Enthusiasm and Adventure...
I'm interested to see if you are seeing anything (positive or negative) with kids getting called down to the office to get recognized, because down here, we're trying to make it kind of a big deal. Kids seem very proud to be getting their sticker. I don't know really how that is playing out in the classroom, but the enthusiasm that they are showing here makes me think that it probably is a good thing. I'd love some feedback on that. I guess this is sort of the same question that Vickie already asked, but is there a way that you think we ought to tweak that to make it more effective to get kids more enthused about their learning? I also would love to have other stuff to announce rather than only Study Island and MAP scores. I love talking about those things, but I don't want people to think that because they don't have Study Island or because we only do MAP three times a year, that they don't have something worth talking about on the announcements. I'd love to be talking about the number of sight words a child knows, the fact that your whole class knows their letter and correlating sound identification for every letter, the fact that they beat the sit up record in 4th grade...I don't care what it is as long as you are proud of it, and you want it to be something that the kids strive for. I think about how things seem to work out and I'm somewhat amused that we happen to be talking about enthusiasm and adventure as we are solidly in the dead of winter with a potential snow storm on the way, but it is so perfect, because at least when I was in the classroom, I know I kind of felt that Christmas letdown and the heat was starting to really be put on about being prepared for what was then the Ohio Proficiency Test, and my principal was on us about whether or not we thought we were going to get certain indicators, and I think about how easy it is to lose the enthusiasm and energy and excitement all in the name of "gotta get 'em ready for the test." I'm not advocating for getting away from test preparation, but I guess that brings me to my second question. Please share an idea or two about how you can and have made test preparation fun and engaging in your respective grade level/classroom. Test preparation shouldn't be something that we do, "Oh it's January, time to kill you with old test questions." but something that should be embedded into what we do as a part of the regular routine of the classroom. Now, that being said, I think I'd be a fool to say that there isn't some additional pressure that comes with the turning of the new year.
Adventure...
How many of you want to go on the field trip and then roll down the sand dune? We don't have any of those around here, so obviously it becomes more challenging to do some of the things that Ron speaks about, but give some ideas or share some thoughts that you've had about, "It would be really great if we could take kids to _____________ so that they could have this wonderful experience. It would make their love for learning grow tremendously." This doesn't even have to be about field trips, per se, but what experiences would you want to give kids that we currently aren't doing? Maybe if we get some of that type of thinking out there, there could be a way to make it happen. I'm not promising anything, but don't censor your ideas. This is kind of what we ask kids to do when we are doing a brainstorming activity before trying to write. Don't decide, "Oh, that's a dumb idea, I'm not going to write that down." Write it down, and then after we are done brainstorming, go back and look at what you've come up with to decide what you really want to try to accomplish.
Have a fantastic week. Use your enthusiasm and think adventurously. It's contagious and the kids thrive off of whatever you put out there for them.
I think the announcements and stickers are working wonderfully. It’s great to see how proud the kids are and how much consideration they put into where they place their sticker!!! I think it would be wonderful if we could get something weekly in the Richwood Gazette to recognize kids as well. I really think they would be motivated to get their name in the paper and it would really involve the community.
ReplyDeleteWith test prep, I try to not use the same old test questions over and over but create my own lessons or questions based around a skill. Anytime games can be used is always a fun change up for the kids.
I really wanted to roll down the sand dunes! I think I would be terrified though!!! This section really made me think about why I have been so successful and I know it’s because my parents did many of the things he talks about. In high school when the opportunity arose to go to Europe, I didn’t bother asking because I didn’t think we could afford it. To my surprise, my parents asked me if I wanted to go and they made it happen. Obviously, taking elementary students to Europe probably won’t fly but…a school I was in was doing continent study and each class was responsible for teaching others about their continent. They spent a lot of time transforming their classrooms into jungles or Paris, France or the Outback of Australia. Then they created activities that reflected lifestyles and food samples. One class had a Japanese student come in to teach the class a few words and origami. Even though we can’t always take our students to faraway places, it doesn’t mean we can’t transform our school into those places!!!
Please share an idea or two about how you can and have made test preparation fun and engaging in your respective grade level/classroom.
ReplyDeleteReviewing for the test by playing “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” or Jeopardy games always makes learning more fun! Also, just because you are having students work on projects/class presentations doesn’t mean it’s not test prep. Going in depth with their learning is probably better preparing them than traditional reviews.
