We gave everyone a bit of a breather last week instead of launching into more reading. There was a note of anxiety in the air so it seemed best to take a step back. Also, we have some folks joining in late and we welcome each of you!!! If you're just joining us and don't have the 2nd edition of The Daily 5 we have ordered them and will distribute them as soon as we get them in.
A comment was made that resonated with me..."I felt like I was in grad school, again," in reference to posting a blog response. Now, this was not meant as a complaint but instead as a colleague verbally reminding him/herself that the PLC should be fun and an opportunity for growth. I appreciate this kind of honesty - it is a reminder that we never really established any group agreements about how we would function as a virtual PLC.
Jennifer and I plotted out dates for the study of The Daily 5 and CAFE. The purpose of the dates is that it allows for you to build in some personal accountability. We WANT everyone to engage so that we can learn an grow from each other - that's the strength of a PLC. I certainly appreciate when folks email me or stop me in the hall to check in a let me know that they plan to post but have had X, Y, or Z going on. I get it! We support you and are confident that everyone participates to their full ability. The blog format allows everyone to interact as time allows. Please know that some of the PLC involves in classroom support from Jennifer and me so we are going to try to stick to our PLC calendar as closely as we can. Just a heads up, I am in the process of adding each of you to the PLC Google Calendar. :o)
Chapter 3 discusses the 10 steps to teaching and learning independence. Even if you've implemented and/or read the 1st edition of Daily 5, chapter 3 is a good refresher on why The Sisters teach the procedures the way the do and what research the 10 steps comes from.
Check out these links from The CAFE website:
Video on reason to build stamina https://www.thedailycafe.com/articles/sisters-on-the-spotim-done
Downloadable Stamina Chart https://www.thedailycafe.com/articles/building-stamina
10 Steps to Independence quick reference https://www.thedailycafe.com/articles/10-steps-to-teaching-and-learning-independence
Chapter 4 dives into what is needed to begin Daily 5. Those who have not started implementing Daily 5, you are ok. Jennifer shared a story of a teacher she coached who implemented Daily 5 for the second half of a school year, beginning in February. That particular teacher continues to implement Daily 5. It's never too late to start.
This time around for your blog responses, I would like to encourage you to build off of each other's thoughts. There is no need to start a new response string unless your thought(s) are completely different than what you are reading. I'm trying to get in there to respond as well.
Blog response:
For chapter 3, what appeals to you about the procedures laid out in the 10 steps?
For those who are already implementing, what changes would you like to make mid-stream? What words of support do you have for those just beginning the journey?
In chapter 4, keep a record for yourself about materials you will need to begin Daily 5. When we return from Thanksgiving break, Jennifer and I will be asking folks about their needs so that we can go to the principals and share the needs at one time.
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You
may use your participation in the PLC as evidence of professional
practice as defined byCharlotte Danielson's Framework for Teaching.
This week's participation is evidence of
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities -
- 4a: Reflecting on Teaching - Use in future teaching
- 4d: Participating in a Professional Community - Relationships with colleagues & Involvement in culture of professional inquiry
- 4e: Growing and Developing Professionally - Enhancement of content knowledge and pedagogical skill
Implementation of the 10 Steps to Teaching and Learning Independence could be observable evidence of Domain 2: The Classroom Environmnet -
- 2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
- 2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
- 2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
- 2d: Managing Student Behavior
- 2e: Organizing Physical Space
