Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The Middle Update 11/25/2020

This Thanksgiving season, I want to express my gratitude for all of you.  I hope you are able to truly take some time and enjoy your family and a few days off.  My family will be experiencing our first Thanksgiving in a place other than Price County...we'll be staying home and not with our extended families...it's certainly sad if you dwell on it, but we've found some new opportunities to be excited about.  However, you choose to do your Thanksgiving, please understand the guidelines and do your part to get us closer to the end of this period with all of us and our families safe and healthy.

Resource of the Week
Google Classroom has become a critical part of our instructional practices this school year.  Despite the common platform, there is a variety of ways in which a teacher could use to set up the Classroom.  In my position, I've been able to see all of the different ways our teachers have set it up.  There are a few layouts that stand out in terms of "ease of use" for students to navigate.  Now is just as good of a time as any to take a look at some effective ways to set up your Google Classroom to make it as "user-friendly" as possible.  Our post this week highlights what makes a solid "user-friendly" Classroom, and gives a few examples of how a couple teachers utilize this platform.  In our current reality, we've had the opportunity for our colleagues to experience how each Classroom is set up...it's a good time to ask each other for feedback...focusing on the "user-friendly" aspect of how your Google Classroom is set up.  Seeking feedback and actively looking to improve is a sign of strength and wisdom.

Credit to Mrs. Morrissey for the following post:

Revisit Your Google Classroom Practices


Now is a great time to review and consider possible changes to your Google Classroom as we transition to virtual learning for a longer period of time. Looking at your classroom from a student or caregiver’s perspective allows you to see areas where you might be able to make it more user-friendly. Here are some examples and tips to consider as you review your own Google Classroom: 


Tip #1: Create or re-share a video showing how to navigate in your Google Classroom


Creating a brief video or re-sharing it (if you already made one) is a great way to remind parents, caregivers, and students how to access their work in Google Classroom. While your students may know, they now might have other adults helping them while they are virtual.   

In your video, consider sharing these key pieces of information: 

  • How to find and access classwork

  • How topics are setup/organized 

  • How to see missing work 

  • How to see upcoming work


Tip #2: Reconsider how you are using topics: Clear and Organized Helps Students Stay That Way Too


The more you work in Google Classroom, you begin to think about how you can better organize your assignments and work. Using consistent topics is key to helping students stay organized! Here are some thoughts and examples from colleagues as to how they have their work organized.  


Julie shares her organization setup: “I set mine up with a category for each week with an assignment posting each day. Since kids get multiple assignments from each subject, I make sure to put ELA in the title of each assignment, along with the date. I do have other categories for things that we use throughout the quarter, such as the metalog progress tracking and links categories. I have also tried using the feature where it lets you send assignments to certain students to send differentiated work to students.” 





Another way is to organize by units. Here, Stephanie shares how her Google Classroom is designed: “I organize my work in Google Classroom by Chapter for math. I also have the students work on IXL skills monthly so there is a topic where they access their monthly IXL skill assignment. I have a topic for math games that students can play if they finish work as well as a topic for math resources and links such as access to the class flipgrid, schedules, etc.” 


 

Tip #3: Be consistent: Routines Help Students Stay Organized

 

Reflect on how you are sharing information in Google Classroom with your students. Are you consistently sharing assignments/ work at the same time and same day of the week? For example, every Monday share the weekly slideshow and have students turn it in on Friday. Having consistency with assigning work and their deadlines help families or caregivers, as well as students, stay on top of what they need to accomplish.  

 

Here is an example of how Stephanie keeps assignments consistent for her students: “For my Google Classroom Assignments: “I organize them by day and date and have all of the directions outlined on a google document with links to the different work. “

  

 

 

Stephanie continues, “I have been including the textbook pages in my assignments and have students do their work in their math notebooks and then paste a picture of their work in the outlined box on the google doc. I feel that this organization works well for students and it is easy for me to see who is turning in and completing their daily work.” 

 

Tip #4: Consider the Workload: Remember That Students Have More than One Class


It is easy to forget that we are not the only teacher/course a student has. As you review your Google Classroom, think about the number of assignments students are getting and consider these questions: 

  • Which of these assignments can be done during virtual class work time? 

  • Which of these assignments are “homework”? 

