Thursday, October 31, 2024
Digital Resources for November
Check out these amazing digital resources for students and teachers to use during the month of November.
Click HERE for a Veteran's Day Digital Library
Click HERE for a digital library for Thanksgiving
Click HERE for a Thanksgiving activity in Google Slides
Seesaw Learning Portfolio for Parents
Sign Up & Connect
Parents receive a unique code or link from the teacher to connect to their child's Seesaw journal. They can create a free Seesaw Family account, or log in to an existing one, to get started. The app is available for both iOS and Android, or they can access it from a web browser.
View Activities & Assignments
Once connected, parents can see their child's posts and activities, including drawings, photos, videos, and notes, all of which represent what they're working on in class.
Receive Notifications
Parents get notifications when their child posts something new or when the teacher comments or sends messages. They can adjust notification preferences to stay updated in real-time or receive daily updates.
Like & Comment on Work
Parents can "like" and leave positive comments on their child’s work, fostering encouragement and support. Teachers moderate all comments to ensure appropriateness.
Messaging with Teachers
Seesaw also allows parents to communicate directly with teachers through the messaging feature, helping to stay informed on their child's progress and any classroom updates.
Access Learning Progress Over Time
The portfolio in Seesaw gives parents a clear picture of their child's growth throughout the school year, making it easy to see progress and milestones across different assignments and projects.
Downloading your Seesaw Portfolio
Students will not be using Seesaw at Howe Manning and their portfolios will not be available after July 1st. Student portfolios can be archived at any time. Click HERE for instructions.
This digital portfolio approach allows parents to stay involved and support learning from home effectively.
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Raz Kids supports foundational skills for Science of Reading
The Science of Reading (SoR) is an interdisciplinary body of research from fields like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, education, and linguistics that focuses on how the brain learns to read. It provides evidence-based practices for reading instruction, especially for young or struggling readers, emphasizing the importance of phonics, comprehension, and early intervention. Here’s how the Science of Reading principles align with foundational reading instruction, and how tools like Raz-Kids can support this approach:
Key Foundations of the Science of Reading:
1. Phonemic Awareness
Definition: Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. It is an oral skill and is the first step in learning to read. Application in Raz-Kids: Early-level books in Raz-Kids emphasize simple phonemic patterns (like CVC – consonant-vowel-consonant words) to help students practice sound manipulation and recognition.
2. Phonics Definition: Phonics involves connecting the sounds of spoken language to letters or groups of letters in written language (i.e., understanding that the letter "b" represents the /b/ sound). Application in Raz-Kids: Leveled books focus on decoding strategies where students learn to connect sounds to letters and blend them into words. Raz-Kids encourages repeated exposure to phonics through listening, reading, and practice.
3. Fluency Definition: Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. It bridges word recognition and comprehension.
Application in Raz-Kids: The ability to listen to fluent readings and then practice reading aloud allows students to improve fluency. The recording feature helps teachers monitor student progress and provide feedback.
4. Vocabulary Definition: Building vocabulary is crucial because students need to know the meaning of words to understand what they read. Vocabulary acquisition happens through direct instruction and exposure to new words in context. Application in Raz-Kids: The variety of texts at different levels exposes students to new vocabulary in context, helping them understand and apply new words effectively. Quizzes also reinforce vocabulary learning.
5. Comprehension Definition: Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading—understanding and interpreting what is being read. It requires vocabulary knowledge, fluency, and background knowledge. Application in Raz-Kids: Comprehension quizzes after each book assess understanding, and the texts provide opportunities for students to engage with the material deeply, building their comprehension skills through higher-order thinking questions.
6. Background Knowledge Definition: The more background knowledge a student has on a topic, the easier it is for them to understand new reading material. Knowledge-building helps readers make connections and comprehend complex texts. Application in Raz-Kids: Books in Raz-Kids cover a wide range of topics (science, history, fiction, etc.), providing students with background knowledge that supports their ability to comprehend more complex texts as they progress.
Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading
Science of Reading heavily promotes Structured Literacy, an approach that is explicit, systematic, and sequential in teaching essential literacy skills. The steps include:
Explicit Instruction: Direct teaching of skills like phonics and decoding (letter-sound relationships) through clear, systematic lessons.
