulzicImpZ17b08DG33fGwnbtzwZJZw6UcdWw/w640-h640/Teacher%20tired%20end%20of%20year%201.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Your summer break should be spent doing things that make you feel rested and recharged! </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">All too often summer break seems to quickly slip through our fingers, and <b>we arrive at the beginning of August and wonder how the new school year arrived so quickly?!?</b> </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Summer is an elusive little season, isn't it? </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">In order to take full advantage of your time off, I urge you to make a Summer Bucket list for yourself! </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Bucket lists are a great ways to ensure that relaxation, fun and meaningful moments happen.</b> By the end of the summer I want to look back on the the two months and have something to show for it---and I want that for you too! </p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-6895831" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="574" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY0eNUGFP-k/YKvofZ2XLNI/AAAAAAAADLo/t_9mF7wHHMs4zx6Hv12CzLBo3RR_hYSGACPcBGAYYCw/s16000/Teacher%2Bbucket%2Blist%2Bpreveiw%2B1.JPG" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Click </span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-6895831" style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">, or the image below to download this </span><b style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><i>free resource</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">! Included in the download are multiple bucket list bingo boards. There are two pre-filled bucket boards with lots of fun options! You don't even have to think of your own fun--just print and start enjoying life. Ha! </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">There are also two boards that are mostly filled, but with a few blank spaces. The mostly filled option is great if you have a few of your own ideas you want to insert! Last, there is a completely blank board for those of you who have a brain swimming with fun ideas!</p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-6895831" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJr1KY2pCKw/YKvvFDkRhQI/AAAAAAAADMI/MjqcTqWyl9susf94AUA0OaWAViX_4Vk5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Bucket%2BList%2BTeachers.jpg" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I truly hope you find this Summer Bucket List for Teachers helpful and that you have an opportunity to take these next few months to take time for yourself.</div><p><br /></p><p>Summer is the perfect season to slow down, take a deep breath and breath fresh perspective into your life. Remember that self care doesn't mean me first, it just means me too! If you are looking or more ways to relax and take care of yourself click <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2020/08/50-self-care-ideas-for-teachers.html" target="_blank">here </a>or the image below!</p><p> <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2020/08/50-self-care-ideas-for-teachers.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AP0Ad16b0qg/YKvu8L6syGI/AAAAAAAADME/-7Maidl5uxo26m7luZMMvYqyKLfB7pqAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/self%2Bcare%2Bthumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-43119287452861355012023-05-29T07:26:00.002-07:002023-05-29T07:26:27.228-07:00Summer Bucket Lists for Students <p>My brain is already buzzing about what fun things I want to do this summer! </p><p>Now, If I am thinking all of these summery things.... I know my students are thinking about it too! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5iNbz1d4gIP5pG9-V0VzJM58_5URsP3XauaWNo1iKZkQbE_E-UvHbYrMjsJuyn_jsuEb4Ghf87-VxWpJPurrG7o1Q_Wko5dN9jJqkKOTDB5Nc071VGWZhLm8wZnf6DvvHhE6qY0-sknCpvKFvjtt0Uao4zk7gwsvoNk86LBPbJFKROThImkHibhbnw/s960/school%20year%20over%20whaaaat.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5iNbz1d4gIP5pG9-V0VzJM58_5URsP3XauaWNo1iKZkQbE_E-UvHbYrMjsJuyn_jsuEb4Ghf87-VxWpJPurrG7o1Q_Wko5dN9jJqkKOTDB5Nc071VGWZhLm8wZnf6DvvHhE6qY0-sknCpvKFvjtt0Uao4zk7gwsvoNk86LBPbJFKROThImkHibhbnw/w640-h640/school%20year%20over%20whaaaat.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>A great project to get your kids' sunny thoughts down on paper is to have them create a<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Summer-Bucket-List-Flipbook-Activity-6886629" target="_blank"> summer bucket list! </a></p><p>I love this project as an end of the year capstone. I <i>double </i>love it because it is easily adaptable to multiple ages and grade levels. Click the image below to download it for <b>FREE</b>!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Summer-Bucket-List-Flipbook-Activity-6886629" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmKMgHC8O8CiupNPwnjcHGYojQkYbnyninUdYhyiFR0u-hsAbN40wUn5xFILt5vUFr8TgnH0dI9EoJbrn_ysMIRuPOV2i-Ec_4SxaHrOeLXT3DrmoHPSAXGDcqqpUHHX6u3ySvhN2Y3YGoYPzwutUZYHgY9FZdBOzw5F2SpT2c9HxmOpeWhNmMjDsuw/w640-h640/Summer%20bucket%20list%20for%20kids.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>For beginning writers, use the buckets with sentence stems. New writers simply have to fill in their thoughts! If you have a writer that really struggles, use an adult or fellow student to act as a scribe. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Summer-Bucket-List-Flipbook-Activity-6886629" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="556" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlwfqgRIedPO2QH0lGj3h_cIuSWoYzBCb9Bb77oCxgo0GEpGgTrN8vDvx4N5YxQiL5V-1KUK96iD6txktswY1Q156kIlicMaOSVH6ebItezLGNghn1ta8sX6Nv8lwG-rMv3AdIJGVeC7PlYyvmzDvWFygrjGWm2JrNJJ1o50qGo4d2YaEgJ1OGlXsGQ/w470-h640/bucket%20sentence%20stem.PNG" width="470" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>For older students, or students who love to be creative--try a bucket with a summer story starter. You will be amazed at some of the creative stories students can come up with. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Summer-Bucket-List-Flipbook-Activity-6886629" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="567" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uOL_k-viA36F36W9efEeQEraVifu4E_1R-l9xnmmvM9zbEbLG240aNC-sSRcFmkIDmy48tPgj7f-pb-KA-Q1ztHLxEcSyE_dvZ8akB3Z-CU8mzchQxUIIBRcmK2Z-4d17hUTnuQQnGtPXj99-9ZzT5IGerD5aAiMHulEqXwc9g-VVYF65sYrlEDhtA/w482-h640/bucket%20story%20starter.PNG" width="482" /></a></div><p><br />Other buckets are just blank templates. These are designed with advanced writers in mind, as experienced writers do an excellent job of generating ideas, organizing their thoughts and getting it down on paper.</p><p></p><p>This activity is definitely one that you can use year after year!</p><div><br /></div><div>Happy writing!</div><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.3em; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-66903390880830660052023-05-16T12:44:00.002-07:002023-05-16T12:44:11.710-07:00Reflection Power<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">When the school year is over, So. Are. Teachers. </span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><b><u>We are tired.</u></b> Exhausted. Drained. Physically, emotionally and mentally spent. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0lvDMlj4YnTEEGpjUnV39ne-R3t3_Rmg_Pu42HnZBKjbVQfZwNGkeNImA3nRBj3BAnw4QCRhlV0ZqSWcZ_t2mjvPRATvS_7c6OP720Iq4kSEzXkPqe9F9W32N0UX_s7xBS76RHwWG2KNwHbv3iy8kdetGA19LnhkJ6DQWottBdFCjeePPX8iVbxo7Q/s960/Teacher%20tired%20end%20of%20year%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0lvDMlj4YnTEEGpjUnV39ne-R3t3_Rmg_Pu42HnZBKjbVQfZwNGkeNImA3nRBj3BAnw4QCRhlV0ZqSWcZ_t2mjvPRATvS_7c6OP720Iq4kSEzXkPqe9F9W32N0UX_s7xBS76RHwWG2KNwHbv3iy8kdetGA19LnhkJ6DQWottBdFCjeePPX8iVbxo7Q/w640-h640/Teacher%20tired%20end%20of%20year%201.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">We are so excited to turn off that alarm. Stay in comfy clothes. Eat a meal that lasts longer than 10 minutes without being interrupted. Use the bathroom whenever we want. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">BUT....</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection! </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">I know it is tempting to not spend one more moment thinking about school, however <b><i>there is SO MUCH power in looking backwards and reflecting on your school year.</i></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNL2ie3H_ZH7fBH9cvMkEZWnstXotq1xtt_qDcbPdqlnpLFvRLA6hOVz1hQ_d9y26yMP5DD2ZRhu8YF7Fxo_Woub7oE4FTqrxRu_6_3wYlKbjdABN4mwnjA99KwGQdrvPWw0gdgTfvD8kxoG9pd68E-dNrE_NrUXUVUUX1e9BGBER7e2PIfV1qpi9HA/s960/reflection%20on%20experience.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNL2ie3H_ZH7fBH9cvMkEZWnstXotq1xtt_qDcbPdqlnpLFvRLA6hOVz1hQ_d9y26yMP5DD2ZRhu8YF7Fxo_Woub7oE4FTqrxRu_6_3wYlKbjdABN4mwnjA99KwGQdrvPWw0gdgTfvD8kxoG9pd68E-dNrE_NrUXUVUUX1e9BGBER7e2PIfV1qpi9HA/w640-h640/reflection%20on%20experience.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">It is proven that we learn from processing through our own experiences. When we stop and spend time thinking about the academic year, we grow and develop professionally. <b>Insights, celebrations, frustrations and goals come with reflection.