This semester I would like to start using an Advanced Learning Management System (LMS), called Schoology, in language arts. Schoology makes it easy to create online academic content. The students will be able to log into this site to check assignments and to submit writing assignments that are completed in the school computer lab. Students in my math class are already familiar with this program and will be using more of the features available on the site. All of the classes that I create are private and are not accessible to anyone without a special code. Therefore, all student information is private.
A letter was sent home today with instructions on how to register your child for my Schoology class. If they are already registered for one of my other classes, I was able to transfer them to this class and they will not need to be registered. If you are not able to register your child from home or would like me to do it for you, please write me a note on the letter and return it to school with your child.
I am FINALLY able to edit the classroom blog from school! I will try to keep it updated and post at least once a week about what we are doing in class. Look for the new features that I added: "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" poll questions and 5th Grade Fun Facts. Check back often to see what we have been up to.
~ Miss Tate
Things have been a little different in my math class this year than what you (and your child) are used to. We are implementing a teaching model known as a “flipped classroom” model. The basic concept behind a flipped classroom is that what was traditionally done in the classroom becomes homework and what was traditionally done at home (homework) is done in the classroom. Crystal Kirch, a nationally renowned teacher who uses this model, describes the flipped classroom in her video. Please take a few moments to watch her video.
A “flipped classroom” switches around the traditional order of teaching with the purpose of creating a more in depth and supportive environment in the classroom when the teacher is present and able to help students. The direct instruction or lecture portion of the class will become the homework. This will primarily be in the form of watching videos that have been produced either by myself or someone else. Students could also be asked to read sections from the textbook. After students watch the video or read the text, they will take notes on vocabulary, content and problem examples. When students come to class the next day we will briefly discuss what they heard in the videos and answer any questions they may have. The rest of the class time will be used for practicing the concepts from the video (homework in the traditional setting) and doing activities intended to enrich the curriculum. There will still be assessment of student learning through quizzes and tests. In addition, there will be some additional outside work such as projects, reviewing for quizzes and tests, and occasionally finishing work that could not be completed in class.
The “flipped classroom” allows for students to receive a more individualized education where my actual face-to-face time with them is being used effectively. This results in them understanding the content at a higher and deeper level than before. Also, it challenges students to learn how to take charge of their learning and manage their time. Lastly, it provides time for more “Higher-Order Thinking” discussion during class time, helping students to become reflective communicators and to think more deeply about the subject.
The popular saying “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” was first coined by Charles Caleb Colton. Imitation writing is taking the work of a 'master' writer and using the
structure and patterns as a form to learn and work from. Together we analyze the features of a writer's poem focusing on the language and style of the original writer. The students then create their own parody of the poem based on the original model. By imitating good writing, the students will become better writers themselves.
We read the book "Quick as a Cricket" written by Audrey Wood to try our hand at imitation writing. We analyzed Ms. Wood's writing and talked about the language and style that she used throughout the book. The students noticed that she used an ABCB rhyming pattern (the second and fourth line of every stanza rhymed). They also noticed that each stanza has two sets of opposites, the first two lines and the last two line. The coolest thing about this book is that it is all written using similes!
After analyzing the language and style we were ready to start writing our own stories. I will upload them to a link on the right when we complete them.
