New Buzzwords: Visible Learning, Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

I don't know about you… but when I returned back from ONE YEAR OFF on Maternity Leave, it felt like the whole "teaching game" changed. All of a sudden I was hearing new acronyms, seeing new faces and learning whole new approaches to teaching. May I remind you all that I only had one year off!

So today I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned and how I apply them to my always-evolving teaching style.

Image taken from cognitioneducation.com

It all starts with this guy… John Hattie.

Hattie has challenged the way in which we teach. He has also challenged our ideas around what actually impacts learning and surprise, surprise… it's not class sizes!

He wrote a book about Visible Learning which explains fifteen years worth of research around what actually works in schools to improve learning.

He also coined the phrase "Know Thy Impact"… amongst many other things.

I recommend you watching his TEDx talk [below] which looks at: why are so many of our teachers and schools so successful. 

Ok so now that we all know a little more about him… What next?

So my school has started to really push Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. The idea is that you explain to students at the beginning WHAT they will be learning and HOW they'll know they're successful. It's actually a great way to think about the purpose of the lesson. I know in the past I've just taught things and never really thought about WHY. And I know I'm guilty of explaining to students what I want them to do without really giving it purpose. It's like that classic situation where a student asks 'how does this apply to the real world' and the teacher explains that the student needs to learn it "because it's in the syllabus". I don't think that's a good enough reason. Also... If that were true... Everything a child can learn is at their finger tips on the Internet... So lessons need purpose otherwise our role as a teacher is made redundant.

I thought I'd now share how I've been incorporating Learning Intentions and Success Criteria into my teaching. Now I cannot take credit for any of these ideas, as they are an initiative of my school and/or my supervisor.

1. Notebook files (or PowerPoint slides):

We show these at the beginning and conclusion of a lesson.

2. Programming:

We have Learning Intentions and Success Criteria built into our programs.

3. Around the room:

We often display our goals around the room or in easy-to-find locations for students to access.

4. Displayed during rotational activities:

These stands are placed in the area where that specific activity will be run.

We bought this template off teacherspayteachers.com

Now other ways to ensure that learning is visible, is by giving students an opportunity to show what they've been learning and get feedback. We (the teacher I job share with and I) try to meet with students twice in a Teacher-Student-Conference. Once during independent reading and the second during our daily writing time slot. Conferences only go for a couple of minutes but it's long enough for the student to show what they've been working on, for the teacher to give some constructive feedback and for the two to plan the students individual goal (short term) for the week.

We also try and keep a communication line open with parents, to share what we've been doing/learning during class time. This term we've chosen to use ClassDojo and utilise the Class Story tool as well as the direct Messages to parents. You can check out what ClassDojo has to offer HERE.

Where to next?

My aim is to establish a Bump It Up Wall for my class. I'm deliberating on how to best make one as I want it to be flexible and general. That way it can be used it all subjects and topics. However I'll go into this further in future posts.

I also want to create a way for me to assess my IMPACT on the class. Maybe a way for students to offer feedback to me about how I'm going so that I can further improve? I still need to put a bit more thought into this... And I'm definitely open to suggestions! So feel free to share any of your ideas below or email me at rach.sellen@gmail.com

Spelling Rotational Activities

So I've been doing a fair bit of research around spelling lately, particularly how to better utilise the THRASS resources that my school has invested in. There is also a fair amount of content in the NSW English Syllabus in regards to Spelling and I felt like I could teach it better. So I created the following activities to be used during Spelling lessons. The idea is that students rotate through the activities, completing two different activities each week. My hope is that through all of this word work, students will not only know how to spell a word, but they'll also learn how to construct it, where it comes from and how to apply it in their own writing.

Here are TWELVE of my Word Work activities (all resources included):

1. Stamp It

This is a really cute activity. I bought these alphabet stamps from Kmart for $5 and the containers to put them in for $2.50. The idea is that the students stamp out their spelling words in their workbooks. I just wanted students to get as much practice as possible while catering to different learning styles. This is a great hands-on activity.

2. Built It

For this activity, students are to build their spelling words using magnetic letters. I bought tubs of magnetic letters from Aldi a couple of years ago now. I unfortunately haven't seen them since. Magnetic letters and whiteboards can be quite pricey, but they're definitely worth it.

3. Make It

Here is another hands-on activity for students to practice their spelling words. For this activity, students make their spelling words with play dough. Needless to say, this activity is very popular!

