Amanda Rouse, PLA@130 I'm unable to type on the Google slides as they are view only. However, I loved the "BEYOND" chart shared above. Whether within my classroom in the past or as fabulous ideas for classrooms now, these "beyond" are so great. While I loved the entire "BEYOND" chart, the three that really stood out were: BEYOND the Bell- I love thinking about learning beyond the bell and not making it "homework." I want scholars to think of learning as a lifelong endeavor and not just because it's a required homework assignment. BEYOND the Grade Level/Subject- what better way to get scholars interested in learning and expanding their views than by encouraging them to learn about what interests them, even if it's not within their grade/subject level? BEYOND the Due Date- so often, whether because of being forced into it by state tests or because there's just so much we try to teach, it feels like we often end up pushing scholars to learn something for an assignment or test and then never, or very seldom, visiting it again. The whole dynamic learning chart above is a great reminder for when we plan units/lessons for our classrooms.
Hi Amanda, did you request permission to edit the slides? Hopefully an updated email will be sent. I too really appreciate the "Dynamic Learning"/"Beyond " charts. Your point regarding Beyond the Grade Level/Subject was well said and I agree wholeheartedly.
I requsted "permission" from the owner of the slides to allow me to edit/add content. As of now it's view only... Beyond the Walls: I will upload an example of our classroom “Virtual Library.” If the students click on a picture of a book title from our monthly selections, it will link directly to a YouTube read-a-loud video.
Beyond the Tools: I will post an interactive “small group” assignment that allowed the students to drag images within the slide and re-create new patterns of their own.
I created both of these activities as a way to continue to engage my Preschoolers when we implemented Virtual Teaching.
Using Google Classroom to protect the slides, I initially had to teach the families and they taught the students how to maneuver. I continued to use these ideas "in" the classroom as “small group” assignments and “free choice” activities. Going forward, I’d like to tweak both for extended Dynamic Learning for Kindergartners.
I have also used a virtual library and love it. I have many different themed libraries to go along with the month or topic we are learning about. Heather Hill PLA @93
Having students publish online continues to be appealing to me and something I will be reading more about and delving into this year. Something I do are strategies that move beyond tools, mostly through any number of google tools. I use a lot of google docs and google slides for group work, assignments, and projects in class. Important to give students the choice in their learning and push them to try new things. I also cannot type on the google slide.
Ive found myself thinking "Before COVID" quite a bit throughout this study. Im going to put my thoughts down --- not sure if anyone can relate. It's not being negative , its reality. Sometimes I think we can gloss over the challenges we face with just the BASIC old school expectations for the classroom and the victory tends to be simply "sticking the landing" much less implementing and executing some of the dynamic learning strategies we are focusing on . I think it is so important that we teach scholars how to "do school" again --- that due dates are a real thing with real consequences. Before Covid I would definitely embrace the "Beyond the Bell" strategy but now--- it is almost counter productive to extend learning past a hard deadline because we are teaching content but also that in "real life" there is such a thing as a deadline without an extension or do over. Of course I am speaking from a secondary perspective .. Publishing work/Global connection -- I believe that is the most viable option of the strategies but again -- I find we are focused on journaling, how to comment on eachother's work with depth , how to add quality girth to essays ...we have gone back in time in my mind -- and have to learn how to balance the bike again before we hit the trails without a traditional road map.
I can relate to your thoughts. Prior to my current assignment, I worked as a school Speech Therapist and only started using Google when we went virtual during the pandemic. Navigating the technology for teletherapy sessions was a huge hurdle for me, my students and their parents. Time seemed to stand still during that year and it seemed most of my students found the online assignments less engaging than in-person therapy. They probably were! I, however, learned so much during that year about virtual learning and accessing outside resources to help students achieve success. Some things I've held on to and others I was happy to see disappear with the quarantine! Many of my classroom teacher friends have voiced concerns over their students not using their time efficiently to complete assignments in a timely manner. It's almost like we need to re-teach time management skills that were lost during COVID.
