Benefits for Branching Out

I am working on implementing readers workshop with in a balanced literacy structure. I researched on my own this summer, attended the district Literacy training, and met with my coach to review my plan and schedule. Darylene challenged my thinking and helped me cement in myomd why I  making the decisions I am. She also caught a couple missing elements. After starting to implement my plan, she suggested a great idea for a mini lesson and activity. I am feeling like I am off to a great start!

I thought it was awesome being able to meet with Spare.  I have never had a coach before so it was great to brainstorm an idea and have her help me come up with resources for a BreakOut Edu.  I am going to try and implement this at the beginning of next semester with my new group of kids.

I love collaborating with my coach! We meet weekly with another teammate and there is always great ideas and conversations that steer our teaching to get the most success out of our students. We also get to hear about new and exciting apps or resources that are available to use in the district, such as when we found out about Reflex Math!

Travis talked through the process of badging in a primary classroom without 1:1 devices. We would need to use multiple browsers on each device to prevent kids from having to sign in and out with their Turner email addresses each use. We might badge as reading groups or as a whole class. 

Collaborating with the other coaches is amazing. They inspire me and help me solve problems in a fun and productive way. It is great to bring all our personal expertise together and work on a common goal!

I brainstormed some ideas with Tidwell about the ed camp I wanted to run that week. I was wondering how I could set it up for my kids to be most successful. We also discussed the investment project my kids were working on. 

I'm particularly lucky, since my instructional coach used to teach my class! She and I have similar teaching styles and ideas, but she has a lot more experience. I think having support also helps you feel more comfortable trying new things. It gives you the kick in the pants you sometimes need to try something different. 

The coaches always say I don't drive them nuts and to contact them anytime. I'm sure they mean it but when I want them I want them by my side 'this minute'. It's so nice to have someone to help work through a struggle, push my thinking and encourage new ideas. This time I met with Travis. I had been having trouble figuring out Aurasma. I had tried in the past and had a student show me but something kept tripping me up in the last few steps. Travis walked me though it, showed me shortcuts and let me push the buttons. The final product is so cool! Then he just casually shared some ways he used Aurasma and ideas for new ways to use it. It was awesome meeting with him and finally understanding. Can't wait to get th students working on their own.

I absolutely love meeting with my coaches! I get so many awesome ideas from them. Leasha and I have developed some amazing units just by meeting together and sharing our ideas. I always feel excited after planning sessions with my coach! Currently, we are creating a breakout together. 

I love to plan and create units. Having a coach to bounce ideas off of and get excited about things with is just the best thing ever. 

This is one coach that I often forget is available and don't call on him as often as I should! Especially when I need new ways of using tech in the classroom.

On this particular day we talked Twitter, Aurusma and Badges 4 Bears. We looked at Aurusma and some of the ways it has changed,  some new ways to use it and how we can get more teachers in the district on board! We also talked about Twitter; if you know Klienow you know he's not a social media person. I showed him how a mystery tweet would work and we planned one for our cohorts. We also talked about some of the badges I had completed! It was cool to hang out and talk techy stuff with Travis! I should do more often:)