Educational Reflections (formerly Rumblings from 52)

This blog began in Room 52 at AMG Junior and Senior Public School in 2011. This site has followed me to a few schools since then and now joined the roster of retired blogs in the social media universe. The journey and reflection will continue in different and exciting spaces. Room 52 remains one of the most significant places of teaching and learning for me and grateful to the students and staff who supported me there. Thank you.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

I deleted a couple of videos I was making from our exercise last week we were doing on understanding Learning Disabilities. I set up this template for the students to work with:

I wanted the groups to come up with their own ideas and I avoided providing any information to the class. When the groups presented, I did ask some questions to guide their explanations a little more.
Here is the video I came up with the two groups I didn't delete from the memory card:

Here are some of the photos of the group at work on this:

After each group presented, I shared a little movie from the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario.

From the same website, I discovered another video which might be more appropriate for older students. I will share this with the class.

For the upcoming week, I hope to wrap up the diagnostic assessment and start to work on more curriculum specific stuff. Have a positive week.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Diagnostic assessment continues in Room 52 and will probably continue into next week. This is a way for me to get a sense of where all of the learners are at in the classroom. This information -- from Reading, Writing, and Math assessments -- will NOT be used for the Progress Report or Report Card but will help me in setting up the IEP (Individual Education Plans) program over the next month.

We are coming close to the end of the first 5 day cycle. On Friday and Monday, the students would have gone to the following classes:

- Gym
- French Culture
- Technology
- Library
- International Languages class (Portuguese and Mandarin)
- Music

I have started using the Tracking Chart in the classroom. This is a visual reminder of key assignments and items of homework that need to be handed in. I have been using this method for over 10 years and it provides another way, besides the agenda, for students to keep track of their work. Ideally, the agenda should be used because keeping track of assignments or "things to do" is a valuable life skill. Here is a shot of the chart:

We got around to having the students present to the class the information gathered from the "Interview Someone New!" sheet.

While I do not have all of the Media Release forms from the students, I did snap a few photos of people presenting.

HOMEWORK: Return all forms, pay $6 for the agenda, complete Student Profile sheet if necessary

Have a positive night.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Tuesday, September 4, 2012: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Today was a slow but steady start to the school year. I made a point of saying that the key to being successful in school has a lot to do with your attitude.

This is a page I want to come back to a lot over the year. I think it is the foundation for learning before any serious curriculum content can stick.

In saying that, we did do a little work today. In an effort to get to know the students I assigned them a journal to get to know them a little better and how they learn best. I sometimes provide examples of the kind of writing or ideas I am looking for. These prompts help kick-start there thinking:

Guided Writing

Journal response with prompts

Until the students sign their Media Release forms, I won't take any photos of them. For now, I have a couple of shots of the room with some student materials in it:

We were able to get out and have some time for DPA and our afternoon break. This is something I want to continue for this year. It offers the class a chance to break the afternoon into two manageable work periods instead of being in the classroom for the afternoon and becoming exhausted and irritable.

I read to the class this afternoon. A teacher read-a-loud is something I aim to do everyday. Cursive writing will be added to this daily routine. I do this because cursive writing seems to be a lost academic skill and art form but also with the evidence which suggests that it is beneficial for the brain:
http://www.helium.com/items/1697736-cursive-handwriting

Another exercise we did this afternoon saw the students interview someone new to get some insight into the interests of other classmates:

Tomorrow, I will use the opportunity to introduce the Community Circle to the class members introduce who they interviewed and what they learned about them.

HOMEWORK: Bring a reading material for quiet reading in the morning (although you could find something to read in the class); $5 for a combination lock and $6 for the agenda. All forms should be signed and returned as soon as possible.

Have a good evening.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Preparing Your Child for a Successful Academic Year | LD Topics | LD OnLine

Monday, September 3, 2012

Coming together

Getting ready

This will be the 18th September that I stand before a classroom and introduce myself. Some of my students have graduated and become teachers, lawyers, pastry chefs, musicians, and body shop technicians.

Still, I feel nervous the night before and always not as prepared as I think I should be. Like all of you, it will take a few days to settle into the routines of the classroom. I will be reminded of what it means to be a teacher and you will learn to get back into the habits of being a students.

I believe everyone in this class can learn but there are no shortcuts for success. It takes hard work and effort and you will probably do things that challenge your or may not like. Get used to it, that's a part of life.

You will be supported in this class by Mrs. Machado and myself. Most of you will be getting ready for high school and some of you will be adjusting to life in Grade 7.

SUCH INTERESTING TIMES. ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Mr. Proudfoot and Mrs. Machado

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

I have one photo from the graduation. Thanks to Sophie's Mom for sending this to me.

Continue to enjoy the summer. Do some reading, maybe a journal response, and practice your

multiplication tables.

Jennifer's brother, Jennifer, Stavroula, Sophie [Meteorologist], Mr. Proudfoot

Friday, June 29, 2012

Thanks to the graduating students of Room 52. It was great to have worked with you for the past two years. I wish you all the best in Grade 9 and safe and fun travels on your vacation.

I look forward to seeing the returning Grade 7s (now Grade 8s!) and some new additions to the room. It is expected that about half of the class will be new faces to our school community.

In my last posting for the school year, I have some images. I did not take any photos on the night of the graduation and do not have any shots of the beautiful students from Room 52.

Enjoy:

The day after the graduation, there was a lot of class cleaning to do. Some students took the opportunity to write some kind, final, words on the board.

We had a short party with some "food" on the second last day. That was probably the last time when everyone, less Stavroula, was present.

The next day we had some final cleaning up to do and our goodbyes.

T shirt from Nick (trying to look tough). Thanks, Nick!

Mr. Chung saying bye

Final Glance before locking

Annual photo of stacked desks

Have a great summer!
Remember to do some reading (a whole bunch of different things!!) and check out your local Library. Practice some adding and subtracting and review or master your multiplication tables. Go for a walk, and relax.