Amanda Rouse, PLA@103 Kelly, I can relate to what you're saying about real-world due dates and consequences. For me, when I started reading about allowing scholars to turn things in after a deadline, I balked at first. But then I realized (in something else I was reading) that the author/teacher had a point regarding the fact that if the learning/assignment is valuable enough to be learning, then it should still be valuable when an arbitrary date has passed. So, that got me thinking more about the types of deadlines we face as adults and how to possibly prepare scholars for real-world adult deadlines (bills, work projects, etc) Instead of making things due at the end of a class or the next day or the end of a week, could we possibly make things more real-life by setting due dates that are maybe end of a 9 weeks? Or end of the month? This would allow scholars to learn more about real-world type deadlines. Also, scholars who like to get their items finished and turned in would be able to, scholars who do their best with a bit of pressure would be able to do that, and scholars who need a bit more time would be allowed that. Just some thoughts I've head recently when reading about changing up due dates and making the learning and products of that learning more meaningful.
I'm very excited to use the "Beyond the Walls" strategy during the upcoming school year. I'm already researching virtual field trips and looking forward to connecting with outside organizations to offer experiences that the scholars may not get to have while they are in school. I can't wait to offer opportunities to expand their interests and knowledge!
I love all the strategies for blogging under the Beyond The Wall along with numerous ways to publish. I'm looking forward to looking into all the strategies.
I requested access for the slides. I have used beyond the walls in the past and look forward to continuing it this next school year. I always try to give resources to my scholars and send them to parents to learn more about things we are learning. We were learning about bats and I shared a wonderful 24/7 live link to bats. I like to share different books I find or websites that they might find interesting. They come in asking for more, so I know it is fueling their love of learning beyond our school day. Heather Hill PLA @93
I like the beyond the walls concept. The idea of students publishing for a global audience is a cool idea. I also like the idea of letting students have time to work on something they are passionate about so they can learn more about the subject area.
Amylynn, I agree that letting students have time to work on something they are passionate about is a great idea. Do you have any ideas on how to give scholars time to do this with the rigorous curriculum that most schools have?
For this last week of Summer Advantage, I am having my class work on Passion Projects. They are all super excited to research whatever they want and to teach the rest of the class about their passion. One scholar is researching skateboarding and another is researching baby dolls.
TLJA FW I like all of your ideas Veronica. Especially the first one "Beyond the Walls". I am currently in the position of Library so that would be another option for the scholars to 'read" a new book.
I teach little ones and all this discussion about publishing and digital tools is a little overwhelming for me to use with my scholars. My goal this year is to try to use a form of digital tools that I am not familiar with even if its just with a small group of my scholars. I will probably be surprised with how they respond to the task. It could be as easy as a vision board on a google slide just using pictures. I won't know until I try.
Amanda Rouse, PLA@103 Mindi, I think you've got a great goal. I also feel that you could start with publishing something as a class where each scholar participates and contributes but the project is done as a whole class.
I have previously attempted to do “Beyond the Bell”, but I am not sure how effective I have been at it. I have created several Kahoots and have made those challenges that scholars can access outside of class. However, while the scholars love to play Kahoot in class, I do not get any engagement with them outside of class on the challenges. I have also provided links to some music websites that have challenges in the form of different games and activities, but when I do them in class it is obvious that no one has used the links outside of class time. So, the resources are there, but I am still working to build the mindset.
I am hoping this year to do more “Beyond the Due Date” and allow for scholars to explore their own music interests some and turn that work into an assessment of sorts without giving it as a specific assignment.
I love the efforts you made- it really shows that you care about your students in a wholistic way. I agree with you that it is difficult to build that interest beyond the classroom. I think it comes down to motivation. It seems like students lack the motivation to do things they are not interested in or don’t want to do…so, it is our job to play off of their interests and give them as much choice as possible. It is not easy to do! -Anna Zvers, PLA@93
Mindi, I agree that digital tools are tough for little ones. I teach kindergarten and many of these online tools have me searching for something that would be simple enough for my scholars. Since Covid, I feel my scholars have adjusting to using the online tools much easier than I expected. I have been able to use many tools such as Kahoot, Nearpod, Quizziz and Google classroom to name a few. It definitely takes time and repetition but its possible. I'm very curious on idea for publishing and connecting globally. I would love to hear if you have an success with it or any great ideas you would like to share.