"It would be really great if we could take kids to _____________ so that they could have this wonderful experience. It would make their love of learning grow tremendously."
We take our 5th graders to JABiztown where they experience what it is like to have a job, get a paycheck, spend money, etc. but something I would love to do is have students partner up with local businesses to better understand how our economy works, job skills, etc. I would love to have them “shadow” an employee who can also take the time to share job expectations, etc. I know some students take advantage of “Take your child to work day” but I am envisioning something on a much deeper level. I would also love to take my students on a field trip to OSU, whether it is to observe professors/students working on an experiment, going to OSU stadium or even the library. Some of our students don’t leave Richwood and so exposure to an amazing college, to have something to hope for, just might motivate them for their future!
My biggest concern with any type of these programs is getting our low kids involved and excited. They may not have the drastic increases as some of the other kids do but for them they are huge strides. We need to get just as excited about thier scores. We shouldn't make those kids feel like they will never be "noticed". So I hope we add more than study island and MAp scores. Kids love to be noticed for trying.
ReplyDeleteI think going on field trips is so beneficial. Last year I took my intervention students to Richwood Banking Company and Curbside Cones. Before we went I had the students work a lot on counting money and making change. I had copies of the menu from Curbside Cones to practice with. At the bank they got to work as a teller and cash a check for a customer (bank employee). Then at Curbside Cones they got to order an item up to $3.00. I had a grant for this or it could get pretty expensive. We had a great time and the students loved it!!! It is amazing that Ron Clark took a group of students to South Africa. This is why he is so awesome. I wouldn't dream anything like that was even possible. I have gone to Washington D.C. and Chicago with groups of middle school students and it was something I'll never forget. Even as an adult it was a great learning experience for me.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of announcing successes of students and I am sure it means a lot to each student whose name has been mentioned. The other day, as I was going back into my room just after announcements were made and students were leaving Helen’s room to make their way to the office to get their stickers, I noticed the smiles on their faces and the energy they had at that moment. They were so very proud and it seems like that pride would keep them striving for continued successes in the classroom. Just knowing that someone like their teacher and their principal, whom they respect, think they did something great, makes their spirits soar. I love Meagan’s idea of sharing student accomplishments through the newspaper. What a good way to encourage kids to read the paper to gain information about all kinds of things!
ReplyDeleteI like what Brooke and Meagan said about making a game out of studying for upcoming tests. I really thought about that as I was planning how to structure my third grade tutoring session on Tuesday nights. I decided to incorporate several types of activities in each session, a game being one of them. Now, my challenge is coming up with a variety of games or fun activities that incorporate relevant skills. Since kids also love to work with the Smart Board, I am looking for activities to use with it, as well.
As our own children were growing up, we took them to some wonderful places and tried to expose them to experiences and to people that would give them firsthand knowledge of something new. As parents, we always wished we had gone more places and done more things because experiencing things firsthand makes learning about it so real and meaningful. I like what Brooke said about students shadowing a business person at a job or someone in the community. That real-life experience could make a huge difference to a student and possibly set a direction for future employment.
I think the stickers are a great idea. I posted on Vickie's about that. They were excited to get to go to the office and get them! No tweaking necessary!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done anything to make test prep exciting or fun, but doing Study Island all year long helps with not having that big CRUSH after Christmas to cram it all down their throats! When my son was in 4th grade and had the proficiency tests, I remember calling the teacher and saying something about all the cramming. He was up at night worried sick over those tests. He was literally sick when they had a weather day off on the last day of the tests and it had to wait till Monday. He threw up! And, he was a good student. What about the kids who aren't great students who will just make it (or not)? That is too much stress for a kid...and their parents! We will start the "packets" soon on Friday Review Days. But, I think going through each answer and showing them that they can go back to the stories and mark in their books helps them to see that some of the pressure is off. It is right there and they can go back to it. That is a big relief! Study Island now lets them highlight things in the stories when they go back. I like the yearlong process of prep rather than the big cram!
