Today, our fourth grade team will discuss this process with greater depth. I'm sure we'll return again and again in thought and discussion to the idea of essential standards - what's most important, even imperative, to teach. During these discussions, I don't want us to forget the following pedagogical practices:
- The First Six Weeks: Community Building
- Review of all Comprehension Strategies.
- Getting to Know Each Other.
- Creating an Agreeable "Class Constitution."
- Establishing classroom routines related to behavior, reading workshop, writing workshop, math workshop.
- Patterns of Thought and Practice
- Passion-Based Learning/Relevance/The Flipped Classroom
- Learning essential standards through passions/interests.
- Flipping the classroom by giving children more voice and leadership related to learning schedules, topics, methods and environment.
- Technology Infusion/Multimedia Composition
- Extending the school day with the use of social media.
- Sharing our knowledge using multimedia composition.
- Using technology tools to make learning more accessible to all.
- Formative and summative tech assessment to guide student learning, teaching.
- Tech as a means of growing/developing knowledge, concept and skill.
- Global Connections
- It's essential that our students engage with others outside of their community.
- Look for meaningful ways that student learning can extend beyond the boundaries of the school and community.
- Develop 21stC Skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Collaboration
When we discuss essential standards today, I'll think about the ways that I can teach those standards within the pedagogical framework noted above. Let me know if I've missed anything on my journey to teach students essential skills within a relevant, meaningful 21stC framework.
