Teaching Learning Leading K-12

  Sheryl Green is the author of "Up Close and Personal with Reading: A Not-So-Scary Tool for Teaching for Understanding" (2018). Sheryl is a classroom teacher, an educational speaker, trainer, author, educational columnist, and a literacy consultant. She has 19 years of middle and high school English language arts teaching experience. Sheryl has worked in rural, private international, urban, and inner city schools. In 2015, she was the Muscogee County (Georgia) School District Teacher of the Year. Currently, Sheryl is an ELA academic instructional coach in a vocational school in Georgia. She has a "down to earth" way of getting you to understand and her book is supportive and easy to implement. Lots to learn and share about Close reading. Thanks for listening! Enjoy! Connect with Sheryl: http://greensherylk.wixsite.com/mysite http://greensherylk.wixsite.com/mysite/bright-ideas http://greensherylk.wixsite.com/mysite/jvhs http://sites.muscogee.k12.ga.us/jordan/ Green.Sheryl.K@muscogee.k12.ga.us Jordan Vocational High School3200 Howard AvenueColumbus, Georgia 31904Tel: 706-748-2819 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFEgJqsDQSM&feature=youtu.be   Length - 50:18

  This is the conclusion of my interview with Ernest Dempsey - the USA Today Bestselling author of the Sean Wyatt archaeological thriller series. In this episode, Ernie shares his thoughts about his characters, his secrets behind making his stories thrilling, and a little sneak peek into his most recent thriller - The Templar Curse. In episode 196 we talked about his previous career as a high school counselor, working with kids, and what inspired him to become a writer. We also delved into the process of getting published and the obstacles that writers have to overcome. Ernie is a creative writer who hooks his readers into thrilling adventures. He has an engaging writing style that will make you forget what time it is. You won't want to put his books down until you find out just what happend to Sean and the other characters.  Don't forget to stop by his website and sign-up for his email list. You will be rewarded with his first book as well as nice updates from time to time. Lots to learn. Thanks for listening! Enjoy! Connect with Ernest: http://ernestdempsey.net http://ernestdempsey.net/good-books-to-read/ https://www.amazon.com/Ernest-Dempsey/e/B00AM8UHO4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1526262953&sr=8-1 https://selfpublishingformula.com/episode-110/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxybcjpYK7opVwlvl12a2Q https://www.instagram.com/ernestdempsey/ https://twitter.com/ErnDempsey https://www.facebook.com/ErnestDempsey     Length - 50:20

   Ernest Dempsey is a USA Today Bestselling author. He writes thrillers centered around real historic places and events. His Sean Wyatt archaeological thriller series has been downloaded over a half million times across the globe. If you are listening to this podcast during the week of May 14th, 2018...it is available for free on Amazon for the Kindle. You can also get a copy by going to his website - ernestdempsey.net - and signing up for his email list. He is a former school counselor and high school soccer coach. Now a full-time writer, he creates stories that will keep you up at all hours because you don't want to wait to find out what happens next. Today we are talking about working with kids, writing, getting published, and his book series. This is part 1. Part 2 ...the conclusion... next week. Enjoy. Connect with Ernest: http://ernestdempsey.net http://ernestdempsey.net/good-books-to-read/ https://www.amazon.com/Ernest-Dempsey/e/B00AM8UHO4/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1526262953&sr=8-1 https://selfpublishingformula.com/episode-110/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxybcjpYK7opVwlvl12a2Q https://www.instagram.com/ernestdempsey/ https://twitter.com/ErnDempsey https://www.facebook.com/ErnestDempsey    Length - 53:18

