TEACHING | laurapiper

The "You Rock" Chair This is used as a motivational strategy. Students share exemplary work to the class while sitting in this chair. They look forward to it, and strive to earn the privilege.
Classroom Jobs Students are rotated through daily jobs in order to promote their sense of pride in our classroom, feel valued, and learn responsibility.
Standards Posted I always keep our weekly standards posted not only as a tool for myself and students, but also as a courtesy to parents.
Compliment Chain It is important that students are able to reach long term goals in addition to short term. This is why my class works together to build the compliment chain. Whenever the class as a whole is given a compliment we add a link to our chain. When the chain reaches the floor we celebrate by having extra computer lab time or playing musical chairs.
Easily Understood Directions Regardless of grade level, it is important that students are able to complete tasks independently. This is why I ensure all directions are posted and easily understood. This may mean using symbols, or color coding. It is an excellent way of supporting self sufficiency among students.

Active Learning I use the word wall as more than just a display. In my classroom we play games with the word wall, integrate our use of it with technology, and use it across content areas.
Word Work Word work is full of choices. Students choose which activity they will do, check it off, and choose a different one the next day. By the end of the week students have completed all word work activities.
Buddy Reading Students work together and can choose a tool from our "toolbox". These students chose our tracking tools.
Modified Work After listening to a story, students reflected on what they read. However, this work was color coded challenging students at the appropriate level.
Shared Writing During Writer's Workshop students are encouraged to share their pieces, and offer editing advice to their peers.
Work with Teacher / Guided Reading This time is always put to good use. I may conduct assessments at this time, work on specific skills with students, or read with a group.

Guided Math During guided math usually I will model a skill or concept, then we will try it together, and lastly students will try it individually or with partners while I support them.
Math Games Math games are always aligned with skills we are currently learning or skills that need to be reviewed.
Math Journals Students are aware of the five expectations for completed math journals and check themselves once they believe they have completed them all.

Motivational Techniques such as:
- lunch buddy passes
- computer passes
- I want to read passes
Behavior Magnets
Parent communication and involvement
Students feel safe and valued in the classroom
Hands on and engaging activities
Compliment Chain
Student independence is supported throughout the classroom
- tools are within student reach
- directions are clearly posted
- students make choices that effect their learning

Everyday Mathematics
Guided Math
- students meet with teacher
- student objectives and activites are differentiated
- all students are challenged at appropriate levels
Math Journals
- independent thinking is promoted
- students apply the skills being taught within the classroom to math problems found in everyday lives
Math Games
- students reinforce or review skills with a partner in a learning environment with play as the focus
- students may work on activities on the SMART Board that align with our learning objectives

Laura Piper