I forgot something...it would be really great if we could take the kids through Philadelphia and Gettysburg on the way to Plymouth Plantation. They could see the liberty bell, the place the Constitution was created and signed there. They could see battlefields-real grass- and imagine the battles that were fought there. The tour there is really cool! They could see the Mayflower replica that is off the coast of Plymouth and get on there to see what it would have been like to live on that boat for months to get here, in the dark, dank places. They could see the traditional dress of the Pilgrims. They could travel from there to Jamestown to see the watch towers and the homes there. They could make candles by actually dipping the wick in the wax and going to the end of the line while that layer dries. They could climb to the top of the watch tower to see the boats come in. They could sit on the cannon at the entrance of it all. They also need to get to see Washington, D.C. I know they go in 8th grade and that might be a better time frame for the maturity required, but they need to see these places and the things that started our country. We teach them in Kindergarten about Pilgrims and Indians and Thanksgiving and George Washington and all kinds of stuff! By 5th grade they still have no idea that it is really the beginning of our civilization as we know it! WOW! My mom used to take 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on those trips and I went as a chaperone in college! I am always amazed! I was amazed when I went back for a long weekend last May with my son, Chris, who never got to go to D.C. because his trip was after 9/11. They rerouted to St. Louis because of security alert levels. It was fun to see him see it all. We went to watch Kendra lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as an 8th grader on her trip. It was phenominal! Now, THAT would be a great educational trip! I am psyched...who wants to help me plan it? I need trusted adults with enthusiasm and probably more adventure than I have!!!! =D
ReplyDeleteBrooke? Are you in? Danae? Ashley? Kelly? Linda? Come on!! We'd have a blast! We could stop by Ron Clark's school too!!! Why not add that in?
ReplyDeleteI think that recognizing the students on the annoucement is working. The students are so proud of that accomplishment and I have had students come up to me and say Look I got a sticker and I give them a high five and tell them good job. I think that right now it is just on the mind of teachers to show improvements in Study Island and MAP testing. But I have seen that in each classroom teachers have all sorts of rewards systems and projects that they do, that can be incorportated into this achievement. This way even the lower level students can be recognized. But I see that students showing pride in their work because of the accomplishments they have made so far and getting their name called on the annoucement only makes them work harder.
ReplyDeleteDuring my math class yesterday in 3rd grade I played Are You Smarter Than a 3rd Grader with the students. They loved it. I had the students slip up into teams and they had to work together to solve the problem, then they would have to send a represenative up to the smart board to solve the problem. They had to underline the important information in the questions, show their work and then explain to the rest of the class how they solved the question. The kids loved it and they payed attention too better this way. The rule was if they are not giving a team effort or listening to the other team at the board they would lose a point. I choose to try this yesterday because Friday I worked on the test with the students and they were not paying attention and just were not interested, so I tired something new and it worked.
Linda, I think it is so awesome that you took your students to the Richwood Bank and Curbside Cones! What a great idea! I'm sure the kids thought those field trips were amazing and I'm sure they were highly engaged. I love this idea!
ReplyDeleteLike many others have said, I think that the students getting their name announced in the morning is so great! The students seem to feel very proud of themselves. I think they really enjoy that the adults in the school are celebrating their accomplishments with them. I would love if we could hear even more announcements about other content areas, specials, and even social areas of school.
ReplyDeleteIn order to make test preparation fun, I also have used a Jeopardy game. I used this game last year in order to help my third and fourth grade students prepare for the reading OAA. The students seemed to really enjoy this game because it was challenging, yet fun. They were able to compete in teams, and they seemed to take the game pretty seriously. They knew that the game was based on past OAA questions, and I believe every team gave their best effort while still having fun.
I love Linda’s field trip ideas. I think it is great that she took her students to the Richwood Banking Company and Curbside Cones. These are not only great math lessons but also great “real life” experiences! I also liked Meagan’s idea about transforming schools into a field trip! I think that is a great idea. I know one year we did something very similar to that for right to read week. I think the kids really enjoyed that, and we should do that again sometime!