 Lady Lucy's Quest is the first in a series of children's books written by Karen Gross. In this story, Lady Lucy wants to be a knight but the odds are stacked against her. She has to show endurance, strength, and courage. Karen shares that the story is really about "believing in the power of the possible and dreaming big."   Lady Lucy is a tribute to a real life woman - Lady Lucy Duff Gordon who was a fashion designer from the late 1800's and early 1900's. She was one of the first women to advertise in a clothing catalogue. She and her husband - Cosmo - were on the Titanic when it sunk. They make a brief appearance in the James Cameron film from a few years back called - Titanic. On today's episode we talk about Lady Lucy's development, why a children's series, what she hopes readers will take away and who Lady Lucy really is or was. I even ask her if she is Lady Lucy. We also talk about her latest book - Lady Lucy's Dragon Quest and the books that are on the way...Lady Lucy's Unique Unicorn Quest, Lady Lucy's Giraffe Laugh Book, and Lady Lucy's Peace Quest. The Giraffe book is co-sponsored by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and will be released on World Giraffe Day on June 21, 2018. Thanks for listening. Take a look at the links below to find out more about Lady Lucy and to connect with Karen.   Contact Karen and find out more: www.ladylucysquest.com https://twitter.com/karengrossedu http://ladylucysquest.com/books/lady-lucys-dragon-quest/ www.northshire.com Karen's page at Northshire Karen's Amazon Author Page Karen Gross & Breakaway Learners - Episode 180 of Teaching Learning Leading K12 http://breakawaylearners.com/ Giraffe Conservation    Length - 45:45

  Rigor in the RTI and MTSS Classroom: Practical Tools and Strategies is a must read for classroom teachers and building level administrators. Like the title says, "Practical Tools and Strategies", it is exactly that...Practical. Barbara R. Blackburn with Bradley S. Witzel have written a book that is extremely useful for making sure that students at all levels of understanding and development are receiving rigorous instruction. On today's show, Barbara and I talk about the reasons behind the book and why it was important to create tools for teachers working in the RTI and MTSS environments. She explains what she means by rigor, RTI and MTSS so that readers and listeners are given a common definition. We look at the layout and format of the book as well as the collaboration with Bradley Witzel as well as the collaboration between Routledge and the Council for Exceptional Children.  As with all of Barbara's books this one is easy to read and understand. It comes with practical tools for using in the classroom and amazing eresources.So we take a closer look at these. Additionally, we discuss a couple of the chapters and talk about the suggestions and strategies. Great episode for you. Lots to think about. Thanks for listening! Enjoy! By the way, make sure that you see the links below to connect with Barbara. Connect with Barbara: www.barbarablackburnonline.com www.routledge.com/eyeoneducation https://www.routledge.com/Rigor-in-the-RTI-and-MTSS-Classroom-Practical-Tools-and-Strategies/Blackburn-Witzel/p/book/9781138193383 https://twitter.com/BarbBlackburn https://www.pinterest.com/barbblackburn/ https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraRBlackburn/ https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-R.-Blackburn/e/B001JP4CC2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1524661800&sr=8-2 Length - 47:55

  Today, I'm talking with Ryan Schaaf about his book (co-authored with Nicky Mohan) - Game On: Using Digital Games to Transform Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (Solution Tree Press, 2017). Game On is an easy to read and use instructional manual for implementing game-based learning in the classroom. Ryan takes a look at what he calls shifting to an Education 3.0 mindset. Additionally, he discusses the idea of viewing digital tools as a support for modern learning and he explains game based learning. During our talk we take a look at the content of a couple of the chapters of Game On - For example, Chapter 4: How to Find and Evaluate Digital Games for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment and Chapter 6: Digital Gaming and Assessment. I like the way the book is written. It is easy to read and use the information. There are awesome e-resources as well as amazing tools within the main content of the book. Check out the Lesson Sparks, you will find them very helpful. Ryan has much to share and I am sure that you will find everything about Game On helpful as you work to include gamebased learning and digital tools in your lessons. Enjoy! Find out more or contact Ryan: https://www.solutiontree.com/authors/ryan-l-schaaf.html https://www.solutiontree.com/authors/ryan-l-schaaf/game-on.html https://infosavvy21.com/ https://myedexpert.com/vendor/rschaaf/ https://www.amazon.com/Ryan-Schaaf/e/B00NC4167W/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 rschaaf@ndm.edu @RyanLSchaaf http://www.games4ed.org/ #Games4Ed Mathew Farber - Edutopia   Length - 57:06

