Monthly Archives: September 2010

MIAB Speeches Wrap & Language Beyond Vocal Delivery: Update for Monday, 27 September 2010

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Me In A Bag Speeches

After considering memorable performances from your lives – everything from Kanye West to Cirque du Soleil – we completed the Me In A Bag speeches.

Me In A Bag Speech Analysis

We discussed the Post-Speech Analysis Task.  What you need to do is watch the video of your speech and consider the following questions:

  1. What are my strengths as a speaker?
  2. What challenges did I face when delivering this speech?
  3. What goals will I set for my next speech / presentation?

You can use the “Me in a Bag Speech” Assessment Criteria / The 8 Ps of Powerful Presentations as a framework for this analysis and you can touch on any other aspects of your talk that strike you.

Now, the beauty of this task is that you can present this content information via any end product you see fit.  This approach to the assignment is consistent with the princicples of DI (differentiated instruction).  Here’s a 6 minute clip with some basic info on DI at the K-12 and university levels:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJmEiQ4HmEc&feature=PlayList&p=4C5E68673251FE37&index=1[/youtube]

Then, we brainstormed an extensive list of options in class – which I promptly forgot to write down on paper, sadly.  You could consider analyzing your speech using:

  • a map
  • a song
  • a poem
  • a comic strip
  • a dance
  • a news article
  • a poster
  • a graphic organizer
  • a Prezi presentation
  • a game show
  • a model / diorama
  • a sculpture
  • a collage

The possibilities are well and truly endless.  The key, however, is to ensure that whatever product you choose is conducive to clearly demonstrating the content. Some products may need  to be accompanied with a one-pager that makes all three aspects of the analysis clear.

I’m  looking forward to seeing what sort of creations you come up with by the due date, Monday, 4 October 2010.

Administrivia

I touched on the following items:

  • Alternate Practicum in a Rural or Remote BC Community: Please see this post for the details.  I’ve recently updated the post by adding the application form for this initiative.  The application due date is Friday, 26 November 2010.
  • Tomorrow’s Pre-Prac Prep Session: We previewed the Practicum Info Gathering questions, organized the potluck lunch, and  reviewed the Ropes Course expectations

Looking More Closely At Language

In a previous session, I asked you to read “Chapter 4: Language”  from the text Communication for the Classroom Teacher by Simonds and Cooper (2011) using the Sticky Notes strategy.  As a means of processing the information, we used the discussion strategy First Turn/Last Turn.  Here’s how it works:

I modeled FT/LT with a modified Fishbowl method.  After that, we developed criteria for a powerful discussion and then I set you on your way to have your own talk about the piece.  While time ran short, we did analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the FT/LT strategy.  In a future class, I will share with you a Discussion Rubric that you can use in your middle school classroom and we’ll spend some time to consider the chapter’s content.

Later alligators.

– Lawrence

Emily Longworth Award: Funding For Special Projects on Practicum

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Here’s another practicum-related opportunity you may be keen to pursue.  Please read the message below from Elementary / Middle Years Practicum Coordinator, Bob Shoofey, for information on how you can win the Emily Longworth Award and access funds to facilitate a special project in your practicum classroom:

“In honour of the memory of Emily Longworth, a teacher candidate who was an inspiration and role model to fellow students, these awards are offered to those whose practica involve curricula or extra–curricular activities promoting multicultural understanding, healthy lifestyle, environmental awareness, and achieving full life potential. Candidates annually apply by January 30 through the Teacher Education Office.

This is a wonderful opportunity for TCs to apply for funding to undertake special learning projects with their class. This funding is intended to benefit children in schools where they are less likely to have access to enrichment projects. Projects could be in the fine arts, environmental studies, social justice, etc and resources should be targeted on the children’s learning experiences rather than on equipment.

Interested TCs should discuss a potential project with their SA and then see Gary Rupert in TEO as soon as the 2-week practicum is complete.”

– Lawrence

Announcing an Alternate Practicum in a Rural or Remote BC Community

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This opportunity is hot off the presses.  Please see below for information about an exciting practicum option that I’ve been asked to make you aware of:

“The Ministry of Education (through TEO) is offering funding to experience a 3 or 4 week practicum (the final 3 or 4 weeks of EDUC 419, the long practicum) in a rural or remote BC elementary school classroom.

The goal of this initiative is to increase the visibility of schools in rural and remote BC communities and to highlight their potential as great places to live and teach.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, up to twenty teacher candidates will have the chance to experience a practicum in a rural or remote setting from June 6 – 24, 2011.  Funding in the form of a bursary between $1400 and $2000 (depending on location) will be provided to offset some of the costs of transportation, accommodation, and living expenses.

Applicants must have demonstrated a high level of achievement in all completed course work, and in EDUC 323, the two-week practicum. Confirmation of acceptance will be made following a successful mid-point evaluation during EDUC 419 in addition to advisor approval.

If you are a TC interested in this opportunity, please contact Bob Shoofey (robert.shoofey@ubc.ca) in TEO as soon as possible.  Please provide Bob with some potential locations where you would be interested in going for this practicum, as we are open to any and all possibilities.”

