@sunshinytech Blasting Off to New Adventures!

Hello and HAPPY SUMMER!  I know that summer is coming to a close for some of us.  I have been back at work for over a week and a half already!  Speaking of work... I thought it was a good time to mention that I have accepted a new position in our school district!  I am now the Instructional Coordinator at Glenn Elementary School!  Yes, I am now an astronaut!!

If you are wondering what an Instructional Coordinator does, take a look at the image below.  I made a little word cloud out of the duties and responsibilities of this role and this is what I came up with...

This sounds about right!  Notice the largest words... support, teachers, instruction.  YES!  I definitely feel like my experience as a tech coach has thoroughly prepared me for this adventure!  In this day and age, I don't feel like you MUST have the word "technology" in your title to promote technology rich instruction.  And this year is definitely going to be all about...

...meaning, we will use technology when it best fits into the classroom and the instruction, not all day, every day, as we had to use it last year.  

As you may have noticed last school year, many of my posts were about high impact instructional models and influences on student achievement such as the jigsaw method, classroom discussion, and blended learning.  There are moments when technology can and should be integrated into these strategies, and times when it might not be the best fit.  Like I said, it's all about a good balance!

I am not EXACTLY sure what the future holds for The Sunshiny Tech Spot.  As I see it now, I'm hoping to continue to share ideas, best practices and the best part about it is that I may be better able to show strategies and ideas IN ACTION.  We will have to see how this goes!  I will still continue to be @sunshinytech on Twitter!  Be sure to follow me if you haven't already!  I hope you all have a fabulous, sunshiny start to the school year!  

Let's Wrap this Year Up with Some FUN! (And Summer Learning Opportunities!)

 Whoa, whoa, whoa!  I just realized I haven't posted since March!  Over the past couple of months I've had the pleasure of working with some teachers IN PERSON!  What a thrill!  I can't tell you how nice it has been to be back out in schools, with students, and teachers.  I missed everyone so much!  I am so excited and hopeful for next year! Next year will be all about 🄱🄰🄻🄰🄽🄲🄴, won't it?  All of our students will have a device!  You'll be able to focus on teaching students in person. So we will need to balance online and offline activities.  We will want to make sure those activities are effective, highly impactful, engaging, and FUN!  When I think about the possibilities.... I get SO EXCITED... Ⓘ ⓙⓤⓢⓣ ⓒⓐⓝ'ⓣ ⓦⓐⓘⓣ! 

I have so much to tell you here.  Let me calm down my excitement to fill you in!  First of all, I just wanted to let you know that I will not be offering a Sunshiny Tech Summer Camp this year.  I'll be honest.  I need a break.  I feel like I have been on the 🇬‌🇴‌, 🇬‌🇴‌, 🇬‌🇴‌ since last March.  This summer I plan to focus on my family and fun.  So I have a couple of options for you!  If you are OUT of my district or if you are in district and just want to have a casual time, learning a bit here and there, check out my Sunshiny Tech Summer Camp resources from last year.  You'll be able to access all of the videos and resources at your own pace, by the ocean, campfire, or from the comfort of your bed!  I plan on editing each page before summer break to let you know of any major changes that have been made to each tool.  Here's a reminder of the topics...

𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎
𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚢 𝚃𝚎𝚌𝚑 𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝙲𝚊𝚖𝚙 𝚂𝚒𝚝𝚎!

Next, if you are IN the district, please consider taking advantage of all of the learning opportunities we are offering this summer!  Remember to register for our Summer Summit face to face sessions which will be offered on June 8th and June 9th...

𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜!

Then, we will also offer asynchronous sessions from June 7th to August 1st...

𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚜𝚢𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜!

I hope you will consider taking advantage of these fabulous opportunities!  Don't forget you can get your Teacher Choice credit for attending!

NOW, on to other topics... some little birdies told me that many of your students are having to turn in their devices very soon!  I wanted to give you some resources to check out for some ⒻⓊⓃ, I'm also going to mention my favorites at each site! Some of these ideas may not work for you, but there are many that WILL!  Here is a quick list for you to access...

1. Ten Awesome End of Year Math Project Ideas 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... #5 Stem Parachutes!  Virtual students can also participate with materials they have at home! (I also love #1- The Theme Park Project)
2. 35 End of Year Assignments and Activities for Every Grade 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... #18 Take a field trip to the next grade (You can Zoom as a whole class via your computer!) (Ok, ok, I also love #1 Serve Up a Scoop of Memories because the students can be super creative with their ice cream sundaes and they pretty much only need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors.)
3. Proud to Be Primary- End of the Year Activities for Memorable Fun 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... #12 The Garden of Greatness wall.  I love the idea of students celebrating their accomplishments for the year!  I think virtual students could create this at home with strips of paper.  OR, click here to access a flower in Google Slides. You can assign it to students. They can add text boxes on the petals, then submit to you and you can print for them to add to the garden!
4. 7 Low Prep End of Year Activities- 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... #5 A to Z End of Year Reflection
5. 28 Fun Ways to Celebrate the End of the School Year from a Distance- 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... Definitely #8- the Virtual Talent Show.  Anytime of the year is a great time to celebrate students' talents!
6. 51 End-of-Year Gifts, Games, and Activities for Elementary Students- 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... #13 STEM Challenges!  There are many to choose from!  
7. TCEA Blog- Easy End of the Year Activities- 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... Scroll down to the bottom and take a look at the virtual field trip links.  
8. What to do on Lame Duck School Days- 𝑀𝑦 𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝐼𝑑𝑒𝑎... First of all, visit this site to find out what a "lame duck" school day is!  LOL!  Next... this is hard... I really like #3 Thank You Notes, #4 The Compliments Project, and who doesn't love a great game of #5 Charades?

