Encouraging Executive Functioning Skill Development in Middle School

A fun multi-week project can support the development of the crucial skills that drive academic success for intermediate students and even high school students. Click EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING to read more

Friends of OISE-23

5 Lessons from Basketball that are Slam Dunks in the Classroom

One of the greatest hobbies that I have been fortunate enough to have participated in from a young age was playing the beautiful sport of basketball. After years of on-court experience, I've found myself dribbling my way through Teacher's College reflecting on some of the valuable lessons basketball has taught me. I hope these lessons can assist other educators in the classroom. 

Building Relationships & Team Morale is Essential

Dean Smith, the great late coach of the UNC Tar Heels once said, "The most important thing is team morale." How many times have we seen these great superteams combust because of a lack of team chemistry and cohesiveness? Team morale is essential for basketball teams to succeed. Classroom morale can serve the same purpose. As educators, it is very important to build relationships with your students. It is also good for our students to build relationships and trust with each other. The classroom needs to be inclusive and supportive of one another. In addition to that, we should be mindful of the classroom dynamics and how students are feeling often. If we know our students and where they are mentally, emotionally, physically, etc., we can better understand the classroom needs and increase the morale of our students. If our classroom morale is low, nothing will seem to go right.

Encouragement, Belief, and Support

There's nothing more freeing than playing for a coach that believes in you. The best games that I have played were when I was encouraged and supported frequently by my coaches and teammates. After a few missed shots, your confidence can take a major hit and you can become more passive for the rest of the game. This is the same in the classroom. What if a student is struggling a lot with a certain subject? Or, what if a student hasn't gotten good grades after a few tests. These moments could be crippling for a students' confidence and ability. This is why encouragement, belief, and support from a teacher can go a very long way. Do you remember the teacher that made an impact in your life? Was it what your teacher said to you? Was it how they made you feel? Was it how they supported you? Whatever the case may be, I am sure that their positive energy and their willingness to always be there to support you made a life lasting impression. Children need someone to believe in them. They may not have role models in their life that encourage or support them in the ways that they need to be supported. You could be that teacher. 

Progress and Development is NOT Linear

Basketball is an interesting sport in that inconsistencies from game to game happen. Improvement might not look linear from year to year as well. Sometimes your shot is not falling in, sometimes your opponent is running circles around you. Whatever the case may be, it does not necessarily mean you are not progressing. The same is true in the classroom. Students will make mistakes and their development as learners is ongoing. It is imperative that we are patient with our students. There will be times when our assessments need to be re-adjusted or our lesson plans need to be re-worked. This is all part of the process. As educators, it is very important to instill a growth mindset in our students. It is very easy to get caught up in the small details. We should always strive to be better everyday, and little progress is still progress nonetheless. Every play doesn't need to be a slam dunk. 

Communication and Feedback is Key

The key to success on the court usually begins with communication. The best teams I have played with have not been the most athletic or talented. In my opinion, they were the best teams because our communication was great. It was like poetry in motion. Everyone was on the same page and communicated to each other what we expected of each other. If there were any mistakes made, constructive criticism and feedback was welcomed. This should be the same in our classrooms. As teachers, it is important for us to communicate the expectations and goals clearly. It is also important for teachers to give good and timely constructive feedback for our students. If we can communicate clearly and effectively with our peers, our students, and our students' families about everything that pertains to their situation, we will be more successful as a teacher.

Mindfulness is Important

Basketball is just as much a mental game as it is a physical game. Mental health has been in the spotlight more in the sports world, being championed by NBA stars such as Demar Derozan and Kevin Love. Our students' mental health is important as well. This is why including mindfulness exercises such as breathing, mental breaks, and meditations would be greatly beneficial. As teachers, it is important for us to prioritize mindfulness in our daily lives because teaching is such a busy, stress inducing, and tiring job. As teachers, we should be promoting health and well-being frequently and instill the importance of it in our students as well.

Kevin Love details his battles with mental illness | ESPN

Brought to you by: JuliusOTECC@NU

Kiddle!

EXCELLENT SITE:

A website that I found that teachers may use with students is kiddle. Kiddle is basically google but a kid's version! Here, same concept as google, students are able to look up on the web, facts, images and kimages which are returned images that are free to use under attribution share license.

This website is recommended for students ages 6-12 to introduce and learn how to search information on the web!