Ms. Spy I like your idea of trying something new with little ones. I will be willing to help you once you decide on which tool you would like to try this year. I think the whole class could do it. I think we could try the vision board and also publish something as a whole class. Sohna Duff PLA @103
Beyond the Grade Level & Subject: I had my students do their own research on an animal that interested them. Then, they created several drafts for a “book” about their animal. Lastly, I gave them blank books to write their final drafts in. They added illustrations and photographs from the web. After this, they read their books to a younger class from a different grade level. I covered the research writing standard for this project, but went beyond by allowing the students to explore something of their own interest and having them publish and share their own work. It was incredible to see their excitement and creativity. I want to implement more of these projects in my classroom. -Anna Zvers, PLA@93
I used Beyond the Due Date without knowing that I used it. I had a class working on a project and it did have a deadline but they were able to work on it after the deadline. A few of my students continue to work on it and add a few things to it. I would like to use this again but this time I will announce it to the students. I like it when students want to work on there assignments or go back to their assignment/project to finish or add something to it.
Grace Munoz- Trix Academy I like your idea of letting the scholars know that their learning can extend beyond the deadline. Some may be shy about requesting that extra exploration time and knowing that it is an option would likely cause more to take advantage of the opportunity. I think it would also be beneficial to clarify what you mean by giving them more time. Not that your deadline has no meaning, but that you want their learning to go beyond just the project. Without clarification, some might just assume that you are not strict about deadlines and that they can do assignments as they feel, without any accountability. I think that is different from what "beyond the due date" is intending.
I was also unable to edit the google slides and requested access.
I have used a few of these strategies but wish to dig deeper in all of them for this school year.
Beyond the Bell-I firmly believe that scholars need to learn about growth mindset at a young age and I start this with my kindergarteners from day one. We discuss their learning, what they want to learn and goals they have for themselves as well as goals I have for them. We discuss ideas on how to reach their goals or learn about what they wish to learn about. This year I want to have more parent involvement to help my scholars learn outside the building because it's hard for them to do it alone at such a young age. I think a vision board might be something we could create as well.
Beyond the walls- I have done many virtual field trips with my scholars but have not had the opportunities to interact with anyone during those times. I think it would be so fun and engaging to have that this year. My class has also done an alphabet exchange with other kindergarten classrooms from around the United States. Although its not online communication we do look up and learn about where the other classrooms are from.
I am going to look into this kinder magnetically! Thanks for mentioning this, it would be so cool to have the ability to do something like this! I could see where this would be great fun for younger scholars. This is such a good way to get beyond the walls!
Heather Barney @ 103: I was unable to edit the google slides, it is still in view mode. I did attempt to request permission.
In terms of my classroom, I have done well embracing the Beyond the Bell strategy. Some of this could be difficult in a specials setting, as some scholars rotate in just once a week and others may have library specials twice a week. However, I’ve tried to instill the idea that library-reading can go beyond specials, that the goal is to find a library book in the library setting that can be held in the students hands, read and enjoyed outside of school. I recognize too, some other scholars enjoy using a digital platform, so I’ve encouraged scholars to use an “online library”. PLA 103 has a partnership with the indianapolis public library, where the scholars have access to thousands of online books. I teach scholars how to use this platform to access books, can be done outside of the classroom and on any device. At the beginning of the year, I have scholar write a vision about how and where they would like to read. How they would like to grow into reading etc so, I try to maintain this and encourage reading beyond the walls of the school walls and library, by physically checking out books or using the online library platform.
I would like to focus more on beyond the due date this next year, but it definitely can be challenging when in a specials rotation and that a classroom teachers curriculum and the associated pacing calender can present challenges to moving beyond a due date. I streamline the library special to work in tandem with some of the ELA curriculum, so I find myself limited with a calendar too. I enjoyed the concept and will definitely keep this strategy in mind during planning lessons for beginning of the school year.
I would like to do more of Beyond the Grade Level and Subject in my resource setting. I feel like I am only teaching to the scholars' goals instead of teaching them using topics that interest them. I am going to work on incorporating more of their interests in what I teach while they continue working on their goals.