Onward....

Graphics by...

☀Sunshiny Opportunities to Partner with @sunshinytech☀

 Good morning, ᕼᗩᑭᑭƳ ᖴᖇIᗪᗩƳ, AND ⓗⓐⓟⓟⓨ ⓢⓟⓡⓘⓝⓖ ⓑⓡⓔⓐⓚ!  Before we head off into the ⓢⓟⓡⓘⓝⓖ ⓑⓡⓔⓐⓚ sunset,  I wanted to be sure to invite you to partner with me when we get back from the break!  Presenting...(drumroll please)... 

First, let's reflect!  I have spent some time this year posting about a variety of high quality strategies and tools that support them.  Most recently, I spoke about the possibility of needing an investigation in your classroom.  Let's review ways you can partner with me in the upcoming months...

Click here to access my blog post about the Jigsaw Method!

Perhaps you want to try the Jigsaw Method in your classroom?  If you aren't sure what the Jigsaw Method is, click here to read my blog post. Notice I've listed steps for our time together. These steps may vary depending on your class needs, resources, available time, etc. Yes, you read that correctly, I AM able to come to your campus for steps where a Zoom meeting isn't ideal!  Next...

Click here to access my latest blog post about blended learning!

Maybe the idea of Blended Learning rotation stations is something you'd like to try with your students?  Never fear, I am here!  We can work together at a pace that is appropriate for you and your students. Remember, we CAN facilitate Blended Learning rotation stations in a concurrent classroom where you have in-person and at-home learners!  

Do you need an investigation in your classroom?   Maybe you feel like things aren't quite right, but you can't pinpoint what the issue is?  

Together we can search for clues, set a goal and work together to reach your goal and make your students sunshiny again!

Is it time to try something new?  We have been exposed to so many high quality strategies lately, and awesome, engaging tools to support them.  Perhaps you have a lesson in mind in which you want your students to think critically, create, collaborate, and/or communicate using a new tool.... or maybe it's an oldie but goodie tool you've been afraid to try on your own?  Once again, I'm here to partner with you and we can give it a try!

And then of course, it's possible you have a totally different need in mind!  That's ok too!

Did your wheels start turning?  Did something catch your eye?  What are the next steps?  In order to proceed in a safe, organized manner, I am going to ask you to fill out a form and let me know how you would like to partner with me. From there, I will email you and we will coordinate a time to begin step number o͙n͙e͙! 

𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚢 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 @𝚜𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚑 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖!

I can't wait to partner with you soon!  Now off you go to have the best spring break ever!  May it be filled with lots of... ⓢⓤⓝⓢⓗⓘⓝⓔ!

Time to Investigate! Let's Crack the Case in Your Classroom!

Hi!  What can I say?  I miss you! Do you remember that little thing called "The Impact Cycle"?  It has been really hard to support teachers through the Impact Cycle from afar.  But NOW is the time to get back to it!  Now that we are able to visit schools again, the Impact Cycle is especially possible, with a mix of virtual and in person visits! If your students look like this....

it's quite possible we need to investigate!  Even if they look like this...

it is possible they have fallen into a state of passive engagement. In a nutshell, they are just doing the work, going through the motions, and being compliant.  But they aren't really actively engaged to the point of asking questions, making connections, analyzing, and evaluating.  

In either case, yes, an investigation is what you need! Maybe you can't quite put your thumb on what is wrong exactly?  I'm here to help! Today our little detectives are here to help too! Let's begin....

Detectives identify.  They identify clues, evidence, and suspects. We are like detectives.  We will gather evidence in your classroom.  We can do that via images, video recordings, and/or student feedback. We need to get down to the bottom of the issue, identify the problem, and then identify a goal... or a way to solve the problem!  

Detectives investigate or learn!  They take all of the evidence, pieces of the puzzle, and knowledge they have, and work together to crack the case. We will find a way to reach your goal.  Together we will learn the best way to do that. We will practice and implement a new way of doing things to crack the case, solve the problem and reach your goal!  It may be a small change, or it may be big.  Big or small, I am here to be your partner every step of the way. You are the lead detective!

