Yesterday, I was going through my old journals and found this list of ‘things I know for sure’ regarding learning and education in 2017. For me, in 2023, nothing has changed from this list. I still love the ‘real’ things like books, paper and people. Even with the digital explosion and the AI, it is hand-ons learning that centers me and inspires my creativity. Everything needs balance. I strive to make sure that there is some balance in the work I do with students and teachers. Here is the list! Enjoy!

From 2017 

Things I know for sure:

Reading is social. The digital experience can never replace the paper experience.

Do the read alouds, kids want to hear you.

Kids first, grade assignment is secondary.

Relationships are important…every child, every staff member, every parent.

Miserable people are few and far between.

Writing must happen every day.

Everyone wants to hear how they are doing, confirmation is nice.

Folding paper is always fun…at any age.

Change the paper, 8×11 is standard, you’re not.

Writing can get a bad “wrap”. Don’t be the person that delivers that package.

Being reaffirmed can defuse a situation…we all want to be heard.

Permission is the barrier between Now and Wow!

Until Next Time,

Brandi

I hear it all the time…

“CLARK, there is nothing in the ELA curriculum that tells us what to teach?”

OH yes there is…

Where?

In the illustrative outcomes!

the what??????

OK! Let me make this easier….

Here!

So, over the last few days I made this guide to support planning in Alberta English Language Arts classrooms, grades K to 6.  In my past work as an ELA consultant, teacher’s have said, there is no tangible content in the curriculum.  My intention of this guide to pull out those tangibles. By tangibles I mean direct references to literature (topics), writing tools, forms of writing and expression, self assessment/feedback and presentation possibilities.  

Link to the resource is at the bottom.

FIRST UP!

Inspired by Bonnie Raitt – LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT!

CHAPTER 1: Where do ideas come from?

I’m serious!

Students need to have exposure to literature, discussion, found objects, guest speakers. They need something to talk about. Something to talk about, leads to…something to write about.

Next!

Inspired by NKOTB- STEP BY STEP

CHAPTER 2: How can students organize information?

Students need to tools to record information like graphic organizers, how to sketch and how to take jot notes. The need to know…”Step by Step”!

NEXT!

Inspired by Elvis Costello  –  Everyday I Write the Book!

CHAPTER 3: How can students represent information?

Students need to be able to express information in a variety of ways and forms.  Yes, books are great but students can make many, many things!

NEXT!

Inspired by Shawn Mendes – Treat You Better

NEXT!

CHAPTER 4: How can students self assess and provide feedback?

Students need to know how they are doing by seeking feedback and self assessing.  They need to be like Shawn, reflecting and thinking about their work.

FINALLY!

Inspired by INSYNC – Bye! Bye! Bye

CHAPTER  5: How can students present information to other audiences?

Students need to be able to present to peers in a variety of ways!  The puppet show, whatever happened to the puppet show?

THE RESOURCE

Here is the link to the guide on my companion website!

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,

Coach Clark