Check it out by clicking here >>> Kiddle

Brought to you by Fabiola@NiagaraUO

Pearson Higher Education Presents: Strategies to Teach International Students

 

Strategies to teach international students

To effectively teach a diverse class that includes international students, instructors should implement strategies that address cultural differences, promote clear and consistent communication, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Based on teaching quality surveys, this resource from the University of Manitoba discusses some areas that need improvement to help international students succeed in Canadian schools. Read more by clicking >>>> Find out more →

GoNoodle is Here!

Do you need an online digital exercise tool for your class? No need to look any further, GoNoodle is here! 

                                           

GoNoodle is a digital exercise tool for teachers. Its main objective is to get kids moving and involved in physical activity, which is important for young kids as school is sometimes the only time of day they get any physical activity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPCGfa44bF0

The online resource offers films and exercises geared towards younger kids that not only promote physical activity but can also support STEM, mindfulness, SEL, and other courses. It was created by a health entrepreneur who became concerned when she observed that young people nowadays appear to be exercising less than previous generations. GoNoodle aims to change that and promote physical activity rather than discourage it. 

GoNoodle Tips and Tricks  

Use GoNoodle at The Start of Class 

It's a good idea to start each lesson with a brief exercise to pique students' interest and prepare them for concentration. The video can be related to class content but doesn’t have to be.   GoNoodle can be used as a lighthearted approach to start each lesson because the videos are only a few minutes long.

 

Use GoNoodle to Promote SEL 

Many videos on GoNoodle are centred around SEL. These can be a terrific method to rapidly teach students the value of being understanding of their own feelings and being compassionate to others.

 

Host a GoNoodle Dance Competition 

A GoNoodle dance can be used to get kids moving and having fun. The teacher can offer modest awards, like stickers, for the winners of various categories, such as "most active dancer," "fastest dancer," etc.

FUN FACT ...

GoNoodle is FREE for all educators

                    

Source: https://www.gonoodle.com

MelissaN@NU

This tech tool is so good.. it makes me loose my noodle!

If you haven't yet, I suggest you start incorporating GoNoodle in YOUR classroom! This isn't just like any tech tool.. it has EVERYTHING. And I mean everything. From printable activity sheets, to dance and movement videos, sensory and motor skills, educational channels, holidays and events to even classroom routines! I guarantee anything you need, GoNoodle will be there to help. What I really like about GoNoodle is that you don't need to be a member or sign up in order to use it! If you need an activity, a video or any type of lesson plan last minute, you can quickly pull up GoNoodle and find what you are looking for in a matter of minutes. No long sign up process needed! One thing that I have definitely struggled with is having to think on the spot for a lesson, I mean, haven't we all? There have been countless times where a lesson has finished early, or a lesson just hasn't gone the way you had planned. This website caters to all ages, and all subjects, so you will truly never been stuck. The way society has progressed we now have countless resources that can help teachers in these sticky situations. Another feature I LOVE about GoNoodle is how visually appealing it is for students! The entire website just screams FUN, and it isn't lying! Check it out. 

 

https://www.gonoodle.com/

AimeeW@NU

ASCD Articles of Interest

If an article interests you, just click on the title. 

Making Curriculum Matter to Students

By Erin Nerlino

Developing curricular materials that capture students' attention and creativity requires intentional planning and an understanding of their interests. 

 

Storyboarding Your Curriculum

By Heidi Hayes Jacobs and Allison Zmuda 

When curriculum is laid out like a journey, students become curious and engaged. 

 

Fostering Student Agency by Building Language and Negotiation Skills 

By Tanji Reed Marshall 

Exclusive book excerpt: Conversation frames are “low-threat, effective ways” to help students shape their language and tone—so adults listen. 

 

Q&A: Shawn Achor on the Power of Happiness in Education  

By Jessica Comola

Success doesn’t come from hard work—it’s the result of seeking out happiness. 

Brought to you by John@NUO

Presented by Pearson Higher Education: The Flipped Classroom

The (Flipped) Classroom of the 21st Century What is a flipped classroom and what are the benefits of flipping? “While breakthroughs in technology may have made the flipped classroom possible, what has made it popular is something far more fundamental: flipping enhances the learning experience. Through student-led active learning, coupled with peer-to-peer collaboration and individualized guidance, flipping a classroom enables educators to adapt each lesson to the individual needs of their students like never before.”