These aspects of dynamic learning are not ones that I've been able to implement in my teaching career so far, but I am excited especially to use the "Beyond the Tool" to really reshape my view of technology. Currently, when I think of involving technology in a lesson, I imagine students completing a digital worksheet or using something on their technology to help them complete a physical worksheet. These chapters have showed me that these strategies are not any more dynamic than the traditional worksheet one-and-one learning that has always been so common in schools. I really want to take some time to explore some of the tools recommended by Kasey and think about practical ways I could use some of those tools to enhance learning in my classroom. I really want to ask myself the question "is this any different than doing a worksheet?" "will this lesson follow the scholar outside of my classroom and into their world". I hope that these things can help guide me in the direction of incorporating tools in really impactful ways, in search of that desirable dynamic learning to take place.
The Dynamic Learning Strategy that I would incorporate in my classroom is "Beyond the Due Date". Beyond the Due Date really interests me, because it always scholars to continue their learning. This provides the scholars with the opportunity to have more responsibility over their learning, they can dive deeper into their interests, and develop a deeper understanding of concepts that are taught in the classroom.
I agree that we should tell our students the value of them learning, show them how it relates to their goals, and let them know there are many paths to get there, but it is up tot them to do the work however/whenever they can.
The DLS I implement is Beyond the Due Date. Our scholars face many challenges at home other than school work. If we... 1. invest in finding out our students dreams 2. impart to them what it takes to reach their goals 3. give them a variety of ways to reach it 4. support them in their learning 5. empower them to be responsible for obtaining the skills to be successful .....they will see the value in education and take it further than we ever could force them to do.
Amanda Rouse, PLA@130
ReplyDeleteI'm unable to type on the Google slides as they are view only.
However, I loved the "BEYOND" chart shared above. Whether within my classroom in the past or as fabulous ideas for classrooms now, these "beyond" are so great.
While I loved the entire "BEYOND" chart, the three that really stood out were:
BEYOND the Bell- I love thinking about learning beyond the bell and not making it "homework." I want scholars to think of learning as a lifelong endeavor and not just because it's a required homework assignment.
BEYOND the Grade Level/Subject- what better way to get scholars interested in learning and expanding their views than by encouraging them to learn about what interests them, even if it's not within their grade/subject level?
BEYOND the Due Date- so often, whether because of being forced into it by state tests or because there's just so much we try to teach, it feels like we often end up pushing scholars to learn something for an assignment or test and then never, or very seldom, visiting it again.
The whole dynamic learning chart above is a great reminder for when we plan units/lessons for our classrooms.
Hi Amanda, did you request permission to edit the slides? Hopefully an updated email will be sent. I too really appreciate the "Dynamic Learning"/"Beyond " charts. Your point regarding Beyond the Grade Level/Subject was well said and I agree wholeheartedly.
DeleteI requsted "permission" from the owner of the slides to allow me to edit/add content. As of now it's view only...
ReplyDeleteBeyond the Walls: I will upload an example of our classroom “Virtual Library.” If the students click on a picture of a book title from our monthly selections, it will link directly to a YouTube read-a-loud video.
Beyond the Tools: I will post an interactive “small group” assignment that allowed the students to drag images within the slide and re-create new patterns of their own.
I created both of these activities as a way to continue to engage my Preschoolers when we implemented Virtual Teaching.
Using Google Classroom to protect the slides, I initially had to teach the families and they taught the students how to maneuver. I continued to use these ideas "in" the classroom as “small group” assignments and “free choice” activities. Going forward, I’d like to tweak both for extended Dynamic Learning for Kindergartners.
I have also used a virtual library and love it. I have many different themed libraries to go along with the month or topic we are learning about.
DeleteHeather Hill
PLA @93
Amanda Rouse, PLA@103
DeleteI really love virtual libraries and connecting scholars to wonderful books/read alouds.
I have the view only issue as well. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteHaving students publish online continues to be appealing to me and something I will be reading more about and delving into this year. Something I do are strategies that move beyond tools, mostly through any number of google tools. I use a lot of google docs and google slides for group work, assignments, and projects in class. Important to give students the choice in their learning and push them to try new things. I also cannot type on the google slide.