Systematic Progression: Students are gradually introduced to more complex skills, moving from simple sounds and words to more complex texts.
Sequential Learning: Students build on previously learned material in a structured way, ensuring mastery before moving forward. How Raz-Kids Supports the Science of Reading:
Phonics-Focused Reading Materials: Raz-Kids provides students with books that emphasize phonics, ensuring that young learners receive explicit and systematic phonics practice, which is critical for early reading success.
Engagement with Print and Audio: By combining reading with listening features, Raz-Kids engages multiple senses (visual and auditory), which aligns with the Science of Reading's focus on multisensory learning techniques.
Targeted Fluency Practice: Through read-aloud recordings and opportunities for students to record themselves reading, Raz-Kids promotes the development of reading fluency in line with research-based best practices.
Comprehension Assessments: Post-reading quizzes ensure that students are not just decoding words but also understanding them—an essential component of effective reading instruction according to the Science of Reading.
Differentiated Reading Levels: The leveled books (A-Z) in Raz-Kids provide a systematic approach to reading instruction that aligns with structured literacy principles, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
Core Takeaways of the Science of Reading:
Reading is not an innate skill; it is learned and requires explicit instruction.
Systematic, sequential instruction in phonics is essential for building the foundations of reading.
Early and consistent practice in fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension is key to becoming a proficient reader.
Engaging students with a variety of texts builds background knowledge, vocabulary, and higher-order thinking skills, all of which support comprehension.
In summary, the Science of Reading emphasizes a structured, evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, with a focus on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Raz-Kids supports this framework by providing interactive, leveled reading materials and tools that promote the essential skills outlined in the Science of Reading, making it an excellent resource for early literacy development.
Key Foundations of the Science of Reading:
1. Phonemic Awareness
Definition: Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. It is an oral skill and is the first step in learning to read. Application in Raz-Kids: Early-level books in Raz-Kids emphasize simple phonemic patterns (like CVC – consonant-vowel-consonant words) to help students practice sound manipulation and recognition.
2. Phonics Definition: Phonics involves connecting the sounds of spoken language to letters or groups of letters in written language (i.e., understanding that the letter "b" represents the /b/ sound). Application in Raz-Kids: Leveled books focus on decoding strategies where students learn to connect sounds to letters and blend them into words. Raz-Kids encourages repeated exposure to phonics through listening, reading, and practice.
3. Fluency Definition: Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. It bridges word recognition and comprehension.
Application in Raz-Kids: The ability to listen to fluent readings and then practice reading aloud allows students to improve fluency. The recording feature helps teachers monitor student progress and provide feedback.
4. Vocabulary Definition: Building vocabulary is crucial because students need to know the meaning of words to understand what they read. Vocabulary acquisition happens through direct instruction and exposure to new words in context. Application in Raz-Kids: The variety of texts at different levels exposes students to new vocabulary in context, helping them understand and apply new words effectively. Quizzes also reinforce vocabulary learning.
5. Comprehension Definition: Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading—understanding and interpreting what is being read. It requires vocabulary knowledge, fluency, and background knowledge. Application in Raz-Kids: Comprehension quizzes after each book assess understanding, and the texts provide opportunities for students to engage with the material deeply, building their comprehension skills through higher-order thinking questions.
6. Background Knowledge Definition: The more background knowledge a student has on a topic, the easier it is for them to understand new reading material. Knowledge-building helps readers make connections and comprehend complex texts. Application in Raz-Kids: Books in Raz-Kids cover a wide range of topics (science, history, fiction, etc.), providing students with background knowledge that supports their ability to comprehend more complex texts as they progress.
Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading
Science of Reading heavily promotes Structured Literacy, an approach that is explicit, systematic, and sequential in teaching essential literacy skills. The steps include:
Explicit Instruction: Direct teaching of skills like phonics and decoding (letter-sound relationships) through clear, systematic lessons.
Systematic Progression: Students are gradually introduced to more complex skills, moving from simple sounds and words to more complex texts.
Sequential Learning: Students build on previously learned material in a structured way, ensuring mastery before moving forward. How Raz-Kids Supports the Science of Reading:
Phonics-Focused Reading Materials: Raz-Kids provides students with books that emphasize phonics, ensuring that young learners receive explicit and systematic phonics practice, which is critical for early reading success.