I think the announcements and stickers are working great. My class listens to who did what and they are amazed by how much someone increased a score or whatever. I used Sight Words as my first time reporting kid’s growth and my class was so excited to get a chance to increase their score so they can get announced and get to go to the office. I really like the positive feel it puts on “going to the office”. The only thing I think that could make it better is giving it a name…here’s why I think that…Yesterday, a 4th grader saw a sticker on a kindergartener and said, “you were on the announcements, way to go.” I think that was so special and great for the kids to recognize each other for doing well, but maybe giving it a name would help the kids to talk about the honor more easily. I think it was so special to hear that 4th grader compliment that kindergartener. That is the Wildcat Way. As far as testing, I have used the Smartboard to create test like questions for my kids to review so they are more comfortable with the actual test and hopefully do their best to get the right answers. The questions are somewhat complicated for my students to understand “how” to answer. They know the correct answer, but figuring out the format of the question is sometimes tricky. The kids love to use the Smartboard for this review time.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to respond to the whole Adventure idea. It was almost scary to me to think about taking some of my 9th graders anyplace!, but it made me think of what adventure can mean. I think science can be an adventure, and I do try to bring some of that kind of spirit into my teaching - perhaps by enthusiasm. But I'm not planning any field trip soon!
ReplyDeleteAs for enthusiasm, sometimes when I am feeling like I don't want Monday to come, and it does, as soon as I am actually teaching, the enthusiasm is back. It really is the kids that do it for me, challenging ones and all. My spirits were lifted one day in particular when a colleague mentioned she has been talking with a graduate who mentioned me as a teacher that really helped the student be ready for a college class. So, I would say compliments from a colleague are good for enthusiasm.
The positive reinforcement of the announcements and the sticker idea is wonderful for our students. This is what we have needed to do for years. I noticed one post where someone was concerned about the lower kids getting recognized, and I thought that was interesting as I had several of my lower kids who made the greatest gains in numbers for their study island benchmarks. I was so proud of them! The looks on their faces and their feelings of pride as they wore their stickers definitely makes it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteAs far as field trips go, I would like to see the third grade have more involvement with the local business community to help the kids better understand economics. Also we could visit the fire , police dept. and maybe the local town council members to understand the importance of each faction of government. I remember a time in fourth grade we were offered a free field trip to the Marysville court, but we couldn"t go because we had already had our one field trip. It was an offer that was hard to refuse and also a little embarassing too. When rules are that strict learning is inhibited.
When Lindsey Smith subbed in my room, she had a great idea for reviewing the OAA test in Math. She turned it into the game, Are You Smarter than a Third Grader? She divided them into teams and they competed for getting the right answers for their team. I thought that was a great idea. What I have done in the past is to try to make it a contest with themselves. They keep each test and number them as we do them. The object for them is to try to better their score even if it is by 1 point each time. I like to see the excitement as we check them and they see themselves doing better each time.
Please share an idea or two about how you can and have made test preparation fun and engaging in your respective grade level/classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree with several others about making it a game. We love to practice with test questions playing a rotation game to music. The students rotate around the desks which have test questions on the front of a card and answers on the back of the card so they can self-check. The students use a grid paper to put their answers on. It works great for Math, Grammar skills, and reading multiple choice questions. When the music stops they rotate to the next desk until they return back to their seat. They are so engaged in this activity. Dancing and thinking their way through the questions.
Another idea that seems to work is using a game board with OAT cards. They need to read a question to their partner and have their partner answer it correctly before they can move around the game board. I have made separate directions for each game board. First to get to the end wins. The students love the challenge.
I have also played Jeopardy, Smarter than a 4th grader, Who wants to be a millionaire. I agree with Brooke and Megan about making learning fun. Games is what seems to motivate the learning.
One of my colleagues has a great game called Zonk. We use this game to review for all our tests. Very competitive game where they can earn points but if they pull a ZONK they lose all the points earned and start over.
I have even printed and cut up study island questions laminated them and used in a learning center.
I also agree with Debbie on using the smart board on the night I tutor. Smaller groups, more time to have to use the smart board. The students get so excited about games from different websites. Make it a challenge, if they master a skill they can play a game on the smart board that has to do with the skill they mastered.
"It would be really great if we could take kids to _____________ so that they could have this wonderful experience. It would make their love for learning grow tremendously." Patty along with your trip I would like to take fourth graders to New York City. The experience of gigantic buildings, skyscrapers that never seem to end, lights, different cultures .The Statue of Liberty that greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America by ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Time Square, Theater District, Metropolitan Museum of Art and many other attractions that offer educational learning. Of course we would have to stay for at least a week to really be able to experience what this city has to offer. I have fourth graders that read "From The Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" Their end of the book project is to plan a trip to New York City and they must visit at least 3 sightseeing locations plus they must visit where the setting of the book took place. Metropolitan Museum of Art. This would be such an awesome adventure. Believe me there would never be a dull moment to learning about the greatest city in the World. I know that this is not a realistic trip but it really would be a great cultural experience. I am with Brooke about so many never having an experience to share outside of Richwood. I love the idea Brooke has about taking the students to OSU. Go BUCKS!!!