  • Could some of these assignments be done instead through discussions in breakout rooms or small group sessions? 

  • Could some of these assignments be modified/changed to limit student workload? Less problems? A paragraph rather than a full paper? An exit slip reflection? 

  • Could the number of assignments be decreased by creating a weekly document? 

Reflecting on these questions and making modifications based on these can help students find more success. 


It’s important to remember that your Google Classroom is primarily for your students and their caregivers. Thinking about it from their perspective helps to ensure that your students can complete their work and find success in your class.  


Want to get more ideas about Google Classroom setup? Here is a brief video tutorial: How To Organize Your Google Classroom: Easy Tutorial.  


Please let Anna or Katie know if you would like support with your Google Classroom. We are always happy to help! 


Safety Drill for December
In December, our Safety Drill will focus on our Lock-down procedures.  We would use a lock-down in the event a dangerous person enters our building.  Instead of physically having students huddle together with lights off and out-of-sight, we will execute a cognitive drill.  An outline of discussion points and how to lead this cognitive drill will be shared soon, along with the specific date after we return from our virtual learning experience.

Transitioning from Remote to In-Person Learning
At this time, we are scheduled for one more week of remote learning.  We plan to be back in-person on Monday, December 7th.  While we are in a remote-learning period, please keep in mind the following:

     -Students and their families should be reporting any illness or "close contact" to the office, just as if school is in session.  If, during meetings with students, you hear or notice any illness or hear of a positive test or quarantine order, please let Robin or myself know right away.

     -We continue efforts to provide extra support to some of our students that are in need.  At the end of this past week, we built in more opportunities for more students to receive extra support from adults at school.  We'll continue to look for ways we can support all of our kids.

     -While in the building, it's important to continue to adhere to the mitigation plan.  It's easy to become comfortable with each other, but that comfort and letting your guard down is precisely how the virus has spread in many situations, including the school setting.  Masks at all times, if you choose to eat with a colleague, please do so while sitting across the room from each other, and avoid riding in a vehicle together...if you must, both should be wearing a mask. 


Have a Great Thanksgiving Holiday!  I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you!
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The Middle Update 11/25/2020

This Thanksgiving season, I want to express my gratitude for all of you.  I hope you are able to truly take some time and enjoy your family and a few days off.  My family will be experiencing our first Thanksgiving in a place other than Price County...we'll be staying home and not with our extended families...it's certainly sad if you dwell on it, but we've found some new opportunities to be excited about.  However, you choose to do your Thanksgiving, please understand the guidelines and do your part to get us closer to the end of this period with all of us and our families safe and healthy.

Resource of the Week
Google Classroom has become a critical part of our instructional practices this school year.  Despite the common platform, there is a variety of ways in which a teacher could use to set up the Classroom.  In my position, I've been able to see all of the different ways our teachers have set it up.  There are a few layouts that stand out in terms of "ease of use" for students to navigate.  Now is just as good of a time as any to take a look at some effective ways to set up your Google Classroom to make it as "user-friendly" as possible.  Our post this week highlights what makes a solid "user-friendly" Classroom, and gives a few examples of how a couple teachers utilize this platform.  In our current reality, we've had the opportunity for our colleagues to experience how each Classroom is set up...it's a good time to ask each other for feedback...focusing on the "user-friendly" aspect of how your Google Classroom is set up.  Seeking feedback and actively looking to improve is a sign of strength and wisdom.

Credit to Mrs. Morrissey for the following post:

Revisit Your Google Classroom Practices


Now is a great time to review and consider possible changes to your Google Classroom as we transition to virtual learning for a longer period of time. Looking at your classroom from a student or caregiver’s perspective allows you to see areas where you might be able to make it more user-friendly. Here are some examples and tips to consider as you review your own Google Classroom: 


Tip #1: Create or re-share a video showing how to navigate in your Google Classroom


Creating a brief video or re-sharing it (if you already made one) is a great way to remind parents, caregivers, and students how to access their work in Google Classroom. While your students may know, they now might have other adults helping them while they are virtual.   