Engagement with Print and Audio: By combining reading with listening features, Raz-Kids engages multiple senses (visual and auditory), which aligns with the Science of Reading's focus on multisensory learning techniques.
Targeted Fluency Practice: Through read-aloud recordings and opportunities for students to record themselves reading, Raz-Kids promotes the development of reading fluency in line with research-based best practices.
Comprehension Assessments: Post-reading quizzes ensure that students are not just decoding words but also understanding them—an essential component of effective reading instruction according to the Science of Reading.
Differentiated Reading Levels: The leveled books (A-Z) in Raz-Kids provide a systematic approach to reading instruction that aligns with structured literacy principles, allowing students to progress at their own pace.
Core Takeaways of the Science of Reading:
Reading is not an innate skill; it is learned and requires explicit instruction.
Systematic, sequential instruction in phonics is essential for building the foundations of reading.
Early and consistent practice in fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension is key to becoming a proficient reader.
Engaging students with a variety of texts builds background knowledge, vocabulary, and higher-order thinking skills, all of which support comprehension.
In summary, the Science of Reading emphasizes a structured, evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, with a focus on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Raz-Kids supports this framework by providing interactive, leveled reading materials and tools that promote the essential skills outlined in the Science of Reading, making it an excellent resource for early literacy development.
Friday, October 18, 2024
MassCUE 2024
This week, several educators and administrators from Tritown School Union attended MassCUE at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.
MassCUE, the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators conference, is a premier event for educators, technology specialists, and leaders in K-12 education. It offers a dynamic platform for professional development, collaboration, and sharing best practices in educational technology. With hands-on workshops, innovative presentations, and the latest tools in edtech, attendees can explore strategies to enhance teaching and learning through technology. MassCUE 2024 provides an invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, discover new digital resources, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving landscape of education.
MassCUE, the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators conference, is a premier event for educators, technology specialists, and leaders in K-12 education. It offers a dynamic platform for professional development, collaboration, and sharing best practices in educational technology. With hands-on workshops, innovative presentations, and the latest tools in edtech, attendees can explore strategies to enhance teaching and learning through technology. MassCUE 2024 provides an invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, discover new digital resources, and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving landscape of education.
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Digital Citizenship Lessons in Middleton Public Schools
Students in Middleton Public Schools learn digital citizenship skills starting in Kindergarten and continue through sixth grade. We embed these topics in our day-to-day lessons as well as full lessons in library classes. Our Digital Learning Specialist Dierdre Baker works closely with librarians Eileen Mulligan and Rachel Grodman. Teaching digital citizenship to students in grades K-6 is essential as they start using digital devices and the internet for learning and personal use. Our digital citizenship programs include topics such as:
Respectful and responsible behavior using the devices and taking care of them.
Online Safety: Understanding safe online behaviors, like not sharing personal information (name, address, phone number), recognizing suspicious links or messages, and knowing to inform an adult if something feels off.
Privacy and Security: Learning basic privacy rules, understanding passwords, and respecting personal boundaries online.
Digital Footprint: Teaching that what they post online can stay online forever, including how their actions online can affect their reputation.
Respectful Communication: Fostering positive interactions, understanding kindness and empathy in digital communication, and avoiding cyberbullying.
Research and Information Literacy: Encouraging kids to question and verify information they find online, recognizing trustworthy sources, and identifying misinformation.
Screen Time Balance: Understanding the importance of balancing online activities with offline life, including healthy screen time habits and taking breaks.
Early exposure to these concepts helps students develop good habits, critical thinking, and responsible behaviors for when they are older and their online activities become more independent.
October 2024 EdTech at Fuller Meadow by Dierdre Baker
Digital Citizenship by Dierdre Baker
We had Katie Greer, a nationally recognized expert in internet safety. speak to our 5th and 6th grade students as well as our parents to teach about safe digital practices.
Learn more about Katie Greer.
Respectful and responsible behavior using the devices and taking care of them.
Online Safety: Understanding safe online behaviors, like not sharing personal information (name, address, phone number), recognizing suspicious links or messages, and knowing to inform an adult if something feels off.
Privacy and Security: Learning basic privacy rules, understanding passwords, and respecting personal boundaries online.
