Teaching the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) has caused us to shift some of our teaching from what was "familiar and safe" to exploring new learning; such as decomposing numbers into pairs. The question we have faced is how do we keep parents informed of the changes.
Our team has worked tirelessly to address these needs. First, a colleague and I presented Parent/Child Workshops. Each of the three workshops addressed a component of the Common Core. Their child served as a mentor as we modeled how we learn these skills in our classroom. The workshop gave parents a chance to see the standards in action and us an opportunity to support the learning at home.
At times, the language has been daunting for us to understand. We knew that this would be the case for our parents; especially, since grades are given on standards such as Number and Operations in Base Ten rather than skills.
What does that mean in kindergarten? To help, we broke the standard down into Parent Friendly language.
As we met with families at conferences, we presented them with a Parent Friendly version of the CCSS in addition to their assessment reports and progress report card. I highlighted skills within each section; green-at level, yellow-approaching, pink-below expectations. I also wrote comments in the Notes section.
Our team has worked tirelessly to address these needs. First, a colleague and I presented Parent/Child Workshops. Each of the three workshops addressed a component of the Common Core. Their child served as a mentor as we modeled how we learn these skills in our classroom. The workshop gave parents a chance to see the standards in action and us an opportunity to support the learning at home.
At times, the language has been daunting for us to understand. We knew that this would be the case for our parents; especially, since grades are given on standards such as Number and Operations in Base Ten rather than skills.
What does that mean in kindergarten? To help, we broke the standard down into Parent Friendly language.
As we met with families at conferences, we presented them with a Parent Friendly version of the CCSS in addition to their assessment reports and progress report card. I highlighted skills within each section; green-at level, yellow-approaching, pink-below expectations. I also wrote comments in the Notes section.
Truth be told, it has been a lot of work. But, now that it is behind us, I am pleased with the work. It has helped keep our families informed of the changes but made it accessible for them to understand.
If you would like to learn more, go here.
Happy Teaching!
I'm Mrs. Parker; a wife, mother and a lifelong learner. I am blessed to be a kindergarten teacher where I get to laugh, learn and play alongside my students. My blog is a reflection of my journey as a teacher.
We are combing over the common core and focusing on math this year, next year will be so much easier.
ReplyDeleteAlison
I just found out yesterday that I get to move to a great new school in our district teaching kindergarten from third grade. I'm nervous since all I've ever taught was 2nd-4th but so excited for this new journey. I'm your newest follower and am in the process of switching my blog name from Sparkling in Third Grade to Sparkling in Kindergarten. I look forward to learning from you and all your great ideas as well as getting to know you better.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Ann
Sparkling in Third Grade
Congrats! You will love it .
DeleteHi Mrs. Parker,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE this, but can't seem to find it on the link that I'm redirected to. Can you send me a direct link?