Let's Revisit Executive Skills

This year I'm taking on an (old-ish) skill development program/framework/curriculum for helping students.  Executive Functioning is not a new phrase, yet there is so much work being done by researchers, scientists, and teachers.  I feel I need to revive it with my students.  I need to place the power on them to analyze themselves, reflect, set goals, and improve.

**Executive functioning is an umbrella term for the regulation of working memory, reasoning, task flexibility, and problem solving.  This term also includes planning and the execution of plans.

Experts are now aware that a students' executive functioning skills are a truer indicator of success than intelligence tests. (Galinsky)

These skills begin developing early... we're talking at 2-3 years old.  As a teacher working with kindergarten through 6th graders, I see executive skills as a blinding issue in all areas.  My students are wonderful, kind, bright, interesting people, yet all of them (and all of us) have executive skill deficits of some kind.  And I believe we all know a few students whose personalities and skills are not "fitting" with how classrooms are run.

The ways in which I'm using the research on executive functioning to better my students' skills and school experience include:

• Students take questionnaires to target areas of weakness. 
• Students make SMART goals based on their deficit areas.
• Lessons often include movement.
• Color code materials and class information.
• Students are given TIME to organize lockers, folders, etc.
• Students are given the time and opportunity to talk through problems with peers.

I'm really just getting started integrating executive functioning into my teaching, and I'm already seeing the value and importance! 

Here are some reads I've found helping...

    

And here's a great resource for more information : http://rnbc.org/education/a-focus-on-executive-function/

Demystify the IEP

IEP "At-a-Glance" Google Doc

Together We Are Better!  I'm excited to share with you a great tool for merging the invisible gap between special education lingo and other areas of our kiddos' education.

"IEP" can be a mysterious term for any teacher.  In order to "demystify" a student's IEP (Individualized Education Program), teachers need/want the facts and details that will help them teach the student, meet their unique needs, and provide the most appropriate learning environment.  While all information in the IEP is confidential, it is important to bring teachers into the circle of trust for helping out kids.  Oh yeah, and it is required by law. :)

And so I bring you the Google Doc version of an IEP "At-a-Glance".  This doc is basically a snapshot of the most vital information to a student's ability to learn.  I tested this tool last year by sharing each student's IEP "At-a-Glance" with their classroom teacher, administrators, specials teachers, and all aides the student is in contact with throughout the day. I followed up with the sharing of this information with a face-to-face conversation with each of them sharing a couple of specific details that I wanted to ensure they read.  For this year, I shared the docs with the upcoming classroom teachers back in June, and I will meet with everyone face-to-face to answer questions and plan the environment.  Sending it ahead of time gave teachers time to think and plan over the summer. The first weeks of school are crazy-busy as it is, I like to think I'm giving them a gift of time by sending it in June. 

For example, with the P.E. teacher I shared information regarding a students' need for extra clarification on directions in a sequence.  The teacher was grateful I shared and was able to accommodate for the student's disability in order for him to participate in P.E. with his peers.  This is what I call teamwork!

By sharing a Google Doc, teachers can access the information at any point in the year and I can make changes based on reviews or IEP meetings.  As simple as it seems, teachers want and need to know what the students need. As special educators, we must give them this information in an efficient manner.  We must also discuss things with them face-to-face, Google Docs do not replace good ol' conversation. :)

How can you use the Google Doc IEP "At-a-Glance" to increase communication and help provide for your students the best education possible?  Please share other ideas for us #SpEducators!

If you're linking up, thank you for joining our #SpedChatSaturday Link-Up Hosted by Kelly from A View Into My Classroom!  Visit her blog to check out other ways to communicate!

First Post!

Here's where you add your ideas! 

What's in Your Cart? Linky

Back-to-school in special education and RtI means getting to know kiddos, observing in general education settings, setting up behavior plans early, setting up progress monitoring routines, and setting up expectations for paraprofessionals, whew!!

I'm excited to be sharing with you "What's in My Cart" for back-to-school behavior management, progress monitoring for students and teachers, and integrity checks for paraprofessionals running RtI groups.

My store is "MrsMCreativeTeaching" and I specialize in behavior, data, progress monitoring, rubrics, and technology.