4. Sign It

As the new English Syllabus (NSW) content includes developing and applying contextual understanding of Auslan, I thought it only appropriate to teach my students some sign language. In this activity, students finger-spell their spelling words. I found this very easy to read poster from TeachStarter.com

5. Type It

I saw this activity originally on Pinterest but the idea is that students type out their spelling words on a QWERTY keyboard template. I just got my template from the internet.

6. Text It

I found this very cute iPad template on Teachers Pay Teachers. A lady named Christina Winter created it and you can download it for FREE HERE. I laminated the templates so that students can write their words on it using a whiteboard marker. Once they've written out their words, they text them. Alternatively you could just use an iPad… but I don't always have access to a set.

7. Rainbow Words

From the same creator, Christina Winter has created a Rainbow Words worksheet. You can download it HERE for FREE.

8. THRASS Match

I made this activity for my class. I wanted to strengthen their knowledge of the THRASS chart by matching the corresponding word with the phoneme (correct grapheme). These cards are great because you can play Snap and Memory with them also. Students can also spread the cards across the floor and create a large version of the THRASS chart by placing the cards in the correct order. You can download a copy of this activity HERE (vowels) and HERE (consonants).

9. Front or Back (Morphology)

This is a great activity for students to learn extensions (prefixes and suffixes) and how to apply them to their spelling words. Students write their word in the centre of the card and then add prefixes and/or suffixes, taking note of what sounds and looks right. You can download a copy of everything you need HERE (card to write on), HERE (prefixes) and HERE (suffixes).

10. THRASS It

For this activity, students construct their words using the THRASS phoneme-grapheme cards. It's a simple activity in concept, but students really have to think about the individual sounds which can be quite tricky. Students will need a THRASS chart to help them work through this activity. You can download a copy of this activity HERE.

11. Phoneme Frames

For this activity, students write out their words and then break the words into the individual phonemes by writing them in the smaller boxes. For example: TABLE | T - A - B - LE | You can download this worksheet HERE.

12. Word Origins (Etymology)

I think it is so important that students know where their words have come from, whether it be Latin, Greek, etc. By knowing WHERE the word originates from, students are given clues to know HOW to spell the word. There's a few Etymology Dictionaries out there and sometimes class dictionaries may include the origin next to the definition of the word being looked up. However, I really like using etymonline.com

The idea is that I start the lesson off very structured. I read the words out, we break the words down and identify the sound we're looking at for that week. We talk about possible meanings and discuss similar words. Students then complete TWO of the above activities independently. However, although the lesson is independent the activity itself is very structured.

The next day during Literacy Groups, students complete a spelling worksheet where they write their words out, find the definitions and write the words in sentences. You can download a copy of my worksheet HERE.

What do you do during Spelling lessons? I'd love to hear from you - comment below or send me an email at rach.sellen@gmail.com 

Programming for Spelling while incorporating the THRASS program

A couple of years ago now, I was formally trained in THRASS. I remember coming home absolutely exhausted but inspired about what I had learned. I began incorporating what I learned into my own teaching, but it has taken time. My colleague and I had to think of a way to inspire the teachers back at home and think of ways to incorporate our knowledge across Years 3-6.

We ended up creating a program that contained eight spelling lists that looked at one phoneme a week. The idea was, that teachers could pick a list that best fit their class/ group of students. It was flexible enough, that the program could work around their own teaching practices. I guess it achieved what we set out for it to do.

However, my colleague and I feel that we need to update our programs. So for this blog post I thought I'd share some of the PROS and CONS to our current program and share where we want to go with it all next.

As I mentioned, our Years 3-6 program has eight differentiated lists to cater to the varying spelling abilities. Each week we look at a different THRASS phoneme. We study a consonant, followed by a vowel, and then repeat. Our program looks like this:

You can download a copy of our program HERE.

Now here are some of the PROS:

• All of the hard work was done. Teachers didn't have to think about spelling lists and themes. It was already done for them.
• Across the year, students are exposed to all 44 speech sounds (phonemes).
• The program is simple and easy to use. So even if a teacher hasn't participated in formal training, they should be able to effectively use the program.

And now here are some of the CONS:

• Phonological strategies is only one small part of the content that needs to be covered in "Spelling". Students need to also look at word origins, base words, suffixes and prefixes, etc.
• While the program provided teachers with a spelling list, it didn't effectively provide teachers with a template of HOW to teach spelling.
• The program did not include any word work activities and strategies.
• My colleague and I did not have a proper opportunity to explain the program to all staff before it was implemented.
• Not enough teachers at my school had been formally trained in THRASS.
• We are working with a limited amount of THRASS resources as our school is building up their collection.
• The THRASS program itself, is a whole-school program. However, we were only teaching students from Years 3-6 (this was originally decided upon due to lack of resources).

So we decided to do some research and figure out ways to IMPROVE our current Spelling program. That was when I stumbled across Normanton State School's whole-school Spelling Program. My mind was blown at the amount of work the teachers over there had invested into such an impressive document. YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT! You can download a copy of it HERE.

The Normanton State School Spelling Program (NSSSP) explicitly explains HOW spelling should be taught. It also provides teachers with already created spelling lists as well as word work activities. The NSSSP document also includes spelling assessments for each grade and a comprehensive marking guide. The program extends from Kindergarten (or Prep) right through to Year 10. And finally it also covers most elements (if not all) of word knowledge across their spelling lists. What more could I ask for?

I feel like this program has inspired me to update our current program so that it is of a similar standard.

So… Where to now???

The plan is to meet with teachers in the Spelling Committee at my school, and share the Normanton State School Spelling Program. Hopefully my colleagues will be just as excited as I am! In the meantime, as holidays are fast approaching, I will endeavour to create as many word work activities as I possibly can. I want to begin improving my Spelling Lessons as of DAY ONE of TERM THREE.

Over the coming weeks I will share some of the independent and small group activities that I am working on as well as some FREEBIES. So be sure to check back!

I have a Poll <--

Hi there everyone,

I've just created a poll (to the left) and it would be greatly appreciated if you could read it and click on all of the options that are appropriate for you.

Just wanted to know what you're all interested in and what you'd like to read in the future.

The poll will close the 31st of July 2016.

Thanks in advance! :)

10 ATSI Online Resources!

I love being able to incorporate the ATSI perspective into most areas of my teaching. Now there are HEAPS of resources out there… the problem is sometimes trying to find them!

While on Maternity Leave, I dedicated a fair amount of time to finding these resources and creating a database of them. I had to search far and wide for some gems which were hidden in the abyss that is the internet.

With NAIDOC week fast-approaching I thought that tonight I'd share TEN of these amazing resources and websites with you, that are perfect for the Primary Classroom.

Image taken of one of my students artworks (2014).

1. YULUNGA- This is a PDF that you can download/print and it is filled with games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities from around the country. This is an excellent resource for PD/H/PE and for those moments when you need to fill-in some time.

2. Dust Echoes- This is a favourite of mine. Dust Echoes is a series of twelve beautifully animated dreamtime stories from Central Arnhem Land, telling stories of love, loyalty, duty to country and aboriginal custom and law.

3. Global Words- The fifteen units of work in Global Words have been produced by World Vision Australia and the Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) to integrate the teaching and learning of English with global citizenship education.

4. Move It Mob Style-  Move it Mob Style is a 20 episode x 30 minute dance-based fitness program for television broadcast and online. Showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hip hop and popular music, Move it Mob Style is all about good beats: using dance to stay healthy. Another great resource for PD/H/PE.

5. Deadly Vibe- Our vision is to support all Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people in reaching their full potential by providing positive imagery, identifiable role models and quality information to improve community and quality of life. Deadly Vibe is Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment, health and education magazine. This is a great resource for Literacy Groups.

6. Be Deadly Online-  Deadly Online is an animation and poster campaign about big issues online, like bullying, reputation and respect for others. Developed with deadly Indigenous writers and voice actors, all Australians can enjoy these short, fun animations and learn about how we want to behave together online.

7. Dreaming Stories Online- A collection of Dreamtime stories in video format, and useful information for students.

8. Gummingurru- There are a variety of resources and units of work on this website, available to the general public. These learning activities are seen by the Gummingurru Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) as an important reconciliation activity to be shared by Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people.

9. Darug Country- The blog is designed to promote Learning from Aboriginal Country in Sydney. This site provides you with videos, lessons for the IWB, texts, and ideas for teaching about Darug on Darug Country. This resource is brilliant… make sure you check it out!

10. Education Dreaming (Crackerjack)- Education Dreaming is a non-Profit, For Purpose, Social Enterprise set up to share and educate to the world (using positive and innovative methodologies) and revive for our own people, the incredible and precious ancient culture and knowledge of this country’s Ancient Australians.

And there you have it… 

Ten AMAZING websites/resources that you should definitely check out RIGHT NOW!

EDIT: I have created a database with these and other websites/resources that I've found. You can download it for FREE right HERE. 

Please note that this is a work in progress. If you find any other ATSI websites/ resources please feel free to comment below and I'll add them in :)

Returning to Teaching from Maternity Leave

I haven't been writing much lately and that's because in October 2014, I found out that I was pregnant after two years of "trying". Earlier that year I was diagnosed with PCOS and so through diet, exercise and metformin, I was able to successfully fall pregnant.