One thing I do with OAA review packets is to grade them on a Pass/Keep Practicing scale. The packet doesn't count as done until the student gets a "Pass" (usually 70%). Once a student has passed, they can help others, move on to the next one, or have some free time. My educational objectives here are to have students realize that they are not supposed to know every answer on the OAA and that everyone can succeed. I've also used some game formats to practice the questions as well as clickers in years past.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the stickers are working as reinforcers for improvement and do not need tweaking. The students love hearing the names of peers in the morning, as well as listening for their own names.
This year we've gone on a couple of virtual field trips -- one to Plimouth Plantation at Thanksgiving time, and one to the Snowflake Bentley Museum when we read about it in LBD. So that's one way to increase our access to some of those high profile places. I agree with Barb that 3rd grade needs to get out & visit places in the community. Oh, and Patti & Nancy, sign me up for your trips 'cause I've never been to those places either.
I like what Ron had to say about planning and adventure. Once you have the basics covered, you just kind of have to see where the adventure will take you.
I am going to have to answer these questions before anyone else or I will just continue to mimic their thoughts. Others have done a great job expressing my thoughts about the announcements and enthusiasm and motivation it has brought to our students. I may be wrong, but it feels like our students have become more respectful of themselves and others. I try to make a point of congratulating students when I see them around the building if I have heard their name or notice their sticker. Their pride is obvious through their smile and smiles are contagious.
ReplyDeleteUsing the smart board and interactive games to foster skills and provide practice in a fun format is not only more enjoyable for the students it is for us as well. It is important to use questions in discussion and written work that mimic the types of thinking required on the test. When students are required to think past the literal in every lesson they learn how to think.
I think the one field trip a year and time constraints for our trips has really hampered what we have been able to do in this area. My first year of teaching we went to the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson, and at that time it was really a good museum. There were trips where the whole school went to a production at the Palace or Ohio Theatre. Most of our students don’t have these cultural experiences, I would venture quite a few have never eaten in a restaurant that wasn’t fast food. Trips that incorporate the arts would be great learning experiences.
My students enjoy being recognized for any accomplishment. The sticker and a proud trip to the office reinforces that motivation for excellence. Every morning they listen intently for their name or for someone they recognize. They are so proud when the come back and students always congratulate each other for a job well done. What about placing each student's name in a hat and once a month draw so many names for a lunch or pizza party with their teacher and the principals. My students are always begging me to have lunch with them. Last year I had a "Lunch Bunch" once a week for students who were exceptional. For some reason I haven't done that this year, but I think I may start that again.
ReplyDeleteI love Megan's idea about transforming your room into another place. I know going places can be difficult, so this could be a fun, less expensive, and most certainly a wonderful learning opportunity for the students because they played a part in creating the environment. Recently, I was thinking that it would be nice to go to Olentangy Indian Caverns because we are discussing landforms in LBD and in social studies. The students actually brought it up, but I thought it probably wouldn't be possible. I'm sure Ron Clark would say, "shame on you!" Maybe Megan's idea could be put to good use-Thanks Megan!
To get students ready for testing situations I often play Jeopardy, some type of interactive SMART board activity, and charades and something like Taboo for vocabulary. I think anytime you can get the students up and moving, whether it be for a lesson for reviewing for a test, they are more involved and motivated to succeed.
I think the announcements are a great motivator for the students and it does seem to have brought our school together more as a family of learners. Right now, the focus does seem to be on the test scores, but I will be anxious to hear about all of the different successes that students/classes are having.
ReplyDeleteAs far as what our grade level does to make practicing for the OAA's more meaningful and fun, we do basically what others have mentioned about using games to make it more fun. I have actually "stolen" an idea from my daughter that really seems to motivate them. It is called "The Bidding Game." To begin,students start with $50. Before a question is posted, students have to bid a dollar amount up to $50. If they get the question right, they get to add the amount they bid but if they get it wrong, they subtract. If they get down to O, they must get 3 questions in a row right to get back to $50. It is interesting to see who takes risks to bid large amounts and who is more cautious. The student at the end with the most money is the winner. It is great practice for any test and also forces them to practice addition/subtraction skills as well. Any time students can compete against each other or get up and move, especially to music, the better.