I hope these help you have smooth and happy first weeks of school! :)


1. RtI Integrity Evidence Forms: These forms are a all-in-one center for collecting intervention attendance, quality of lessons, quality of student effort, behaviors, areas of concern, and total number of quality minutes spent on task.  I have created one for each month of the 2015-2016 school year with accurate dates, holidays, and month names.  Simply print and go!

2. Math Data All-in-One Set: This set contains everything you need to progress monitoring, graph, set goals, analyze, and form small groups based on assessments (cough, cough Danielson Framework).  I have used this with my students receiving tier II math intervention support, but it can be used for basically any subject or group of kiddos! 

   

   

3. Behavior Point/Smiley Sheets: Get ready to help support and reinforce positive behavior with this variety pack of behavior point sheets.  I've used these in the past and found wonderful success with students!  It's all based on consistent, ongoing positive feedback from all teachers around the school.  Plus, these forms encourage parent communication and rely on the students to set goals and improve behavior!

   

   

Thanks for stopping by!  Head back to the "What's in Your Cart" linky! 

#SpEdChatSaturday August 1st

Welcome to our 2nd #SpEdChatSaturday Event!  Thank you to the wonderful collaborators from last week's blogger Back to School link-up.  A HUGE thank you goes to Ashley (Latte-Lessons-IEPS) for hosting! Yay!

This week we will be joining forces to create an eBook with ideas for using Google to enhance our special education instruction, student engagement, data collection, student and paraprofessional management, and the list goes on... As we continue to nurture our #SpEdTribe PLC, please consider what knowledge you have regarding Google (Drive, Docs, Forms, Slides, YouTube, etc.)_ that can help others in their special education journey.  

I encourage you to email or comment with questions, suggestions, etc. :)  I'll be on Google Hang-Outs (message) tomorrow morning, August 1st, from 10:00-10:30 CST to talk with anyone about this event! 

Please view the images below to understand the expectations for our eBook and to check out my example.  

Happy Google-ing! :)  Visit the PDF link here.

MY EXAMPLE PDF WITH CLICKABLE LINKS TO EVERYTHING

"Back to School Tip" Link-Up

My "Back to School" tip is based on setting yourself up for a great year with parents. The first week, Open House, Curriculum Night, etc. are very important events for getting off on the right foot with the parents you'll be with for the next 9-12 months.  I have a top 10 list of great ways to facilitate positive family communication, so when you must address tricky issues, you already have a great relationship going!

Top 10 Ways to Communicate Positively With Parents

1. Class Newsletter- Email a newsletter (or send a hard copy) home each week with lots of pictures and brief descriptions of the ongoings of the week.  Kids can write the articles too!  
2. Class Blog- Set it up, add pictures and short captions, and have kids write the posts. :) 
3. Friday Folder- Send home all papers on the same day.  Cut yourself some slack on grading homework immediately and save time at the end of each school day.
4. Class Twitter Account- Have your kiddos tweet and share your handle with parents.  They love connecting throughout the day! (Follow all school policies and get permission from parents.)
5. Send home notes before the year starts.  S"nail Mail" a little postcard sharing how excited you are to meet/see each and every student!
6. Create take-home information brochures for Open House/Curriculum Night.  It's a lot to take in during those nights, so share all the important stuff in a little take-home for parents to look over later.
7. Homeroom App- This is like a private Twitter with members being invite-only.  You can send out reminders and send out photos knowing parents will get a notification.  You can also set it up with kids!
8. Conference Form- Send home a form asking for questions or concerns prior to the conference.  Request kids bring back the forms before the conference, so you are prepared and can dodge surprises.
9. Mystery Readers- Each week, have a mystery reader (parent) visit class and surprise the students.  Have a sign-up for this ongoing event at your Open House/Curriculum Night.  Be specific on the timing, so parents know when to arrive and when to leave.
10. Be open, be reachable, be kind. Be a person who parents feel happy to leave their children with for the majority of their year.  Stand outside before school, chat after school on the playground, make the positive phone call home, join the PTA.  You in person are the best form of positive communication.  Show up with a smile. :)

    

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    Thanks for checking out my "Back to School Tip" through PopIntoPrimary!  Click on the link below to head back to the link-up!
    

    

Back to School Countdown: #SpedChatBTS

Thank you to the fabulous Ashley Sanchez for organizing our very first #SpedChatSaturday blogger link-up!  Our topic is BTS, so I hope you read, join in, and share with our little community of educators!

