Welcome back Ami, it is great to have you back in grade 5! When Ami was out for a visit prior to the break we talked about how it is going to feel like September in January for her. Getting to know her kids, understanding where they are at in their learning journey and figuring out who they are as individuals. I’m sure she is as nervous and excited as the students are.
Even though I have not been back yet, I’m sure we will be greeted tomorrow morning with a sparkling school. Joanne and Joe worked very hard during the break to get things ready for 2016, a big thank you to our hardworking custodial staff!!!
I know I’m excited to get back to work, two weeks off is a wonderful way to recharge, but with 4 little ones, sometimes going to work is a little less stressful….sometimes. I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, however I am looking forward to 2016 and a renewed focus for myself professionally. I am going to try to talk less and listen more (Renaye & Taryn insert smart remarks here) as I keep trying to learn from all of you. As I wrote prior to the break, I am part of a book study looking at embedded formative assessment. During my class visits this will be the lens I will be looking through as the group I am part of has been tasked to find examples of this in their own schools. I will be asking you questions via e-mail or one on one conversations to help me get a better understanding of how you are using formative assessments to improve student learning.
The following quote is from the first learning link this week, formative assessments are not about gotcha-ing students but about guiding where instruction needs to go next. We should use them frequently, and while or after kids learn a new idea, concept, or process.
I found this statement, from learning link number two, sums things up nicely, the important thing about formative assessment is that it is not a test, nor an instrument, but rather an approach to teaching and learning that uses feedback as its centerpiece in a supportive classroom context.
Here are a couple links that Lori sent out to us, reminds us to keep our focus on what’s important.
One Word (mine is understand)
Our calendar this week is very quiet as we get back into gear after our two week hiatus.
As always, create a great week!