As far as taking students on field trips, I agree that our students need to experience more culture in their lives. I loved it the year that the entire school went to the Ohio Theater. It was such a neat experience. I would love it if our fourth graders could go to the Ohio Statehouse to learn first hand how our state government works. It is great that we go to the Ohio Historical Museum, but governement is always such an abstract concept for them and actually witnessing how it works would be great.
I love reading about all of the great ideas, especially on how we can make reviewing for the OAA fun for students. Lindsey, I really like the "Are You Smarter than a Third Grader" game. I'm sure the students really enjoyed playing. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteTest Preparation:
ReplyDeleteI think any kind of game or interactive smartboard activity is a great way to prepare the students for tests. I know that if I can make a rhyme or song to information, this helps me to remember what I am studying. I don’t know if anyone else saw this on the news the other night, but there were 2 young teachers who reminded of Ron Clark. The two were trying to get their classes interested in what they were studying so they did a “rap” and the class loved it. This is a great example of how to make test preparation fun.
“It would be really great if we could take kids to…..”
I would love to take kids to a news station to discuss weather. I think for the kids to see all of the technology involved with forecasting and all what is involved would be wonderful for the students of any age to see. We talk about weather and seasons at all levels and I would love to take a group to see how it is all put together. I am sure there could be some great footage for the kids to see.
I also truly enjoyed reading all of the ideas about how to make test preparation fun. This shows alot of enthusiasm in our school!
ReplyDeleteI love morning announcements. They get so excited about the names being called and make comments like, "WOW! I know that person!" "He rides my bus!" "She's my friend!" The peer support that is going on is great. I have no recommendations - I think it's perfect just the way it is. I do agree with Dave that we need to make sure we are celebrating all types of accomplishments - not just MAP testing.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really cool to bring our students to Ohio Theater (like others mentioned). At my old school, we took two field trips as a school to Ohio Theater to see a play. This a was great opportunity for students to experience something that some may not get the chance to do. It was also a nice way to also teach proper theater etiquette.
A fun way I have reviewed for a test over long/short vowels was by playing a version of Jeopardy. I had cards with definitions and cards with a long/short word. They had to match the definition with the word and then to get the points for their team they also had to identify if the vowel was long or short. They really get into it when it's a game and they probably get a better review than they would with a paper/pencil review.
I love watching my kids listen to the morning announcements. They react so strongly to other student's accomplishments. When Dave announced the teachers who worked so hard during MAP testing, I was in a room full of bobbleheads. Then they started clapping. They also like to hear things other than the test scores.
ReplyDeleteAs for field trips, I would love to be able to go on more. But since that's not very likely, I have found myself using my smart board to at least show pictures or movie clips whenever I can. When we learn about something and an interesting question comes up, either a few students or I will try to find something on the internet to show to the class. We have looked at the Grand Canyon, Northern Lights and this week it was the brain.
Like everyone else has said the announcements are definitely very positive for our children. They LOVE getting announced! Even today when I was wearing my sticker for getting announced and kids are telling me good job, they were excited to see me with it on. I think that says a lot about our students.
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to get into a routine when prepping students for the OAA. I think it is important to make sure that we are changing it up. Like others have said, we need to make the whole process more enjoyable for our students. The kids love doing things on the Smart Boards so I am making sure to incorporate that into my tutoring sessions.
I work at the Columbus Zoo during the summer in the Education Department so I get to teach children all about the animals at the zoo and bring animals into the classroom for them to see up close and to touch. I know that certain grade levels already go to the zoo, but I think it would be awesome if we could enrich the trip by having animal visitors while they are there and show behind the scenes at some of the exhibits. I am all for contacting people that I know at the zoo to make this happen!
My kids love hearing the names on the announcements as well. They proudly wear their sticker if their name is called. Considering that we have been doing Study Island Benchmark testing and now MAP testing, I think it is extremely important that we recognize the students who have made improvements in these areas. It makes the tests more meaningful for the students. I also agree with Barb K. that the students who have shown the most growth are my lower students. These are the names that I have sent down to the office to be announced and recognized, so they are definitely being noticed.
