Susan Fitzell - Educational Consultant and Speaker » Manchester http://hightestscores.org Practical Strategies for Co-taught, Inclusive, and Differentiated Classrooms! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:04:45 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Singing the Guidelines for Flexible Grouping http://hightestscores.org/2008/10/singing-the-guidelines-for-flexible-grouping/ http://hightestscores.org/2008/10/singing-the-guidelines-for-flexible-grouping/#comments Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:28:56 +0000 Susan Fitzell http://susanfitzell.edublogs.org/?p=84 Woodington Middle School Workshop on Flexible Grouping and Acceleration Centers (™)
Recently, I presented a ‘workshoppy workshop” on Flexible Grouping and Accleration Centers (™)at Woodington Middle School in Kinston, NC. To teach the concept of small groups, the teachers actually get into small groups and learn the material (similar to a jigsaw) well enough to present their section to the rest of the group. After we’ve discussed the basics of flexible grouping and created ground rules, each small group takes a section of the material and creates a mind-map denoting the key points and a creative, non-lecture way to present the information to the group. The eighth grade teachers created and performed a song to the tune of Singing in the Rain to teach and remember successful tips for flexible grouping. They were just awesome! I always appreciate teachers who have the courage to get up in front of their peers to perform. It takes a lot of hootspah! I’m honored that I had the opportunity to work with them.

A poem about small group work sung to the tune of Singing in the Rain.

 

 

 

Written by Susan Heath, Kellie Wolfe, Linda Smith, and Judy Burkett

We are the groupies and we’ll help you with your lengthy hour if you’ll pay attention to our flower power.

 

Today I am going to see in which groupie you will be. I’ve had a chance to look at last year’s EOG. (North Carolina’s End Of Grade test.)

There is a test we will use to see the various aspects of your personality.

I’ve observed you in the classroom and various other places so you may not be with your friends today but brand new smiling faces.

Your academic abilities may not be the same, combine your strengths and weaknesses you’re sure to win the game.

The interest you have is sure to grow as you share with each other the knowledge you know.

You may not be quite ready for the task that is at hand but after class instruction now you’ve got it man.

In a small group there is no time to sleep recorder, reporter or the time you will keep.

Some of you learn better by listening to what I say. Others learn by touching or in a visual kind of way.

Self-assessment is a valuable tool so leave your exit card with me and you’ll definitely be cool.

 

 

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]]> http://hightestscores.org/2008/10/singing-the-guidelines-for-flexible-grouping/feed/ 0 Gilmanton, NH Teachers Embrace Differentiated Instruction http://hightestscores.org/2008/10/gilmanton-nh-teachers-embrace-differentiated-instruction/ http://hightestscores.org/2008/10/gilmanton-nh-teachers-embrace-differentiated-instruction/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:20:29 +0000 Susan Fitzell http://susanfitzell.edublogs.org/?p=88 Gilmanton School Works to Reach All Learners

Last Friday, I did my “Differentiated Instruction Strategy Blast” seminar at Gilmanton  School. Not only was a treated to breathtaking foliage on the way to this New Hampshire town, I spent the day with a motivated, positive staff who truly care about helping their students succeed.

Bright Ideas from Gilmanton SchoolHere’s the first indicator: The front tables filled up first! When I saw that happen I knew that I was in for a great day! Ok, it’s true, we presenters are partial to people who are willing to brave the front row.

Teachers were also willing to share their best practices and resources with me.
Following are strategies and tips that are working for Gilmanton teachers.
  • For students to build vocabulary skills at home, suggest to parents that they turn on the closed captioning on tv.

 

  • Use the sign language alphabet to have students practice spelling words. We used it very successfully with special education students in grades 4-8. One first grade teacher plans to use it as a center. Idea contributed by Amy Small

 

  • A great website for building vocabulary and doing a good deed is www.freerice.com – grammar, foreign languages, multiplication, vocab, science elements. Idea contributed by Erika Langlais

 

  • For pictures to connect to vocabulary for visual vocabulary review cards, try  http://www.makebeliefscomix.com  –  This site is a wonderful tool for teachers and students alike!

 

  • Lastly, here is a a free online tool that has the potential to meet the needs of more than just the students with learning disabilities for whom it was intended. Read the Words — http://readthewords.com “Originally designed for students with disabilities, ReadTheWords accepts multiple input formats such as MS Word, PDF, or html for users to create readings. Output is a synthesized speech file in one of fifteen voices that can be heard online, downloaded, saved, and shared. If you download the toolbar, you can convert text in a web page to speech without having to go to ReadTheWord.com”
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