Detectives crack the case!  They use their expertise to get the person who committed the crime!  They improve the neighborhood around us and make the world a better place.  We will improve the teaching and learning in your classroom and and reach your goal. Remember, it might just be a small change that you need!  We will assess the situation and see if we need to go back and try another method!  But maybe the problem will be resolved and....

the case will be closed!  However, it's quite possible that you might discover, the case has to be reopened... or there's another case to address... another problem to solve...

in which case it will be time to start all over again with a new investigation!  And I'll be there to help with that one too, if you need me!  

Well what do you know? Identify... Learn...Improve.... it's the IMPACT CYCLE!  

The Impact Cycle can seem a bit overwhelming... but when you look at it from a different perspective, it's really not!  It's simply an investigation into a situation or problem and working together to solve that problem and enhance your teaching and learning environment in the process! I love it!

Think about your students and your classroom environment....do you need an investigation?  If so, don't forget I'm here to be your partner detective!!  Don't hesitate to reach out to me!  I'll also be sending more information about this in the upcoming weeks!

Let's Revisit the Blended Learning Station Rotation Model...and learn a little bit about Spaced vs. Massed Practice!

Hello!  I hope you are all doing well. I have so much to say today, so let's jump right in!  Remember in my last post I told you I went to the TCEA conference?   Well, there was another session I went to that gave me another "A-HA!" moment!  This session was about deploying Blended Learning in the classroom by Marcia Kish.  Between this session and other resources I have found since September 25, 2019, there is so much I want to share with you.  Why September 25, 2019?  Because that is the date I first shared the Blended Learning Station Rotation model with you! 

Lately, I have been hearing the term "Blended Learning" used loosely to describe the teaching and learning that is happening in a classroom with students who are at home learning virtually and students who are in the school building learning face-to-face with the teacher.  Technically this is called "concurrent" teaching and learning.  Blended Learning is a term used to describe a combination of online and offline resources and activities that are used to facilitate learning in the classroom.  

Here we are going to talk about a specific station rotation model in which the students complete the offline and online learning in stations. The good news is that Blended Learning stations CAN
be implemented in a concurrent teaching environment! It is not only for in-person, face-to-face learners.

 

Often when teachers research the Blended Learning Station Rotation model, it can seem overwhelming. This can be alleviated by starting off slowly, and partnering with a coach like ME!

When starting this model, I would suggest starting with one content area and one unit of study.  Then you should have your students go through the process of online and offline as a whole group.  This is do-able, especially since we now have a device for every student.  Then you will slowly start introducing stations to your students.  Yes, start off slowly like this, for example....

This example was shared by Marcia Kish in her "Deploying Blended Learning" Session at TCEA 2021

Now, when the calendar says "Whole Group", that means the whole group of students will participate in blended learning activities at one time.  So for example as a whole group, we might first research and take notes on a concept via Pebblego.com.  Then we will switch to an offline activity where we are creating a game or flashcards that include content related to the topic of study.  Students are working individually, but working synchronously on the online, and then the offline activity.  

As we introduce stations, students will practice working as a group. and working individually.  At the same time, they will rotate between activities that are online, and activities that are offline.  They will participate in activities where they get to create, collaborate and use critical thinking skills, sometimes online, and sometimes offline.  There is such a wide variety of activities or stations for students to complete, they should be engaged, interested and excited to participate each day.  

In the schedule above, the goal is to get students accustomed to the idea of stations.  As students continue beyond this schedule above they will eventually have the opportunity to move through stations at their own pace, place, and path.  In other words, some students may take longer than others to complete a station activity.  A student might choose to work on the floor in a corner, while another chooses a desk. (I know we have limited space right now due to Covid regulations!) A student might choose to complete stations in a different order than another student.  

Here again, the above is just an example of a possible schedule.  You might need to adjust based on your students.  My point in showing you this example is that I want you to see that you can start off slowly.  New things can seem overwhelming.  But this shows you it doesn't have to be!

You didn't think I would end this post without mentioning John Hattie did you?  I think this Blended Learning Station Rotation model is a perfect example of "Spaced Practice".  John Hattie talks about the difference between "Spaced" vs. "Massed" practice.  This basically means students spend several short sessions learning and practicing a concept over a longer period of time, instead of learning a concept in a large chunk(s) over a short period of time.  Spaced practice is an effective strategy with an effect size of .65. (That's another great one! Remember we are aiming for strategies above .4!)  To learn more about John Hattie and effect sizes, click here!  

This blog post is just a taste or overview of the Blended Learning Station Rotation model!  If you find that your students are not engaged or if they seem disinterested in the learning that is taking place in your classroom, this is a model you might consider trying.  As I mentioned above, I can partner with you to help you deploy this model in your classroom. Together, we can get this model up and running!  I'll be sending out more information soon about how you can sign up to partner with me to give this a try!  Keep an eye out for more information! 

It's time for more.... SUNSHINY DAYS!