ReplyDeleteIve found myself thinking "Before COVID" quite a bit throughout this study. Im going to put my thoughts down --- not sure if anyone can relate. It's not being negative , its reality. Sometimes I think we can gloss over the challenges we face with just the BASIC old school expectations for the classroom and the victory tends to be simply "sticking the landing" much less implementing and executing some of the dynamic learning strategies we are focusing on . I think it is so important that we teach scholars how to "do school" again --- that due dates are a real thing with real consequences. Before Covid I would definitely embrace the "Beyond the Bell" strategy but now--- it is almost counter productive to extend learning past a hard deadline because we are teaching content but also that in "real life" there is such a thing as a deadline without an extension or do over. Of course I am speaking from a secondary perspective .. Publishing work/Global connection -- I believe that is the most viable option of the strategies but again -- I find we are focused on journaling, how to comment on eachother's work with depth , how to add quality girth to essays ...we have gone back in time in my mind -- and have to learn how to balance the bike again before we hit the trails without a traditional road map.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your thoughts. Prior to my current assignment, I worked as a school Speech Therapist and only started using Google when we went virtual during the pandemic. Navigating the technology for teletherapy sessions was a huge hurdle for me, my students and their parents. Time seemed to stand still during that year and it seemed most of my students found the online assignments less engaging than in-person therapy. They probably were! I, however, learned so much during that year about virtual learning and accessing outside resources to help students achieve success. Some things I've held on to and others I was happy to see disappear with the quarantine! Many of my classroom teacher friends have voiced concerns over their students not using their time efficiently to complete assignments in a timely manner. It's almost like we need to re-teach time management skills that were lost during COVID.
DeleteAmanda Rouse, PLA@103
DeleteKelly, I can relate to what you're saying about real-world due dates and consequences. For me, when I started reading about allowing scholars to turn things in after a deadline, I balked at first.
But then I realized (in something else I was reading) that the author/teacher had a point regarding the fact that if the learning/assignment is valuable enough to be learning, then it should still be valuable when an arbitrary date has passed.
So, that got me thinking more about the types of deadlines we face as adults and how to possibly prepare scholars for real-world adult deadlines (bills, work projects, etc)
Instead of making things due at the end of a class or the next day or the end of a week, could we possibly make things more real-life by setting due dates that are maybe end of a 9 weeks? Or end of the month? This would allow scholars to learn more about real-world type deadlines. Also, scholars who like to get their items finished and turned in would be able to, scholars who do their best with a bit of pressure would be able to do that, and scholars who need a bit more time would be allowed that.
Just some thoughts I've head recently when reading about changing up due dates and making the learning and products of that learning more meaningful.
I love this line of thinking, Amanda! Thank you for your insight!
DeleteI'm very excited to use the "Beyond the Walls" strategy during the upcoming school year. I'm already researching virtual field trips and looking forward to connecting with outside organizations to offer experiences that the scholars may not get to have while they are in school. I can't wait to offer opportunities to expand their interests and knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI love all the strategies for blogging under the Beyond The Wall along with numerous ways to publish. I'm looking forward to looking into all the strategies.
DeleteI requested access for the slides.
ReplyDeleteI have used beyond the walls in the past and look forward to continuing it this next school year. I always try to give resources to my scholars and send them to parents to learn more about things we are learning. We were learning about bats and I shared a wonderful 24/7 live link to bats. I like to share different books I find or websites that they might find interesting. They come in asking for more, so I know it is fueling their love of learning beyond our school day.
Heather Hill
PLA @93
I like the beyond the walls concept. The idea of students publishing for a global audience is a cool idea. I also like the idea of letting students have time to work on something they are passionate about so they can learn more about the subject area.
ReplyDeleteAmylynn,
DeleteI agree that letting students have time to work on something they are passionate about is a great idea. Do you have any ideas on how to give scholars time to do this with the rigorous curriculum that most schools have?