I took an entire year off from work once I had my bub, but I have now returned in a part-time capacity. I'm only working two days… and I've come to realise that two days is really tricky. Two days away from my little boy seems like FOREVER, and yet when I'm at work, two days is far too short to get everything done. It's also hard because while you're part-time, you're sometimes expected to program and do work like that of someone working a full load.

Anyway, my first day back was horrendous. I had to firstly find something that fit my new, squishy body. I then had to find my handbag, a USB and a pen to write with. On my way to work I had to fight back the tears because I knew once I got started, I'd never stop. When I finally arrived it was a Staff Development Day… WHICH WAS AWESOME because I thought I could acclimatise to everything. But then I was hit with "pedagogy" and "theories" and "PDPs" and all of these new acronyms I had never heard of before.

Image taken from BuzzFeed.com

I felt out of my depth.

I've been back to work for seven weeks now and I'm happy to say that my brain is starting to work again. Terms are coming back to me and so is my confidence (although it's still got a little while to go). Over the next couple of weeks I'm going to update my THRASS and spelling resources. I will share my ideas here with you all -- so watch this space.

I will also be sharing a stack of ATSI websites/ resources and interactives that I have found whilst on Mat Leave just in time for NAIDOC week.

And finally I will be sharing my TOP EIGHT TIPS for heading back to teaching from Maternity Leave.

So keep an eye out for my new posts and feel free to comment below with you 'back to work from maternity leave' story. Surely I'm not the only one who found it difficult???

What should I actually spend my money on?

I ask myself this question every year! 

Some years the answer is simple as I have more money in my pocket and less reservations about spending. But lately, I've found it harder and harder to part with cash. It was ok at first… kind of a novelty. However now it feels like I'm constantly spending my money on things, and it's not always worth it. So I've compiled a list of things I BELIEVE that you should spend your money on. Anything outside of this list I would have to seriously question whether or not I'd actually need it. Let's face it… we've all splurged on resources thinking that they will change teaching for us, only for them to be put on a shelf and forgotten about.

The back to school shopping list:

1. A Diary (doesn't matter what type… this is a necessity)
2. Pens/Pencils/Erasers/Rulers/Sharpeners, etc (ONLY if your school does not provide these items). I usually buy a stash for those "just in case" moments and I like to have new stationery for myself… it's kind of therapeutic.
3. A USB (if you don't already have one)
4. A new folder for your program
5. Laminating pouches (we all use them!!)
6. Velcro/Blu-Tac/Thumb Tacs (again only if your school does not provide these items)
7. Soap/Paper Towel/Tissues (I usually get my students to bring in these, but it's nice to have one lot ready to go for the new year)
8. WHITEBOARD markers (my school provides these but they're always hard to get your hands on!!)

Other than these eight things… everything else you spend your money on MUST REQUIRE a lot more thought before handing over the credit card.

Remember that your school does supply you with stationery (obviously each school is slightly different), you can borrow books and other resources from your school library and even your local library. I'm fortunate enough to live close the the Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre which has stacks of resources that teachers can borrow.

How To Save Important Links and Web Addresses!

I found this amazing tool last year and I use it almost each and every day. It's called Symbaloo. Symbaloo allows you to save links and web addresses into the blocks (see below) so that you can access them at a later date. I use my Symbaloo account to save a direct link to Class Dojo, Edmodo and other websites that I use daily in my classroom. 

I also put links to videos onto my Symbaloo dashboard. The best part is, you can choose to open your video in a new window which means you don't have the advertisements and links to other videos floating around the outsides of your video frame (see below).

It's very easy to use and I believe it is much safer. It also saves on time as you don't have to go searching for that webpage you looked up that one time and can't  for the life of you, remember the name of it.

Check out my Pinterest boards for more great ideas: http://www.pinterest.com/rasellen/

Back to school BLISS!

The first week of school has come and gone. The students in my class have begun to settle in and routines are being set. 

I began the year with a letter writing activity (which I highly recommend!!). I wrote a letter to the students in my class, introducing myself and telling them about my holidays. I placed each letter into an envelope and had it waiting on their desks for them. Next to the letter was a piece of paper and an envelope. We read through the letter that I wrote together, and then students had to write a letter back to me. Some of them were beautiful. It was a great way to get to know my students more whilst also assess their writing.

The chair pockets have been an absolute hit! The students in my class love them and they've already been put to good use.

It's always important to have a stash of paper towel, tissues and soap handy. I have been storing away all of the bits and pieces that students bring in so that it lasts!

