Benefits of Branching Out

I was having a difficult time coming up with a main idea lesson that would stretch the thinking of my students, after meeting with Sarah and bouncing ideas between us, we created a main idea lesson that I was excited to try.  2 out of my 3 classes the activity worked really well. One of them it did not go so well, so I had the opportunity to brainstorm with Sarah again on what may have went wrong. I love collaborating with Sarah! It happens all the time not just in person, but via email and/or text. I'm glad she is always available! Thanks Sarah. 

We collaborated yesterday about an idea to engage our students during our reading time going into winter break, while also getting them to ask and answer higher level thinking questions. It was so great to have multiple minds working on this to bounce ideas and tweak them before we implement it! So excited to see how it all turns out!

I got some great ideas for using Nearpod in my classroom! I'll be trying to use Nearpod for our next spelling test (phonics pattern formative assessment) to help my kids that need more think time before writing the words. I would also like to use Nearpod as exit slips or quick check-ins after a lesson. 

I met with Leasha’s and Travis to figure out and set up a Mystery Skype. I never could of pulled this off on my own. Travis gets really excited trying new things with tech. That helped a lot because I get really frustrated when things don’t work like I think they should. Hie excitement makes me less nervous. Leasha is a great coach to help think through lots of option and then have her in the classroom when your trying to make your vision for the lesson or activity really work. So excited to have support and enthusiasm while trying something new and a bit scary.

I have never had a Coach before and it is awesome!  At the elementary level there were not any coaches for the specials teachers.  It has been awesome to be able to work with someone and help brainstorm ideas.  Love it!