July 14, 2010 eMinutes

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 eMinutes

8:45-9:00 Morning Social

Coffee, snacks and lively discourse were shared by all.

9:00- 10:40 Workshop: Sharing & Expanding the Use of Visual/Graphic Organizers in the Classroom, Gregory Zoel, 2010 Fellow

Greg began by having participants create a graphic organizer of visual/graphic organizers used in our own classrooms. As everyone shared their ideas and goals for the various organizers Greg created a mind map on chart paper. A fine discussion followed.

Next, participants were given 5 pages of exerts from different sources of various visual/graphic organizers and their uses. He encouraged participants to scan the pages and write some notes about what we’d like to try in the future. Greg then led a discussion/brainstorm session related to the handouts.

Participants got into response groups to outline 3 potential classroom activities that could benefit from visual organizers. Following small group discussion we presented, in visual form, what we felt was the best idea in our group. Each group then briefly shared their organizers with the group.

The workshop concluded with participant evaluations and a brief break.

10:40- 11:45 Writing Activity: Personal Mementos

Participants were asked yesterday to bring a memento from home for this activity. Stephanie began by asking everyone to write for about 30 minutes about their item. Following that volunteers shared either mementos, writing or both. It was most delightful, and touching, to hear everyone’s take on this simple but powerful assignment.

11:45-12:30 Lunch

With the sun shining down and the sound of heavy equipment in the background we enjoyed lunch and conversation both inside and out.

12:30- 2:05 Workshop: Spotlight on Student Engagement, Kendra Ross, 2010 Fellow

We began with 2 quick writes- one reflecting on a student we may have had that was not engaged and/or when we ourselves were not engaged. The second quick write was just the opposite- a student that was engaged. Partner discussions ensued.

Next, Kendra passed out chart paper for small groups to share characteristics of engaged versus reluctant students. The focus was on only those things that are under our control as educators. While many items were included on each chart, each group had characteristics unique to them.

Three different articles were distributed to small groups. Discussion within groups followed. Kendra charted shared ideas offered up from the group. Once again, similar elements from each group stood beside those that were unique to each group.

Evaluations brought the workshop to a close. A brief break followed.

2:05-3:00 Announcements and Learning Logs

Several announcements were made regarding inquiry papers, Thursday’s potluck and a walk in the woods for a Chris’ workshop tomorrow.

The reminder of the day was spent on learning logs, coaching and workshop preparation.