Learning has NO Constraints

David, a senior at Birdville High School, continues to make an impact on both myself as an educator, as well as the learners of Room 27!  Meeting David, during his sophomore year, opened my world to the joy of learning, through a student's eyes.  David brings a love of learning about math, science, music and technology, as well as a desire to grow in his knowledge as a learner.

I extended the invitation to come work with the learners of Room 27, as we embarked on participating in the National Hour of Code.  Like my previous post, David came to NRMS, rather than the BCTAL on Friday, December 9th.  Seats in our classroom began to fill with eager students shortly after 7:45, ready to explore the world of coding.   Knowing I had an expert in the field, ready to answer questions, who brought first hand experience, opened the doors to a day of creativity & critical thinking, for both my students and myself...excitement was an understatement!

David in his element @BISDBCTAL
  

I asked David to reflect and share his thoughts on his participation in Hour of Code:

As a student of computer science, I am always looking for opportunities to expand my horizons and further develop the skills upon which I will build my career. Recently, Elizabeth invited me to attend an Hour of Code event at North Richland Middle School. I did not hesitate to accept as I have no doubts of Elizabeth’s ability to create opportunities for me or her students. Though I have been tutoring students in geometry and algebra for a while, I had never been in a group setting like I was during Hour of Code.



My job was to be available to students with questions about the coding activity of their choice, helping them use basic commands to make a turtle move and draw a picture on the screen. A task as simple as drawing a house proved to be a great way to introduce the students to new concepts in programming, namely the importance of translating math equations into commands that the computer can understand.

Most students are excited about programming because they view it as an escape from math; however, computer coding is just an application of it. I have written many programs along my journey of teaching myself to code, and for many of them, I have had to draw from my knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and even calculus. Pairing math and programming is an essential tool for getting any student excited about learning, as I saw firsthand during the Hour of Code.

Giving students the chance to see their math in action as they “teach” it to the computer is a great way to reach a better understanding of the fundamentals of math. Through teaching myself to code, I have strengthened not only my knowledge of the way computers work but also I have become more comfortable with adapting to the sometimes unintuitive concepts of calculus. No two programming challenges are the same, so coding requires the creative adaptability that is so valuable to the world of engineering today.

Who knew Pythagorean Theorem could be written in code?

Overall, the Hour of Code proved to be a learning experience for both myself and Elizabeth’s students; I love the idea of Hour of Code and wish it was around when I was in middle school. I would strongly encourage hesitant teachers to give this incredible program a shot and provide for their students potentially one of the most pivotal hours of their lives.

**Because of David's passion for learning and coding, we now have kids who are beginning to come in before and after school to code.  We are in the midst of putting together a Coding Camp for area students...Stay Tuned for More Learning!

Pancakes & PJs Brunch

7th & 8th Grade Teachers enjoying Santa & Mrs. Claus at our holiday brunch

On Wednesday, December 14th, the members of Honesty House, hosted brunch for the faculty and staff of NRMS!  The theme was perfect since it was also pajama day, thanks to our December Fun calendar.  

The benefits of learning about Canva during PLC!

Small details that made our time together special

Mr. V getting into the holiday spirit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus

Even our Digital Campus Specialist came by NRMS
for a visit

Happy Holidays!

Eliminating the Teacher Zone (Indicator 4)...Who's Classroom is It?

As I walked into my new classroom, in August, all I could see what a huge black box.  A black box that brought me back to the start of my teaching career.  A black box that I knew I must get out of my room as soon as possible!  A black box known as a TEACHER desk....

One of the biggest changes I made was 5 years ago, when our administrative team changed at CTMS.  With a change in leadership came expectations in regards to classroom setup.  How could we best utilize our classrooms to enhance learning?  

This same question was brought up in our STEM certification training (Indicator 4).  Too many times, we as teachers have 30-40% of the classroom devoted to our stuff, "the Teacher Zone."  In reality, we should have minimal space devoted to our things in a classroom.  

