My Teacher Forever (revisited)

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

My Teacher Forever —

I was participating in a #youmatter chat on twitter and a comment came up that interested me. It was from Justine Tarte from St. Louis Missouri. He said "Highly effective teachers don't just have students for one year; they have students who view them as 'their' teacher for life...". I thought about this for a moment and it is true. The teachers I remember that I consider "my" teachers are the ones that really had an impact on me. Mrs. Durbin my kindergarten teacher took time with me and helped be start out to be a pretty good reader. My third grade teacher Mrs. Fanning really helped me understand math and we had some great waffle parties. Sixth grade was Mr. Neighbor and he pushed me to do better. I wasn't fond of him because he was mean, but he was "my" teacher because he pushed and I grew. I had others but the one teacher I call “my teacher” was Mr. Frieberg. High school music teacher. I had him for 3 years and my friends and I got to know him pretty well. He took time to explain life to us. He scolded us when we were making bad choices. He praised us when we were doing well. He took time to find out who we were and we found out who he was. He took time. I don't remember most of my teachers. I would have to look back to see what they even looked like. So who are "your" teachers? Who made an impact on you? And what are you doing to make an impact on your students so they will consider you "their" teacher after they leave? What a badge of love to get from a student. My teacher forever. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“And I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” ― Kurt Vonnegut

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Feb. 3-7 - Family Life Week Mon. Feb 3 - Teacher Training Day, our at 1:15 - meet at Crimson View Elem. @ 2pm.  Wed. Feb 5 - Dudes and Donuts 8-9 am Thu. Feb 6 - AES Culture Night 5:30-7 Fri. Feb 7 - Divas and Donuts 8-9 am	Mon. Feb 10 - PTSA Mtg 12:15 pm Fri. Feb 14 - Science Fair Assemblies
Feb 17 - President’s Day Feb 24-28 SEP Week  Online Scheduler is up for you to make changes as needed. Feb 10 parents can start setting appointments.

Favorite Article This Week —

8 Leadership Lessons from a Symphony Conductor

My dad was a music teacher. I always loved watching him conduct his orchestras and bands. We are conductors in our classrooms. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you to our Chinese Language teachers. I am always amazed when I come into your rooms, or even just stand outside your rooms and see the work you do. All the activity and engagement students do in your rooms. I am amazed at how well students speak, read, and write in Chinese. I hear parents talk about how they love that their student speaks and writes so well. I then think about all the work you put into your lessons and activities to help your students learn. That you for all you do for the students. To give them this opportunity and help them know they can accomplish hard things. Thank you for making our school amazing because you are here. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

Bonus Video

“This is incredible. Time to take another vacation from my excuses…”

This man is Blind. Inspiration for the new year. Anything is possible for us and for all our students.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Bring On The Tiers

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Bring On The Tiers —

I was reading Timothy Shanahan about his 9 Tiers of Support. There was a lot to it so I think we should stick to the 3 Tiers of Support. We need a little clarification on the 3 Tiers. They have been around for many years, but there might be a few misconceptions about the different Tiers. The 3 Tier Model of Support is to help efficiently match students to instruction needed. It also helps make decisions using ongoing data to support students in their learning. So let me break it down with a quick review of the 3 Tiers of Support. 

Tier 1 is for all students. They are taught the same skill as a whole group or in small groups. Small groups are a good way to differentiate the skill into who needs a little more but are part of the same rotation all students are a part of. Some groups might need more scaffolding on that skill or can have an extension, but everyone is taught the same skill. We use Research-based effective instruction and differentiate as needed for students. If they do not understand the skill or concept we differentiate in Tier 1 to teach and help students understand. This should cause the vast majority of students to perform at grade level. Usually, about 80% of the class will fall into this group. If it is not around 80% differentiating is needed with more scaffolding of concepts.