Amylynn (Hi! I miss 48!),
DeleteFor this last week of Summer Advantage, I am having my class work on Passion Projects. They are all super excited to research whatever they want and to teach the rest of the class about their passion. One scholar is researching skateboarding and another is researching baby dolls.
TLJA FW I like all of your ideas Veronica. Especially the first one "Beyond the Walls". I am currently in the position of Library so that would be another option for the scholars to 'read" a new book.
ReplyDeleteI teach little ones and all this discussion about publishing and digital tools is a little overwhelming for me to use with my scholars. My goal this year is to try to use a form of digital tools that I am not familiar with even if its just with a small group of my scholars. I will probably be surprised with how they respond to the task. It could be as easy as a vision board on a google slide just using pictures. I won't know until I try.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Rouse, PLA@103
DeleteMindi, I think you've got a great goal. I also feel that you could start with publishing something as a class where each scholar participates and contributes but the project is done as a whole class.
Abbigail Brantch - JRPLA
DeleteI have previously attempted to do “Beyond the Bell”, but I am not sure how effective I have been at it. I have created several Kahoots and have made those challenges that scholars can access outside of class. However, while the scholars love to play Kahoot in class, I do not get any engagement with them outside of class on the challenges. I have also provided links to some music websites that have challenges in the form of different games and activities, but when I do them in class it is obvious that no one has used the links outside of class time. So, the resources are there, but I am still working to build the mindset.
I am hoping this year to do more “Beyond the Due Date” and allow for scholars to explore their own music interests some and turn that work into an assessment of sorts without giving it as a specific assignment.
I love the efforts you made- it really shows that you care about your students in a wholistic way. I agree with you that it is difficult to build that interest beyond the classroom. I think it comes down to motivation. It seems like students lack the motivation to do things they are not interested in or don’t want to do…so, it is our job to play off of their interests and give them as much choice as possible. It is not easy to do! -Anna Zvers, PLA@93
DeleteMindi,
DeleteI agree that digital tools are tough for little ones. I teach kindergarten and many of these online tools have me searching for something that would be simple enough for my scholars. Since Covid, I feel my scholars have adjusting to using the online tools much easier than I expected. I have been able to use many tools such as Kahoot, Nearpod, Quizziz and Google classroom to name a few. It definitely takes time and repetition but its possible. I'm very curious on idea for publishing and connecting globally. I would love to hear if you have an success with it or any great ideas you would like to share.
Ms. Spy I like your idea of trying something new with little ones. I will be willing to help you once you decide on which tool you would like to try this year. I think the whole class could do it. I think we could try the vision board and also publish something as a whole class. Sohna Duff PLA @103
DeleteBeyond the Grade Level & Subject: I had my students do their own research on an animal that interested them. Then, they created several drafts for a “book” about their animal. Lastly, I gave them blank books to write their final drafts in. They added illustrations and photographs from the web. After this, they read their books to a younger class from a different grade level. I covered the research writing standard for this project, but went beyond by allowing the students to explore something of their own interest and having them publish and share their own work. It was incredible to see their excitement and creativity. I want to implement more of these projects in my classroom.
ReplyDelete-Anna Zvers, PLA@93
I used Beyond the Due Date without knowing that I used it. I had a class working on a project and it did have a deadline but they were able to work on it after the deadline. A few of my students continue to work on it and add a few things to it. I would like to use this again but this time I will announce it to the students. I like it when students want to work on there assignments or go back to their assignment/project to finish or add something to it.
ReplyDeleteGrace Munoz- Trix Academy
DeleteI like your idea of letting the scholars know that their learning can extend beyond the deadline. Some may be shy about requesting that extra exploration time and knowing that it is an option would likely cause more to take advantage of the opportunity. I think it would also be beneficial to clarify what you mean by giving them more time. Not that your deadline has no meaning, but that you want their learning to go beyond just the project. Without clarification, some might just assume that you are not strict about deadlines and that they can do assignments as they feel, without any accountability. I think that is different from what "beyond the due date" is intending.
I was also unable to edit the google slides and requested access.
ReplyDeleteI have used a few of these strategies but wish to dig deeper in all of them for this school year.