ReplyDeleteTest Prep- We play games as well. The students love to do anything on the Smart Board. They also love anything that is slightly competetive. We also always shake hands now after our games.
Field trips- I loved everyone's field trip ideas. I would love to take them to the Ohio Theater, the Columbus Zoo/Zoombezi Bay, Olentangy Indian Caverns, the Statehouse, a college visit, Clippers Game, COSI special exhibits,I could go on...These trips would make their classroom learning more purposeful and would surely add enthusiasm!
As for prepping kids for the test, I take a different role, which is to integrate music into those tested subjects wherever possible. I realize how difficult this is b/c I don't have a clear picture of what specific concepts are being taught in each classroom from week to week, but I do try to look for possibilities for students to think comprehensively wherever possible in music class (ex. if there are 2 parts to the A-section of a song, and there are 16 beats in each part, how many beats are in the A-section?, etc.) I hope to help more in the integration area as time progresses, as it is so beneficial to reaching the students on a different level.
ReplyDeleteAs for where I would take the students; there's no doubt about it: Africa. Growing up, I always wanted to go, finally did last summer to teach in an elementary school, and every day I was there, I thought of my students back home. Students and teachers alike would benefit from an experience like that- words CANNOT do it justice. The lessons would they could learn would be endless, I almost feel I should write a 20-page paper on it, but this is a blog and it's 11pm on Sunday night.
In response to Patti, I would love to go, and I'm sure the whole team would love to go. Brooke, I also play the Millionaire game (go figure 5th grade), but I also use the smartboard and do the vortex as a review of 2 topics before a quiz. For instance, we just finished chemical and physical changes, so the students had to distinguish between them using the vortex. We played girls against the boys in each period and they love it. They are also very excited as it is a competition. I would also love some other ideas. As far as the stickers in the am and being recognized, I think all of the building is loving this. I was a little shaky at first giving them stickers as I thought the 5th graders would think that they were to big for them, but they love the recognition and the stickers! Now, I need to get my MAP science scores on there so they can be recognized for that. As far as field trips, I wish we could go on more than one field trip. The 5th graders love to go to BizTown and it is a great field trip for them to see how a buisness runs, and maybe also help them to see if that occupation is something thaey maight want to go into later on in their lives. I would love though for them to go to Jamestown, or Williamsburg where they could see up close and personal what they are studying. I also would love to go to COSI for them and also for selfish reasons. I could go on and on about this though....
ReplyDeleteThe morning announcements have been great in establishing pride in our kids. I feel like our building has become more of a family atmosphere in the last couple of years. We have done a lot to pull together to make this a welcoming place for the students and their families. I am very proud of being a part of this team. I like the ideas that others have had about putting the names in a hat and drawing. I really like the idea of the pawprints, sort of a hall of fame approach! I think it would be amazing to see all those names up there!
ReplyDeleteSchool trips... Well, if we are allowing ourselves to dream. I was very excited about Patti's Ultimate field trip. I would love for students to go to Plimoth Plantation and see the Mayflower. My husband and I went two years ago. It was awesome! There is nothing comparable to experiencing something in person. History, especially is difficult for a child to understand unless they have experienced it on some level. I also think that our students need more cultural experiences like going to the theater to see plays. I remember doing that as a child and just being amazed at the whole experience.
For test prep I try my best to make sure the students do not even realize they are preparing for a test. Learning needs to be engaging and comprehensive so I do not want students to feel they are learning something just for a test. Even though visual art does not have a state mandated test (yet) the students practice skills needed for the tests all the time. Critical thinking can not be avoided in art. Also through integration the students are exposed to information in a different way.
ReplyDeleteAs far as where I want to take students... hmm... ITALY! The meca of art! Actually, I would be pleased as punch just to take the students out of Richwood. They need culture so badly!
For me, I love the idea of sharing successes during announcements, I actually liked hearing how different people were going above and beyond to show the Wildcat Way. One of the saddest things for me is that my PM kids cannot participate. I have several students who have had such great growth and success that I'd love to have their name on the announcements. Our solution is for them to bring their data folder to the office to share and maybe get a sticker, which as you know, any sign of positive attention is a motivator!
