Physical Education/Health Best Practice Meeting Update
This year we ended up combining the physical education and health teachers for their annual best practice meeting. It turned out to be a great day. The group started off the day with a 21st century skills activity and had great discussion around what it means to be a 21st century educator and student. The group then did an activity on providing effective feedback to students and had another great discussion. Brandon shared some technology before lunch. After lunch the teachers had the opportunity to network and share resources. The day ended looking at academic vocabulary. Another great year with a great bunch of teachers.
Social Studies Best Practice Meeting
Brandon's favorite group (because he is a social studies teacher) came to the MRVED on Thursday for their best practice meeting. The day started once again with a 21st century skills activity. Brandon then had the opportunity to model some technology and have a discussion about the impacts of AR technology on education. The group broke for lunch and had a great time sharing stories and catching up over the dinner table. After the lunch the teachers came back and had the opportunity to hear from a couple ladies from PBS as to what PBS can offer for their classrooms. The last thing the teachers did was network and they were on their way home. It's always nice for Brandon to catch up with his former colleagues and the teachers thoroughly enjoyed the day.
MRVED Meetings:
February 12, 2014 Principals' Council
February 20, 2014 Teachers' Advisory Council
February 26, 2014 Superintendents' Council
March 4, 2014 Agriculture
March 6, 2014 Industrial Technology
Friday, February 7, 2014
Olympic Resources
Are you looking for a way to incorporate the Olympics into your classroom this coming week. Here are a few resources to help you do that.
Brandon's Brainwork-Classroom Management
Classroom Management
Classroom management is one of those things that every teacher can improve on. One of the best books on classroom management is Harry Wong's The First Days of School. If this book is not in your professional library, it should be! Harry Wong defines classroom management as "all the things that a teacher does to organize students, space, time, and materials so learning can take place". Each person handles classroom management in their own unique way, but there are a couple characteristics that define a well managed classroom. According to Wong, they are:
- Students are deeply involved in their work.
- Students know what is expected of them.
- There is relatively little wasted time.
- The climate of the classroom is work-oriented but also relaxed.
A couple strategies Wong gives for classroom management are:
- Start the class with an assignment, not roll.
- Post your assignments in the same place and manner every day.
- Permanently display your classroom rules and expectation.
- Have procedures for everything! Teach and practice the procedures.
- Dismissal at the end of class
- When students are absent
- For quieting the class
- Handing in papers
- Starting the class
- Be over-prepared!
Reflection Questions
1. Are you over-prepared every day?
2. Do you have consistent procedures for everything in your classroom?
3. Did you, or have you, practiced the procedures?
4. What part of classroom management am I strong in? What can I share with a colleague that would help them with classroom management?
5. What area of classroom management am I weak in?
Resources
Harry Wong- The First Days of School & Professional Reference
Tech Tip
Valentine Day Resources
Valentine's Day is next week. If you are looking for ways to incorporate this day into your classroom activities, look no further than Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers!
Valentine's Day is next week. If you are looking for ways to incorporate this day into your classroom activities, look no further than Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers!
- Valentine Classroom Ideas
- Valentine Craft Ideas
- Valentine's Day Teacher Resources (Teachers Pay Teachers)
