This weeks reading...

I’m not sure what it is you are looking for exactly, but I will give you my opinion on the pages for this week. I loved all the different graphic organizers. I love to use them in my classes that I am taking, I feel that they help me really get to the point of want is important. I especially liked the self evaluation when working with peers. I feel that this gives students a chance to really reflect if they were helpful or not. In my fall field last year the sixth grade class I was in did this same type of evaluation. I was surprised to see how many students really thought about their answers. I really liked the learning menu too! What a fun way to give students choice, I can see myself using this in my kindergarten class.

Tiering

I enjoyed looking through the tiered lessons (or that I thought were tiered) I understand that tiering is teaching the same subject with varied activities to meet each students readiness level. I really liked the lesson with the Think Dots I feel that this type of activity can be used in many tiering lessons. As I have now been to class I realise that these lessons are not tiered they are differentiated but not tiered. I now understand what the difference is! Tiering is creating a lesson that is specified for readiness. While differentiation is giving students a choice in how they want to proceed through activity. Today's class helped me really understand how I can tier and differentiating in my class. I know I wasn't suppose to revise this but I wanted to let you know that i get it now and that I now know the lessons in the chapters are not tiered! I see how tiering is important with learning and assessing.

Creating an engaging curriculum

Teachers can make or break the learning experience for students. I liked how Tomlinson pointed out that teachers need to teach students, not just the subject. This is done by affirming the student through eye contact, smiles, checking for knowledge, giving tasks that are worthwhile and important for future reference. Curriculum needs to be created with meaning. These lessons are essential for students to gain and retain the knowledge. When connections are made to the lesson and to life they understand better. Not only should curriculum have meaning, but it should be activities that will help students engage in the learning process. I feel that when this happens students are more likely to try new ideas and explore. As we plan our curriculum we must remember to teach the student, not the subject. These chapters of creating an engaging and well saturated curriculum remind me of Backwards Design. All the components of the backwards design are there, such as, meaningful audience, significant problem solving, presenting to exploring ways to make connections, and grading at an individual’s level. I loved the last 3 guide lines the teacher accepts when investing in a student. 1. Because I value you, I will connect with you. 2. Because you are unique I will come to you on your terms and accommodate your needs. 3. I will teach what matters most in your life. All teachers should live by these guidelines.