"4th Quarter's Our Quarter!"

2016 Bartlett Raiders JV Gold

Is anyone else feeling the excitement with 4th quarter approaching?  I have to explain why I love 4th quarter!

My son has played with the same football coach for a few years now.  The coach has trained the boys that no matter what has happened in the game, winning or losing, 4th quarter is their quarter.  As soon as the siren marks the end of 3rd, the boys immediately throw their 4 fingers high in the air, and start jumping up and down shouting, "4th quarter's our quarter!"  It's really an exciting moment seeing them come to life, as any sports parent can understand.  They realize every minute counts, and it's time to give it 100%.

I feel the same excitement about 4th quarter for our students.  The clock is ticking, and our time to help them learn and grow is coming to close.  It's the last quarter to try those "someday" ideas.  It's time to reflect on what practices we'd like to keep and what we'd like to change for next year.  It's time to hold on tight and give it your all, knowing the much-earned summer break is quickly approaching. (Hooray!)

With time running out, where can we start?  Let's reflect on the following characteristics of today's classroom, as shared in this infographic by innovative-thinker George Couros.

Before your kids move on to the next school year, are there areas they need to work on developing?  Do they need to grow in their ability to self-assess, voice their opinions, or reflect? Are they sharing their work with authentic audiences and connecting with others outside the classroom walls?  What is something you were hoping to try this year?   Blogging? Passion projects? Or something with classroom management techniques like bell-ringers and exit tickets?

I would love to help the impossible become possible and give you the support you need, starting with planning and then implementing the plan together.   So raise those four fingers high in the air...4th Quarter's our Quarter! (Or just email me to join a plan period!)

EdCamp is coming to CCSD59!

EdCamps have been hosted all around the world, and the innovative learning coaches are very excited to host an event at CCSD59 on Saturday, April 22nd!

                                                     

                                                         

The event will be held at Friendship Jr. High from 8:00am-12:30pm.  Educators from all over the area are welcome to attend.  Please spread the word.  Sign up today and bring a friend!

Want to learn more?  Click HERE to see an EdCamp commercial

Want to attend?  Sign up today!

#D59 Twitter Chat March 2nd 8:00pm

Are you using the workshop model this year?  Thinking of trying it out in the future? Curious what other teachers in D59 are doing in their classes?  Not sure what all the hype is about Twitter?

If you said, "Yes!" to any of these questions, then tonight's twitter chat is for you!

Join the innovative coaches and other D59 staff members at 8pm on #D59chat! 

This is a great opportunity to collaborate with other D59 teachers to learn, share, and connect with others about the workshop model.

Here's a preview of the questions in advance:

Q1: If someone made a movie of your life, who would you pick to play you? What genre would the movie be (comedy, action, romantic comedy, etc.)?

Q2: When it comes to the workshop model, what have been some successes this year?

Q3: Sometimes it’s hard to keep that 15 minute mini-lesson “mini.” Any tips and tricks you can share?

Q4: With the workshop model, comes anchor charts galore!  Post a pic (or tell us about) a favorite anchor chart in your room!

Q5: Students love choice.  What are some ways students have choice during workshop?

Q6: Any struggles with workshop?  As your read other’s struggles, any suggestions you can give?

Q7: Conferring is an important part of workshop.  What are some tips and tricks you’ve used to help manage conferring?

Q8: Who is your Scooby Doo alter-ego (Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, Fred, Scooby, or the monster)?

If you are still thinking, "Yes, I'm in!" Here's how you get started:

• At 8pm, go to Twitter.com.  
• In the search box, type "D59Chat."   (Or just click HERE)
• As a question is posted, respond, or just follow along to see what others are sharing.  
• Please feel free to email me if you have any questions along the way!

That's it!  Hope to see some new faces online tonight at 8pm!