ReplyDeleteNow, for field trips...I think the whole idea of a trip is make learning real, to open the world up to children. I was always amazed by how many of my second graders hadn't ever been to the zoo when we lived about 45 mins. from the Toledo zoo. For me though it's more than that...as a special ed teacher I am concerned about not only bringing learning to life, making it real, but also about providing real-life opportunities, like going to the bank, the grocer store, ordering at a restaurant. We have children who don't have the language skills (or social skills) to go and ask for a book of stamps and then pay for them. As awesome as it would be to take any of my students on trips around the world, I would be just as excited to teach them how to use a library card.
Like so many others, I feel that having the students announced for their accomplishments is a wonderful thing! My students are so proud when they get their stickers and we even cheer for other students who are in our hall that can hear us! They really think it's a big deal, no matter what they're getting called up for. I have tried to send names not just for MAP or Study Island, but I've done spelling tests, Math tests, and Science tests. Any area where they are succeeding, they need to be rewarded for.
ReplyDeleteAs far as test motivation, I just had a long talk with my kids and explained to them how important they are and that all I ask is they give their very best. I try not to put on a lot of pressure, because I remember how hard it was when I was a kid.
Field trips...oh I could go on and on about field trips! Ideally, I would love to get students at the location where events took place. Right now, we are reading a story about Yellowstone National Park. How awesome would it be to go there and talk about the history of that area!?!? We could discuss how it is sitting on a volcano, study the animals that live there, glaciers that once passed through, and famous people whose stories took place there. For now, we can deal with looking at pictures or going on a virtual field trip.
I thought it was so sweet that the fifth graders clapped and cheered for Linda when she got her name announced on morning announcements for helping with MAP testing. They were disappointed that she didn't get called to the office for her sticker. That shows how important those announcements and the stickers are to our students. Thanks, Dave, for getting those stickers to the teachers the next day! :)
ReplyDeleteI have missed the morning announcements of the great things kids are doing and seeing them wear their stickers proudly! It sounds like a wonderful thing going on! I have always believed that experience is the best teacher and in my ideal world I would be able to take my students of any age to see and do and be whatever I was teaching at that moment! It has been my experience that the majority of our students do not go further than Marysville and really not much further than Richwood itself. It always amazes me how excited the kids get to just see downtown Columbus. I makes me realize how blessed I am to have experienced what I have in my life and even as a child. I think it would be awesome to take kids to just see the historical places we teach them about. I know there are things that have we have built who we are as Americans that will soon be a distant memory for upcoming generations because they don't experience it. Families who can afford vacations are into entertainemnt based ones. I also think its important to expose kids to the arts such as museums and plays. Alot of kids have not idea about the world of art! Of course budgets is what prevents us from leaving our school to go out and experience these type of things but as enthuastic teachers we need to find other ways to experience as much as we can. In my room, I have used SKYPE to visit a college, we have took virtual tours of museums, we have emailed our questions to authors, etc. This is the type of things we need to do to keep our students enthuastic!
ReplyDeleteI got off on trips and experiences that I forgot about test prep! I do games, etc. as others mentioned. I think the big key is to not make too huge a deal about the fact there is a big test but stress the importance through fun ways.
ReplyDeleteI think the morning announcements are a great way to start the day off! The kids seem to really enjoy it and are always listening for their name to be called. Since being back from leave, I have noticed a few students in my homeroom become disappointed when their name was not called. I encouraged those students to keep working hard and their opportunity will come! I have made myself a little note of those students name so I can make sure they get their name announcement! For these particular students, I know that will mean the world to them! I can't think of any ideas off the top of my head at this point, but I also think maybe we should spotlight these students in some other way as well. With so many students doing great things the morning announcements may get pretty long!
ReplyDeleteAs far as OAA test prep I incorporate those skills starting the first day of school so students don't get this sudden pressure of the tests. Since I teach my math curriculum by standards. It's easy for me to incorporate those test questions in their assessments throughout the year. Nancy had some great ideas that I have used with the Study Island questions. (I probably stole them from her to begin with!) I have also played the Jeopardy game as a form of review. Using the Smartboard for many activities is a great way to engage the students overall.
As for field trips, I agree with Brooke and getting the students exposed to areas outside of Richwood. Although, I think it is a great idea to show them around the community where they live and the skills people need to have in order for businesses to be successful. I love the idea of taking them to OSU especially because we have a campus pretty much in our back yard! I think it would be interesting for the students to be able to see the Math, Science & Art behind architecture as well.