Elementary Math and Literacy Connections

I know a lot of this is already happening, but I thought it might be useful for something or someone.  Hope all is going well.  See you soon!

Elementary Math and Literacy Connections

Collaboration Project

Not sure if this is what we were going for when it was requested that we all post about our project on the blog.  The Westside group is working on promoting collaboration within grade level teams through the use of protocols.  Each of us is working on meeting the specific needs of their grade level.  We assessed needs through a pre-survey and then talked as a group about protocols that we could put in place to address those needs.   We are still adjusting and trying to improve collaboration within the grade levels.  We are also working on creating a time line of collaboration needs and then correlate protocols that could be used to address the needs.  We'd love input about collaboration needs that arise throughout the year or protocols that you think would be easily used and useful in grade level teams. 

Great APP Resource for Educators

Thought I would pass this along!  Miss you guys already :)
http://www.appitic.com/index.php

Ten Ways to Teach Innovation - San Rafael, CA, United States, ASCD EDge Blog post

Ten Ways to Teach Innovation - San Rafael, CA, United States, ASCD EDge Blog post

PD Opportunity

Scholastic is offering free webinars for PD.  They have one on December 15 at 4:00 on Professional Learning Communities.  Here's the site to register if anyone is interested:  scholastic.com/yourpurpose.  There is also one in January on Test Prep.

Empowering Teachers and Students

I am not nearly as comprehensive as Kelly on "transformative learning", but I have seen the Leader in Me Program work first hand with my own children and think it would be a great place to start with some of our elementary schools.  Colonial Elementary is doing this in Botetourt County and wow has there been a difference, if nothing else, than in the way children are talking the talk and walking the walk.  Here's a link if you are interested!


http://www.theleaderinme.org/what-is-the-leader-in-me/

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and restful break!!

Social Justice in the Elementary Classroom Resources

OK, a few elementary resources related to teaching for social justice....

Social Justice Literature for the Elementary Classroom

I think this site is very exciting

This seems interesting...

Text

I know people are overwhelmed, but I see space in the curriculum and standards for transformative learning to take place, I always have, but NTC training  and Courageous Conversations are the only places where I have ever heard anyone talk specifically and directly about the need for this type of consciousness and instruction, except for my own private conversations and previous academic work, so I just want to know what you all think...is it happening?  is it happening enough? is it happening at all levels? should it be happening at all?  what is the value of teaching for social justice?