Tier 2 is designed as additional instruction for students who are at risk on a screener test (Acadience Reading, Phonemic Awareness Test, Core Phonics, R4R BenchmarkTest, etc.). The purpose of Tier 2 is to catch up with students who are at risk so they can reach the benchmark goal. Instruction is in a small group with a more narrow range of skills with more explicit instruction and frequent progress monitoring. Tier 2 is in addition to, not instead of, Tier 1 instruction. If we do small groups in our class, the lowest group is not an intervention group unless the teacher is having an additional small group with those students. Students should never come out of core reading or math instruction to get Tier 2 instruction. Our Intervention Groups are designed as Tier 2 groups because they are in addition to the work we do in our class. Students should not be in Tier 2 for a long time. Usually, about 15% of the class will fall in this group at different times and with different skills. Tier 2 is often delivered in groups of 4-6 for 30 minutes 3-5 times per week.

Tier 3 is intensive support, unique and individualized. Tier 3 is used to minimize the problem and correct it over time. It is in addition to Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. If the deficit is severe it is not required to go to Tier 2 first. Research-based intervention materials in small groups or with individuals. Finding what will enable learning. Is special education needed? After Tier 1 and Tier 2 data are being collected bring to TAT to find other options and strategies. Usually, about 5% of the class will fall into this group. Tier 3 is often delivered in groups of 4-6 for 30 minutes 3-5 times per week.

The 3 Tiers of Support help us identify needs among students. All decisions about the tiers of support are data-based. When we finish the interventions in a couple of weeks we should see our numbers decline in needs for Tier 2 interventions and get to the 15-20% of students in our school that need Tier 2.

Quote I’m pondering —

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” —T.S. Eliot

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Mon. Oct. 7 - Pie With The Principal 9:30 am Tue. Oct. 8 - Jog-a-Thon Money Due Tue. Oct 8 - School Board visiting Chinese Classrooms 12:30-1:15 Tue. Oct. 8 - PTA Meeting 12:00 pm Wed. Oct. 9 - TAT First Grade 8:00 am Wed. Oct 9 - DLI Meeting	Oct. 14-16 & 21-25 - No rotations  Oct. 17-18 - Fall Break
	Oct. 23 - Intervention Meetings Oct. 28 - Teacher Training Afternoon Oct. 28 - Nov. 1 - Red Ribbon Week

Favorite Article This Week —

Too Late To Apologize: A Declaration

Great Video about the American Revolution. Never knew the founding fathers could rock like this. Enjoy.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Coach Shane and the PE Aide Coaches. We appreciate your willingness to work with our students and help them through life when you are working in PE. We appreciate the work you put in to have activities for the students and helping them enjoy PE. We appreciate you building a love of physical education with the students in all the different ways you teach exercise. We also appreciate it when there are short days or holidays your flexibility to accommodate most of the classes. And it's a class need to miss that you will help make up the missed days. I also appreciate the help Coach Shane gives us on Fridays with the store and with other activities that happen on Fridays. Thank you, coaches, for all you do for our students. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and everything you do for the students.

Happy Kids

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.

Happy Kids —

I went to a training this week and the first slide up was this saying, “Happy kids don’t punch you in the face.” True. So how do we keep kids happy and still teach the lessons we need to teach? The suggestion was to use the Rich Theory. Resources. Make sure students have the resources they need to succeed including basic needs and good teachers. Intimacy. Each student needs to have at least 1 person to have a relationship with. Sometimes we are it. They also need social skills that are not always taught at home. We become the ones to help with that. Competence. Students need to feel capable to do at least one thing to be successful. There is no need to master it, they just need to feel capable and be successful. Truly successful. Not a gimme. They can feel when someone is not genuine. Health. Achieving and maintaining good health. Are they eating at home? Are they drinking enough water throughout the day? Are they exercising? The absence of sickness is not health. These are 4 basic needs we can help to make our students successful and happy. Academics are so much easier when these 4 things are met. I understand that we cannot always fill all these needs. We do the best we can, we teach, and we care. Students Matter. Teachers Matter. You matter to those around you.