Optimal learning occurs when a teacher is utilizing every minute in a classroom, where students are utilizing 21^st Century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking.  Educators are in the power zone, questioning about their thinking and guiding students as they find solutions to real life problems.  In a student-centered learning environment, learners have opportunities for individualized learning, as well as being a leader in the classroom.  Both students and teachers are reflective learners; thinking about their experiences and connecting them to real world situations, in a student-centered classroom. 

The book that changed our learning environment

Having participated in a campus-wide book study over The Fundamental Five by Sean Cain and Teach Like a Pirate, by Dave Burgess, I, as an educator, experienced growth as a learner.  Cain focuses on five characteristics:  framing the lesson, working in the power zone, frequent, small-group, purposeful talk about the learning, recognizing and reinforcing and writing critically.   As an educator, these characteristics help educators focus and make decisions that are intentional and meaningful.  By making these changes, student achievement rises! 

Once the big black box was removed from C8 years ago, I knew the room would never go back to a teacher-led classroom.  Creativity, collaboration and critical thinking emerged.  Worksheets disappeared and driving questions emerged.  Our learning opportunities were no longer limited to the 4 walls of our classroom, which makes learning more meaning and intentional for all stakeholders.  

Currently I have a table, that holds the document camera.  However, there are chairs ready for students.  In fact students beg to come work at the table, despite working in table groups.  I think there is something about sitting in a regular chair :)  

Honestly, I can't even remember the last time I sat at "my" teacher area.  I encourage each of you to look around your classroom and see how much space is devoted to student learning.  Are you teaching from a teacher-centered platform or a student-centered learning platform?  

Getting to Go to Work in December

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas are typically filled with energy filled children, lots of activity and a countdown until break.  The last few years, I've changed my perspective on these 3 weeks.  It's no longer about having to work, but getting to go to work each day.  It's not 15 days until Christmas break, it's 15 days of meaningful learning opportunities for our learners. 

Over the course of the 15 days, the learners of Room 27 continued to pave the way on their learning journey.  8th grade math students focused on Pythagorean Theorem, while Algebra students focused on the laws of exponents.  All learners participated in their first Hour of Code!  It was 15 days of learning, not dread; 15 days of growing in their knowledge and experience; 15 days of getting to come to school! To top off our continued days of learning, our administrative team spread some holiday cheer during a chaotic filled few weeks, which made the days even brighter.

One of our goals, as a learning community, is to in fact build community amongst our staff.  This calendar provided just that!  We felt appreciated and thought of, as we'd find treats in the office, were given special dress up days and most of all had smiles brought to our faces as we were encouraged to spread cheer and joy amongst our school!

Hot Cocoa Bar brought smiles & conversation

Red, White & Green Day supporting our TCU Frogs

How did you spread holiday cheer towards your fellow coworkers and learners?

#observeme

Because of our goal-setting conferences and STEM certification modules, I began to feel a need for personal growth.  I found I was using the same instructional strategies day in and day out.  If I was becoming bored with the monotony, I know my learners were too!  

Coming back after Thanksgiving break, feeling rested and ready to conquer the next 15 days of learning opportunities, I now have the following sign hanging outside of Room 27.  

#observeme

I encourage all educators to either have a coworker come observe or set up an iPad to record a lesson.  It's amazing to have an "outsider" perspective into your learning environment.  During the 2015-2016 school year, I was on a campus that encouraged this process, 360 Reflection.  The 360 Reflection process included recording a lesson, setting goals based on the digital artifact, discussions with our learning liaison and coworkers, classroom observations and student voice.  All compiled to not only help me be a more focused, intentional teacher, but also made my students achieve a higher level of personal success!  

Here's are a few examples of surveys I have used in our classroom:

 A Student's Perspective: Your Voice Matters

A Parent's Perspective on Goal Setting

Typically, I will post this in Google classroom, send an email or remind message or post on Skyward.  One bit of advice I have is to keep it unanimous.  Students will be more willing to share their exact feelings and thoughts if they know there will be no negative consequences.

What will you do to  collect data to better improve your learning environment?  

Kicking off our STEM Certfication!

