A New Beginning

I just love that as teachers we have many opportunities for new beginnings; or clean slates.  It always seems that after Winter Break something magical seems to happen to kindergarteners.  They have a better understanding of school and are ready for the next phase in learning.

Months ago, I purchased this craftivity from All Students Can Shine knowing that I would use it to help us set our learning goals.

To begin, we read Squirrel's New Year's Resolution.  We learned about resolutions and come up with a definition for this word based on the book.

Then, we looked at our ESGI data.  I showed the class our data for language arts and math.  But they wanted to know more. They asked if they could see their own data. So, I showed them each their data. As I did, we talked about the areas which we all excelled and those which were important for our overall learning success.  As we had this discussion, I could tell that some students were beginning to understand the impact learning has.

I met with each student individually to talk about their resolutions.  Each child was honest and did an excellent job of selecting a resolution that reflected what they needed the most to be successful in the classroom.  We talked about how we could each support one another to help make their resolution a success.

I love this bulletin board and plan to keep it up for the remainder of the year. Why? Because it will serve as a reminder of our learning goals.

What does your class do to reflect upon their learning?

Happy Teaching!

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My Hopes and Dreams

I've never made resolutions.   But I do believe in this.

Click image for your copy.

As I return to the classroom, I want to remind myself why I teach.  I teach to touch the hearts', minds' and souls' of children.  I can make a lasting impact in their lives. I know because teachers made a lasting impact in my life.

Cheers to the new year!

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Soaring to New Heights - Learning Goals

As a teacher, we are probably by nature reflective types of individuals.  We tend to think about what went well, what could go better and what not to do the next time.  Many times, though, we may not share that reflection with others; especially the little ones we teach. I feel that it is important that my students begin to understand the importance of reflecting about their learning.

First, we analyzed our data results from ESGI.  

Basically, I explained that we wanted to fill up the pie with as much green as possible.  I had shared the results with the class prior to break and many students had seen their individual results during parent conferences. As you can see, there is room for improvement.  

Then, we talked about what it is like to set a goal. I gave them the analogy that many people want to loose weight.  What are some things to do to accomplish this goal?  My favorite answer; call 1-800-Get-Thin. I asked if eating at McDonald's would help meet the goal of loosing weight.  They all answered no.

My UP inspired door

Next, we read this gem.  As I read, I paused and stopped about the things Leo could do to meet his goal.  To help Leo learn to read, students said that Leo would need to practice or ask for help.  To become better at drawing, a child suggested that he trace over pictures from a book.  Towards the end, as Leo accomplished the goal, the kids began to smile and cheer for Leo.  They were so proud of him.  I couldn't help but to think how some of my students were like Leo; waiting for the right moment when they, too, will "bloom."

Finally, we discussed our learning goals.  I was amazed by their candor and honesty.  One student remarked how their learning goal was to write their name correctly.  This child was absolutely correct.  No more CAPITALS.  Another student said, "I need to practice my rhyming."  Ding. Ding. Ding.  Right again.  So, now, we begin our journey.  Together.  Working with one another to meet our goals.  Let's just hope that we all succeed.

By the way....just in case you were wondering. Here is my goal. 

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Learning Targets

Our school has been implementing Assessment for Learning and Learning Targets based on the work by Dr. Rick Stiggins for a few years. 

Prior to break, I had the opportunity to speak with families about their child's progress.  What was surprising to me this year was the fact that for many conferences both parents attended (Yeah!) and that children also attended.  This is highly atypical for our school.  But it was a great opportunity for us to "talk" about areas of strength and weakness.  With that in mind, when we returned to school, we made hats stating our goals for this year.  (Thank you, Mrs. Perry for the inspriration.) 

( Redid this twice!  That's how hard this child is trying!)

(I will have nice penmanship and I will be better at reading.)



This activity helped us talk about our Learning Targets for this trimester.  I told them what we would be learning in each of the subject areas; reading, writing and language arts.  We then, talked about how we had a period of time to master this.  We also talked about how some of these items were things we already knew; skipping by 5s.  But I also stated that some things were going to be challenging for some; reading long vowel words. 

 (These were created by former students. Hope to do this soon with this class.)



I have posted on my class website for parents and students our Learning Targets for the trimester.  If you would like to view them, leave a comment and I will send you the link. How do you keep your class informed about their learning?  Do students know if they are successful or need extra support?

Happy Learning and Teaching!

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