Pique Student Interest With Gallery Walks

Introductory activities allow students to reflect on what they already know about a given topic, theme, event, or idea – before learning new information. Making these connections is essential, as they lay the foundation on which new learning builds. ReLeah Cossett Lent, an international educational consultant responsible for the literacy initiative at the University of Central Florida, puts it this way:  “Background knowledge is an essential component in learning because it helps us make sense of new ideas and experiences (2012).”

Unfortunately, such anticipatory activities are often skipped due to the assumption that students don’t have any or enough prior knowledge to make the experience worthwhile. While I would argue against the validity (and harm) of such suppositions, our time is better spent discussing an effective practice that can both activate and provide prior knowledge.  Let’s talk about Gallery Walks!
 A Gallery Walk is an engagement strategy requiring students to visit several stations, independently analyzing each display and making comments using Post-It Notes, before discussing the display's content with their group. I suggest using quotes, pictures, artifacts, short excerpts from texts, or a combination of these when creating Gallery Walks.  Select material that will evoke some sort of an emotion from your students. Additionally, you may wish to choose 7-8 different pieces to use during the Gallery Walk, as this allows groups to be smaller and more manageable.

 

 

Procedure:

1. Post the displays (ex: quotes/pics/artifacts/excerpts).
2. Divide students into groups (based on # of displays).
3. Allow students time to read and/or analyze the display, write their opinions, thoughts, or connections on a Post-It and leave it near the display.
4. Rotate groups through each display, providing extra time for students to read the comments posted by classmates.
5. Once all displays have been visited, encourage students to discuss them.
6. Wrap-up the activity as a whole class. Discuss which displays were the most powerful and why.

One additional benefit of using Gallery Walks is that even if a student lacks prior knowledge prior to the activity, he will glean information from his peers as he visits each display/station. Thus, when the actual lesson starts – he has something on which to build his new learning, which (of course) was the point all along. Keep in mind activating prior knowledge isn’t just a nice way to start a lesson; it is essential to the learning process.  This makes Gallery Walks an effective opener for any lesson; and that’s another Pint-Sized PD.

Resource:

Lent, ReLeah Cossett. Overcoming Textbook Fatigue: 21st Century Tools to Revitalize Teaching and Learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2012.

In The End... Closure Matters

Clearly defined learning targets are becoming the norm in the classrooms I visit. Even more exciting is the fact that the students are able to tell me what learning targets they are trying to master. This represents a huge shift in the way in which our students are being taught.  Robert Marzano’s work showcases the importance of making sure students are aware of what it is that we want them to learn.  When students know what is expected, it becomes much more likely that they will meet those expectations.

Creative teachers find a variety of ways to incorporate this learning target into their lesson's opening activities. Anticipatory Sets, Do-Nows, and Attention-Getters are well thought out and revolve around ensuring students understand what they are supposed to learn.  This is good. This is very, very good. 

The focus of this post, however, is not the beginning of the lesson; rather, I wish to devote my attention to the end. You know, the part of the lesson or class period when students tend to get off task - the part that is often ended abruptly by a bell. Personally, I believe these last few moments in a lesson are even more important than the first few.  

                 

Dr. Madeline Hunter describes lesson closure in the following way:  

                  “Closure is not necessarily an end point, but more of a check for understanding used at the end of a class period.”

In other words, lesson closure must include some type of formative assessment, the results of which should guide future instruction.  The end of the lesson is the perfect time to revisit the learning target and ask students to demonstrate what they’ve learned. A lesson plan is similar to an essay in that if written correctly, the conclusion will revisit the ideas broached within the introduction. By taking the time to assess students’ progress towards the learning target, the teacher can better plan future instruction.  

For ideas regarding specific closure activities, check out Todd Finley’s article, 22 Powerful Closure Activities published by Edutopia.

  

Closure activities should reinforce key information, tie up any loose ends, and provide an opportunity for the teacher to correct any misunderstandings.  By designing closure activities that formatively assess what students know and what they still need to learn,  we increase the likelihood that the learning target will be reached; and that’s another Pint-Sized PD.

Reinventing Exit Tickets with Plickers

“When teachers do formative assessment effectively, 

students learn at roughly double the rate than they do without it.”  

~ Dylan William

Assessments bridge instruction and learning, in that they provide opportunities to see whether or not students learned what was taught. Formative assessments happen during the instructional process and are used to provide each student with specifically what he/she needs to ensure the learning target is reached.

Exit Tickets are one type of formative assessment and serve as a great way to end a class. Exit Tickets should require students to demonstrate their mastery of the lesson’s learning target.  The teacher is then able to use information collected from the Exit Tickets to guide their next lesson and appropriately differentiate his/her instruction based on what students do or do not know.