Quote I’m pondering —

My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds. — Anne Lindbergh 

What’s Happening —

This Coming Week	In Two Weeks
Sept. 23-27 - Just Say Hello Week See email for activities Mon. Sept 23 - Community Council 12 pm Tues. Sept 24 - Storytelling Starts Wed. Sept 25 - TAT Third Grade 8:00 am	Mon. Sept. 30 - Service Dog Training Wed. Oct. 2 - Walk to School Day Wed. Oct. 2 - TAT Second Grade 8:00 am Fri. Oct. 4 - PTA Jog-a-Thon Fri. Oct. 4 - Reflections Starts
Coming Up	PTA Jog-a-Thon Money turned in on Oct. 8 Red Ribbon Week Oct. 14-16 Fall Break Oct. 17-18

Favorite Video This Week —

The Angels of My Education

Who are our kids? Who will save the kids that come into our classrooms? Yes, another tear-jerker.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Alma and all the Reading Paras. It has been a stressful time as interventions were getting up and going. There was confusion with a few things and yet you came through with lessons and great attitudes. Thank you for helping teachers and students as this new plan helps students fill in holes to be more successful. Thank you for helping the teachers so they are able to reach more students and teach the ones most at risk. Thank you for coming in not knowing what to do and just doing whatever you need to help. Thank you for all you do for our school. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

I'm in Control

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

I'm in Control  —

Pat Cross said, “If it weren’t for students impeding our progress in our race to the end of the term, we could certainly be sure of covering the material. The question, however, is not whether we, as teachers, can get to the end of the text at the end of the term, but whether our students are with us on that journey.” We control what happens in our classrooms. We control the environment and how engaging our lessons are. We control how we act and react to what students do each day. We control how we perceive the actions of others. We control us. We cannot control students. We do not control student behavior. If we try we end up in a fight-or-flight situation for the student and the teacher. When a student misbehaves (talks, walks, does nothing, etc.), we need to remember it is not a threat to us. Address the situation with the student and move on. Answer the question, What is best for the student? We can find a way to change their behavior by thinking it as a puzzle that needs to be solved, not a threat to be removed. A physical threat is a different situation that needs a different consequence, but we still need to ask, What is best for the student? Let’s make their days better for being here.

Quote I’m pondering —

To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking. ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What’s Happening —

Mon. April 22 - No School Tues. April 23 - Character Ed/Steam - PLC Making Class Lists Tues. April 24 - Character Ed/Steam - PLC Making Class Lists Fri., Apr. 26 - No Fit Walk Fri., Apr. 26 - Field Day 1st-2nd grades Fri., Apr. 26 - Last School Store 10:00am Fri., Apr. 26 - Ice Cream During Lunch	Mon. April 29 - TAT 3rd Grade 8:15 Tues. April 30 - Choir Concert 2:30 Wed., May 1 - PLC 8:15 Thu., May 2 - Mini Color Run for Boxtops Fri., May 3 - Last School Store 10:00am
April 15-18 - Lunch Workers: Beraz and 2 from Sparks/Paxman	April 29-May 3 - Lunch Workers: Marchant and 2 from Ping/Fuchs

Favorite Article This Week —

Bigger than Basketball

Dwayne Wade is a basketball player that is retiring this year. This short video is a tribute to him. Who would trade jerseys with us at the end of our careers?

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Clark and Mr. Hansen for all you do for our students that need a little more attention at our school. You are truly always thinking about how to help and work with students in our school. What a resource you are to teachers. We appreciate all your time and effort in making sure students are getting their needs met each day. We appreciate all you do for students and for teachers. We appreciate your help. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a great 4 day weekend.

The Curse of Knowledge

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

The Curse of Knowledge—

The Curse of Knowledge is that once we know something we find it hard to imagine not knowing it. Our knowledge has “cursed” us. We have difficulty sharing it with others because we can’t readily re-create their state of mind. We are not always able to put ourselves in their shoes when they do not understand what we already know. I taught that to you yesterday. You should know it today. My 16 yr. old son has this curse. He expects that because he knows something, everyone should know it and when we do not, he gets angry at us. As teachers, most of us were the perfect or semi-perfect student in our own education. We did what we were asked, tried to stay out of trouble, and got our work done. We loved school. If this is us, how do we relate to the students that are not perfect and do not do their work? We break the curse of knowledge by living up to the concrete language we say when we describe ourselves as teachers. “Every student can learn.” “We will do what it takes so every student will be successful.” Stories force us to use this concrete language. We tell stories about a student that has overcome something and was successful. We read stories that bring us hope and excite us to be more engaging or to teach the lesson that we could sell tickets to. Use these concrete lessons and stories that we share with others of why we are in this profession to remind us that students are worth our every moment. Students are tiring sometimes, but they all need something and you can give it to them. Concrete language of who we are and stories of why we do what we do brings success and defeats the curse of knowledge. Defeating the Curse of Knowledge helps make students more successful. 