 Domain 1:  Creating an Environment for Learning 

We had nearly 2 weeks to think about which option for certification worked best for us.  Tough decisions were made and it was decided that some of our certification modules would be completed during our department PLC, some with both our math & science departments (after all it’s about both of our content areas!), while others would require some of our personal time. 

On Friday, December 2, 2016, we meet as a department in our computer lab, where we kicked off our STEM certification!  Our focus, Domain 1: Creating an Environment for Learning.  Kathryn walked us through the website and we began to dive into our online curriculum.  

We were given an article to read and collaborate on with our shoulder partners: Building Empathy in Classrooms & Schools and then watched a classroom video, which would lead to thought provoking discussions on what makes a learning environment positive.  

I must be honest, after watching the video and hearing my peers thoughts, the wheels begin to spin.  Spin because I realized just how vast our experience and knowledge as teachers is within our department.  We each have different ideas as far as what a positive learning environment looks, sounds and feels like.  By going through our certification together, we will grow together and help each other grow in this aspect.  After all, we are learners too!  

Observing each other was the next task on our agenda!  I always love observing others' classrooms because you can always learn something new.  From a new way to group students or an instructional strategy to implement in our classrooms, powerful conversations amongst my team members evolved!

Guiding Questions for our Video Reflection & Classroom Observations

1. How would you characterize the majority of interactions between the teacher and student?

2. Describe what you would consider to be positive interactions.  How do you determine which interactions are positive?

3. Describe any interactions you observed that you would have changed, and how you would have changed them.  

Becoming 21st Century Learners through the World of Code

All I can say is how proud I am of our Falcons, as my teaching partner, Mrs. Harvey!  The learners of Room 25 & 27 participated in National Hour of Code yesterday.  Sure there was some hesitation, due to the uncertainty, but most of all there was a contagious excitement, as we embraced innovative, 21st century learning!

Pictures were being shared on social media of their creations, as well as texts and emails to their parents showing what fun they were having in class.

Sharing via Email

Sharing on Social Media

Sure we, as teachers, "gave up" a day of instruction, but in the long run we did what was best for our kids!  By being intentional with the time we have during the day, we are able to integrate learning opportunities, such as Hour of Code.

What did students learn during our Hour of Code? 

Falcon Shout Outs go to.....


 Rashel Larson (@raschellarson)

• for creating an Hour of Code 101 Smore for our teachers!  Hour of Code: Learning to Program  This helped alleviate anxiety as we were taking a risk and trying something new; we were modeling being a 21st century learner. 

• for joining us yesterday and popping back and forth between our classrooms.  You were able to answer questions our kids had about various programs, as well as help with various devices. 

• for providing continuous support, as our campus begins to embrace a digital learning platform! 

Connecting Minecraft to Coding

Jaclyn Harvey (@jharvey0512) 

• for your willingness to embrace Hour of Code with our kids!  
• for participating along side our kids, modeling that we are all life long learners

Teamwork makes the Dreamwork

Mrs. Harvey created herself as an emoji

David Rademacher (@davidkrad17)

• for sharing your passion of learning with our Falcons, as you shared your experiences with mathematics, science and computer programming!  

Learning from an BCTAL student about coding

Pythagorean Theorem in Code

Connections were being made between math and the real world!  

When 4 boys asked if they could skip lunch, I knew our day of learning was worth it!  We're already trying to figure out how we can do this as a club, as well as fitting it into our upcoming units of study.

Stay tuned for students' digital reflections using www.canva.com

Learning about Opportunities at the BCTAL

Falcons Heading to the BCTAL

On Tuesday, November 29, our 8th grade Falcons boarded the buses and headed to the Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning (@BISDBCTAL).  Through various conversations, students were unsure of the what they were about to experience during our time at the BCTAL.  A few had siblings who took classes there, but again, many were about to experience a first!  

As our 250 8th graders entered the Omni Room, I overheard many conversations.  Students were amazed that this was a "school."  They wondered if this is what our new campus, opening this coming fall, would look like.  They wondered how they could take classes here.  Within minutes, many would learn the answers to these questions, along with many more that were sparked, as students learned about the awesome opportunities that awaited them in high school!  