Here’s the application form if you’re interested: Application for Rural or Remote Practicum Experience – 2010.  It’s due on Friday, 26 November 2010.

– Lawrence

Looking Ahead to EDUC 315 Practicum Prep & Ropes Course on 28 Sept 2010

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We’ve got an exciting day planned for Tuesday, 28 September.  It breaks down nicely into three parts.  Here’s the scoop:

PART 1: PRE-PRACTICUM PREP AND INFO GATHERING

We will meet from 10:00 am to NOON in PONDEROSA E 123.  Here’s a map if you need help finding the building.

During this time, we will:

  • Gather Information on Your Practicum Preferences
  • Highlight the Goals and Expectations of EDUC 315, the Tuesdays Practicum
  • Discuss How to “Suck Out All the Marrow” of the Practicum Experience (with apologies to Thoreau)
  • Stress the Importance of Professional Demeanour
  • Share Tips for Classroom Observations
  • Answer Any Burning Questions

PART 2: POTLUCK LUNCH

Your friendly neighbourhood Social Committee is taking the reins on this one.  Look for more details soon via this blog or, perhaps, even old school face-to-face communication in class.

PART 3: THE UBC ROPES COURSE

We’ll hit the UBC Ropes Course from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.  The experience promises to provide challenge, team building opportunities, and fun.   The cost is $25 per person.  Please bring your money on the day as we will pay when we arrive at the course.

Check out the facility’s website if you’d like to see some photos of course participants in action.  Also, you can view this clip of high schoolers at ropes course.  It’s different than the one we’ll visit, but the video should give you a sense of what you can expect:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_82Zr1qTp8[/youtube]

Background Information

Here is some information about the course and the philosophy that guides its operation:

The UBC Ropes Course is an entirely outdoor, forested facility located between Thunderbird Stadium and 16th Ave.  We offer a variety of great programming…

We allow all members of the team to be as active in each activity as they choose to be.  Our “Challenge by Choice” philosophy allows each team member to choose their individual challenge for each initiative– we fully understand that not everyone has the same comfort level for various challenges.  Peer pressure will not be tolerated to coerce people into doing something they do not choose to do.  However we will ask for permission to encourage all team members.

The Supply List

Here is some important information about what and what NOT to bring to this outing:

Please be sure to bring the following things to the course:

1.   Signed waiver & medical history form – we will complete these on the morning of the event

2.   Snack and a water bottle — to keep energy levels high

3.   An extra sweater or jacket — It’s always 5oC cooler in the shade of the trees

4.   Closed toe shoes — no sandals or flip flops

Optional items:

5.   Raincoat or poncho (not umbrellas) for wet days— we run rain or shine

6.   Gloves—hanging on to ropes can occasionally cause rope burn or blisters.  Mountain bike, weight lifting, or batting gloves are the best.  Something with grip, but that fits snugly.

7.   Camera – it’s great to have lasting memories of the day, but realize that taking photos will not always possible as you will need to be an active participant in the program.

Please DO NOT bring:

  • MP3 players
  • Valuables
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics
  • Pets
  • Garden gnomes (they creep me out!)

If you have questions, please check out this list of FAQs – UBC Ropes Course FAQs.  If you still have questions, please see me in class or drop me on email.

That’s all for now.

Cheers,

– Lawrence

Me in a Bag Speeches Redux: Update for Wednesday, 22 September 2010

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While you rolled into class I asked you to take a small slip of paper and write on it something that you would not find in your grandmother’s kitchen.  We used these slips of paper for our first activity:

A/B Partners Impromptu Speaking

After brainstorming a variety of ways you could approach an impromptu speech on an object, I asked you to find a partner and speak for 50 seconds – after 10 very important seconds of think time – on the object listed on a randomly selected slip of paper. The items you had to speak about were liquor and a coffee maker.

Me in a Bag Speeches: Take 2

We continued with the Me in a Bag speeches today.  Thanks to all who presented.  We’ll finish the final 6 in Monday’s class.

Administrivia

  • TC Profile: It’s due on Monday, 27 September.  Please see an earlier post for the template and more details.
  • Pre-Prac Prep & Ropes Course: I handed out the waiver and medical form that need to be completed in order to participate at the Ropes Course.  While ‘ll put up another post with more details about this day, the forms can be found below:

Beyond Verbal Delivery: A Reading from Communication for the Classroom Teacher, 9th Edition by Simonds and Cooper

In an effort to extend your thinking about language and its use in the classroom, I’m asking you to read Chapter 4 from the Simonds and Cooper text.  Please use the Sticky Notes strategy to pick out 3 interesting ideas in the reading and to comment on why those sections speak to you.  Write your thoughts on the text’s ideas on the sticky note itself.  You could write:

  • a conection
  • a reaction
  • a question
  • an inference
  • a prediction
  • or some other thoughts that occur as you consider the piece of selected text

Be prepeared to discuss your 3 sticky notes and the text chunks they relate to in class on Monday, 27 September 2010.

Sticky Notes is a simple but powerful strategy that can be used in both non-fiction and fiction contexts.  Here’s a quick blurb on how to do it:

OK, that wraps it up.  Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you on Monday.