Quote I’m pondering —

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. --Henry David Thoreau

What’s Happening This Week —

Mon., Apr. 1 - TAT with Kinder grade 8:00

Tue., Apr. 2 - PTA Meeting 12:15

Tue., Apr. 2 - Student Council Meeting 12:15

Wed., Apr. 3 - PLC 8:15 Library

Wed., Apr. 3 - 1st Grade Program 9:30 and 2:30

April 1-5 - Lunch Workers: Paxman and 2 from Ping/Cox

Mon., Apr. 8 - TAT with 1st grade 8:00

Tue., April 9 - PD Lunch

Wed., Apr. 10 - Faculty Meeting with Tami Curtis 8:00

April 8-12 - Lunch Workers: Fuchs and 2 from Tuitavuki/Beraz

April 19-22 - Easter Break

Favorite Article This Week —

Simple Tips for Boosting Teacher Resilience

We are at the time of year when testing is starting and we are feeling the pinch that the end of the school year is closing in. Here are a few ideas for being resilient. Do your best. Don’t wipe yourself out.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Kellie, Michelle, Julie, and Jeff for all your help. Keeping us in line and helping Kim and I understand what we are doing. We appreciate all your patience with us as we get questions and are figuring out the new things we are doing. There is the principal of a school and then there are the people that run the school. The secretaries and custodian run the school. We are a testament of that statement. The school will keep running because the secretaries keep the schedule moving and everyone where they need to be. The custodian keeps the school moving and running smoothly. Thank you for your help. This school does not run without you. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

The Sweet Ones

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.

The Sweet Ones —

What can we do with mild behaviors that are interrupting the classroom? Is there a magic bullet for these children that do not seem to want to be in school? Why is it happening to me? I remember having those thoughts as I worked with students in my classroom. My classroom, like all classrooms was not perfect. I had one student that would start throwing things and swearing as he was yelling the classroom. It was a nightmare. No trigger. Part of his behavior. He could have harmed many students as he lashed out. I saw him this last year and he was calm and told him he has worked hard to keep himself under control. It was great to see him. I also had a student a few years back that used to steal and pick on other kids. His siblings did the same and they roamed around causing havoc in the city. I had a chance to keep him with me for 2 years and I did. I would talk with him frequently about his behavior and how he could break out of it. I talked with him a couple years ago. His siblings are not doing well. He, on the other hand, was in the nursing program at Dixie State and doing well. Relationships don’t cure everything, but a couple minutes with each student talking about them and reminding them how to act is important to them and can go a long way in their development. I know, but what can you do for me right now! I want to put together a class during lunch to teach students how to act. Some students have never been taught. They have not had the role models or the exposure to how to act and they are flying by the seat of their pants. Right now you can retrain your class as often as you need it. If that means you need to retrain every Monday for 30 minutes. Do it. We have academics to get through, but if the majority of the class is not doing what they need to, then retrain. And hold them to it. Some classes are tough and tire us out every day for 180 days. Sometimes it is just a few kids that need reminders and retraining. Phone calls home for good and bad, more good when possible, can help. A weekly meeting with parents to let them know how it is going can help. I wish there was one answer, but I will help find answers and work with each student that needs it. I will do more to help. Don’t give up on any of these children. They need each one of us. 

Quote I’m pondering —

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
—Dr. Seuss

What’s Happening This Week —

Starting Monday - WIDA

Tues., Feb. 5 - Faculty Meeting With Tami Curtis at 2:30

Tues., Feb. 5 - LavaRidge Tour for 5th Grade 12-2

Fri., Feb. 8 - Safety Patrol Breakfast

Favorite Video This Week —

Can Flip Phones end our Social Media Addiction?

This is a great Ted Talk about social media and phones. The speaker will be speaking in town on February 21 about social media. This is a great talk. 