Read the full article Friends@OISE-20

Class Dojo Connecting To Assessment Tools and Personal Value

What's ClassDojo?

ClassDojo is a global community of teachers and families who come together to share kids' most important learning moments in school and at home (through photos, videos, messages & more)

How Does It Connect To Assessment Tools: 

1. Diagnostic Assessment: 

• identify strengths and areas of improvement

2. Formative Assessment: 

• monitors student learning
• provides ongoing feedback for students but can also improve teaching styles
• Continuous observational too

3. Summative Assessment:

• cumulative work of students that created a creative portfolio of their ongoing learning

Why Does Class Dojo Offer Personal Value: 

• Students create portfolios to share their classwork with their teachers and family (motivation for academic performance)
• Teachers can have consistent and open communication with parents.
• It can save time for a teacher to be more effectively engaged with their students/community (Personalized/private messages Mass communication)

Link: https://www.classdojo.com/

PDF Resource For Teachers: https://static.classdojo.com/img/2020_BTS/August/WelcometoClassDojo.pdf 

Samanthag@NU

Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

Technology is all around us. As educators, it is our duty to encourage our students to use modern technology in the twenty-first century. Technology can promote collaboration among students in the same classroom, at the same school, or even in classrooms around the world using technological tools. Although there are many benefits, sometimes there are flaws when using technology in the classroom. That is why it's EXTRA important to monitor and set boundaries with our students. 

                                     

Some of the GREAT  benefits when using technology with your students may include:

• A More Engaged Learning Environment

• Prepares Students for the Future

• Connects Better with Students

• Boosts Collaboration

• Supports Learning

• Virtual Field Trips

These benefits can be shown using various technological tools, depending on the age and level of the students. Education technology, smart video cameras, online books, and learning management systems are all forms of these materials. 

FUN FACT!

97% of elementary schools and 100% of secondary schools report that at least some teachers use technology to communicate with students.

Additional Information in Ontario:

Connecting to success: Technology in Ontario schools - People for Education

FredericaK@NU-OTECA

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Technological Growth

Augmentative and alternative communication systems can be used by anyone that has difficulties verbally communicating with others. Sometimes the usage is temporary, and sometimes the usage is permanent.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has been developed over the years due to technology. Before technology, people only used this communication mode through gestures, facial expressions, drawing, writing, pointing to photos, incorporating pictures, and written words. Students use to spell the words by pointing to each letter to communicate (American Speech-Language-Association,nd).

With the advancement of technology, augmentative and alternative communication can be used by a touch of a button on a device such as an iPad, tablet, or computer, which helps to produce a voice known as a speech-generating device (American Speech-Language-Association, nd).

Apps can be downloaded unto devices and can be used on the go. The communication apps will help eliminate the constant walking around with pictures, binders, and containers with writing materials for students to express themselves. The iPad with the app will be useful during recess or on a field trip when a student is outside and needs to express themselves quickly.

The AAC technological form of communication will be helpful for a student with autism in a classroom to communicate with the teacher and their peers.

Teachers and teacher candidates should familiarize themselves with the various AAC apps used frequently in schools.

Here are communication apps that an educator might come across:

TouchChat

TouchChat is designed and customized to fit the various age groups and where children are developmentally by having pre-programmed apps available. The touchchat website also provides training and webinars on how to use the app (Speech and language kids, nd).

See >>>>> https://touchchatapp.com/

Avaz

The avaz communication App was created to be used by children with a diagnosis of autism. The app provides quick phrases that children might use regularly. The app also offers a zoom-in option to support visually impaired children. The buttons are also large enough for students with motor challenges (Speech and language kids, nd).

These apps are generally recommended by a speech and language pathologist. Educators are not the ones who choose the apps for the students. The parents will communicate the app their child is using with the school, and the teacher will get training on how to use it to support the student in the classroom.

See >>>>> https://apps.apple.com/us/app/avaz-aac-lifetime-edition/id558161781

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (nd). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac

Speech and Language Kids (nd). Communication Apps: The Best AAC Apps for Kids. https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/aac-apps-review/

    

https://www.up.ac.za/centre-for-augmentative-alternative-communication/article/25769/speakoutup

Brought to you by:  Sue-Ann @NU

LET’S GET CODING!

Now introducing… CODEMONKEY! 

My placement last semester was in a kindergarten/ grade 1 split class and their teacher was introducing coding to the students. I was shocked to see how engaged the students were, I've never seen coding look so fun! The students barely recognized they were doing work. 

