PED 3150 LL – edition three
A view of Charlevoix across the great St. Lawrence River from Riviere du Loup
WELCOME TO MID-OCTOBER and the Acceleration of School and Practicum Adventures
Thanksgiving is a big marker in school life. Five weeks of settling in, getting to know your class, and assessing for abilities and issues ends typically with a PD Friday and three days off enjoying fall beauty and far too much good food. Returning means preparing IEPs, prepping for progress reports, mid-term reports, assessing larger projects, and addressing issues that are persisting and need attention. In a TC’s first year, after Thanksgiving, assignment deadlines approach and you get closer and closer to your first practicum. It’s time to check out the Practicum Guide and make sure you understand the requirements and timelines. Make sure your Google folders are well organized and try to get your Faculty assignments done before you enter the schools in November.
WHAT’S UP?
- The first FACULTY NEWSLETTER for TCs, ATs, Profs was sent to you via e-mail this past week. Take a look! Great photos and lots of information. http://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/fyho-2l9sx8–11159n-f016fj33
- SECOND LANGUAGE COHORT PLCs were listed in the newsletter: Fun with French: this PLC is interested in promoting motivation among students in FSL; UDLers: this PLC is interested in integrating UDL (universal design for learning) concepts into their practice; Mental Health Warriors: this PLC is interested in learning about how to support the mental health and well-being of students and teachers; Sociolinguistics: this PLC is interested in learning about how to support English Language Learners in their classrooms; Classroom Management: This PLC is interested in learning about effective classroom management strategies for use in practicum and beyond.
- Formal Letter of Introduction for AT and Principal, due October 19th
- Third and last required Learning Log response, due October 18th
- Next Cohort Class – October 18th
PHOTO CONTEST for 3150 LL- BIG PRIZES!!!!
Have you ever seen photos of hiking kits? They are one-shot photos of key pieces hikers include in their packs to be prepared and ready. A photo list of sorts, it creates an image to identify what you need and might be missing. One idea to get to know your students and to create community is to have your students create photo kit collages. Students typically like to take photos and respond well to photo images. For English language learners, creating a photo collage may be a great opportunity to express themselves clearly and strongly. Typically, 10-15 items are included in a photo kit and sorted in some type of geometrical shape, like a rectangle. Themes could include your favourite things; things that make you happy (see below for the Swail rendition); essential supplies for school; your favourite foods.
I propose we have our own photo contest to build community and get to know each other better. By our November 8th cohort class, submit your own personal “kit” photo to share with the class and receive valuable, sugar-based treats! Themes? How about one of these?
- the essence of me – what 10-15 items represent you as a person at this point?
- prepping for practicum – what 10-15 items will help and support in your fledgling practicum?
- memories – 10 – 15 items you hold dear or represent important memories
- your choice – just be ready to explain!
Swail “things that make me happy” kit, created for 3150 students in 2020 (examples always helpful for students)
SUGGESTED RESOURCES and IDEAS
Teaching to your strengths and the strengths of your students is a big part of education. Here’s a Cult of Pedagogy blog post by Laura Lenz that does a great job of identifying key approaches and strategies that focus on English Language Learner students’ strengths and capacities. The article will resonate with many of you who are identifying the importance of building a learning community founded on students’ strengths.
TAKE GOOD CARE – remember to take time for yourself and do what makes you happy.
