Almost November!

Can you believe how fast time passes? During September and October I devoted a lot of time to making connections. It seems to be paying off! My ninth grade World History I students routinely discuss connections to prior topics, the current topic, and things in their lives when we wrap up a lesson. I also incorporate writing into each lesson, and I am seeing references to making connections in the writing samples. My students seem to be much more involved and active this year. I see my students' confidence levels increase with each new topic. What have you noticed with your students and their learning journey this year?

SURN School visit today!!!

Today was the SURN visit with Dr. Rozzelle!!!! Things went well ! We got GREAT feedback and it was a very productive visit!!! Thank you and see you in January!

Making Connections

Is anyone focusing on making connections? I find that this is the most useful strategy to incorporate into any lesson, especially in view of 21st century skills. I'd love to hear success stories from those who are focusing on making connections. I use this strategy in every World History I lesson, and I'm seeing incredible results with my 9th grade students. It is a simple concept that we often overlook.

Math ideas???

I know that I am a social studies person, but I am desperately trying to convince my math teachers to include literacy strategies. They are truly reluctant to embrace these ideas. Does anyone have suggestions that can be used to convince the math teachers to incorporate literacy strategies? I supervise a group of 25 teachers. Our common thread is that we all teach freshmen. So I am always trying to view things from different content perspectives. My math teachers really resist change. Any ideas?

Getting Started

Hey everyone! Down here in Roanoke we are slowing getting our whole staff on board for integrating these literacy strategies into the classroom. We are starting with Making Connections which I have had some success with in my classroom already. If anyone has any ideas on how to share and present the strategies to their staff I would really appreciate it. I think we have a good plan so far but I'm always open to other ideas!

Revised Plans October 22

I am looking forward to reading your revised learning plans! I, too, have been working on modifying how I include the strategies and tools in my daily plans. My students seem to enjoy what we are doing, and their grades seem to reflect that they are retaining the material!

Please send your revised plans to my work email address:
denise.trombino@vbschools.com

Good evening! I received a classroom walk through this week from my principal. She observed the community learning wall, Frayer model, and student products that were posted. The data collection feedback went well and I am preparing for the SURN visit. I am going to be utilizing other power tools from the textbook this week. Any feedback from tools that you have used would be helpful! Have a great week!