The week of February 15th – 19th, 2021

Category: welcome to the week! Tags: , , , , , , Leave a Comment

Image result for snoopy valentine

We hope you took a break this long weekend – Family Day and Valentine’s Day – and enjoyed some outdoor or indoor fun, and chocolate, of course. And, Happy Chinese New Year 2021, celebrating the Year of the Ox.

Image result for chinese new year 2021

WHAT’S UP

As you would know by now, March break (March 15-19) for Ontario schools has been delayed. For first-year TCs this week remains a study week. You will not have classes nor practicum. As well, quoting from a letter from Tracy Crowe:  “Year 1 practicum will start on March 22, 2021 for the five-week block. The week of April 12 to 16, changed to be March Break as announced by Minister Lecce, will be considered as practicum days. Teacher candidates will not be in schools during that time but will be expected to be planning, assessing student work, and preparing for their final week in practicum. Year 1 teacher candidates will complete their practicum on April 22, 2021 with their final evaluation due on April 23, 2021. On April 23, 2021 Year 1 candidates will be expected to attend their PED 3150 class and an orientation session for the upcoming year 2021-22.”

The focus this week for 3150 is Building Inclusive Learning Environments – how to understand, develop and adapt teaching and learning strategies for diverse learners. A huge, weighty subject but we will cover some of the basics with regard to approaches, strategies, and differentiation principles. This week we will also discuss how you will be sharing what you have learned so far as reflective learners/teachers, and how you can share aspects of your developing digital hub with the class next week on February 23rd.

AGENDA FOR THIS WEEK’S CLASS – slides here

  • quick check in (candy or chocolate that represents you or that you love to eat)
  • the latest on practicum and schedules; resources from last week’s PLC on mental well being
  • Creating, Facilitating, Sustaining an Inclusive Classroom – the strong connection between critical, reflective learning and inclusive teaching
  • another incredible resource for educators is VoiceEd Radio, here is a series they have on inclusion

  • Digital Hub talk – what we all expect and will prepare for next week’s class.
  • Two-year process
  • Present one big idea in your blog/one major reflection to a small group of classmates and Heather and Paul. Five minutes – TOPS! (next week)
  • Small group discussions with H and P popping in
  • Assessment rubric:
  • Which BIG  IDEA in your digital hub best exemplifies your philosophy of education in action?
  • How will you communicate your personal philosophy of education with those in your professional learning communities, including parents?
  • As a professional, what are three possible learning opportunities or fields of interest you would like to explore for further professional development?(From Brightspace)

 

Mental Health and Wellness Resources from last week’s PLC

School Mental Health Ontario 

Pathways to Success – Ontario Government

Equity and Inclusive Education – Government of Ontario

Some local organizations and resources:

OCDSB “Supporting Our Youth” website

OCSB Mental Health Resources for Families

First Nations and Inuit Hope and Wellness Helpline: 1-855–242-3310

24/7 YSB-Crisis Line:  613-260-2360 www.ysb.ca

24/7 Online crisis chat:  www.ysb.ca/services/ysb-mental-health/24-7-crisis-line/

24/7 Distress Centre:  613-238-3311

Kids Help Phone:  1-800-668-6868

Kidhelpphone.ca/live-chat  www.kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat

LGBTQ Youthline: 1-800-268-9688

Rideauwood Institute

 

SOME HUMOUR