Communication Tools

Daring Classrooms

Michelle Fenn
November 5, 2019
21st Century Learning, Behaviour Management, Building Inclusion, Challenging Topics, Classroom Management, Communication Tools, Constant Learning, Diverse Learning Needs, General, Inclusion, Inspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers, Making a Difference Through Education, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Professional Learning and Growth, Resources, self reflection, Teacher Appreciation, Teacher Wellness, Wellness, wellness
2 Comments

I state the obvious when I say that teaching is a demanding job.  If you are reading this, you are most likely a teacher and this is not news to you.  I’d like to highlight a resource that feeds the soul of a teacher (and quite frankly a human being) while also providing some strategies […]

Communication, Communication, Communication

Tammy Axt
October 29, 2019
Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians
Comments

If you had asked me three years ago how I would rate my communication skills, I would have given myself an 8 out of 10. I felt confident that I could share ideas clearly and listen to gather information. I consistently had good and productive relationships with parents, colleagues and students. I was confident in […]

Effective Assessment and Feedback: The Single Point Rubric

Michelle Fenn
April 19, 2019
21st Century Learning, Assessment, Assessment and Evaluation, Challenging Topics, Classroom Management, Combined Grade Classes, Communication Tools, Constant Learning, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, Literacy, Pedagogical Documentation, Professional Learning and Growth, Resources, Use of Technology
2 Comments

I’ve never really been focused on grades in my classroom. Some educators and parents might find it shocking to read a teacher put that in print.  However, what I mean is that I seldom talk to my students about levels and letter grades.  I focus discussion around feedback, improvement, exemplars and success criteria.  When rubrics were […]

Gaming…safely?

Kim Cousin
November 18, 2018
Challenging Topics, Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians, General, Genius Hour, Health & Safety, Learning About Your Students, Making a Difference Through Education, Use of Technology, Wellness
2 Comments

We have been trained to watch for concerns of a child’s well being. This didn’t include cyber information. As a responsible teacher I’m drawing the attention of students to current events. During this time of sharing, my students have become more relaxed and open about their after school activities which include gaming for many. When […]

Building a Community

Kim Cousin
September 22, 2018
Assessment, Building Inclusion, Classroom Management, Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians, Curriculum Planning, Diverse Learning Needs, Inspiring Students, Learning About Your Students, Making a Difference Through Education, Mental Health, Special Education
1 Comment

School begins by building the student community. We invite guardians into the space and include them in building the environment.  Often this is done with a newsletter or email introducing the subjects and the adults whom have contact with each child.  Any special events or classroom supplies are mentioned to assist students with a successful […]

Building Connections with Students

Michelle Fenn
September 2, 2018
Behaviour Management, Building Inclusion, Celebrating Success, Challenging Topics, Classroom Management, Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians, First Week Reflections, Inspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers, Learning About Your Students, Making a Difference Through Education, Mental Health, Professional Learning and Growth, Start of the year, Wellness, wellness
Comments

Be Authentic The video of a teacher giving each of his students a “just for them” handshake each morning upon entry has gone viral.  His efforts to connect with students have been applauded.  I think that this is a wonderful way to create a bond between teacher and student; for THAT guy.  I know that […]

My Yearly Notebook

Michelle Fenn
July 23, 2018
Assessment, Celebrating Success, Classroom Management, Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians, Constant Learning, Inspiring Teachers, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Modern Learning, Professional Learning and Growth, Resources, self reflection, Start of the year, Technology in school, Use of Technology, wellness, wellness
Comments

Each summer I buy a brand new spiral bound notebook.  Not the skinny ones that you get in the 3 pack from Hilroy with the flimsy cover that rips within a few uses. I am particular about my stationary.  It may be a kind of a problem.  I get the 8 1/2 by 11 solid […]

Twitter EDU

Michelle Fenn
March 20, 2018
Communication Tools, Constant Learning, Curriculum Planning, Genius Hour, Inquiry, Inspiring Students, Inspiring Teachers, Making a Difference Through Education, Planning, Professional Learning and Growth, Technology in school, Use of Technology
4 Comments

Over the last few years many people have become disgusted and disenchanted with the platform of Twitter.  I agree that it can be an echo chamber for those who like to hear their own voice.  However, I also know that it can be an effective Professional Learning tool.  I have created an entire Professional Learning […]

Free Creation Apps to Show Student Thinking

Michelle Fenn
February 18, 2018
Celebrating Success, Classroom Management, Combined Grade Classes, Communication Tools, Constant Learning, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, General, Inquiry, Inspiring Students, Integration, Literacy, Modern Learning, Professional Learning and Growth, Resources, Technology in school, Use of Technology
Comments

I was asked to present a workshop about using technology in the Primary grades over a year ago and got into a debate with the Principal at the host school about apps.  The Principal was quite excited about the apps that he intended to purchase for his teachers to use with their students and he […]

Digital Documentation

Laura Bottrell
January 25, 2018
Communication Tools, Communication with Parents and Guardians, General, Use of Technology
Comments

  Documentation can be one of the most time consuming aspects of teaching Kindergarten and working with young learners. Especially in a program where there are no pencil-paper assessments, but rather the learning is something that is seen and heard. I found a tool a few years ago that changed the way I document tremendously. […]

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