A Big Thank You —

Thank you Julie Wood for all you do in the Family Center. We have had these wonderful people from the Foodbank leave a few extra items and you have given them out to those that need them. You make everyone that comes to the family center feel like you are their best friend. You have made the Family Center an important part of our community and you need to know that we are grateful for all your work. Thank you for all you do for the community and for our families. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

P.S. I apologize this came out late. I thought I had it going out this morning, but I accidentally set it for tomorrow. I just caught it as I was checking my email. Sorry. Have a wonderful weekend.

Positivity

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Positivity—

We are at the point in the year when students feel cooped up inside because of the cold weather, rain, possible snow, and “Dinner and a Movie” time during lunch. It is important to take an extra 5 seconds and breathe before ‘working’ with a student that has made a poor choice. Right now is the time to build up relationships and let students know that we care. With the varied situations students come to us we need to give them someone to trust. We don’t have to be their best friends and we definitely need to help them do their work and hold them to assignments the best we can. How we talk to students needs to be firm, but positive. The tone of the voice can get in the way of the message that is said. Finding a solution and teaching two to be appropriate in situations where students are making poor decisions need to be the norm. Not just getting rid of a behavior, but teaching how to replace the behavior with a positive one. I catch myself not making a good decision when talking with students and I have to back off and come back to them with a better plan of action. They are learning. They are young. In some cases they are unlearning what they have been taught since birth. It will take time. Being positive about and with all students will make a difference in their lives. We may never see it, or we may have a student tell us 10 years down the road that we made a difference in their lives in that one year they were with us. It only takes the one to make that comment and it makes it worth it. For every one that makes the comment, there are 100’s more that think it and live the lessons we teach. 

Quote I’m pondering —

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. -- Oprah Winfrey

What’s Happening This Week —

Tues., Jan. 29 - Jennifer Throndsen Observation Day

Wed., Jan. 30 - Jennifer Throndsen Training Day

Sat., Feb. 2 - EdCamp at Tonaquint Intermediate School 8am-3pm. Show up and learn. No cost. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Ryan Speedo Green: From juvenile delinquency to opera stardom

All it takes is a little love and a reminder that we should not let a bad moment in time define who we are or define the students we work with.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Fourth Grade, for all you have done with your students. They have shown great growth this year and are moving and grooving with the programs you have put together. We have seen a change in their attitudes and behavior and it makes a huge difference in the lunchroom, on the fields, and with their academics. You are making a difference in their lives. Thank you for all your planning and work together. We appreciate all you do for the students and for the school. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.

Control

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Control  —

At our Behavior Management training this week I read a saying that reminded me of what we need to remember as teachers. Pat Cross said, “If it weren’t for students impeding our progress in our race to the end of the term, we could certainly be sure of covering the material. The question, however, is not whether we, as teachers, can get t the end of the text of the end of the term, but whether our students are with us on that journey.” We control what happens in our classrooms. We control the environment and how engaging our lessons are. We control how we act and react to what students do each do. We control how we perceive the actions of others. We control us. We cannot control students. We do not control student behavior. If we try to we will end up in a  fight-or-flight situation for the student and the teacher. When a student misbehaves, we need to remember it is not a threat to us. We need to address the situation with the student and move on. We need to remember to answer the question, What is best for the student? Forcing the student to do something is trying to control them. We need to find a way to change their behavior by thinking it as a puzzle that needs to be solved, but not a threat to be removed. One of the reasons Kim challenged each of us to take on a child in our class is to alleviate some of these behavior issues. If we build a relationship with our students they will work with us. If we demand and control, they will end up worse then they already are. Let’s make their days better for being here. If we create excitement for them being here, they will do more of what we ask. Thank you for all you do. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What I am Watching —

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

This is a great video explaining what these are. We all need a Growth Mindset. It makes life less stressful.

Favorite Article This Week —

Fair Isn’t Always Equal – 3 Grading Malpractices

Grading is always a tough thing to do. That was the first major conundrum I ran into my first year of teaching. I am not a fan of grading elementary students. Labels an wait until high school.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you teachers and staff that helped during the Open House. We are in need of students at our school and We sure appreciate taking some time to walk around with the few parents that did come and help show off how wonderful our school is. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule and help promote our school. We appreciate your dedication and help. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.