2014... the year of organisation and being reasonably stress-free!

I hope you had an excellent start back to the new year. Would love to know how it all went and what great ideas you came up with. Feel free to share below in the comment section.

Some of my 2014 Classroom Set-Up Ideas

Here are some of my Classroom Set-Up Ideas for 2014!

Back Corner:

1. Street Sign

My husband and I made this for an 'Out of this World' youth camp at Luntanda, Mt Victoria. I fell in love with it and I just had to bring it to school. The street sign points to places such as: Hogwarts, The Enchanted Forest, Middle Earth, Hundred Acre Wood, etc.

2. Cupboard

My cupboard is still a work in progress. I have SIX tote trays for students work books. I have another tray that I will use to collect work to be marked. The draws to the left contain coloured paper, scrap paper and bits and pieces.

Literacy Station/ Stationery Station:

1. Literacy Station

I bought these tubs last year for about $20 and they've paid for themselves (check out my Literacy Groups post for more details). I have a tub for each one of my Literacy Groups and a couple of spares... I've already begun to think of things to fill them with.

2. Stationery Station

On the top of the tubs, I have the 'Stationery Station'. I have found some cute containers that house rules, pens, pencils and scissors. I also have a large eraser that students can borrow and a sharpener.

The idea of this station is that everything is like a Boomerang... meaning that it comes straight back. I find that I usually have to replace the stationery every term (sometimes more often). However, it is nice to know there is NO EXCUSE for not doing work in my class!

On My Desk:

1. How I store my stickers

I don't know what made me thing of this... but I've had this for about a year now and it has been really helpful. 

I picked up a travel wallet from Typo for a couple of bucks and I use the wallet to store my stickers. Travel wallets usually come with dividers, so I use the dividers to sort my stickers... I sort them by way of size. I also put a pen and post-it notes in the wallet so that I have everything I need to mark books.

2. Magnetic Tape

Seriously, this stuff is amazing! It's just like a roll of sticky tape, except the tape is magnetic. This means you can tear off a strip and place on the back of a laminated card, then you can magnetically stick it to a whiteboard. Genius!!

I make sure I have some in my draw AT ALL TIMES. 

I pick my magnetic tape up from OfficeWorks and it's usually around $5. This is a must have!

I hope you have found these ideas to be useful! Remember you can always find PLENTY of ideas on Pinterest. Why not follow me?

http://www.pinterest.com/rasellen/

Blogs to Watch!

I've compiled a list of blogs/ websites that I think are worth following. 

Some people have some AMAZING ideas out there... so rather than reinventing the wheel each time, check out some of these brilliant teachers and their great ideas...

In no particular order:

1. Omnipotent Particle Theory - One of my favs! Cory McDonald has put together some amazing FREEBIES around 'Habits of Mind'. He also has some great ideas with how to further use Class Dojo in the classroom.
2. Science Notebooking - SO MANY amazing ideas! I could spend hours just flicking through all of the posts and getting inspiration!
3. That's So Second Grade - I'm not a Year 2 teacher, however, Ashley Pennell is one organised teacher. I have gotten so many great ideas from her blog... but let me just say one thing... I have no idea how she does it!
4. The Autism Helper. - We all have students from time-to-time who have particular needs. This blog is jam-packed with amazing teaching ideas, in particular, ideas that will benefit students with disabilities. You MUST check this one out!
5. Pink and Green Mama - This is actually a blog written by a stay at home mother. She is a trained art teacher and she has tonnes of amazing ideas. Absolutely brilliant.
6. The School Supply Addict - A great all-round blog. However, the blog has amazing themes and ideas for how to set up your classroom. Here is the direct link for classroom set ups: http://www.theschoolsupplyaddict.com/room-setup.html
7. Teacher Bits and Bobs - Another great all-rounder blog. This one also has great FREEBIES!
8. A Teacher's Treasure - A great blog with brilliant ideas and lots of FREEBIES. I particularly like her back-to-school posts. I will be using some of her ideas, particularly the 'Welcome Back Goodie Bag'.
9. The Nest Effect - I have been referring to this blog for a couple of years now. Tiffany has heaps of great ideas, especially around motivation and rewards. Since browsing her blog, I now have a slight addiction to Vista Print. Tiffany prints business cards and uses them as little motivations for students to aim for. Absolutely brilliant. Here's a direct link to motivations and rewards: http://www.thenesteffect.com/2012/03/motivation-rewards-in-my-classroom.html

And while you're checking out these great blogs... why not look around mine? 

OR check out my Pinterest boards: http://www.pinterest.com/rasellen/

I hope these blogs have been helpful!