</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">Thus, I urge to take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions! </div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><h3 style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>How did your school year go? </b></i></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Why was it so?</b></i></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>How did you grow?</b></i></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>How will it show?</b></i></span></li></ul></h3></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">Perhaps, use the following graphic organizer to jot down the answers to the questions above. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">Even better yet.... after you have completed the graphic organizer, <b>share you thoughts with a colleague, administrator or instructional coach!</b> If we hold conversations with others our reflections are amplified.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBrN7I0XcHIVuh-6VbiK-Gc2lQI758MUmkyiv1O1EKcMd9g4oBGglTXgjKMcmnVs8i4MMvxjYd6Dmu14-RBcawuzzouLz2g35ibDvnejowgyWuxvXzEH9n2zX39hD8MFiXqnTHLcgqbhvSuGFvC8qLQlnTtwp3cdza1gcfuZXazO3izdlSgPKLZK3LQ/s1056/End%20of%20Year%20Reflection.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBrN7I0XcHIVuh-6VbiK-Gc2lQI758MUmkyiv1O1EKcMd9g4oBGglTXgjKMcmnVs8i4MMvxjYd6Dmu14-RBcawuzzouLz2g35ibDvnejowgyWuxvXzEH9n2zX39hD8MFiXqnTHLcgqbhvSuGFvC8qLQlnTtwp3cdza1gcfuZXazO3izdlSgPKLZK3LQ/w495-h640/End%20of%20Year%20Reflection.png" width="495" /></span></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">If you are interested in using this graphic organizer with your staff or sharing with your colleagues, click the image below to download it for FREE! </div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div></div>
<script async="" data-uid="0b3e1703a7" src="https://mindsparks.ck.page/0b3e1703a7/index.js"></script>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-26815304213120758962023-05-12T10:43:00.005-07:002023-05-12T10:43:37.506-07:00Celebrating Students at the End of the Year 🥳<p><b style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Say hello to the end of the school year! </b></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8901302925523652809" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 663.2px;"><p>This time of year is always full of so many emotions. It is stressful and chaotic with wrapping up instruction, benchmark assessments and finalizing grades. </p><p>Whew....so much! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGrPbfneETxg75hCu0SqrOLa8MXT2n_5JugHJd3-zAEryKj68HcUrNltXjlGszU1Xn5zvQt85Ca5LfgcLhgq6l0XrP7Tk6UlsP2xAJ22PQtFVQOg_4i9GYmhlUx0t8uigZzYqYLaNbKil0HCE0SUnm_O4t5TwrTAtW30VvujaWjecx1-_bv4ZxbSYiA/s960/ross%20energy%20left.png" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGrPbfneETxg75hCu0SqrOLa8MXT2n_5JugHJd3-zAEryKj68HcUrNltXjlGszU1Xn5zvQt85Ca5LfgcLhgq6l0XrP7Tk6UlsP2xAJ22PQtFVQOg_4i9GYmhlUx0t8uigZzYqYLaNbKil0HCE0SUnm_O4t5TwrTAtW30VvujaWjecx1-_bv4ZxbSYiA/w640-h640/ross%20energy%20left.png" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It is also<b> fun and filled with excitement</b> as you<b> celebrate the learning and growth with your students</b>. </p><p>PLUS who can forget all of the end of the year celebrations---<i>ice cream parties, field day, yearbook signing, graduation assemblies, etc.</i> </p><p>In my intervention group we always end with an ice cream party with LOTS of toppings and then the students have a chance to play games, or play outside. It isn't anything fancy or a lot of work, but a great capstone for the end of the year. <span style="color: #666666;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY89Monpfijel3kJY_VIe6ZggKJL6oGTiX4jsXd1fzDy77Bqa6dBjrDIj5L0bFo5YGPDTbqyEZUGQBZRiL1EeJ0PUgjNgZbbum4pwbfnVlmcm_9GeGKAZbDtP7LpBnFvr2V7wY3eCXT2wp-WjoShpLpYGO6Wd6MliHCXBUjpzSGFHN1X_ntQigYi9c_Q/s960/stay%20strong%20end%20of%20year.png" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY89Monpfijel3kJY_VIe6ZggKJL6oGTiX4jsXd1fzDy77Bqa6dBjrDIj5L0bFo5YGPDTbqyEZUGQBZRiL1EeJ0PUgjNgZbbum4pwbfnVlmcm_9GeGKAZbDtP7LpBnFvr2V7wY3eCXT2wp-WjoShpLpYGO6Wd6MliHCXBUjpzSGFHN1X_ntQigYi9c_Q/w640-h640/stay%20strong%20end%20of%20year.png" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><p>I also <b>hand out student awards to celebrate the growth students have had in my classroom.</b> I like to include a special treat with my awards--so candy themed awards are a go to! </p><p><b>Each student receives a certificate and then a candy bar that corresponds to the certificate.</b> For example a Milky Way because the student is "out of this world" or a Snickers because he or she always tells funny jokes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Student-Awards-Candy-Style-680585" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgD1MFNd96ap7o7Zk3E4m_isOSFxKEvG-bqE4rDAklE9SoP0eHEAfblQ8t_qhpjgsohc3fytNHRkgSNtvK_F6SVFdG3T1g4KKumdTaXTaW7y7sjczJSGsEvPPqAhjzgmNI4gTT1HS3WR4Z_pIOWsmUu2ABT8E9EZcA8_DNb0JuoNCd-xowjPVLROhVA/w640-h640/candy%20awards.png" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I have also done <b>drink awards,</b> which is basically the same as the candy awards. </p><p>Instead of receiving candy, the <b>student receives a drink that corresponds to the certificate</b>. For example a Fanta for being fantastic, or Dr. Pepper because they pepped up the class all year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Student-Awards-Soda-Pop-Style-2519776" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-uzqYnB7_yFCl89WL5ZFsiX5p8fCuGOz_I_aodKudQOnlugFISODGbgRcZY6QrXxm7sz48vWENQUDq3A80rld6ba5ye72lA8kXHo5U_mDjMw6TqCW8_hb0X0nElsh9mD2DWMTKLQO26BpNDqj3GGUpgAhk9DhW47Bu7YmAuGAFgfRHcCHna2fyCk1A/w640-h640/end%20of%20year%20awards%20soda%205.16.22.png" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Hop on over to Mind Sparks on TPT where you can nab these fun certificates, and alleviate some of the stress in planning an end of the year celebration! Just click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mind-Sparks" style="text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>, or the images above!</p><p><i>If you don't have a ton of time to purchase treats, or your wallet is looking a little thin....generic certificates are fun as well. </i></p><p>Lets face it--it is just nice to be given a certificate...it makes you feel important and special! Click the image below or click <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Student-Awards-6864736" style="text-decoration-line: none;">here</a> to download the black and white generic set for free! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Student-Awards-6864736" style="color: #f88479; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zE9E4ht8PUQ/YJxFLFN5hyI/AAAAAAAADKQ/6z3UqVAY-wYIcuEYLwdtlkpISfJlf9OkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/freebie%2Bstudent%2Bawards.jpg" style="background: none; border: none; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>How do you celebrate students at the end of the year? I am always looking for more ideas!</p></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-10470678882469184872023-05-04T12:39:00.000-07:002023-05-04T12:39:00.642-07:00Top 5 Mistakes Teachers Make Teaching Vocabulary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEw11v-dzq2xjVZ-M-9SsNY4NVIhG7yvXJpuBvza-eGk4QI_dZcrMkAiiE3WFnAadwk1cyT4gyhBiCIYq2yHNQ8NcWSOYRlN2QEFRw8X2T3SAxBQZUSLUAiBDv-IR7H4kONja4mUomL3yTkiUoBwMsCTXFPp1O7_ytX5-Ie_64fT6gz9Sm6eVxfwcFFg/s864/5%20vocabulary%20mistakes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEw11v-dzq2xjVZ-M-9SsNY4NVIhG7yvXJpuBvza-eGk4QI_dZcrMkAiiE3WFnAadwk1cyT4gyhBiCIYq2yHNQ8NcWSOYRlN2QEFRw8X2T3SAxBQZUSLUAiBDv-IR7H4kONja4mUomL3yTkiUoBwMsCTXFPp1O7_ytX5-Ie_64fT6gz9Sm6eVxfwcFFg/s16000/5%20vocabulary%20mistakes.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Teaching vocabulary can be tricky! Most of us never took a class in college which covered effective reading instruction...AND as elementary teachers we have more than just one subject to devote our time to studying. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Some teachers may just be winging the whole "vocabulary thing," Teachers are simply doing the best they can with the tools they have in their toolkit. So, it seems reasonable that we might be making a few mistakes. The good news---common mistakes are easy to fix! </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><b>Keep reading to find out the top 5 mistakes teachers make with vocabulary, AND what you can do to fix those mistakes!</b></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">1. Not teaching vocabulary</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: 400;">When someone doesn't feel efficacious about something, or see the benefit....sometimes it gets skipped or pushed to the "I'll just do this later list." Vocabulary instruction is NOT something that should be skipped. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: 400;">Research supports that</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><b>teachers should be directly teaching 3-5 words per text selection! </b> This means students should be<b> adding 2,000 to 3,000 new words per year </b>to their reading vocabularies. (Beck, McKeown & Kucan, 2002).</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: 400;"> Check out <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-routine-for-explicit-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">A Routine for Explicit Vocabulary Instruction </a>for how to directly teach a term. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApt4F_zWxoBUF2yKIGQnxLuCpBsUXcqB9DvjSHEHUmqFMIsKcz0wmc5wvEcIjKgLudGElES4jP6WfXiGlS9UmXi-BqMCYKIftWM4ZqvUsknX40M62dsu-0RhaaqAqzRiDOw1f4Inj-LsP2atySnHwiutQ6jqWPMu9JUWCoUYI-kbQtanEh4wJpv4u6w/s960/add%20words%20to%20vocabularies.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApt4F_zWxoBUF2yKIGQnxLuCpBsUXcqB9DvjSHEHUmqFMIsKcz0wmc5wvEcIjKgLudGElES4jP6WfXiGlS9UmXi-BqMCYKIftWM4ZqvUsknX40M62dsu-0RhaaqAqzRiDOw1f4Inj-LsP2atySnHwiutQ6jqWPMu9JUWCoUYI-kbQtanEh4wJpv4u6w/w640-h640/add%20words%20to%20vocabularies.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">2. Not explicitly and directly teaching words</span></h3><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">We learn vocabulary in two ways, incidentally and and intentionally. Incidental learning is when children are indirectly exposed to words. Indirect exposure to words happens when students engage in oral language experiences (talking with friends, adults, siblings, etc.), listening to books being read and independently reading. Most of our vocabulary is acquired incidentally, however this cannot be the only way we learn new terms!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">Intentional learning of words happens through direct and explicit instruction. As mentioned above, research supports teachers directly teaching 3-5 words per text selection, and getting students to truly own a word. This means students students should </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">explicitly taught some 400 words per year in school </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">(Beck, McKeown & Kucan, 2002). </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Open Sans;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 15.4px;">To truly own a word, students must be able to pronounce the word, understand its meaning and use it during conversation or in writing. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Check out </span><a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-routine-for-explicit-vocabulary.html" style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;" target="_blank">A Routine for Explicit Vocabulary Instruction </a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">for how to directly teach a term! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">3. Not illustrating connections to other words</span></h3></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Our brains crave organization and patterning. As we learn words, our brains are creating pathways to connect new words with known words. Every word in your mental dictionary is connected to other words, ideas or images. </div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Help students truly understand a vocabulary term by facilitating connections. Some great classification activities include the following:</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Open sorts--give students a group of words and have them group the words how they see fit. </li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Identification of categories--show students a group of words that go together and have them determine a category label.</li></ul><div><div>Check out this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Sort-Activities-6315512" style="color: #f88479; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">free one-pager resource</a> which includes 12 different ways you can have students sort and classify words! A list of words can be compiled based on a spelling pattern, phonics skill, vocabulary or grammar concept! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Sort-Activities-6315512" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIplymGeqw7wmGuYOpBputxl_stnb_tqr9H9Jq41OPPVHBHKCgi6PUwYB4vP4Dw1I3OYiueJMf4CD-uXu3rQdTJh2XsUZJKYaYdgEDpk3jEPaZl3z2QkwCv0Xx9FlR-bgmc1_M1ech5pHKDdvzKLnijtrpRD85RkFgiW0Q4iC2mswl_m7lxya0fhsx5Q/s16000/word%20sort%20types.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><h3 style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">4. Not providing ample opportunities to use newly learned terms</span></h3></div></div><div><br /></div></div></span></div><div>One principle of effective vocabulary instruction is providing multiple exposures to a word and it's meaning. There is great improvement in vocabulary when students encounter vocabulary words often (National Reading Panel, 2000). Students have to see a word multiple times, and in multiple contexts to truly own the word.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/04/resources-to-teach-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">Resources to Teach Vocabulary</a> for oodles of ideas on how to provide students with multiple opportunities to interact with vocabulary terms. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">5. Not selecting the right words to teach</span></h3></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><p>Determining which words to teach our students can be tricky. There are just SO. MANY. WORDS!</p><p>Leading literacy experts (e.g. Archer & Hughes, Beck, Graves, Stahl & Nagy) all agree on the following five rules when selecting vocabulary to explicitly teach.</p><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Choose words students probably don't know</li><li>Choose words that are crucial for text understanding</li><li>Choose words that students will encounter often</li><li>Teach words that are difficult to learn without explicit instruction</li><li>Select 3-5 words for each text.</li></ol></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">If you are looking for more information on how to best select vocabulary words to explicitly teach, check </span><a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/article/choosing-words-teach" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Choosing Words to Teach</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown and Linda Kucan published on Reading Rocket's website. These ladies are the true guru's of teaching vocabulary!</span></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-22847217977215170512023-04-23T18:52:00.004-07:002023-04-23T18:52:20.435-07:00Resources to Teach Vocabulary<p>Increasing a student's vocabulary is important, as vocabulary knowledge has a direct correlation to comprehension. </p><p>When we <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/how-to-select-vocabulary-words-to-teach.html" target="_blank">carefully select words</a> and then <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-routine-for-explicit-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">explicitly teach students those word meanings</a>, we are helping students create a deep understanding of words. Vocabulary instruction is imperative for all kids, but vital for students who have under developed vocabularies.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUC7gYGiz2zBxhbHWldzlEDK84-JMbyR4dpWFDExVjOPzq9BFF8alPlDzs05E1oD5ArbBx0yPNWDa7WcuooqIBFDwvBOZII0FxlBwkwBymr3g_FcyJaCB7R94Ki0E3hr6G_-JODRXKBnbyALLv-qi7RDzRKTpc8BwcAkgyCP_U50lQ22kp7WK4Kvvgw/s960/focus%20on%20vocabulary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUC7gYGiz2zBxhbHWldzlEDK84-JMbyR4dpWFDExVjOPzq9BFF8alPlDzs05E1oD5ArbBx0yPNWDa7WcuooqIBFDwvBOZII0FxlBwkwBymr3g_FcyJaCB7R94Ki0E3hr6G_-JODRXKBnbyALLv-qi7RDzRKTpc8BwcAkgyCP_U50lQ22kp7WK4Kvvgw/w640-h640/focus%20on%20vocabulary.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/03/5-ways-to-practice-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">5 Ways to Practice Vocabulary Effectively</a>, I provided 5 ways teachers can have students interact with vocabulary terms that will facilitate word connections. Lets take a look at resources you might be able to use for each of those steps! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">1. Multiple Meanings</span></h3><div><br /></div><div>Did you know there are 5,000 or so common words in English that have multiple meanings! Crazy, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Simple word maps are an easy way to help students see multiple meanings words can have. A word map can be as simple as the one pictured below--a circle with a target term in the middle, and connected circles that represent the multiple meanings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdflTPdAWLLQYwvFmi_4hLECn2og2WHS0wPcTyiNHMl5sVw55bklR0CQ2sZIqNPIc81pEuR2eiDoO7b5NNvMINeCUVqfyn2Xo1A4PISRNfjPYNXckZHrXGwUkhdFkxY_1SmqZ6GZTDC5Z4e93FbDHdSGXDu1nCg_JvkFS-e7HfMiGsSDQvPfVzdkjXkQ/s960/word%20map.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdflTPdAWLLQYwvFmi_4hLECn2og2WHS0wPcTyiNHMl5sVw55bklR0CQ2sZIqNPIc81pEuR2eiDoO7b5NNvMINeCUVqfyn2Xo1A4PISRNfjPYNXckZHrXGwUkhdFkxY_1SmqZ6GZTDC5Z4e93FbDHdSGXDu1nCg_JvkFS-e7HfMiGsSDQvPfVzdkjXkQ/w400-h400/word%20map.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are working with more advanced readers and need a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Meaning-Word-Graphic-Organizers-9445489" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span>word map with more rigor</span>,</a> check out the map below. This map has students expanding their understanding by using vocabulary terms in a sentence, writing a definition and drawing a picture. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiple-Meaning-Word-Graphic-Organizers-9445489" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNIv6DEQn2yol8yneBkOe_rOvXzp8-cbJSglR6tkOPKopWLvhl1aUFa8Irh7eyfzbWs-8ERWfqrwkwAV-yINS0PLqE10CX8C4AFlpY4-5bo4jcBC9N1XyFQOI03k7KKsJFI0mfzuL0T8J1fu1itpUNO9omnpGc7mdQS19IIrJxaM_dX0AOymE_v_3nA/w480-h640/multiple%20meaning%20word%20map%202.