Oh my, lots of serious work to do in the next month!  Thankfully, we don't start back until late August!  Please share any ideas you have on #5- welcome kids for aides!  Any must-haves?  Check out some of my behavior plans in my TPT store.  Also, I made SMART Goals in Google Slides for my middle schoolers.

These are ideas I've "borrowed" from Pinterest!  Click on the image to check out other ideas in my "Classroom Organization" Pinterest page.! :) I'm in love with black and brights... Anyone have an opinion on whether or not the brights are too stimulating for kiddos who struggle with attention?

These wishes are for students, teachers, myself, my family.... all of the above! A major goal of mine is to be a role model in jumpstarting these characteristics for those around me. More co-teaching and collab, less lonely lesson planning! Here's a lesson plan template for differentiation based on assessment for co-teaching lesson planning. 

I can busy myself for DAYS during planning time.... rearranging desk, checking email, getting coffee, chatting, and the list goes on. This year it is my MISSION to use that time to save my sanity on nights and weekends. :)  Does anyone have any tips for accomplishing this?? I made progress monitoring organizational docs ahead of time this year, major time-saver!

Often times, people (myself included) just need that little boost, those few words of encouragement to have a positive outlook, try something new, or have the courage to stand up for what they believe in.  It is my promise to my students, colleagues, friends, family, and myself to encourage and support at all times. :)

Thanks for visiting the #SpedTribe link-up! I look forward to hearing your comments and advice. :)

Head on back to the Link-Up to check out more great ideas!

"Fun Friday" Link-Up

 Topic: Lego Robotics

I'm excited to share with you an after-school extra curricular course for elementary students that was offered at my school last year... Lego Robotics!  I was able to help (and by "help" I really mean learn alongside) the kiddos as they build running cars, monsters, and other creative contraptions.  It was so fun to see kids, who may struggle in class, shine in this area!  My goal for next year is to find a way to get more girls to sign up and build and program robots with Legos!  I'd love to hear any ideas from you regarding how to get more girls involved in STEM/Lego Robotics. :) Thanks!

Kids first built the robot then programmed it by writing a code on the computer.

This activity facilitated cooperative learning, problem solving, and perseverance. 

Thanks for checking out my "Fun" post!  Click the link below for more Fun Friday ideas! :)

Lots of Love,

"Throwback Thursday"

My "Throwback Thursday" topic is a community service project my class undertook two years ago when I taught 3rd grade.  The kiddos in my class were always bothered that there was no public library in town, so they decided to do something about it! 

We made a Little Free Library! 

Here's an example of a LFL with a door, roof, and post.
LFLs should be placed in a high foot-traffic area like a park or playground. 

Our fabulous librarian had the idea, and we put it into action.  In short, a Little Free Library is an oversized birdhouse that is home to books.  It is set out near a sidewalk/street for community members to visit.  To begin, it must be filled with books to share.  The check-out policy is based on the motto: "Take a Book, Leave a Book."  People come visit, donate a book as they take one home.  

 Students brainstormed ideas for a location around the school, connected with other LFL owners on Twitter, and shared responsibilities on a Google Doc.  With the generosity of a parent, our library was built and ready for service by the end of the year!  We received donations from school families for books to get us rolling.

Many are painted to match the type of books they contain or geographic location.

If you're looking for a motivating, low-budget community service project, I highly recommend making a Little Free Library!  

Thanks for linking-up with me!  Click the Freebielicious icon below to check out other #TBT posts! 

"Wonderful Idea Wednesday" Link-Up

My "Wonderful Idea": Flipping Class Content Lessons into Shareable Google Slides

I've dabbled with "flipping lessons" for a couple of years now, and I've decided to dive in this year with my 6th grade resource class.  My working definition of a "flipped lesson" is one that provides the content for students to learn where they choose, how they choose, and provides them the freedom to take breaks, ask questions, backtrack, etc.  I'm using the University of Kansas Writing Strategies program, and I'm in the process of converting the material into Google Slides.  Doing this will allow us to use class time for working, creating, and problem solving!  Here are a few screenshots of my work in progress.

I'm planning on addd some videos and voice to my slides... Students can also comment with questions or ideas at home, study hall, etc. 

Thanks for checking out my "wonderful idea"! I'd love to hear about your use of Google and/or flipped classroom lessons! :) 

Check out other linked-up bloggers here!