Week 4: Hallmarks

There are 8 Hallmarks

1. A strong link between what you are teaching and what you are assessing.
2. Absolute clarity about what you want students to know, understand and do.
3. Shared the responsibility of the classroom with the students.
4. Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success.
5. A "way up," usually through multiple and varied pathways, and never a "way out."
6. "Respectful" and engaging work for all students.
7. Flexible grouping
8. Flexible use of time, space, and materials.

Dr. Peterson told us this is what makes the difference between good teachers, and great teachers. I agree. The think that is hard for me is remembering all of these. But I also think some of these should just be naturally encompassed. I want to keep these posted somewhere I can reflect on them.

Dr. Peterson also showed us some letters teachers have students take home. Some of them were very endearing and definitely showed traits of a hallmark teacher. They were notes, telling the parents how wonderful she thought their children were or how grateful she was to have them in their class. There was one letter she showed us where I don't even know why the teacher was even a teacher. From the letter, it sounded like she didn't even like kids, let alone teaching. It was actually quite heartbreaking in a way. I never want to become like that. That is for sure!

I really like all of the Hallmarks, one that stuck out to me was, "Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success". In order to have individual growth, the teacher needs to know the student to help them succeed. "Goals that are personally challenging". How are you going to know what goals are challenging to each student if you don't even know them? This really struck home with me.

Week 3: Defining Differentiation and PS22

I really enjoyed learning what differentiation means, more in depth. It is how a teacher responds to the students needs and adjusts. The teacher has to be aware of each student and what needs to be done for them. While I have thought about doing this in my classroom, I now have a vocabulary word for it. Differentiation. I love it. They key like I said, is truly to get to know your students and help them the best you can. Will it take more work? Yes. Is it going to be hard? Yes. Will it be worth it? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! One thing I really liked that was said is, "Being fair doesn't mean everyone is treated the same, it means that everyone is treated how they need to be." Something to that affect. I know I'm getting it wrong.

I think to become an amazing teacher instead of just a good teacher, is how differentiation is used. If used at all. The more a teacher can differentiate, the better the class will succeed.

We also watched a Youtube clip and the school PS22. It is about a teacher who has such passion for the students that he started a school chorus. Students have blossomed. He keeps the students from shutting down and gives them hope in the future. While I am not a good musician, I really enjoyed watching the passion Mr. B had for his students. I want to be like that for my students. I want them to know I have the best hopes for them and what to help them achieve their goals.

Week 2: Sylvia Allan

Oh my goodness, I want to have Sylvia Allan's brain. She seriously is so inspiring. I love how she loves morning meetings. One of my favorite things she said was "Morning meetings is a place where every student can be 100% successful." After her presentation, I really believe that.

She has her own model that goes like this.
1. Class Creed
2. Greetings (Moday only)
3. Pledge
4. Memorization
5. Class Business
6. News
7. Share
8. Class Cheer

I thought this was a great model and very easy to use.

I love the idea of a class creed. I loved the creed she used from UVU. But I think it would be great to come up with a creed that the class makes up.

The thing I really took away from this lesson, more than the modeling of a morning meeting, was seeing how Sylvia cared about her students. From the stories she told, I could feel her caring for them. It really inspired me to become a teacher that truly cares for her students. I loved how her model of morning meeting is super positive. If there was an issue that needed to be taken care of, she would refer to it as "medicine" and no one really wanted any medicine.

I am very excited to try morning meetings in the school where I teach. I hope the school I work at supports them. Fingers crossed!

Week: 1 Introduction to Differentiation and Dr. Peterson

When I first walked into this class, I really didn't have a solid idea of what differentiation was. Our first activity was a "Morning Meeting". Now I had heard about morning meetings before but I really hadn't participated in one. I really liked the one we did that day. I know they are meant for elementary school kids, but I also liked doing it with my cohort. We were able to interact with each other.

The four componets of the morning meeting are:

1. Greeting: have you students greet each other and feel welcome in the classroom

2. Sharing: there are many different ways students can share news. This can be from a sign up sheet where they can take a little bit more time, or from a lighting share which takes less time.

3. Group Activity: this is where the whole class interacts with each other. It can be linked to something you are teaching that day or it can be what ever you want. As long as the whole class is participating.

4. News and Announcements: this is generally comes at the end of morning meeting and is a great way to continue with your day. Students can read the class chart together and then move on to announcements.

The whole thing really only takes about 15-20 mins. You can make them longer or shorter if you need to.

I really like the idea of morning meetings so far. I am excited to learn more about them.