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">2. Classify Words into Categories</span></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Our brains crave organization and patterning. As we learn new words our brains create pathways to connect new words with known words. To help my students develop those pathways, I use word sorts! I LOVE word sorts, and students do too!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Sort-Activities-6315512" target="_blank">free one-pager resource</a> which includes 12 different ways you can have students sort and classify words! A list of words can be compiled based on a spelling pattern, phonics skill, vocabulary or grammar concept!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Word-Sort-Activities-6315512" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtprFTHCnSxDiMBoyQljDvzy4my9x2BLV6-eixqow2EGo5Bd94-Ps5oXGrct-p5kaHfI3En07LStpXRvD2OOLNLPBmp0dW6wWm_1qeuUeKYdoBNSU-zdV2HXlLQ4n0J-oprfFRh3KJy9ECW4CJo5uh0XVrdov7kXYpLfmFaZFZwPMCSnuQqu4NfU3vdg/s16000/word%20sort%20types.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: Graphik, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; min-height: 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div>Are you in need of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-Word-Sort-Pack-6936980" target="_blank">pre-made word sorts</a>? Maybe you simply don't have the time (or energy...I feel ya) to create your own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look no further....I have oodles of them! Just click the images below!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-Word-Sort-Pack-6936980" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="607" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NlQi-IGx_TOumpY0icvDlkK8ohs4cudqI5yFVvRlGkw0EvwJ7lM5DflmH1GZ4u65AWzEx5NvfbuLDv3NvX90_mTuZt0TWUUntbH6fkuj5aduYEUz_JElwm8PTjpwYkzbBBgseL76xWiaTqz7fXjr1W8UvbxXuZxbHdwudw_lpyWlOr2kNKvKVgfFPA/w477-h640/diphthongs%20word%20sort%20preview%201.JPG" width="477" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-Word-Sort-Pack-6936980" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAiCRwQkuKVSIo3webaekuDtJsg4GEY5hyIS4-AzftIhJjEZQ1VTyDNs0UuhOiEhVW5oPhxCk3U7oeXB1vqdE00QtrYmHsW2brONFUPVmeUqHjzQw3rRlK8aHZzZ-txKOjEs6hp5jkfdvJojdc8TjFv6Vb3KqENwdqk6jocP54q39yzMLYEGSyChoag/s16000/short%20vowels%20word%20sort%20preview%202.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundle-Word-Sort-Pack-6936980" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauNaYIeDsdJuwVdIgWf47Rw_iz9qFOHRAqEqD4SJTl-KyOfJW7TaargczkFH726lyj3ME7aSxFSjuG_OxWrqpJ9sZucw05xAe6AhZ5LGvGwzwiaEJ8cKVpz9lAsnKba2wzOygjGaRpRfj-F1TNkzkSVdjltqeEgmiYEQslyw3z188VyYUHBEb4wIW7Q/s16000/blends%20sort%20preview%201.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">3. Analyze Semantic Features</span></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Semantic feature analysis is a strategy to compare characteristics of words. Many words have some in common properties, and identifying those helps students create word networks.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;">Check out the </span><a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/semantic_feature_analysis" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Semantic Feature Analysis</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"> from Reading Rockets. This article takes a deeper dive into analyzing characteristics of words, and you can download a free semantic feature analysis grid!!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRU-7nkMk3bhkJxSGdmQeCodGShcBXDCyrRNfCUq6klDurlayOrb6RodaFpiO9EcmHh-_G14uvqwUfvE2EkIPUAaWT4y4AWCNR2f54bWmxp_W7GhRgpoDx_mXeL1A-BS5Tur5j_BGg0C7sMEnkKHdJWZuVi-Mn4lCrvyzw3AgEfX1fDJRv_leIm7G_w/s960/SFA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRU-7nkMk3bhkJxSGdmQeCodGShcBXDCyrRNfCUq6klDurlayOrb6RodaFpiO9EcmHh-_G14uvqwUfvE2EkIPUAaWT4y4AWCNR2f54bWmxp_W7GhRgpoDx_mXeL1A-BS5Tur5j_BGg0C7sMEnkKHdJWZuVi-Mn4lCrvyzw3AgEfX1fDJRv_leIm7G_w/w640-h640/SFA.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div><h3><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">4. Use Antonyms & Synonyms </span></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Anytime you help students gain a deeper meaning of a vocabulary term ...it is a win! Use a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vocabulary-Graphic-Organizer-479488" target="_blank">vocabulary graphic organizer </a> (like the one pictured below) to assist students in clarifying their understanding about new words.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most vocabulary word maps will include synonyms, antonyms and a space to list characteristics. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Vocabulary-Graphic-Organizer-479488" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8bqITdrnV3hZIcDDlTFi5Gk-72X-6nAgrUlq23vWNAuiDpsJW0Kh5m3R5LjygKoPqySM2diKiYRAvRUxRtNO-2z8vJ2sA2kui4bix_qC_a0vFaivzW6c0M6JPwNYng989_xY9s9rLOqYW979YMjq_QTwUffRkxBEL1TUAR-WdEb6qGNLmturNqvDHw/s16000/vocabulary%20organizer.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Check out this game version of a word map, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Vocabulary-Rock-Roll-479463" target="_blank">Vocabulary Rock and Roll </a>! Just print this sheet for students and let them play! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/FreeDownload/Vocabulary-Rock-Roll-479463" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="943" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJhFVdNNBBhJuYRrnbi5bMqmyLV82zoJf9zGttoaaybPa7nYmfxH5_twpmqB1HOWf0IR94XHq1fCwenJYDJYGLPtF1OezZfXNnKSln_G7yOEfOgFuCX506RNbSm7i58HYjUlj-4IwRX6NSTJkUY2H2NpynWAeigVnOUhU5md1g5iFGSq-VqYK8yHUjw/w640-h477/vocab%20rock%20and%20roll.PNG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Building students' vocabularies takes TIME and many, many, many encounters with words! Incorporating any of the above strategies and resources into your daily routine will get your students on the path to being word masters!!</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-23914535095682959542023-04-14T00:26:00.002-07:002023-04-14T00:26:28.685-07:00Test Motivation for Students<p> Standardized testing season is upon us again.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ekp4qnwzg1lXZa8JFWbrYZemHwTSqO4eTiH53nY1O4flE9JYRLa6evf7e5C3TZE42-G7VBjAkCmZXF4sIj7SBxpFUa1XNlblsrygX8CY7YP95YnBAyBuNwbrPloDaOAHFGjVvIOcZpTQ2Y2y9gRHqVUY8tilMm7QUpfgtUvHlkyc2v287Yck2goPoQ/s960/my%20face%20when%20a%20student%20finishes%20a%20test%20in%205%20minutes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ekp4qnwzg1lXZa8JFWbrYZemHwTSqO4eTiH53nY1O4flE9JYRLa6evf7e5C3TZE42-G7VBjAkCmZXF4sIj7SBxpFUa1XNlblsrygX8CY7YP95YnBAyBuNwbrPloDaOAHFGjVvIOcZpTQ2Y2y9gRHqVUY8tilMm7QUpfgtUvHlkyc2v287Yck2goPoQ/w640-h640/my%20face%20when%20a%20student%20finishes%20a%20test%20in%205%20minutes.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I have a love/hate relationship with testing. I <i>loathe the pressure</i> that students and teachers might feel, but I also <i>love celebrating the academic gains </i>students make.</p><p>Like many in education, I don't believe a singular test score defines a student. However, I do believe we need data on students to determine what needs the student may have. Test scores also give us data on school and curriculum performance. </p><p><i>Is the curriculum addressing the standards? </i></p><p><i>Is the curriculum rigorous enough? </i></p><p><i>Do we have areas we need to supplement? </i></p><p><i>Is effective instruction being provided? </i> </p><p>Test scores help us ensure that students are being served, and that tax payers are getting a good return on their investment. </p><p>With that being said, I also want to make sure students don't feel stress yet are motivated to perform at their best. <b>To ease testing anxiety, and give my kiddos a little extra encouragement</b> I surprise them with a fun treat whenever we have an assessment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Treat-Tags-for-Standardized-Testing-1044004" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxRfPYSfPg6rFM8VZwf9W5Rdgmh1dACqGFWvhpfLk7ca87aReu6Sl4MIEd8r1NVtzxz5nZo2HZF78jNmvtmf9Fef15Ahk5QrWCpj-osEFdOAQeoPe3bwpVkZFO6sYhxv0aG1QI_x8EtxoUAhL1TM_mkIC3eKzrO66IbNHujkPNsKT30LfLCq2XSgnmw/w640-h640/high%20stakes%20testing%204.12.22.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The gesture isn't much, but it sure makes the students smile. AND...one smile is worth it...right?!?</p><p>Additionally, <b>the younger grades in my building "adopt" an older grade</b>. The younger students write positive notes to each student, draw them pictures and decorate the classroom with motivational posters! </p><p>Check out this list of motivational ideas from <a href="https://engage2learn.org/blog/2018/04/26/motivating-students-before-and-after-testing/" target="_blank">Engage to Learn</a>. Dr. Luz Martinez, an associate superintendent at Midland ISD in Texas with 25 years of experience in education, shares a list of over <a href="https://engage2learn.org/blog/2018/04/26/motivating-students-before-and-after-testing/" target="_blank">15 ways to motivate students</a> before AND after high stakes testing. </p><p>If you are interested in lifting your kids up a little extra during testing season, check out these <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Treat-Tags-for-Standardized-Testing-1044004" target="_blank">treat tags on TPT</a>. For under three dollars you get FIFTEEN different sayings! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Treat-Tags-for-Standardized-Testing-1044004" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboegal0proxBi7kImy8X8auRM0RHoZQ5PYHs-v_SdgGkRVWshrKpp9bdBepOZeHam9rh30houfsHGG73qrJpgAPNwUQrEwLiUo1WOi6mgqa8FDrdqX2sl4Op_VjwVEfy7d4nHXB8-iWCxjP18wOHBMSquDH1J8MfjoMUtMnEWJPSJkPJfUG5tKiAsUw/w640-h640/treat%20tags%20refresh%20thumbnail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Best of luck during this testing season! </p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-5590804370757763302023-03-31T12:12:00.005-07:002023-03-31T12:12:54.546-07:005 Ways to Practice Vocabulary Effectively<p>After a word is <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-routine-for-explicit-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">explicitly taught,</a> students need MULTIPLE exposures of the word in order to "own" it. These encounters should be intentional, spread out and reviewed frequently. </p><p>The best way to provide ownership of a word is by learning words in relation to other words. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm02xGXmbfq4NQGhJ6_Hkpvo2xIBYoN2ceozKcjksJAo_RhNcuplrCSpYCHBjsBAPCjNBQ1A6Db4oqOkfGG0eVgL23nMdxnspw7gpdydL5AASrw5v3iBBzWwpe2CH-ifDbDVv-oHnPT5MrhPwljhzxEY0o91TNMuMf36KKrK-UoO36cclUEtMPTZKeg/s864/5%20ways%20to%20practice%20vocabulary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYm02xGXmbfq4NQGhJ6_Hkpvo2xIBYoN2ceozKcjksJAo_RhNcuplrCSpYCHBjsBAPCjNBQ1A6Db4oqOkfGG0eVgL23nMdxnspw7gpdydL5AASrw5v3iBBzWwpe2CH-ifDbDVv-oHnPT5MrhPwljhzxEY0o91TNMuMf36KKrK-UoO36cclUEtMPTZKeg/s16000/5%20ways%20to%20practice%20vocabulary.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Our brain loves patterns, so it likes to organize our mental dictionary by building connections among words that are learned. Our brain creates networks of words that have similar features like the ones listed below:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>phonological</li><li>semantic</li><li>morphological </li><li>orthographic </li><li>visual</li><li>emotional</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAEmPdoUFuGIZrL0LgM0VHpf9WKNJorw3uIe8PM0PSCgQAAxURpACP5irH4eNaPksT86rkuwE_d0xK0fgyC_Xpiwiyb39u9f8Cj5iiJBtUzi0O1u1v75d7ZWgkSlCSnOfPElUafTCc95dOF6ThPToJD-UCrRCDT_xRUHOuYOPpNc9AGPb-d_qDPp3_A/s960/adlof%20quote.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAEmPdoUFuGIZrL0LgM0VHpf9WKNJorw3uIe8PM0PSCgQAAxURpACP5irH4eNaPksT86rkuwE_d0xK0fgyC_Xpiwiyb39u9f8Cj5iiJBtUzi0O1u1v75d7ZWgkSlCSnOfPElUafTCc95dOF6ThPToJD-UCrRCDT_xRUHOuYOPpNc9AGPb-d_qDPp3_A/w640-h640/adlof%20quote.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So, how do you help the brain create word networks? Listed below are five ways to effectively practice vocabulary that facilitates word connections. <br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Multiple Meanings</h3><div><br /></div><div>Does the vocabulary word you are teaching have multiple meanings? If so--point that out! Did you know out of the 5,000 or so most common words in English, many of them have multiple meanings. Therefore, lots of opportunities will present themselves to dialogue about the multiple meanings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Example: hit, jam, check, frame, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>A simple word map (pictured below) helps students see the multiple meanings a word can have.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCUo3rVxeyv0SeDEIGqjvU0hjdQJvjDPqeL8UoGH7T0BSkh9sMTeyuJHyRV6ef2jd-KlV3pp1DrZ71DkIFmgLoJObrrcerGZkmdLkOQvC5Xlm3JSq-xT9U-_iA2V8wbD_MbCdfdgzLyOd0Ip3KjxXe_4yLm4-SMag-BzAR0XD_H_iputPe7yG5ZpGBQ/s960/word%20map.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCUo3rVxeyv0SeDEIGqjvU0hjdQJvjDPqeL8UoGH7T0BSkh9sMTeyuJHyRV6ef2jd-KlV3pp1DrZ71DkIFmgLoJObrrcerGZkmdLkOQvC5Xlm3JSq-xT9U-_iA2V8wbD_MbCdfdgzLyOd0Ip3KjxXe_4yLm4-SMag-BzAR0XD_H_iputPe7yG5ZpGBQ/w640-h640/word%20map.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Classify Words into Categories</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned before, our brains crave organization and patterning. As we learn words, our brains are creating pathways to connect new words with known words. Every word in your mental dictionary is connected to other words, ideas or images. </div><div><br /></div><div>Help students truly understand a vocabulary term by facilitating connections. Some great classification activities include the following:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Open sorts--give students a group of words and have them group the words how they see fit. </li><li>Identification of categories--show students a group of words that go together and have them determine a category label.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Analyze Semantic Features</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Semantic feature analysis is a strategy to compare characteristics of words. Many words have some in-common properties and identifying these properties helps students create those ever important word networks! When we help students connect one word to an already known word, we deepen their understanding of the term.</div><div><br /></div><div>Semantic feature analysis can be done with a simple chart as pictured below:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU4ov7GOfZ7OGVZm3lORyMi3TuwY_x6ztu3QSZGOMqm-Q4BiOOM_N1fX270DRbYQzYqhb8sC9-hvLdsq951g549dPazOlpG44T6JQt4w_2ZQl_8f4-B4JLyj1jCf_8xp130fvY2akevaTrFHL_yX0X-pY8xSIHCjsPkwdj-zOaIDB6n-a28wWigoYpg/s960/SFA.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU4ov7GOfZ7OGVZm3lORyMi3TuwY_x6ztu3QSZGOMqm-Q4BiOOM_N1fX270DRbYQzYqhb8sC9-hvLdsq951g549dPazOlpG44T6JQt4w_2ZQl_8f4-B4JLyj1jCf_8xp130fvY2akevaTrFHL_yX0X-pY8xSIHCjsPkwdj-zOaIDB6n-a28wWigoYpg/w640-h640/SFA.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/semantic_feature_analysis" target="_blank">Semantic Feature Analysis</a> from Reading Rockets. This article takes a deeper dive into analyzing characteristics of words, and you can even download a free semantic feature analysis grid!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Use Antonyms</h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Antonyms are words of opposite meanings. Identifying antonyms of vocabulary terms deepens a student's understanding of the word. This is one more way to teach words in relation to other words. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Use Synonyms </h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Synonyms are words with the same meanings. Identifying synonyms for vocabulary terms helps students create relationships in meaning among the words. There is often a shade of meaning that distinguishes one synonym from another---making one word a better choice than another. Again--the point is that you are facilitating the creation of "word networks" for students. AND....our brains LOVE word networks! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for more strategies on vocabulary instruction, check out <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading101-course/modules/vocabulary/vocabulary-practice" target="_blank">Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing </a>from Reading Rockets. This article has tons of great tips and instructional strategies!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-59425841509260096812023-03-18T13:01:00.001-07:002023-03-18T13:01:08.070-07:00🌷 Books to Celebrate Spring 🌷<p> Where ya' at warmer weather?!?</p><p>Now, chilly temperatures are my jam.....but after a few months of sub-zero temps and lots of indoor recess time...I am ready for spring! Check out the following <b><i>six books</i></b>, which will make perfect read alouds to honor the longer, warmer and recess outside days ahead!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEebly0BG0w8jHzbE58HaOmvOYJ7pFfhnb6C-pD-LBQQI-m9XJOMKSbFXT-gF2SgBFdyyoGzq43QUJCpFfDfQ7EDCRmSez6bfPep_jVeYP0BOlnbM7m-SMi1ISwmWsH5_RGICA_hN38A_upCY89hdTydG8S1YbNHE0r5_wh4yrRojvPvs7gBY81HIejA=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEebly0BG0w8jHzbE58HaOmvOYJ7pFfhnb6C-pD-LBQQI-m9XJOMKSbFXT-gF2SgBFdyyoGzq43QUJCpFfDfQ7EDCRmSez6bfPep_jVeYP0BOlnbM7m-SMi1ISwmWsH5_RGICA_hN38A_upCY89hdTydG8S1YbNHE0r5_wh4yrRojvPvs7gBY81HIejA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is important to note that a few of these books may be out of print, yet are widely available at public libraries or on websites like, <a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/" target="_blank">Thriftbooks</a>. AND...who doesn't love a public library or an inexpensive book? </div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3j1IFnYSRiHT-LJjJzdwIUB7Do_sqK3rR1GvkroGyuRUpByrGuyum2Pz5LKdWNKcemYbJ-tmyLBcUU7SBgmh-E2b6oBs8PqQjTNUT5ULa7EzaQj6j9IKOkitMn87CuKs6DkvabxNgq_bOlWOSYIHM7NBNGqCZUWxSSLINScvlsfnqoagwrMCFgw4k6w=s360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="274" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3j1IFnYSRiHT-LJjJzdwIUB7Do_sqK3rR1GvkroGyuRUpByrGuyum2Pz5LKdWNKcemYbJ-tmyLBcUU7SBgmh-E2b6oBs8PqQjTNUT5ULa7EzaQj6j9IKOkitMn87CuKs6DkvabxNgq_bOlWOSYIHM7NBNGqCZUWxSSLINScvlsfnqoagwrMCFgw4k6w=w305-h400" width="305" /></a></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spring/dp/0590460773/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A7V6QYJMKQ57&keywords=spring+by+ron+hirschi&qid=1646356637&s=books&sprefix=Spring+by+Ron+%2Cstripbooks%2C100&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Spring</a> by