Current BCTAL students served as tour guides, which was awesome!  Student voice & student experience are huge when it comes to meeting the needs of our learners.  Our student leaders are both part of the criminal justice program.  The young men shared about their off campus learning opportunities, as well as the hands-on opportunities they encounter each day.  Both young men plan on pursuing a career in criminal justice and are looking ahead to what colleges offer these programs.  

One of our awesome tour guides

As we moved throughout the BCTAL, students were introduced to the various programs offered.  We began our tour by learning about the construction tech and automotive tech programs.  I love how students in these programs are able to have hands-on experiences, along with time in the classroom to learn.  Students were amazed at the playhouses that were student built, as well as the shop where students worked on actual cars.

  

Learning Vocational Trades such as Auto & Construction Tech

Building playhouses for area children

Our next stop on the tour was the agriculture program.  Students walked through the student-built green house, on our way to the cosmetology program.   Cosmetology is a popular interest amongst middle school girls!  Here students learned that they could graduate from high school with their license, at a reduced price.  What a huge incentive that is for our students!  

Students were introduced to the graphic design, audio visual and computer programming offerings as well!  Current projects were being worked on such as creating and adding sound effects into movies and determining how to move a car across the floor.  Knowing how intrigued students were so about computer programming and software engineering, I was thrilled we got to see these programs first hand!  

Computer Programming Opportunities

Our tour ended with a focus on computer networking and criminal justice programs.  Because our tour guides are part of the criminal justice program, their passion came alive at this stop!  Students were intrigued by what they did and had some great questions.  

Learning about CISCO, Computer Networking & Criminal Justice

The excitement and energy from our Falcons, as we exited the Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning (@BISDBCTAL) was incredible, after our field trip! Many students said it was awesome that we had done our goal setting conferences before hand because now they better understood which classes would benefit their future plans.  Students weren't afraid to ask questions about pre-requisites or for advice from the students as what classes to take, so they could make the most of the BCTAL course offerings.   In fact, several students have already put schedule change requests into our counselor, after this learning experience!

The connections Falcons made between our digital goal setting and our visit reiterated once again why building relationships with our students is vital to their success, as well as igniting the passion of learning in all of us! 

#ThankfulThursday: Building Community at NRMS

We, the students and faculty, at North Richland Middle School are  focusing the 2016-2017 school year on building the culture and climate in our school community.  A committee of students, parents and staff met this past spring and during the summer to create the foundation of the Falcon Way.  The Falcon Way Mission supports students, faculty, staff and community members in living “The Falcon Way” by:  providing the tools and skills to incorporate the BISD CORE values into all of our work and creating opportunities for our Falcons to soar.

Each Monday, students meet with their Falcon Way advisory group. Every six weeks, both students and teachers, focus on building  courage, kindness, responsibility, empathy, honesty and acceptance.  Throughout the six weeks, students brainstorm ideas on how, we as North Richland Middle Falcons, can create events within our school community to instill these core values. 

During this six weeks our Falcon Way advisory group, Courage House, came together and focused on building community within our own school.  By brainstorming ideas, students came up with the idea to celebrate our faculty and staff.  Once we decided on how we would build community, students began to plan a #ThankfulThursday celebration for our staff!

 

Classes voted on which tasks they wanted to complete.  These tasks included:  creating invitations, advertising our breakfast, creating videos celebrating our community of learners, decorating our building with a Tree of Thanksgiving and serving as hosts and hostesses for our celebration.

Conversation Starters for our Teachers 

We're Thankful for You!

Watching our students, faculty & staff come together as one community was an incredible experience for all of the NRMS community.

What are You Grateful For?

We're Thankful for You!

As a culminating Thank You to our teachers, students worked during Falcon Way time, as well as before and after school, working on a video to show what community means at NRMS.  Students took pictures & videos of the happenings within our building, as well as creating a Google form to gather thoughts from others within our school community.