The Heart of a Teacher

Assessing Background Knowledge with Post-It Notes

Missy Miles describes an alternative approach to assessing background knowledge: “As students come into class I hand each of them their own sticky note (which they love). I have a question or other directions written on the board that ask the students to tell me what they know about the topic we are beginning that day in class. For example,
‘List five things you already know about William Shakespeare’ or ‘What do you know about the Holocaust?’ The students respond to the statement or question on their sticky notes and then place their notes on the board. After all students have responded, I read each of the sticky notes out loud, often times categorizing their responses into appropriate fields. By verbally acknowledging each sticky note, all students feel as though they have contributed to the ‘background knowledge board.’ More importantly, many students realize they know more about the topic than they first thought as they recognize other students’ responses. I hear whispers in the class such as ‘Oh, yeah,’ or ‘I knew that!” It causes students to feel as though they can be successful at learning this subject because they already know something about it.” 

Rigor Made Easy for Kindergarten

Watch these kindergarten teachers discuss Rigor Made Easy.  

Quotes About Teaching

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Rigor for Leaders

Did you miss my webinar (one hour) on Rigor and the Common Core State Standards:  Just the Beginning?  It's designed for school leaders and was sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  If you are a teacher, pass this on to your principal!

Finishing the Year!

Have you received my latest newsletter?  This month it's on finishing the year effectively, with an update on my newest book, Rigor for Students with Special Needs.  If you aren't on my email list, click and sign up on the right.  

Happy Mother's Day!

To all mothers, mothers-to-be, and substitute mothers (those who help and those who teach), have a wonderful day.