Ron Hirschi (PreK-2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Great photographs and text introduce students to the natural world of spring. Hirschi, who has a degree in wildlife ecology and first worked as a biologist, has written many books for children on the topic of animals, natural habitats, discovering Earth and wildlife seasons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmgvGo4qNLQgXHZS7raVf7tz3YPsJpQ1TeWS1YN5cKYD_u7BU-QUlYSvOEU8Jk8tbg7FjkW0hoT6tXfDycGh2N7yMZRF9VxLna79rGYTx6Sb9iBjtlY3Qpgz6J9OWobhCxsa9gx_qmn6lNYv2nUxH1TR8RJ98zutU999CgnJryy3vUm7X1UTNr3IzfJQ=s360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmgvGo4qNLQgXHZS7raVf7tz3YPsJpQ1TeWS1YN5cKYD_u7BU-QUlYSvOEU8Jk8tbg7FjkW0hoT6tXfDycGh2N7yMZRF9VxLna79rGYTx6Sb9iBjtlY3Qpgz6J9OWobhCxsa9gx_qmn6lNYv2nUxH1TR8RJ98zutU999CgnJryy3vUm7X1UTNr3IzfJQ=w350-h400" width="350" /></a></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6253248-spring" target="_blank">Spring</a> by Tanya Thayer (Prek-2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colorful photographs and easy to understand text provide readers with a basic overview of the spring season. Readers will be introduced to the idea o how animals, plants and people adapt to seasons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ-_OQbQSsbtQ9TcEhNQ__Z3hEbMRz8CM37Gzqj602YQrRdngdba0NvNm8gOIF2FOu1MUY32DbEJTouiwNUFocYgjnJmo_zgK5nBVCe-lXKw5ziamP1aapC16-vXpzuxa1p1QKw91lxF_9YPz6beGqXMvG6i0wvnuClMeYERP8ShNM5Z0TCHB2i89jBA=s360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="360" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ-_OQbQSsbtQ9TcEhNQ__Z3hEbMRz8CM37Gzqj602YQrRdngdba0NvNm8gOIF2FOu1MUY32DbEJTouiwNUFocYgjnJmo_zgK5nBVCe-lXKw5ziamP1aapC16-vXpzuxa1p1QKw91lxF_9YPz6beGqXMvG6i0wvnuClMeYERP8ShNM5Z0TCHB2i89jBA=w400-h351" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Alphabet-Acrostic-Steven-Schnur/dp/0395822696" target="_blank">Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic</a> by Steven Schnur (Prek-3)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a companion book to "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Autumn-Alphabet-Acrostic-Steven-Schnur/dp/0395770432" target="_blank">Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic</a>," where students will delight in the pleasures of spring in twenty-six short poems. Schur uses rich vocabulary that will bring the spring season to life--especially with Leslie' Evans's linoleum-cut illustrations. When the poems are read vertically, each poem reveals a playful acrostic--making this book a double treat for kids! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihO4hsiNkPD939OJw2dRhiiJoCwnWDy5DJKbZS_Mc5mNKbUZw9OMbPOg89lee04PcZjvojOpAYUww4Xtd-cwEfkLbmRFkxixeOGFe8DUkHPAv4U-tgbg_PjFMmbEu_BIFKVorfYJsKSfavQwD2bbWm_9ZrKh8idyhrhSJDiT3d1wXuBlglybruI61n4Q=s468" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihO4hsiNkPD939OJw2dRhiiJoCwnWDy5DJKbZS_Mc5mNKbUZw9OMbPOg89lee04PcZjvojOpAYUww4Xtd-cwEfkLbmRFkxixeOGFe8DUkHPAv4U-tgbg_PjFMmbEu_BIFKVorfYJsKSfavQwD2bbWm_9ZrKh8idyhrhSJDiT3d1wXuBlglybruI61n4Q=w269-h400" width="269" /></a></div></div></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spring-According-Humphrey-Betty-Birney/dp/014751777X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WNIWG9CWN5QF&keywords=spring+according+to+humphrey&qid=1646356842&s=books&sprefix=spring+acco%2Cstripbooks%2C84&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Spring According to Humphrey</a> by Betty Birney (Prek-2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the twelfth book in the award winning school hamster series. Spring has sprung and everyone at Longfellow School is happy, including Ms. Brisbane's class! Family Fun night is right around the corner...which adds to the excitement for many students, except Humphrey. Humphrey wonders (and worries) about his own family. This story will take you on a journey with Humphrey as he realizes spring comes with lots of new things that grow and change, just like his family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj3Wrcy6YpKJveyauLgc_f6OjKW86muwGrhZJq7ww5J8U-m8RINB24s9DP5Lw1pzv9U490nF4Sv4vkNjrRDl3uCqI3ETbegUgdvFBLZHG1McnjWbWHOUUyW9GCOdgRSnwLVSkRBACpIj4yi9kmBXucvom7T_bmyXqn9NPQE2HZZ4oHhEewEtk1h0Gxtg=s360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="360" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj3Wrcy6YpKJveyauLgc_f6OjKW86muwGrhZJq7ww5J8U-m8RINB24s9DP5Lw1pzv9U490nF4Sv4vkNjrRDl3uCqI3ETbegUgdvFBLZHG1McnjWbWHOUUyW9GCOdgRSnwLVSkRBACpIj4yi9kmBXucvom7T_bmyXqn9NPQE2HZZ4oHhEewEtk1h0Gxtg=w400-h326" width="400" /></a></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Spring-Lisa-Campbell-Ernst/dp/0060089857/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2L1L1SPCS8IXV&keywords=wake+up+spring&qid=1646356874&s=books&sprefix=wake+up+spring%2Cstripbooks%2C81&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Wake Up, It's Spring!</a> by Lisa Campbell Ernst (Prek-2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ernst uses playful words and pictures that match the cheeriness of the spring season. Word of the arrival of spring begins with the Earth telling a little worm. The happy gossip of spring's arrival travels fast, and before long everyone is celebrating the arrival of spring! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBJoL_31AOVa3PYycBb06KVgLZym0XvCswxZ1XWk8Zi77g_6mRigzSnEKTAO5ExHwQZxevFCIxh6WZPheQoNv1sxxQd2xda2fN1rp4yN0Gor6hLcc2rwWsYHTpWcLc8yA9ui2ZM4SCk5NFtFOqAOCvcSrBbV7_6B3eYE70t1XNehSfNllNZjQ8AVC5Q=s360" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSBJoL_31AOVa3PYycBb06KVgLZym0XvCswxZ1XWk8Zi77g_6mRigzSnEKTAO5ExHwQZxevFCIxh6WZPheQoNv1sxxQd2xda2fN1rp4yN0Gor6hLcc2rwWsYHTpWcLc8yA9ui2ZM4SCk5NFtFOqAOCvcSrBbV7_6B3eYE70t1XNehSfNllNZjQ8AVC5Q=w330-h400" width="330" /></a></div></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Spring-Comes-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0062741675/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25HMY2PZNVT5O&keywords=When+comes+spring&qid=1646357083&s=books&sprefix=when+comes+spring%2Cstripbooks%2C80&sr=1-1" target="_blank">When Spring Comes </a>by Kevin Henkes (Prek-2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone loves a book by the award-winning, bestselling husband and wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek! Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition and alliteration to get readers to really feel, smell and taste spring. Dronzek's gorgeous paintings show the transformation of the quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For more books to celebrate spring check out this list from <a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/best-spring-books-for-kids/" target="_blank">We are Teachers </a> or <a href="https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/best-childrens-books-for-celebrating-spring" target="_blank">PBS Kids</a>!</div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-8345838954913878762023-03-10T11:52:00.003-08:002023-03-10T11:52:31.756-08:00Spring Break Bucket List (for Teachers!!)<p>How ready are you for spring break? Teaching is such a taxing and exhausting (yet rewarding) occupation. When teachers FINALLY arrive at a long break....They. Are. Ready! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQqUzp62dIvAt6znA1yTPvgZZtI3eQsoBLcs7CCz0c8vxCWyiHAALv_mDccw_tdCngNMIODwZmi518eU6ldb_WrlEb-jpPEbhVX_-iRHFSGBxBpe5jTykTCsdTTLBuSo1wnHlx22SvutKeFS50naKuRG8falvA47QGhQKvAHq8TGDwna-10KCEq2htTQ=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQqUzp62dIvAt6znA1yTPvgZZtI3eQsoBLcs7CCz0c8vxCWyiHAALv_mDccw_tdCngNMIODwZmi518eU6ldb_WrlEb-jpPEbhVX_-iRHFSGBxBpe5jTykTCsdTTLBuSo1wnHlx22SvutKeFS50naKuRG8falvA47QGhQKvAHq8TGDwna-10KCEq2htTQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>All too often spring break seems to quickly slip through our fingers, and we arrive at the end of our week wonder how it arrived so quickly. Breaks are elusive little things, aren't they? </p><p>In order to take full advantage of your time off, I urge you to make a Spring Break Bucket List for yourself! Bucket lists are a great ways to ensure that relaxation, fun and meaningful moments happen.</p><p> By the end of break I want to look back on the the two weeks and have something to show for it---and I want that for you too! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Break-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-7839521" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0hfEtgEhtGTp4ZLK2gyz3u6XNgWhKUWtXcFrcyQLY0MRIi3Y0GZhm00EegAQ-81KfBmMW8IyiTpKiJscKTjHHQxc3rPzqvite-_M0Hm7GF4-kxkRCg-P_uRxKPnxt_OOxXMrft1zGNoPu3obGpNTY49YKfdZlSeZW91Yu3ag_amudkGFQZ3EXlXKQrQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><p>Click the image below to download this <b><i><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Break-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-7839521" target="_blank">free resource</a></i></b>! Included in the download are multiple bucket list bingo boards. There are two pre-filled bucket boards with lots of fun options! You don't even have to think of your own fun--just print and start enjoying life. Ha! </p><p>There are also two boards that are mostly filled, but with a few blank spaces. The mostly filled option is great if you have a few of your own ideas you want to insert! Last, there is a completely blank board for those of you who have a brain swimming with fun ideas!