Learning targets and I Can statements are new to my school this year. In fact, I officially heard about them for the first time a few weeks ago. Learning how to write learning targets for my kids got me thinking about my own learning targets concerning things I'm trying to improve upon this year.
- I can build math tasks around children's literature.
- I can use and teach the calendar in a more authentic way.
- I can allow and expect students to lead math discussions.
- I can position my students to let out their greatness.
- I can develop better systems for organizing conferring notes, assessments, and goals.
- I can improve the communication skills between students.
- I can use technology in authentic ways.
- I can continually seek ways to make phonics instruction more authentic.
- I can add whimsy to my classroom.
- I can use technology to build character.
- I can make charts with my students that are easy to understand and become tools that they refer to often.
- I can seek deeper conversations and deeper thinking with my students.
(Sometimes it helps to write them down.)
Great list Tammy! We too are doing the learning targets and I can lists. This year has me reassessing them and myself daily.:)
ReplyDeleteTammy
First Grade @ Storybook Cafe
dtklinger@gmail.com
Tammy, it is a daily process isn't it? Always on our toes. :)
DeleteWhen I used to sit on the interview committee, one of our best questions was, "Why do students fail?" And the candidates who got a second look were the ones that were able to take a hard look at themselves when they answered that question instead of at the students and their backgrounds, etc. Great post!
ReplyDeleteps. I LOVE the word whimsy!
DeleteBarbara, that's an interesting question to ask prospective teachers. The quality of our classroom instruction is so important. (I'm giving whimsy a go.) :)
DeleteI love you I Can list. I made my students write one thing they can do and banned "can't" from the room:-)
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee
Laurie, I love that you banned "can't" from your room too. It's all about being a can-doer.
DeleteI really like your quote - and the books that you suggest through your blog that help me continue to be a learner myself.
ReplyDeleteSara, there are way too many books in my pile. I'm glad to hear that my suggestions are helpful to you as well. :)
DeleteHi Tammy. Sounds like our schools are on a similar plan...we are talking a lot about setting and posting those learning objectives too. I think I need to sit down and write some of my own, too. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Teaching Little Miracles
Crystal, we might have to share notes on how our learning targets are going. :)
DeleteTammy, I love reading your posts...you always make me think! We are getting close to our fall break and I am hoping to get some reading done, so I can kind of re-vamp my classroom schedule. I like how you made "learning goals" for yourself. Thanks for making me think!
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Kelly, thanks for letting me know that my posts make you think. That's certainly my hope.
DeleteYour I can statements are great! A lot of them could apply to my room. :) Thank you for making us think!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, I hope I can pull of my I Can statements. At least I'm thinking about them.
DeleteI love the idea of I can statements for ourselves. I'm awed by your long list and it is abbreviated?! I can go make a list right now and put off dishes and laundry!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jenny, I bet your list would inspire me to add to mine!
DeleteI've been working through I can targets as well. I've added them to my lesson plans. I also state them before each lesson and ask kids to say what they think the target was at the end of each lesson. It's very focusing and eye opening.
ReplyDeleteKimberley
Kimberley, I'm still in the beginning stages of writing and using them. I've got lots to learn.
DeleteI love your I Can list...it could be mine:)
ReplyDeleteBarbara, cool! If you find ways to make those things happen in your room, let me know how you pulled it off! :)
Delete