Missed Opportunities

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Missed Opportunities  —

I have done a little teaching in a couple classrooms over the last couple of weeks and I recorded myself. It is hard to watch myself teach and look at all the missed opportunities. Annette Brinkman taught about missed opportunities in the classroom and how they can help us see the things we could be doing in our classroom to help students. A couple of the missed opportunities I saw in my recordings were stating and restating the Objective in my lessons. I did it in one, but not in another. I also need to Keep checking on each student to see their successes and where they need help. The little things in our lessons can turn into missed opportunities for students to learn and succeed. I have handed out a couple cell phone tripods to record yourselves teach. If you have not done so, please do and take a few minutes and set it up. No one else needs to see it. If you have questions about a missed opportunity in your video, ask Alma, myself, or Kim. We are always willing to coach and help you improve. If you would like to use a tripod to record yourself with your phone, ask and I will loan you one. Recording yourself should be used as an opportunity to see what you are doing and to find those misses opportunities that will help you be the best teacher you can be. You are an amazing family of teachers in an amazing school with the best students. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“Behavior change is the only real apology.” – Mel Robbins

What I am Watching —

LEARN HOW TO FOLD A WORLD-RECORD-SETTING PAPER AIRPLANE

Just in case you wanted to know. A pretty cool math measurement experiment.

Favorite Article This Week —

We Must Maslow Before We Bloom

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Bloom's Taxonomy are important in education. Maslow must come first so we can Bloom.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you for all you did at Literacy Night for parents and students. As I walk around I was able to see the parent lessons going well and the fun activities for students were fun. Thank you for taking the time and teaching the parents that came to the literacy night. Thank you for taking the time to help with parents. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.

Build Your Structure

Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Build Your Structure  —

I learned a lot about what Classroom Management was at the training a couple weeks ago. The trainer Trish let us know that we need to start with the teaching. I talked about teaching a few weeks ago. Teaching students how to behave in the classroom. Procedures and expectations in the classroom. The next piece was structure. Trish described structure as the way we arrange our classroom and activities to help students with behavior. There are a few points that she made about structure I wan to share.

• Why ever irritates you, make a change.  It will not get better unless you change it.
• More teacher involvement to be successful. Keep practicing and training.
• Physical, Procedural, scheduling. How can these things have a positive effect on student behavior. 
• Don’t give students down time.

As we set up the rooms we need to keep a eye on where are the places that students have the most behavior problems. Are there specific times they act out? What change can be made to help students. How can we arrange the room to make sure students are successful?

One of the things she really hit us with that was the myths we believe about students that we need to stop believing.

• Myth: Students are old enough to behave.
• Myth: Kids are fine if they know the expectations.
• Myth: Students should be able to figure it.
• Myth: If they haven’t gotten it by now…
• Myth: I shouldn’t have to repeat myself.

Remember the lesson about how long it takes for the brain to fully form. If the brain is not fully formed, can we expect a child(or 24 year old) to "get it" the first time? We are helping students form and grow. Within the teaching and structure it is important to remember everything should have important interactions with students. Positive interactions. Positive interactions are reinforcing the actions we want. Review the structure of the classroom and see how it works with the students. Sit in their chairs. Move where they move. See if any changes need to be made to accommodate their needs. Structure the room for the students to learn in. It was a great learning experience for me. Next on the list will be Observing student behavior in the classroom. 

Quote I’m pondering —

“The problem is not to find the answer, it's to face the answer.”

- Terence McKenna

What I am Watching —

60 second strategy: TUMS at the Door

A follow up on meeting students at the door. This can be a little much, but it is effective. Fist bumps and high 5’s.

Another Favorite Article This Week —

Teen’s surprising ‘worst day ever’ poem goes viral

How we look at things can decide how we act on things. I love this poem. One day top to bottom. Most days, bottom to top.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you teachers for taking a student (or more) under your wing to get to know a student that can be a challenge for you. This is not an easy task, especially in the beginning. It has been a wonderful experience for Kim to come into your PLC’s and hear how you will take these students and build a relationship of caring and learning for everyone. Thank you for stepping out and taking the challenge. The students you have picked will be better for it and you will see the change they will make over the next month. It just takes a little love and caring. Kim and I talk about the changes we have seen in the few students we see each morning before school. The relationships we have built and the sides of them we never saw before. Thank you for all you do for students. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.