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spring-Break-Bucket-List-Teacher-Edition-7839521" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQvzVi9euZN6gnlj08q5ur6ysO8qYAra5ypklgMoPL3cMA8iZ8n28tR5w53pDse3Nn_X95Hc7DeyjwgIRfOYo1dmx87r9SRR7U0DLWesaSEQe8JZGkeovCd8FKY3awqxj6xuO7ObCqZMqTfGaLhkyw8kPB_muRKMPjmV7QbvrdzNtJbU_UTu9zmZ2G5g=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I truly hope you find this Spring Break Bucket List for teachers helpful and that you have an opportunity in these next few weeks to take time for yourself. Spring break is the perfect time to slow down, take a deep breath and breathe fresh perspective into your life. </p><p> It is SO IMPORTANT that you fill your cup, so that you are ready to tackle the rest of the school year. Remember that self care doesn't mean me first, it just means me too! </p><div><br /></div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-63521133720301752912023-02-04T13:45:00.003-08:002023-02-04T13:45:30.916-08:00❤️ Classroom Valentine Treats for Kids! ❤️<p> <b style="font-size: 16px;">Valentine's day is almost here!! </b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">This means...I need to get treats ready for my sweet kiddos at school!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I don't know if I have met a teacher who doesn't want to </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">buy a valentine gift for each of his or her students</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>-</b>-but with classes of 20+ kids......</span><strong style="font-size: 16px;">it just gets too darn expensive!</strong></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong></strong>As a reading interventionist, I service around 60 students, so I am always on the hunt for something festive and inexpensive. <em><strong>Thus....I use treat tags</strong></em>! Treat tags are a wonderful option--simple, relatively low cost and fun! </p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwZs-fy0qS2-7-JfGGTVz1XyA_-JegWODa6Ya9jtCH2tZg08fVuyNoeo3AKPG5J8UCGk-Fp8ojDeSWbKX0-xl2L5-bsxret_LUVceriLZ-EezJ4DBIIzS0SMbr7GnfaR4nXr4nSrLwoFRMQ73RBCYBRpIdIM0CvYJhr5Flzda2KLP2DxPzIJF3s8betQ=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwZs-fy0qS2-7-JfGGTVz1XyA_-JegWODa6Ya9jtCH2tZg08fVuyNoeo3AKPG5J8UCGk-Fp8ojDeSWbKX0-xl2L5-bsxret_LUVceriLZ-EezJ4DBIIzS0SMbr7GnfaR4nXr4nSrLwoFRMQ73RBCYBRpIdIM0CvYJhr5Flzda2KLP2DxPzIJF3s8betQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br />I print out the treat tag and simply staple the tag to a ziplock bag with treats and pass them out to students during my classes. Easy Peasy!<p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;">OR...if I am feeling a little sneaky I fasten the tag with tape (or put it the tag and treat in a bag) and sneak them into back-packs for a fun surprise when my little love bugs get home.</p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;">Sometimes I am in that extra-teacher-tired-teacher mode and I just lay treat tags and goodies on student desks before they come to my classroom. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX7gw8XTJcwEgmN1_qYC1GCOaWlwKAhC15Zn0iDw9789zFMauLnxVKVWdrqGj_QRfKL_rBT2iUNyxtXVFjZrP56JWVn_VevGgdDpyDTX9parVMAQunHJtsOg5A-qTh3aeMjl_F5Eorzxp9RBYlCL6ZukWfuKbAK7lZV9yr2oPv7y4Qkb7J3LV6ugBNXw=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX7gw8XTJcwEgmN1_qYC1GCOaWlwKAhC15Zn0iDw9789zFMauLnxVKVWdrqGj_QRfKL_rBT2iUNyxtXVFjZrP56JWVn_VevGgdDpyDTX9parVMAQunHJtsOg5A-qTh3aeMjl_F5Eorzxp9RBYlCL6ZukWfuKbAK7lZV9yr2oPv7y4Qkb7J3LV6ugBNXw=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Looking for ideas of some simple games to play during Valentine class parties? Check out this<a href="https://www.thespruce.com/valentine-party-games-for-kids-1358219" target="_blank"> list of 14 games </a>from The Spruce. How about <a href="https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-activities/2020/02/valentines-day-party-games-for-the-classroom/">kid-approved games</a>? Check out this list from <a href="https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-activities/2020/02/valentines-day-party-games-for-the-classroom/" target="_blank">Teach Hub</a>.</span></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;">Interested in treat tags for your students? Check out these treat tags on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail2.com/27uvqlxl5rtohql88ob3/6qheh8hpnq4465co/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGVhY2hlcnNwYXl0ZWFjaGVycy5jb20vUHJvZHVjdC9Ib2xpZGF5LVRyZWF0LVRhZ3MtSG9saWRheS1HaWZ0cy1mb3ItU3R1ZGVudHMtNzUwNDAwNw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1639064504901000&usg=AOvVaw1_KOn0F_CmUhU6bz814xAD" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Treat-Tags-Valentines-Day-Gifts-for-Students-7682494" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #0875c1;" target="_blank">TPT </a>. For under three dollars, you get FOURTEEN options for festive fun!</p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Valentines-Day-Treat-Tags-Valentines-Day-Gifts-for-Students-7682494" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjauoUSU3SEDmkkFOTOof7mcxj1pBcNT8Bkzg1bct3vjfL8m0jIqxGjIVcshfB2f6J-O0BcgB4f-XAVm99N68-1d_eGWlPDvOEKAcWVZ7lPWnZqVlinbBsf6jKTKLsqqwR6KtA0rgv25FsCd98KyE32v_KCUjzqRw_04uov1HXLHSTfOxD0QhewARh2lQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 0px;">Happy Valentine's Day!</p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-5812166467459461672023-01-25T13:21:00.001-08:002023-01-25T13:21:14.672-08:00A Routine for Explicit Vocabulary Instruction<p>Closing the gap between the<a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2022/11/are-you-laying-groundwork-for-literacy.html" target="_blank"> language rich and the language poor</a> is of upmost importance for educators.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7x3dHWHgLWRuPXFBYIDhErYO8VJTw0imdtykFl88Vq3qKKb--g9_w_I7lmXHwtjBQATmvadX6ZrU6ND84pmkJyWjAhspUzYXb5kGff-UKuTHUqSlBZxlJPSD2AKmVZt3P5x_mklvcs0i3EhcyaCsAqOEwWL8RAbfm8eMO2F8fl83BJM1TEufqFwAeIA/s960/linguistically%20rich.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7x3dHWHgLWRuPXFBYIDhErYO8VJTw0imdtykFl88Vq3qKKb--g9_w_I7lmXHwtjBQATmvadX6ZrU6ND84pmkJyWjAhspUzYXb5kGff-UKuTHUqSlBZxlJPSD2AKmVZt3P5x_mklvcs0i3EhcyaCsAqOEwWL8RAbfm8eMO2F8fl83BJM1TEufqFwAeIA/w640-h640/linguistically%20rich.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkfx-nXopGWkYiSnMWJSHgtGIIOP6IcVEt1g6XF-WPHdoHWR7WUU_g-NhT5RRulmRVQx6rxmdGJBoyk-4Mwo_r5jQkNpl1NpHaCaDM_FPukSbr07C8I1Ss9VBFhzgC6y6Eoie-m8bYNzTzQ_2uuRUoekHfGhYJMpsVeZLcSM12-AdxcJGblbfrblJOA/s960/language%20gap.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkfx-nXopGWkYiSnMWJSHgtGIIOP6IcVEt1g6XF-WPHdoHWR7WUU_g-NhT5RRulmRVQx6rxmdGJBoyk-4Mwo_r5jQkNpl1NpHaCaDM_FPukSbr07C8I1Ss9VBFhzgC6y6Eoie-m8bYNzTzQ_2uuRUoekHfGhYJMpsVeZLcSM12-AdxcJGblbfrblJOA/w640-h640/language%20gap.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A proven way to shrink the literacy gap between the "rich" and the "poor" is by explicitly teaching <a href="http://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2023/01/how-to-select-vocabulary-words-to-teach.html" target="_blank">vocabulary words.</a> Research supports that teachers should be directly teaching 3-5 words per text selection and teaching them in a way that students "own" the words.</p><p>Owning a word means you have a deep understanding of the word. You can pronounce the word. You understand it's meaning. You have the ability to use the word during conversation and in writing. An owned word is one that is a member of your personal lexicon. </p><p><b>Vocabulary instruction</b> is important for all kids, but it <b>is vital for students who have under developed vocabularies. </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh_3ZRbiozTxLAZ4IFdSLlG1WZsdraElxxWKl6PyAa1uddGzFAUrbdwRmq3AJedMr2iOVYHKFfRnBuGsNL89GIXGuprHESa134G8AY3tuWAQIPoYApBU-ML_CAiIli0Eh3z0ik4rpT_KXx4OFlwaCCyMd-ZMlhN9TbPgc2VFS9icQHl06A6njvi3-_A/s960/focus%20on%20vocabulary.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh_3ZRbiozTxLAZ4IFdSLlG1WZsdraElxxWKl6PyAa1uddGzFAUrbdwRmq3AJedMr2iOVYHKFfRnBuGsNL89GIXGuprHESa134G8AY3tuWAQIPoYApBU-ML_CAiIli0Eh3z0ik4rpT_KXx4OFlwaCCyMd-ZMlhN9TbPgc2VFS9icQHl06A6njvi3-_A/w640-h640/focus%20on%20vocabulary.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Teaching students vocabulary terms <u>should happen before a text selection is read</u><b>,</b> and should be done using the following routine. </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Pronounce the word, write it and read it. </h3><div><br /></div><div>Always introduce a word orally first. Kids need to know how to correctly pronounce the word. Say it, and have them repeat it back to you. If the word is multi-syllabic, talk about the syllables and say the word in syllable chunks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, write the word. Say each sound, or each syllable as the write the word for all students to see.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Example</u>: Our new word is plain. Class, say plain. How many syllables does plain have? Lets clap the syllables in plain. How many sounds does plain have? Lets tap the sounds in plain. There are two spellings for the word plain.....plane and plain. We are going to learn about plain, spelled p....l.....a....i.....n. Plain is an adjective (which means it describes a noun).