RTI stands for Response to Intervention. It is slowly making its way across the states. We were given the training just this year. It seems overwhelming and impossible at times, but it does seem to show gains and improvements in our students achievement and behavior.
Time? This seems to be the question everyone is asking. After speaking to the professionals at our training I got a better understanding of how and what should be done. The students that are struggling will be placed in small groups, what we often call safety net groups. They will see you approximately three times a week and should not exceed 5-6 students at a time. These students are considered tier 2. For example, you may see them Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for about 15 minutes. If that does not seem to be enough, you one on one, you can up the student to tier 3 which is more intensive. That student will now see you not only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but also Thursday and Friday. You may spend more time with them and frequent group work activities. Tier 3 should not exceed more than 1-2 students at a time.
When? I have seen teachers do this first thing in the morning for 15 minutes (this is when I did it as well) or during science time. We are unable to use reader’s workshop, math workshop, or writing during this time. We are also not able to withhold them from recess, resource activities, or other school activities.
I had a very hard time with this new adjustment, but it does seem to be working. It takes much more planning and patience, but my once failing student is now passing with a C and we are only a few months into school. I’m hoping he can at least receive a B, however, a passing grade is nice too! Share your frustrations and concerns. Maybe we can all work together and share our ideas.
The first day of school can be a very anxious one. Not only for the students and their parents, but the teachers as well. I usually start the morning off by introducing myself to the parents and to the children. I make sure I not only shake the parents hand, but the child’s as well. I can instantly see some relief leave their faces. First impressions are huge with the parents and your students. Mom and dad want to make sure their child is happy and comfortable. While the child wants o feel safe and accepted. This is a great way to lift a huge burden off of everyone’s shoulders.
As teachers we are always looking for freebies, discounts, and free items. Since school will be starting back in just a few short weeks, I was in search of some handwriting worksheets that I could print and give to the students for practice. One website I’ve always been able to trust with free worksheets is Super Teacher Worksheets. They have worksheets for both lower case and capital letters as well as numbers. If you interested in printing some of these handwriting sheets, click here.
As for the rest of the site, browse for other great items and free printables. They are organized by subject and grade. However, you must have Adobe Reader to download the pages. Happy hunting!
In some schools, the theme is chosen for you. However, many teachers are given the freedom to choose their own theme. Below are the top ten themes for elementary classrooms.
1. Safari
2. Treasure/Pirate
3. Farm
4. Fiesta
5. Busy Bees
6. Luau
7. Western
8. Sports
9. Monkey Mischief
10. Ocean
I noticed that my first graders are beginning to bully one another. I think it is very important to nip this as soon as possible. I try and read books about self esteem, friendship, etc. We also discuss ways of solving conflicts and issues that may arise. We also have a no tolerance for bullying in the classroom. If students begin name calling, hitting, or bringing others down their behavior cards are turned. I think they are beginning to catch on and see the importance of treating others with respect. Books have been a great way to slyly say what I’d like to get across to them. They are very kid-friendly and students can easily relate. Just be sure to cover all aspects of bullying while they are young because when they are older I feel it is much harder or even too late.
Our new writing genre has begun. There are many standards to report writing, so I decided to start the mini-lesson by going over the standards (in a first grade friendly manner) and then begin a fairly easy assignment. My standards were as follows:
*Choose a topic
*Gather Facts
*Organize facts
*Have headings
*Have an introduction
*Have a closing
Bonus items to include: table of contents, glossary, and labels
Once we reviewed the standards, I told them they were making a lost poster for a lost pet. They must give information on what their pet looks like, their name, etc. to help another individual find their missing pet. They were to also include a picture of what their pet looks like. This was a great way to introduce report/informational writing.
