TL;DR? No prob.

SMMRY

Internet slang has a clever word for it: TL;DR (too long; didn't read). We agree. That's why we teachers need options for summarizing digital text. The screen snip explains it all. Check out the link. It's magic!

What do learners pay attention to?

source

This past July, SHIFT published their 10 most effective engagement strategies for e-learners. However, they seem quite applicable to any type of classroom.

Based on our teaching experience, our top five favourite go-to engagement strategies were
1. stories
2. visuals
3. emotions
4. controversy
5. contrast

Which ones are your favourites? And to switch things up, what would you like to try next?

For more information and resources linked to each strategy, click here.

The Day they Discovered Pi...

It's Pi Day again tomorrow! (In fact, since this is the 3rd month of 2014 doesn't that make this PI MONTH?!)

Sometimes nothing engages students more than a cheesy song about math, right? Especially BECAUSE they know they can create something MUCH, MUCH better! And that's exactly what should happen to push that learning into long term memory:

"They rhythmic repetitions and content-packed nature of music make it a very effective mnemonic device for learning new material...[or summarizing learned material]. Remember that the students' creation of the [song], not it's presentation to the class, is where the greatest learning occurs." Rick Wormeli

For Pi Day and other resources check out Edutopia. Happy Pi Month!

What's that say?

Do your scholars endeavor to comprehend clauses with brobdingnagian vernacular? Er, what?! What we mean to say is this: do your students struggle to read passages with big words?

Recently, a teacher recommended Rewordify, a website that provides reading level and vocabulary options for digital text. And, it's very user friendly. We really hope you research it check it out.

High, medium or low?

Many teachers have strategies intended to elicit deeper thinking. One teacher in our school division was willing to share her high-medium-low strategy.

Maybe this could work for you too? Based on Blooms, the verbs on each poster say it all: moving from red to green students increase their ability to connect, infer, apply, demonstrate and evaluate their learnings. Posted in her classroom, she challenges students to think, question and apply their learning on these three different levels.

It reminds us of a questioning strategy useful for any grade but especially younger ones: thick and thin questions. Click the links for more information or to see a teacher-created poster using thick and thin questions.

HFCRD37 teachers can also search for strategies and resources in our coaching toolbox on the S Drive. Or check out our prezi on questioning.

Minute Earth - A Useful Resource...

Take a minute and explore the fascinating Science and stories of this Earth we call our backyard. The Minute Earth YouTube Channel has various videos that might complement many lessons (and links to other educational YouTube channels as well).

Igniting Curiosity...

Remember the science-in-a-crate program? The program has been redesigned by MindFuel. Formerly The Science Alberta Foundation, MindFuel ignites curiosity, critical thinking and imagination in youth around the world. Combining innovative digital resources and real-world experiments, MindFuel creates programs designed to help educators ignite a passion for science in students of all ages. Click the link above for more information.

Inclusive Education Strategies...

Click here.

This website provide strategies for a variety of inclusive education needs such as students with anxiety, eating disorders or ADHD. Check out Alberta Education's Inclusive Ed Library as well.