– Lawrence

Digital Tattoo Workshop Evaluation Form

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The presenters of last week’s Digital Tattoo workshop value your feedback.  To that end, please follow this link to the Digital Tattoo Workshop Evaluation form on which you can express your thoughts on the talk.  Information gathered will be used to improve the helpfulness and relevance of future DT presentations.

Cheers,

– Lawrence

Vancouver Aquarium’s Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, 7 October 2010

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Not a lot of really high quality freebies come the way of teachers so, when they do, I’ll let you know about them.  The Vancouver Aquarium is presenting its Teacher Appreciation Night on Thursday, 7 October 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.  It’s open to all TCs.  Here’s the blurb as per the Van Aqua website:

A night for all B.C. educators, student teachers & teachers-on-call to be pampered by the Vancouver Aquarium!

You and a guest are invited to join us for this exclusive, complimentary evening of fun and excitement as we thank you for the wonderful work that you do.

Expect to enjoy:

Register now for this event!

– Lawrence

Let the Artifact Speeches Begin: Update for Monday, 20 September 2010

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I’ll start with a big thank you to Alice for doing this morning’s videotaping.  Who will be the victim, er… budding cinematographer next class?

Artifcat Related Warm Up

To get your body moving and your brain fired up we played What Is It?, an object transformation drama game.  Each class member took a scarf and transformed it into another object – a kite and an elephant’s trunk, among many other things – while class members guessed about what “artifact” the scart had become.  You’ll find the guidelines for the game, along with instruction for many other drama games, in this handout:

What Is It? & Other Drama in the Classroom Activities

Me in a Bag Speeches

After discussing the learning intentions – the goals – for this task, we:

  • Reviewed the task criteria
  • Rehearsed with A/B partners
  • Looked at past examples of the Post-Speech Analysis activity
  • Chose a speaking order
  • Reviewed what active listening looks like
  • Started the speeches

Here is the full speaking order, if you’re curious about where you fit into the mix:

  1. Sarah
  2. Jeremy
  3. Maria
  4. Amber
  5. Lou
  6. Devin
  7. Melanie
  8. Jenna
  9. Jennifer
  10. Farisha
  11. Tyrel
  12. Kat K
  13. Aaron
  14. Amanda
  15. Leanne
  16. Sally
  17. Kat M
  18. Alice
  19. Lars
  20. Shaun
  21. Miguel
  22. Christian
  23. Ian
  24. Ross
  25. Caitlin

Thanks to those who’ve already presented.  You can all take a lot of pride in the knowledge that you, while you may have been nervous at the front, none of you let the pressure get to you like it got to Miss Teen South Carolina (2007):

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww&p=40547FE48EBE79D7&playnext=1&index=2[/youtube]

Please keep the video of your speech on your flash drive.  You’ll get further instructions on how to analyze it in an upcoming class.

Administrivia

  • TC Profile: Please see the previous post – Completing the TC Profile (September 2010) – for the Word template and details on how to fill it out.  Your profile is due on Monday, 27 October 2010.
  • Social Committee: Thanks for Melanie, Miguel, Alice and Leanne for volunteering to form the Middle Years Cohort’s Social Committee.   The SC will be organizing a potluck on Tuesday of next week before the Ropes Course.  Stay tuned for more info.
  • Copying Fee: I will be charging a copying fee for copies I make during this term.  I’ll do my best to keep my copying to a minimum and, therefore, keep the fees down as low as possible.
  • Pre-Prac Prep & Ropes Course Day on Tuesday, 28 September: On this day we will have the following schedule:
    • 10:00 – Noon: Pre-Prac Workshop in PONE 123
    • 12:00 – 1:00: Potluck in Room TBA
    • 1:30 – 4:30: UBC Ropes Course Activity

I’ll share more details on the Ropes Course- what to wear, what to bring, and what not – next class and I’ll post it on the blog.

That’s all for today.

Cheers,

– Lawrence

Completing the TC Profile (September 2010)

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TCs:

Use the link below to download a template for your Teacher Candidate profile.  By reading your answers to these questions, your School Advisor and School Principals will get to know you before you’re in the school and join the staff.

TC Profile Template – Middle Years

Please answer the questions thoughtfully but keep your responses brief.  Your profile should be no more than 2 – 2.5 pages.

In addition to the questions, there is space at the top of the profile for:

  • your contact information
  • a recent photo (a head shot is best)
  • a “Short Quote That Captures An Important Belief You Hold About Education”.  I’ve pasted a random sampling of quotes chosen by TCs in previous years:
    • “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being”  – Goethe
    • “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail!”
    • “The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another”  – Marva Collins
    • “The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciple” – Amos Bronson Alcott

Here’s a link to a site with quotes about teachers and teaching.  I’m sure there are many other sites like this one.

The due date for this task is Monday, 27 September 2010.  This is a very firm deadline, as I will need to share the profile with your Sponsor Teacher and School Principals while I finalize the placements in early October.  Please email a copy of your completed TC Profile to me  (lholbrook@sd43.bc.ca).  I’ll take care of printing them off.

If you have questions, please comment on this post or email me directly.

Cheers,
Lawrence