In The Loop

E.W.M.S. Instructional Coaching

Newsletter
December 2020

Inspiration Corner Teacher Showcase

In a recent lesson, Ms. Amber Stancil used a 
“Fraction Pile of Knowledge” Padlet as the lesson 
closure activity. Ms. Stancil created the Padlet and 
shared the link in the chat. Students took a few 
moments to tell what they learned from the 
lesson.  
 
An effective closure activity allows you to 
evaluate students’ retention level—Did they get 
 
it?—as well as your own effectiveness. 
Check out this inspiring video: ​Students react 
 
to hearing “I Believe in You”  Visit this l​ ink​ for 10 quick closure activities.  

Level Up Your Rigor

Questioning for Rigor  How consistently are you asking Higher-Order 
  Thinking Questions? 
Rigor  is  creating  an  environment  in  which  each   
student  is  ​expected  to  learn  at  high  levels​,  each  A few ideas to try: 
student  is  ​supported  so  they  can  learn  at  high  ● Create questions in advance of the lesson 
levels,  and  each  student  ​demonstrates  learning  and use Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (​RBT​) 
at high levels​ (​Blackburn​, 2008).  to make sure they scaffold appropriately 
  and address rigor at varied levels. 
One way to expect more from  ● Push students beyond their initial answers 
students is to raise the level of  and ask them to follow-up, “​How did you 
questioning in the classroom.  know?” “What made you decide on that 
Higher-order-thinking  answer?​” 
questions are those that  ● Teach your students about the levels of 
students cannot answer by  Bloom’s Taxonomy​.  
simple recall or by reading the  ● Try creating a poster of Bloom’s Taxonomy 
information “verbatim” from the text. This type of  with your students for your classroom. 
question usually has multiple correct answers.   Then, during classroom discussions, place a 
sticky note at the level of Bloom’s in which 
the students are working. This will help 
guide discussions
 EduBlogs & Podcasts
Need a spark to help you refocus  At S
​ hakeuplearning.com​, Kasey  Need ideas for math? Wondering 
on your “Why”?   Bell provides educators with  how to create a classroom 
  practical resources using today’s  culture where students don’t 
Visit Angela Watson’s  resources.   want to stop exploring 
Cornerstone for Teachers​ blog or    mathematics when the bell 
her T
​ ruth for Teachers​ podcast.   Visit Kasey’s page or podcast for  rings?   
  helpful remote learning   
Two great resources “designed  resources.   Check out the M
​ aking Math 
to speak life, encouragement,    Moments That Matter​ podcast. 
and truth into the minds and     
hearts of educators and get you   
energized for the week ahead.” 

Idea Exchange  Mentor Moment 

Do you have an idea or 
innovation in mind? Are you 
looking for collaborators on 
campus? Or do you have a 
question about teaching and   
learning that you can’t quite   
figure out by yourself?  Mentors Support Beginning Teachers to  
  Demonstrate Leadership 
Post your idea or question to the ​Idea Exchange  Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse 
Padlet​ and find collaboration and support from  Population of Students 
your colleagues. Y​ ou never know who might  Know the Content They Teach 
share an idea that makes it all fall into place!  Facilitate Learning for Their Students 
Reflect on Their Practice  

December Virtual PD Opportunities Cool Instructional Tech Tools

Virtual Microsoft Teams Training 

 
Upcoming Sessions:​ Dec. 8th & 9th. Click above 
for additional dates, times, and session links 
 
Microsoft Teams will be the web conferencing 
software we will be using as a district. While 
Google Meet will still be available, the premium 
features given to us by Google will end. 

 
Deck.toy​s offers teachers the chance to create 
customized content easily and gamify their learning 
experience.