I have created assessment sheets for the school to use this year, which includes using formulas that allow data only to be entered once (instead of twice). All literacy and numeracy data links to our electronic databoard where OTJ's and support for children are recorded. This is used to inform planning on an ongoing basis. The board is also shared with the Principal and BOT to help them monitor progress and acheivement. This is presented termly at BOT meetings as well.
We also have formative assessment sheets where teachers are required to make a minimum of 5 comments per child per term. This is an area that we can continue to improve on mainly in writing, although it is noted that a lot of formative information for writing is in each child's individual rubric (which is in their writing books). Maths ICAN sheets (hardcopies only) record ongoing progress in numeracy.
A next step for me as leader for next year is to create digital copies of these for ease of monitoring (especially ICAN sheets when children's groups change regularly).
This data is used to inform planning and monitor progress and I believe is an effective way to ensure we are tracking children and picking up when they are not making progress so we can target that. It has also enabled us to really get to know our child well in terms of their academic needs and strengths.
Example of our Literacy Assessment Sheet:
Our Electronic Data Board:
Thursday, 29 March 2018
Monday, 26 March 2018
Connecting parents, recording & reflecting on learning with Seesaw
Seesaw has been set up for the purpose of keeping parents and whanau up to date with their child's classroom learning and progress. A great forum for also delivering newsletters and requests. We can now private message a connected parent as well.
A safe place for children to post and comment and practice their digital citizenship skills. In term 2 we will introduce the blog, its purpose and hopefully connect to other schools to develop an authentic audience.
Our biggest challenge is getting more than 42 of our 60 parents connected to their child's accounts. The next step would be to try sending email invites out. Paper copies have gone home two times. Also, trying to catch these parents at mid-year conferences.
Click on the Seesaw image to view our classroom posts.
Parents are also keep up-to-date with regular newsletters and use of social media (Rakaia School Facebook page).
A safe place for children to post and comment and practice their digital citizenship skills. In term 2 we will introduce the blog, its purpose and hopefully connect to other schools to develop an authentic audience.
Our biggest challenge is getting more than 42 of our 60 parents connected to their child's accounts. The next step would be to try sending email invites out. Paper copies have gone home two times. Also, trying to catch these parents at mid-year conferences.
Click on the Seesaw image to view our classroom posts.
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| click on the image to link to the Whanau Seesaw account |
Parents are also keep up-to-date with regular newsletters and use of social media (Rakaia School Facebook page).
Example of our team newsletter to parents:
Thursday, 22 March 2018
Effective learning programs - programs with research behind them
We have set up several well-regarded programs in our classroom to help progress our learners in literacy and numeracy.
These include Storytelling (to improve the oral and written literacy of our students), Yolanda Soryl (to improve phonics, reading and writing) which continues from 2017 and also Numicon to help our mathematicians who need visual, manipulative materials in their maths journey. This also continues on from 2017, but I have trained in Numicon since Miss Gardyne moved to the senior syndicate.
We also continue with Daily 5 but have reflected that our capable readers now need more choice and agency over their independent time so we have introduced SSR and technology-based follow up activities. We will extend this in term 2 to mini 'passion-projects' and utilising Seesaw during independent reading time.
Computer Science, Coding, and Robotics will be up and running in term 2 as an inquiry option for students. An important component of our program with the changes to the technology curriculum.
Areas of improvement for our curriculum delivery could be mathematics. I'd like to see a more problem-solving, inquiry approach so would like to research Jo Boaler and Bobby Maths for this purpose. Also, refining inquiry and elements of passion projects/genis hour to teach skills and competencies as well as given students greater choice and agency over their own learning.
Examples of planning - routine and curriculum areas
These include Storytelling (to improve the oral and written literacy of our students), Yolanda Soryl (to improve phonics, reading and writing) which continues from 2017 and also Numicon to help our mathematicians who need visual, manipulative materials in their maths journey. This also continues on from 2017, but I have trained in Numicon since Miss Gardyne moved to the senior syndicate.
We also continue with Daily 5 but have reflected that our capable readers now need more choice and agency over their independent time so we have introduced SSR and technology-based follow up activities. We will extend this in term 2 to mini 'passion-projects' and utilising Seesaw during independent reading time.
Computer Science, Coding, and Robotics will be up and running in term 2 as an inquiry option for students. An important component of our program with the changes to the technology curriculum.
Areas of improvement for our curriculum delivery could be mathematics. I'd like to see a more problem-solving, inquiry approach so would like to research Jo Boaler and Bobby Maths for this purpose. Also, refining inquiry and elements of passion projects/genis hour to teach skills and competencies as well as given students greater choice and agency over their own learning.
Examples of planning - routine and curriculum areas
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