Knowing that Exit Tickets are a great way to formatively assess my students, let’s use instructional technology to reinvent this process. Let’s talk Plickers!

Sample Plicker

Plickers are simple to use, require very little set up, and allow every student to participate – without the use of individual devices.  Plickers are unique designs (which must be printed) that when turned in a particular direction, represent a specific answer (ex: A-B-C-D, True/False). The students hold their Plickers in front of them while the teacher uses his/her smart phone to capture the results (using the Plickers app).  The app then provides detailed information regarding individual responses and whole group data.  Visit plickers.com for access this amazing, free resource!

The immediate feedback that Plickers provides allows the teacher to make adjustments to his/her instructional plan in order to facilitate increased learning.

Plickers allow us to reinvent the Exit Ticket and provide us with the formative data we need to differentiate our instruction; and that’s another Pint-Sized PD!

QR Codes Make Complex Texts Come Alive

Often when faced with complex texts, students give up before they begin. Complex texts are (by nature) complex - making them difficult for students to read and understand.  As teachers, we must do our best to make these texts meaningful to our students and help them connect in such a way as to make the selection worth the effort to read.  One effective way to build student capacity and increase engagement is through the use of QR Codes.

QR (which stands for Quick Response) Codes are amazing and will come up quite a bit in Pint Sized PDs.  No doubt you have seen QR codes in the real world. They are often found on the back of product packages, envelopes, and advertisements. In their simplest form, they are short-cuts to a link or resource.

So how do these QR Codes help build student capacity and increase engagement with complex texts? Simple. We use them to link students to interesting tidbits, videos, or even audio versions of the text.  For example, if your students are reading The Great Fire by Jim Murphy, you might want students to view "before & after" photos showcasing what Chicago looked like prior to and immediately following the fire of 1871. You may even want them to view a clip from a documentary that discusses this particular disaster.  Create short-cuts to these resources using QR Codes and you will enhance the text by allowing students to interact with the topic in a whole new way.

Teachers can create QR Codes for any website by using a QR Code Generator, such as http://www.qrstuff.com/. Best of all, these QR Codes are free to create and use. I like to print the QR Codes on mailing labels and attach them to various pages in a text.  QR codes that provide background information on a topic, might be placed on the inside cover of the text; while codes relating to comprehension or enrichment materials may be linked throughout the book.

Students are able to use their Smart Phones, classroom iPads, or Kindles to scan the QR code and interact with the various links. Keep in mind that in order to scan the QR Codes, students will need to download a QR Reader app (available for free).

QR codes can be inserted into complex texts as a way to engage all students; and that's my first Pint-Sized PD.

Thanks for reading!

A School District Is A Community... A Family

It’s about kids; but it is also about families. Listening to parents is essential because no one has a better understanding of what their children need than moms and dads! The voice of parents should be sought out and respected, because they are our partners. No one understands this more than the parents who work with us to make certain their children receive the education they deserve. Parents like the remarkable Andrea Rainey make our district a better place.

Mrs. Rainey goes above and beyond to help the teachers and students of this district. Consistently kind and upbeat, her Facebook posts show the successes of our students, reminding us all how fortunate we are to be a part of this community. For every event you plan, for every field-trip you attend, for every fundraiser, for using your voice to promote the good, and for sharing your children with us, I thank you! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

It's About YOUR Kids!

During the last few years I have learned a great deal about grace, kindness, love, the power of community, and survival from the Strzalkowski family. Each member of this remarkable family has taught lessons that I will never forget.

From Mrs. Strzalkowski, I learned the power of grace and appreciation. Despite the fact that she was facing unspeakable trials, this gracious woman took the time to send thank you cards and notes of appreciation for the smallest of gestures. I keep one of these thank you notes posted in my kitchen to remind me that no matter the situation, gratitude is possible. From Mr. Strzalkowski, I learned the power of words and how words can be woven together in such a way as to raise the collective consciousness of an entire community. From Amie I learned the power of humor – how the silliest of jokes can brighten the darkest of days. And from Anya I learned the power of survival – how sometimes the greatest act of heroism is simply continuing to move forward – to grow, learn, thrive, laugh, and create.

