You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it or as a partnership with your school or district. Thank you!

Hello Don,


This edition of the LEARNING-FOCUSED Newsletter explores:

  • Designing for Success: Balancing Visual Stimuli in the Learning Environment
  • How to Support New Teachers (When You Have Limited Time)
  • 6 “Get to Know You” Activities & Icebreakers In the Classroom
  • Error Analysis Professional Development Plan
  • 3 Facts and a Fib Strategy


In addition, We are excited to introduce a new feature: student novel analysis. Each month, we will share an analysis of a different novel.


Enjoy!


@LearningFocused #withLF #learnon
 

Designing for Success: Balancing Visual Stimuli in the Learning Environment

In the upcoming school year, teachers are encouraged to design classrooms that balance visual stimuli with focus, fostering an optimal learning environment. Using strategically curated visuals as “silent teachers,” educators can enhance cognitive performance and engagement while avoiding overcrowded spaces that may hinder student success. Read More
Read Here

How to Support New Teachers (When You Have Limited Time)

Discover effective strategies to support new teachers in a challenging educational landscape. Alarming statistics show that many educators leave the profession within five years, so learn how empowering, coaching, and holding them accountable can enhance retention and create a thriving teaching environment. Read More
Read Here

6 “Get to Know You” Activities and Icebreakers In the Classroom

Kick off the new school year with exciting "Get to Know You" activities designed to foster student connections and create a lively classroom environment. From "Autobiography Bags" to an engaging "Snowball Fight," these icebreakers will help students share their interests and get to know each other in a fun, interactive way. Read More
Read Here

Middle School Novel Analysis: 90 Miles to Havana
 

"90 Miles to Havana" by Enrique Flores-Galbis is a heartfelt historical novel that portrays the experiences of Cuban children during Operation Pedro Pan. This significant yet often overlooked historical event saw over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors sent to the United States between 1960 and 1962. Through the eyes of 12-year-old Julian, Flores-Galbis brings to life the struggles, hopes, and resilience of these young refugees. Learn More
Learn More

Error Analysis Professional Development Plan

Enhance your school's instructional practices by implementing an error analysis strategy grounded in insights from the article "Teaching Students Error Analysis: A Pathway to Critical Thinking." This professional development plan helps teachers integrate error analysis into their routines, boosting students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. With a structured approach and ongoing support, this PD ensures that teachers can effectively turn mistakes into valuable learning opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and academic success.

Professional Development Plan


  • Goal: Implement and use error analysis as a higher order thinking high yield strategy weekly
  • Plan for implementation 
  • Starter - read the article and come to meeting with 5 key takeaways
  • Discuss the key takeaways
  • Where will the teacher incorporate this process (Elementary - pick a subject, or one period, Middle and high - pick one period)
  • How often will this happen
  • Summarize
  • Create action step
  • How will I teach the steps for error analysis to students
  • I will do error analysis in my class after (insert assignment here)
  • Action step 
  • Teacher - within the next week, practice and clarify the process 
  • Principal - Schedule visits to see error analysis process in action after practice time has been allowed AND provide specific coaching feedback 
  • In the next PLC after feedback, give time for reflection on the process 
  • Expand the practice throughout the continuing months by implementing it in all sections or subjects that a teacher teaches
  • Determine process and timing for collecting student exemplars of error analysis
 

Effective Strategy: 3 Facts and A Fib

Explore the Summarizing Strategy "Three Facts and a Fib," designed to challenge student misconceptions and foster critical thinking skills. This approach encourages active analysis, collaboration, and justification to deepen understanding across all subjects. Download our resource.
Download
@LearningFocused #withLF #learnon
Get In Touch
 
Our Mission: To significantly improve student learning, you need
 high performing leaders and teachers.
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube  Linkedin  
 

Learning-Focused | 200 District Dr. Ste 001 | Asheville, NC 28803 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact