Literacy Happenings
Would you like to view your EL teaching notes on your iPad while controlling the EL slides?
If so, here is a video that shows you how to do just that. If you prefer written directions, the steps are listed here.
Newsela and Expeditionary Learning (EL)
Newsela has added curriculum complements for EL in kindergarten and first grade. In addition, there are collections for Bend LaPine teachers 2nd grade – 5th grade. Watch this short video to learn how to access these resources to support your EL language arts instruction.
5th grade Human Rights Unit support TEAM
We are assembling a group of teachers and LEED coaches later this month to explore the current protocols and structures in EL that facilitate critical discussions with students about social justice topics. Additionally, we will work on developing further supports to enhance these existing frameworks. This team will meet regularly throughout the module to identify and create additional resources for these conversations. The recommendations from our discussions will be included in the TLC updates starting in October.
If you are interested in participating on this team, please sign up here and Lindsley will be in touch.
5th grade Human Rights Unit
IL provided the following information regarding 5th-grade Module 1 Human Rights:
When content explores sensitive topics, IL EL Education provides “Notes from the Designer” and “Considerations” embedded into the Module Overview (Grade 5 Module 1). These sections should share compelling reasons for the book choice, detail what students will gain from the perspective, and share ways to introduce and instruct on the sensitive content matter.
Considerations: Racism, Zenophobia and Internment
During this module, students read the text Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. The module aims to introduce students to human rights through the threats that Esperanza experiences in connection with related articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students may connect deeply and personally with the topics of racial prejudice and segregation presented in the book, for example, when Esperanza learns that her family must drive to a grocery store further away because the closest one discriminates against Mexicans. Consider proactively addressing current events, including racism and xenophobia against Central and South American immigrants, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Monitor students and determine if issues that need to be discussed in more detail are surfacing.
There is also Homework Resource for Families (Grade 5 Module 1, Unit 1) for each unit that provides insight into their student’s current module and unit of study and Module Overview videos (Grade 5 Module 1) can also be shared with families prior to beginning a new Module.
EL additional training opportunity (space limited)
We have 4 days available for Expeditionary Learning training through Better Lesson. Our literacy strategic team and coaches will be included in these trainings AND we have additional spots to offer. Below are the dates and the topics for each training. You need to be able to attend all 4 trainings to sign up in this quick survey. The deadline to sign up is the end of the school day on September 16th. Lindsley will reach out to everyone on the 17th with additional information.
September 25- EL Routines and Protocols
December 10- Engagement in Modules
February 27 – Leveraging Language
April 10 – Close Reading
Looking for RGR resources?
Always check the housing doc for your grade level for the most important resources. Here is where we put all other resources created to support your foundational skills instruction.
Math Happenings
3rd grade teachers! Robbie Faith manually graduated all your students to the intermediate view in DreamBox. You do not need to do it this year!
Forefront – your rosters are loaded, please let me or your instructional coach know as soon as possible if it doesn’t look correct.
The Dreambox Launchpad (placement screener) is open, and students will need to take this assessment the first time they are on Dreambox. We are asking that 1st-5th grade classrooms complete the Launchpad assessment by September 30th and K classrooms complete the assessment by December 2nd.
Bridges and Number Corner materials – Please do not dispose of or give away until a district plan has been shared.
Technology in the Classroom
Apple Classroom
Just a reminder that Apple Classroom is a great tool for all teachers to manage iPads in the classroom. You can view students screens, launch and lock apps, accept Airdrop files from students, and more. Here is more information on how to get Apple Classroom set-up. If you need any support, please reach out to Robbie Faith. I’m happy to visit your classroom and help get Apple Classroom up and running!
Seesaw
Seesaw has created easy-to-use Back-to-School Activity boards to help you kick start your year with engaging activities that help you get to know your students, develop classroom procedures, and build classroom culture. If you are interested, check them out!
–Back to School Activity Board K-2
–Back to School Activity Board 3-5
Resources Available
The Instructional Technology team has some great resources available for you to use in your classroom, including Sphero Bolts, Ozobots, Bee-Bots, and the Sphero Indi. To learn more about each of these codeable robots, check out this blog post. You can visit the Instructional Technology blog for the request forms – just look in the right hand column under the “Bring Innovation to Your Classroom” heading.
Magic School AI
MagicSchool AI is now available in Clever for easy log-in access. MagicSchool is an AI platform designed for educators, with a large suite of tools that help with building lesson plans, writing IEPs, differentiation, ideating more engaging lessons, communicating with families, and more! Please contact Robbie Faith and Tracy Howk for questions and support.