Beyond the Bell-I firmly believe that scholars need to learn about growth mindset at a young age and I start this with my kindergarteners from day one. We discuss their learning, what they want to learn and goals they have for themselves as well as goals I have for them. We discuss ideas on how to reach their goals or learn about what they wish to learn about. This year I want to have more parent involvement to help my scholars learn outside the building because it's hard for them to do it alone at such a young age. I think a vision board might be something we could create as well.
Beyond the walls- I have done many virtual field trips with my scholars but have not had the opportunities to interact with anyone during those times. I think it would be so fun and engaging to have that this year.
My class has also done an alphabet exchange with other kindergarten classrooms from around the United States. Although its not online communication we do look up and learn about where the other classrooms are from.
I am going to look into this kinder magnetically! Thanks for mentioning this, it would be so cool to have the ability to do something like this! I could see where this would be great fun for younger scholars. This is such a good way to get beyond the walls!
DeleteHeather Barney @ 103: I was unable to edit the google slides, it is still in view mode. I did attempt to request permission.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of my classroom, I have done well embracing the Beyond the Bell strategy. Some of this could be difficult in a specials setting, as some scholars rotate in just once a week and others may have library specials twice a week. However, I’ve tried to instill the idea that library-reading can go beyond specials, that the goal is to find a library book in the library setting that can be held in the students hands, read and enjoyed outside of school. I recognize too, some other scholars enjoy using a digital platform, so I’ve encouraged scholars to use an “online library”. PLA 103 has a partnership with the indianapolis public library, where the scholars have access to thousands of online books. I teach scholars how to use this platform to access books, can be done outside of the classroom and on any device. At the beginning of the year, I have scholar write a vision about how and where they would like to read. How they would like to grow into reading etc so, I try to maintain this and encourage reading beyond the walls of the school walls and library, by physically checking out books or using the online library platform.
I would like to focus more on beyond the due date this next year, but it definitely can be challenging when in a specials rotation and that a classroom teachers curriculum and the associated pacing calender can present challenges to moving beyond a due date. I streamline the library special to work in tandem with some of the ELA curriculum, so I find myself limited with a calendar too. I enjoyed the concept and will definitely keep this strategy in mind during planning lessons for beginning of the school year.
I would like to do more of Beyond the Grade Level and Subject in my resource setting. I feel like I am only teaching to the scholars' goals instead of teaching them using topics that interest them. I am going to work on incorporating more of their interests in what I teach while they continue working on their goals.
ReplyDeleteGrace Munoz- Trix Academy
ReplyDeleteThese aspects of dynamic learning are not ones that I've been able to implement in my teaching career so far, but I am excited especially to use the "Beyond the Tool" to really reshape my view of technology. Currently, when I think of involving technology in a lesson, I imagine students completing a digital worksheet or using something on their technology to help them complete a physical worksheet. These chapters have showed me that these strategies are not any more dynamic than the traditional worksheet one-and-one learning that has always been so common in schools. I really want to take some time to explore some of the tools recommended by Kasey and think about practical ways I could use some of those tools to enhance learning in my classroom. I really want to ask myself the question "is this any different than doing a worksheet?" "will this lesson follow the scholar outside of my classroom and into their world". I hope that these things can help guide me in the direction of incorporating tools in really impactful ways, in search of that desirable dynamic learning to take place.
The Dynamic Learning Strategy that I would incorporate in my classroom is "Beyond the Due Date". Beyond the Due Date really interests me, because it always scholars to continue their learning. This provides the scholars with the opportunity to have more responsibility over their learning, they can dive deeper into their interests, and develop a deeper understanding of concepts that are taught in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should tell our students the value of them learning, show them how it relates to their goals, and let them know there are many paths to get there, but it is up tot them to do the work however/whenever they can.
DeleteThe DLS I implement is Beyond the Due Date. Our scholars face many challenges at home other than school work. If we...
ReplyDelete1. invest in finding out our students dreams
2. impart to them what it takes to reach their goals
3. give them a variety of ways to reach it
4. support them in their learning
5. empower them to be responsible for obtaining the skills to be successful
.....they will see the value in education and take it further than we ever could force them to do.