FSD Instructional Coach Blog

Vocabulary in the Math Class Written by Marsi Quarin-Wright  This information is based on the following website.  Please refer to this reading for more information:   https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5108&context=hse_all   Digit, value, regroup…Oh my!    How do we remember to ask students for the sum, difference, product rather than asking for the answer?   Using the number:    6 234 753?    What is the value of 6? What digit does the 7 represent? How can we remember to use this language in our lessons? Three Tiers of Words Isabel L. Beck, Margaret G. McKeown and Linda Kucan (2002, 2008) have outlined a useful model for conceptualizing categories of words readers encounter in texts and for understanding the instructional and learning challenges that words in each category present. Tier One words  are the  words of everyday speech  usually learned in the early grad...

Middle Years Conference Banff, AB- April 25-27, 2019 Written By Lindsay Kate Anderson This past Thursday through Saturday, before the snows returned, I found myself in Banff, AB surrounded by mountain views and middle years teachers (MYT). During the Thursday night speed sessions, at small tables of 6-8, we unpacked topics including student mental health, staff burn-out, technology, and options for  10 minute each. We genuinely all agreed… MY students are smelly, awkward, diverse, and most of all uniquely unique. Putting your finger on the specific needs of MY students is like trying to catch a gnat with chopsticks. Sure, you might be successful grabbing one but the reality is there are a million other gnats to snare. This year’s keynote speaker brought some incredible ideas and insights to refresh approaches to teaching in the dreaded MIDDLE YEARS. If you are not yet familiar with Rick Wormeli, please plan to make him part of your summer professional reading. https:/...