A good teacher will impact the students in his classroom, a great teacher will impact the world. Jason, Shelley, Anya and Amelie Strzalkowski you are all great teachers and for the lessons you have taught, I am eternally grateful! You are champions!!! #itsaboutkids #itsaboutyourkids #teamamie

Leaders

In December of 1777, General Washington knew his army was discouraged. Food and supplies were running out and defeat seemed imminent, as the Americans lost battle after battle against the British. These men still believed in their cause, but they began to question their ability to overcome. It was in this moment that General Washington knelt to pray. I am thankful that the God who answered the prayers of General Washington still answers prayers today. And I am thankful for leaders who pray, leaders like Mr. Lindsay.

Mr. Lindsay’s door is always open. Those under his leadership know that he is never too busy to listen, to offer words of encouragement, to brainstorm techniques, or develop new ways to help all children achieve their best. In times of stress and extraordinary pressure, Mr. Lindsay is a calm voice of reason. His passion for education and dedication to student learning are undeniable. He consistently goes the extra mile to help make Owen Intermediate a better place to work and learn. For every teacher you’ve supported, for every child you’ve motivated, and most of all for every prayer you’ve offered, I thank you! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

Teachers Like Books...

It has been said that people are a lot like books. We all look fairly similar on the outside, but the only way to gain understanding is to look inside. Nothing can come close to the inspirational message of a good book or a good teacher; and no one is better at imparting inspirational messages than Mrs. Morton.

Mrs. Morton spends her days surrounded by books and she has a talent for connecting young adolescents with the perfect fit. She does this by reading people and knowing exactly what makes them tick. Mrs. Morton enriches lessons, enhances curriculum, and improves instruction by providing teachers and students with resources and ideas ranging from classic literature to the latest technology. For empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information – and for making me want to be a teacher, I thank you! You are a champion! #itsaboutkids

Empathy

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is this trait, above all others that is most valuable in a teacher. Empathy positively impacts our work as it allows us to confront the realities of those in our care and forces us to change our plans accordingly – and it is a trait that both Mr. & Mrs. Harding have in abundance.


The Hardings work on opposites ends of our district, but they work towards a common goal. Both are excellent educators who go above and beyond for their schools, colleagues, and of course their students. They know their students well and use that knowledge to increase engagement, improve learning, and make their classrooms a place where children want to be. For understanding the power of a smile, a compassionate word, a listening ear, and for knowing that every act of kindness has the potential to change the world, I thank you. You are champions!!! #itsaboutkids 

Words are Power

Words are power. The words we use, and more importantly the ones we do not, have a great effect on those around us. This is especially true of teachers. Ms. Spence understands the value of words. Anyone who has ever spent time in her classroom- and this will be a great many, for she welcomes all who will come - can attest to the fact that Ms. Spence knows just what to say and when to say it. She knows how to build a child up, to redirect, to challenge, to inspire. Her classroom is a place where language comes alive through the books she reads, the experiences she shares, and the stories she empowers her students to tell. For every word fitly spoken, I thank you. You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

Worth the Wait

The light from the Alpha Centauri star system takes over four years to reach the earth. Thus, the beauty we appreciate tonight was actually generated years earlier. Similarly, the work done in elementary schools takes years to be seen by those of us in later grades.


Savage Elementary School is full of super stars, but today I thank Ms. Anguilm who brightens our entire district with her hard work and dedication. Ms. Anguilm understands children and does whatever it takes to make certain they receive exactly what they need. Her ability to move students from speaking about a topic to writing with creativity and passion, is truly inspiring. Ms. Anguilm proves that one need not gaze into the night sky in order to see a star. Thank you for shining so bright! You are a champion!!! #itsaboutkids

For Those Who Play On

On Christmas Eve in 1914, there was a brief cease fire between the Germans and the British. While the troops held their fire, a lone hymn was sung. Music speaks what cannot be expressed in words. It is a language like none-other and it is a language in which Mrs. Courter is fluent.


Mrs. Courter – the creative, wonderful, talented, world-changing Mrs. Courter – She uses her musical gifts to make Owen Intermediate a joyous place where children (and grown-ups) want to be. Mrs. Courter adds pep to our assemblies, music to our hallways, and places a song in the heart of all who know her. She takes children with a desire to play and turns their wishes into reality. No one fights harder for kids than this amazing woman. Thank you for playing on… You are a champion! #itsaboutkids

A Harvest Worth Reaping

At times the harvest seems distant; but we must never forget that what a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Today I thank Ms. Mounsey who labors to ensure students leave her room prepared for what comes next. She consistently provides her students with exactly what they need, keeping in mind that what they need is often far greater than any standard or content expectation. Let us never forget that education is not a race, but rather a journey. For every seed you plant, for every tender sprout of knowledge that you water, and for helping students as they begin this most important of journeys, I thank you! You are a champion! #itsaboutkids