Digital Footprint: Teaching that what they post online can stay online forever, including how their actions online can affect their reputation.
Respectful Communication: Fostering positive interactions, understanding kindness and empathy in digital communication, and avoiding cyberbullying.
Research and Information Literacy: Encouraging kids to question and verify information they find online, recognizing trustworthy sources, and identifying misinformation.
Screen Time Balance: Understanding the importance of balancing online activities with offline life, including healthy screen time habits and taking breaks.
Early exposure to these concepts helps students develop good habits, critical thinking, and responsible behaviors for when they are older and their online activities become more independent.
October 2024 EdTech at Fuller Meadow by Dierdre Baker
Digital Citizenship by Dierdre Baker
We had Katie Greer, a nationally recognized expert in internet safety. speak to our 5th and 6th grade students as well as our parents to teach about safe digital practices.
Learn more about Katie Greer.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Starting the 2024-2025 School Year with Seesaw Learning Portfolio
A Seesaw Learning Portfolio is a digital platform where students can document and showcase their learning process, progress, and achievements over time. At Fuller Meadow, we use Seesaw with Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. Here’s how it works:
Student-Centered Portfolio: Each student has their own portfolio where they can upload work, photos, videos, voice recordings, and other media to document their learning journey.
Interactive Features: Students can create content in multiple formats like drawings, text, or videos, making it highly interactive. Teachers often assign tasks directly through the app, which students can complete and submit within Seesaw.
Parent and Teacher Engagement: Teachers and parents can view students’ portfolios to see their progress and provide feedback. Teachers can leave comments, and parents can "like" or comment on their children's work, fostering a home-school connection.
Reflection and Growth: The platform encourages students to reflect on their learning by creating posts that show how they solve problems, their thought process, and what they’ve learned. This helps with self-assessment and growth over time.
Tracking Progress: Teachers can use Seesaw to track students' progress across subjects and over time, which can help in identifying areas where students may need additional support.
Seesaw supports different teaching styles, including project-based learning and flipped classrooms, and aims to make learning more visible and engaging.
I had the opportunity to introduce Seesaw to our newest Kindergarten learners. The first activity that we worked on uses the "Drag tool" where the students dragged each letter in their name to one box then the rest of the letters to the other box.
Students in first grade explored most of the tools in Seesaw. They typed their name using the text tool, drew a picture with the pen and marker tools, used the shapes tools to create a picture of a house, and took a photo and video. In this lesson, students are creating a picture using shapes.
By second grade, students are fluent in using the digital tools in the program. Students are using Seesaw to record their goals for this school year.
Student-Centered Portfolio: Each student has their own portfolio where they can upload work, photos, videos, voice recordings, and other media to document their learning journey.
Interactive Features: Students can create content in multiple formats like drawings, text, or videos, making it highly interactive. Teachers often assign tasks directly through the app, which students can complete and submit within Seesaw.
Parent and Teacher Engagement: Teachers and parents can view students’ portfolios to see their progress and provide feedback. Teachers can leave comments, and parents can "like" or comment on their children's work, fostering a home-school connection.
Reflection and Growth: The platform encourages students to reflect on their learning by creating posts that show how they solve problems, their thought process, and what they’ve learned. This helps with self-assessment and growth over time.
Tracking Progress: Teachers can use Seesaw to track students' progress across subjects and over time, which can help in identifying areas where students may need additional support.
Seesaw supports different teaching styles, including project-based learning and flipped classrooms, and aims to make learning more visible and engaging.
I had the opportunity to introduce Seesaw to our newest Kindergarten learners. The first activity that we worked on uses the "Drag tool" where the students dragged each letter in their name to one box then the rest of the letters to the other box.
Students in first grade explored most of the tools in Seesaw. They typed their name using the text tool, drew a picture with the pen and marker tools, used the shapes tools to create a picture of a house, and took a photo and video. In this lesson, students are creating a picture using shapes.
By second grade, students are fluent in using the digital tools in the program. Students are using Seesaw to record their goals for this school year.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
End of the School Year Resources for teachers and student
Reflecting on the 2023-2024 school year for elementary students is a great way to wrap up the school year. Here are several digital resources that students can use to share their experiences.
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