In your video, consider sharing these key pieces of information: 

  • How to find and access classwork

  • How topics are setup/organized 

  • How to see missing work 

  • How to see upcoming work


Tip #2: Reconsider how you are using topics: Clear and Organized Helps Students Stay That Way Too


The more you work in Google Classroom, you begin to think about how you can better organize your assignments and work. Using consistent topics is key to helping students stay organized! Here are some thoughts and examples from colleagues as to how they have their work organized.  


Julie shares her organization setup: “I set mine up with a category for each week with an assignment posting each day. Since kids get multiple assignments from each subject, I make sure to put ELA in the title of each assignment, along with the date. I do have other categories for things that we use throughout the quarter, such as the metalog progress tracking and links categories. I have also tried using the feature where it lets you send assignments to certain students to send differentiated work to students.” 





Another way is to organize by units. Here, Stephanie shares how her Google Classroom is designed: “I organize my work in Google Classroom by Chapter for math. I also have the students work on IXL skills monthly so there is a topic where they access their monthly IXL skill assignment. I have a topic for math games that students can play if they finish work as well as a topic for math resources and links such as access to the class flipgrid, schedules, etc.” 


 

Tip #3: Be consistent: Routines Help Students Stay Organized

 

Reflect on how you are sharing information in Google Classroom with your students. Are you consistently sharing assignments/ work at the same time and same day of the week? For example, every Monday share the weekly slideshow and have students turn it in on Friday. Having consistency with assigning work and their deadlines help families or caregivers, as well as students, stay on top of what they need to accomplish.  

 

Here is an example of how Stephanie keeps assignments consistent for her students: “For my Google Classroom Assignments: “I organize them by day and date and have all of the directions outlined on a google document with links to the different work. “

  

 

 

Stephanie continues, “I have been including the textbook pages in my assignments and have students do their work in their math notebooks and then paste a picture of their work in the outlined box on the google doc. I feel that this organization works well for students and it is easy for me to see who is turning in and completing their daily work.” 

 

Tip #4: Consider the Workload: Remember That Students Have More than One Class


It is easy to forget that we are not the only teacher/course a student has. As you review your Google Classroom, think about the number of assignments students are getting and consider these questions: 

  • Which of these assignments can be done during virtual class work time? 

  • Which of these assignments are “homework”? 

  • Could some of these assignments be done instead through discussions in breakout rooms or small group sessions? 

  • Could some of these assignments be modified/changed to limit student workload? Less problems? A paragraph rather than a full paper? An exit slip reflection? 

  • Could the number of assignments be decreased by creating a weekly document? 

Reflecting on these questions and making modifications based on these can help students find more success. 


It’s important to remember that your Google Classroom is primarily for your students and their caregivers. Thinking about it from their perspective helps to ensure that your students can complete their work and find success in your class.  


Want to get more ideas about Google Classroom setup? Here is a brief video tutorial: How To Organize Your Google Classroom: Easy Tutorial.  


Please let Anna or Katie know if you would like support with your Google Classroom. We are always happy to help! 


Safety Drill for December
In December, our Safety Drill will focus on our Lock-down procedures.  We would use a lock-down in the event a dangerous person enters our building.  Instead of physically having students huddle together with lights off and out-of-sight, we will execute a cognitive drill.  An outline of discussion points and how to lead this cognitive drill will be shared soon, along with the specific date after we return from our virtual learning experience.

Transitioning from Remote to In-Person Learning
At this time, we are scheduled for one more week of remote learning.  We plan to be back in-person on Monday, December 7th.  While we are in a remote-learning period, please keep in mind the following:

     -Students and their families should be reporting any illness or "close contact" to the office, just as if school is in session.  If, during meetings with students, you hear or notice any illness or hear of a positive test or quarantine order, please let Robin or myself know right away.

     -We continue efforts to provide extra support to some of our students that are in need.  At the end of this past week, we built in more opportunities for more students to receive extra support from adults at school.  We'll continue to look for ways we can support all of our kids.

     -While in the building, it's important to continue to adhere to the mitigation plan.  It's easy to become comfortable with each other, but that comfort and letting your guard down is precisely how the virus has spread in many situations, including the school setting.  Masks at all times, if you choose to eat with a colleague, please do so while sitting across the room from each other, and avoid riding in a vehicle together...if you must, both should be wearing a mask. 


Have a Great Thanksgiving Holiday!  I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you!