Southeast Region Middle School Literacy
Friday Memo
November 2, 2012
Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!
- Unknown
Next Week’s Focus: In the words of Whitley Gilbert, “ Relax. Relate, Release!”
Although teaching is a rewarding career, it is a very STRESSFUL job! Therefore, it is imperative that we take care of ourselves physically and mentally. Below are a few tips to help reduce your stress level. Try implementing a couple of these ideas to help you feel more relaxed.
· Prepare for your next day the prior evening before you go to bed. Waking up in the morning knowing that you are ready helps make things run more smoothly.
· When given a large task to complete, break it down into smaller steps. It won't look so overwhelming if you try this.
· Reduce clutter in your home and classroom. Get rid of things that you know you will never use again, or at least find a way to neatly store them away, if you cannot come to throw them away.
· Uplift other people in your life. Say nice things about them. This goes a long way in making you feel distressed, too.
· Say positive things about yourself. Believe in what you are doing, and remind yourself that you are making an impact on kids who rely on you. You are pretty important, eh?
· Take a warm bubble bath to ease tension.
As long as you continue to teach, you will feel the effects of stress at some point. The people around you may not change, so you are the one who has to do the changing. Stress is not only a mental factor, but a physical factor as well. Taking care of your body and mind is paramount. Eating a healthy diet and putting optimistic thoughts into your head is certainly beneficial. It takes practice, but you're worth it!
Common Assessments
Remember that the data analysis for this week’s test is due on Friday, November 9th. Also, please complete the reflection questions at the bottom of your feedback sheet. I use that information to determine which teachers need additional resources for specific skills. If at any time you need assistance with disaggregating your data, please give me a call and I will do my best to come and assist you!
Instructional Support
On my website, I have uploaded two documents: Instructional Coaches FAQ and the Menu of Services form. Please complete the Menu of Services form if you need assistance with planning, gathering resources, instructional strategies, etc. I am ready and available to support you!
District Literacy Communication
If you are not receiving emails and updates from Latisha Bryant, our District Literacy Specialist for middle school, please email her at . Revised drafts of the instructional maps have been sent out to 7th grade and 8th grade teachers.
Writing Assessment
It is imperative that we expose students to the new writing prompt formats. I encourage you to take a prompt and model to students the process of breaking down or analyzing what the prompt is asking them to do. Some key words that we may need to be sure students know and understand include: analyze, draw (draw evidence), cite (cite evidence), orient, logically, sensory language, delineate, and evaluate. These are just a few of the words that I have identified in some of the sample writing prompts that students may struggle comprehending.
The state has released some practice test samples. Go to http://www.tncore.org/english_language_arts/writing_test/eighth_grade_prompts.aspx to view the sample prompts.
Paula Askew at Oakhaven Middle School for the creative
“6 Hats Discussion” activity! It involved high engagement and rigor!
Airways and Hickory Ridge Middle Schools for outstanding fidelity of Reading Plus for the first month of implementation!