</i></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>2. Tell students what the new word means</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>Use a student friendly definition of the new word. This ensures that students understand what the new word means. However, after a student friendly definition is given....don't be afraid to elevate a student's vocabulary by giving a more technical or advanced definition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, talk to the students about word origin. Point out prefixes, suffixes or any base words that may exist. </div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, give students a more concrete way to grasp the word by showing pictures, video clips, demonstrating an action or providing a hands on experience. It is always best to find real images to share as opposed to clipart images.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Example</u>: Plain means ordinary. Something that is plain is not flashy. Plain looks like this:</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxPcjR-LmAomUPG8IHgwfGi7M8Yuae9-P9c4Nss6LzrC5krCI2ABAECi7fyy3cTvdpLatODcfNHdzjCaEbrcPh7eTq7M59dRMtRbSgSLyt42xCDqI_Qt7PAdFVg-3T7WzpiNMFO2vWxGRTiVZbLY_rnROkUwo4HsJzJf39ycgK3YDPcu45JuUn0vXJQ/s960/plain%20image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxPcjR-LmAomUPG8IHgwfGi7M8Yuae9-P9c4Nss6LzrC5krCI2ABAECi7fyy3cTvdpLatODcfNHdzjCaEbrcPh7eTq7M59dRMtRbSgSLyt42xCDqI_Qt7PAdFVg-3T7WzpiNMFO2vWxGRTiVZbLY_rnROkUwo4HsJzJf39ycgK3YDPcu45JuUn0vXJQ/w640-h640/plain%20image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3>3. Say more about the word and give examples</h3></div><div><br /></div><div> Once students have an understanding of the new word's meaning, use the word in several sentences. These sentences should help students further understand what the word is and what it isn't. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Example</u>: If I wanted to use plain in a sentence, I could say: My outfit is plain today because it doesn't have a lot of colors. Or, I enjoy eating plain yogurt that is only one flavor and doesn't have any mix-ins. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3>4. Ask Questions about the Word's Meaning</h3><div><br /></div><div>Ask students yes and no questions about the word to really help the meaning sink in.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Example</u>: Students, are the outfits you are wearing plain? Is your bedroom at home plain? Do you like plain food, or food that doesn't have a lot of spice or ingredients?</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3>5. Provide opportunities for students to use the word</h3></div><div><br /></div><div>To help students truly "own" a word, they need ample opportunities to use the newly acquired term. Encourage students to use the word in writing and speaking activities. Have students write sentences using the word, or share a sentence verbally. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Example</u>: Students, I want you to think of a sentence using our new word plain. After some think time, have students hand up, stand up and pair up to share their sentence with a partner. </i></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: Montserrat, "avenir next", avenir, "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.5rem; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;"><br /></p><p>Interested in seeing the vocabulary routine in action? Check out the following clip of explicit vocabulary instruction taking place in a kindergarten classroom. </p><div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="373" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-6fbMoYk-Y" width="501" youtube-src-id="w-6fbMoYk-Y"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make sure to check out this article from Reading Rockets, <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/article/multidimensional-approach-vocabulary-instruction-supporting-english-language-learners" target="_blank">A Multidimensional Approach to Vocabulary Instruction: Supporting English Language Learners in Inclusive Classrooms</a>, for eight more instructional tips regarding vocabulary instruction. </div>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655788638561128239.post-90246378656236506312023-01-13T12:47:00.000-08:002023-01-13T12:47:17.459-08:00How to Select Vocabulary Words to Teach<p>As teachers it is our job is to close the gap between the <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2022/11/are-you-laying-groundwork-for-literacy.html" target="_blank">language rich and the language poor</a>. Check out the previous blog post, <a href="https://sparkingthemind.blogspot.com/2022/11/do-you-have-language-rich-classroom.html" target="_blank">Do you have a language rich classroom?</a> where I provided EIGHT ways to make your classroom literacy rich!</p><p>One of the eight ways to make your classroom environment rich with literacy is by teaching VOCABULARY! </p><p>Vocabulary instruction includes selecting the right words, explicitly teaching them and then giving students ample opportunities to use those newly learned terms.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrP0blT3jo_l4nYG210EXy8tEIaJNtq0pI6MTuaK8amuxoAqIbss4VAev2o8qri2VEM77jBx0r0Wiyxiao8B22dzb6gaVH4naKnmkWBwZoOQoxaeHModHxrWrAvck1Lm1Vd--sAObbDeDYPWaXPVgd49-sIu1K7DxiCC2VRnP-nJSYrtzlWpTGC2qEw/s864/vocab%20selection.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrP0blT3jo_l4nYG210EXy8tEIaJNtq0pI6MTuaK8amuxoAqIbss4VAev2o8qri2VEM77jBx0r0Wiyxiao8B22dzb6gaVH4naKnmkWBwZoOQoxaeHModHxrWrAvck1Lm1Vd--sAObbDeDYPWaXPVgd49-sIu1K7DxiCC2VRnP-nJSYrtzlWpTGC2qEw/s16000/vocab%20selection.png" /></a></div><br /><p>We are going to take a deep dive into vocabulary instruction with the next few blog posts--taking it one step at a time.</p><p>First, lets explore how we select the right words. </p><p>Determining which words to teach our students can be tricky. There are just SO. MANY. WORDS!</p><p>Leading literacy experts (e.g. Archer & Hughes, Beck, Graves, Stahl & Nagy) all agree on the following five rules when selecting vocabulary to explicitly teach.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">1. Choose words students probably don't know</span></h3><div><br /></div><div>There is no reason to spend time teaching terms students already know. To gauge whether a student knows the meaning of a word, see if they can correctly use it in a sentence. Or, have students rate their own understanding by giving you a fist to five whether they know that word or not. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">2. Choose words that are crucial for text understanding</span></h3><div><br /></div><div>Select words that critical for understanding the text. Students need to be taught the words that are needed to understand the central theme or main idea of the text selected. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">3. Choose words that students will encounter often</span></h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Select high utility words--words that students are likely unfamiliar with, but will see often in future lessons or in a variety of contexts. For example words like detest, muttered and hurl are better choices than metamorphosed or longhorn beetle. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZGefA-UnKrRywTJ5rUz7Bkdi4_zEVeowGYee8BqyMz-cUjIT6FEKY3W3bsrW-VHvtUW9_ez0azpXrrTslImU5t--slMqKfJh1TR9dTCXKdvdJPw3wfvzLormy_l0KzT9W4aqeOG_pZh_Pnp7LvutLMmpU433u9s4u8TzPGdV6ZdraxOO0rAIZ9ASbw/s5184/group%20of%20girls%20working.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZGefA-UnKrRywTJ5rUz7Bkdi4_zEVeowGYee8BqyMz-cUjIT6FEKY3W3bsrW-VHvtUW9_ez0azpXrrTslImU5t--slMqKfJh1TR9dTCXKdvdJPw3wfvzLormy_l0KzT9W4aqeOG_pZh_Pnp7LvutLMmpU433u9s4u8TzPGdV6ZdraxOO0rAIZ9ASbw/w640-h426/group%20of%20girls%20working.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. Teach words that are difficult to learn without explicit instruction</span></h3><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Select words that would be hard to understand, unless explicitly taught. Many times words that have multiple meaning are perfect words to select. For example words like calculating or transparent have multiple meaning depending on the context in which they are used. Explicitly teaching these words helps student's fully grasp all of their meanings. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;">5. Select 3-5 words for each text</span></h3><div><br /></div><div>It is best practice to only teach 3-5 words per text selection. You may determine to increase that depending on the needs of your children. Beck and her colleagues recommend a goal of 400 words per year for teachers to directly teach. For those 400 words, Beck recommends a minimum of 10 interactions per word. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for more information on how to best select vocabulary words to explicitly teach, check <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/article/choosing-words-teach" target="_blank">Choosing Words to Teach</a> by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown and Linda Kucan published on Reading Rocket's website. These ladies are the true guru's of teaching vocabulary!</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Katie Orr (Mind Sparks)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01080724214704744958noreply@blogger.com0