Thanks to technology today, there are so many resources that can help students learn important skills in fun and engaging ways! I can confidently say that CODEMONKEY is one of them! This application is great for teachers and easy to use. It includes instructional videos on how to use the application, along with lesson plans and courses for students! Each lesson focuses on a different forms of coding and offers a new challenge. Teachers and parents are able to explore the application for 30 days free of charge. Once you find out of this resource is best fit for you (which I'm sure you will) you can sign up to access unlimited coding games and additional perks! 

I have attached a link to a video explain how you can use the application in your classrooms, check out what its like to become a member!

Once you click on the link below, scroll down to view the video attached! 

https://www.codemonkey.com/

Courtesy of AimeeW@NU

Benefits of Independent Reading in the Classroom

Independent reading improves comprehension for students and helps them develop their vocabulary. It can improve fluency by allowing students personal time to practice reading. It can also help to expose students to background knowledge of a variety of important cultural and historical events. Independent reading allows students an opportunity to practice the decoding and comprehension strategies and skills learned during class time on self-selected materials. Not only does independent reading provide additional practice time for students, but it also fosters independence. 

Some key benefits are: 

• Abundant language acquisition

• Stronger analytical and critical thinking

• Better writing skills

• Improved focus and concentration

• Can aid in stress and anxiety reduction

• Increased empathy towards others

• Higher open-mindedness and global thinking

• A great source of entertainment and community building

A fun activity you can do with the class-

Book Spine Art wall: When students finish a book, they can create a fun and creative Book spine that is based on the book they read and place it on the wall as seen in the picture.

Brought to you by: LuanaP@NUO-OTECC

Novel Effect App

Novel Effect App

This app was presented in class as a tool to help educators and parents bring their read alouds to life! It responds to your voice with interactive music and sound effects, creating magical moments when you read aloud from children's books. Teachers can use soundscapes for the books they already use in their curriculum and have in their libraries. Parents can easily engage their little ones and promote a love of reading. Their book library includes a large variety of books for all age groups, from board books for toddlers to picture books and early reader books up to age 10.

         

The app offers a free trial, so I tried it out with my toddlers and they absolutely loved it! Instead of having to listen to my terrible interpretation of animal sounds, they were able to hear the real sounds and connect them to the various animals!

Other resources available include, lesson plans, activity packages, webinars with authors and literacy experts and remote learning options to help make life as an educator a little easier.

As is true for any other app or tool, it does have its drawbacks but it's definitely worth a second look!

Check out the website for more information! It's incredibly easy to get started.

home - Novel Effect

JoelleM@NU

Pearson Higher Education Presents: Inclusive Teaching

Inclusive Teaching

“By an inclusive teaching mindset, we mean that every pedagogical decision should be countered with two questions. The 1st question: who might be left behind as a result of my practice? and the 2nd question: how can I invite those students in? ” In this podcast, Authors Viji Sathy and Kelly Hogan provide valuable insights and practical tips for making every student feel included in the classroom. We highly recommend you listen to it. Click here >>>>> Listen

Why Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is Important for Children

Daily Physical Activity (DPA) is essential in the physical development and mental health and wellbeing of children and youth. The Ontario government created the Daily Physical Activity policy, which requires school boards to ensure that all elementary students have a minimum of 20 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day. There are many health benefits to daily physical activity that will benefit children, some include:

• Boost of energy

• Build of strong bones and muscles

• Physical health

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety

• Controlled weight

• Reducing the risk of health conditions

There are also negative impacts of lack of daily physical activity which can include but not limited to:

• Obesity

• Risk of heart disease 

• Risk of diabetes 

• Poor mental health

• Increase in anxiety and depression

• Low self-esteem

• Body dysmorphia  

• Risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol 

Although elementary students go out to recess and for lunch a total of 3 times pre day, children spend the majority of their time sitting inside at their desks. A minimum of 20 minutes of DPA can make a difference in their overall mood and physical health. There are many ways to incorporate and implement DPA in the classroom, some to include are:

• Exercise YouTube videos

• Student-led exercise circles

• Yoga

• Playing a sport outside like soccer, kickball or basketball, etc..

• Obstacle races (outside)

• Just dance 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjcw2Vov_5k

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/health-topics/health-promotion/physical-activity/dpa

Brought to you by EmmaD@NU