Literacy Happenings
Looking for a little extra cash and like using EPIC book collections?
Then I’ve got a project for you! Looking for folks who would like to create EPIC book collections to support Expeditionary Learning modules. They have been started in some grade levels here, but would like to get them finished for all grade levels. If you are interested, reach out to Lindsley Gehrig. Estimating it will take about 7 hours of timesheeting.
Quick Reads around some hot topics in Expeditionary Learning right now!
- Tools for deep word learning
- discusses best practices beyond traditional dictionary practices
- Supporting students’ access to complex text
- Vocabulary
- Close reading
Background Knowledge
Don’t underestimate the power of background knowledge to lift students into reading complex text- here’s a quick read around its power!
Math Happenings
Math Professional Learning!
The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub is offering Math Mindset virtual workshops for K-5 teachers. See these flyers K-2 session and 3-5 session.
They have agreed to save 10 spots in each class for educators in Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson and Lake Counties, with our Central Oregon STEM Hub covering the stipend for participation and workshop materials.
Link to register for K-2 session – almost full, so sign up ASAP!
Link to register for 3-5 session
Supporting English Learners
Tips for Supporting Newcomer Students
Low prep strategies that make a big impact:
- Rate of Speech: slow down speech, just a little.
- Comprehensible Input: Make content visual whenever possible: an object, a picture, or a drawing to go with new vocabulary or a new concept being taught, pictures alongside step-by-step directions, demonstrating or modeling explicitly what students need to do along with the verbal directions, using gestures and pointing to objects and pictures to support comprehension.
- Check for Understanding: Check for comprehension with simple responses such as thumbs up or down.
Consideration on using translated curriculum materials for newcomers:
It’s important to affirm and acknowledge a child’s native language and use that language to support teaching and learning. This should be considered thoughtfully, and on an individual basis.
- Literacy in 1st Language: Before a student receives materials in their first language, the student’s literacy skills in that language need to be understood. Strong verbal skills in their 1st language doesn’t imply strong literacy skills in that language.
- 2nd Language Acquisition: Translated materials should not take away opportunities that arise during regular classroom instruction, such as opportunities to collaborate with peers, opportunities to use peers as language models, and opportunities to practice English with scaffolded support from the teacher.
- Belonging and Inclusion: Productive struggle in learning English is part of the language acquisition process. Participating with peers and being included in lessons happening for everyone in the classroom is a better alternative to a student working in isolation with translated materials. A smile and the feeling of belonging can be understood in any language.
The need to support newcomers is heard, understood and recognized. Please reach out to your Language Specialist or Multilingual Services, Office of DEI, for more support.
Movement Moments
Fun Locomotive Movement – make sure you have space to move
Silly Dance Contest
Jumping and Counting Song
Melting Exercise – Go Noodle
Guess this Animal Workout
Technology in the Classroom
Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship week is October 14-18, an annual campaign to promote healthy, balanced, and positive approach to media and tech use among young people. Here are some handy resources.
- Common Sense Education: Digital Citizenship lessons
- Wayfinder: Digital Citizenship lessons found in Activities Library
- Digital Citizenship Kahoot! or search and filter to find one that best fits your needs
Some of these activities are highly engaging and enjoyed by students and staff alike. Even spending a few minutes talking about digital citizenship can set up students for success in safety and digital literacy.
Seesaw
Check out ready-to-go activities with Seesaw’s October calendar of classroom dailies.
–October Classroom Dailies for K-2
-October Classroom Dailies for 3-5