   Ted Dintersmith is a successful venture capitalist with an eye on changing school. His four decade career spans technology, business, public policy, and education philanthropy. He earned a PhD in engineering from Stanford University, lead a high tech start-up, and ranked as the top venture capitalist in the US for the years 1995-1999. Ted produced the award winning documentary Most Likely to Succeed and co-authored the book Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era with Tony Wagner.  Today, we are talking about his latest book, What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America.  Ted travelled across the US visiting schools, teachers, and many others to find inspiring educators and innovation in the classroom. We talk about the common principles that he discusses: PEAK - a. Purpose b. Essentials c. Agency d. Knowledge We also check out a few of the chapters and Ted shares some stories from his journey. Much to learn and think about. Thanks for listening. Enjoy! Find out more information: http://whatschoolcouldbe.org/ https://twitter.com/dintersmith  https://www.facebook.com/Edu21C/ http://www.edu21c.com/ https://www.mltsfilm.org/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvhb9aoyeZs Length - 1:00:45

This is part 2 and the conclusion of my talk with Dr. Lodge McCammon the author of Schooled: The Story of An Education. If you haven't heard part 1, go to episode 190. Lodge is a return guest who is always great to talk with. If you haven't heard our earlier talks go to episodes 10, 11, and 54 to catch up. Schooled: The Story of an Education is Lodge's memoir. He shares his thoughts about his experiences with learning and what the world taught him about himself and education. His stories are inspiring and thought provoking. His gift for writing makes you want to know more. Join us as we talk about lessons from his past and what he learned about creating student engagement in the classroom. Check out these links to learn more and to connect with Lodge: http://lodgemccammon.com Schooled: The Story of an Education (Kindle) Schooled: The Story of an Education (Lodge's website links to his book.) https://youtu.be/dMo1if-GJAc Don’t wait for permission to share https://youtu.be/uNBJs7SR0dg Being exceptional and escaping the bucket https://twitter.com/pocketlodge https://www.youtube.com/user/flippedtraining https://www.facebook.com/fizz.education http://lodgemccammon.com/education/training/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHORQ3oNOJltrm99QedpsSA Lodge McCammon - Amazon Live at #LodgesLodge She was Insane Harmony - The Lodge McCammons I Like You - The Lodge McCammons & Ryan Mullaneys Length: 41:02  

Today I'm talking with Dr. Lodge McCammon the author of Schooled: The Story of An Education. This is part 1 of 2. Lodge is a return guest who is always great to talk with. If you haven't heard our earlier talks go to episodes 10, 11, and 54 to catch up. Dr. McCammon is amazing. He is a musician, teacher, thinker, learner, designer, creator, keynote speaker, workshop instructor, and now - an author. Schooled: The Story of an Education is Lodge's memoir. He shares his thoughts about his experiences with learning and what the world taught him about himself and education. His stories are inspiring and thought provoking. His gift for writing makes you want to know more. Join us as we talk about lessons from his past and what he learned about creating student engagement in the classroom. Check out these links to learn more: http://lodgemccammon.com Schooled: The Story of an Education (Kindle) Schooled: The Story of an Education (Lodge's website links to his book.) https://youtu.be/dMo1if-GJAc Don’t wait for permission to share https://youtu.be/uNBJs7SR0dg Being exceptional and escaping the bucket https://twitter.com/pocketlodge https://www.youtube.com/user/flippedtraining https://www.facebook.com/fizz.education http://lodgemccammon.com/education/training/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHORQ3oNOJltrm99QedpsSA Lodge McCammon - Amazon Live at #LodgesLodge She was Insane Harmony - The Lodge McCammons I Like You - The Lodge McCammons & Ryan Mullaneys     Length - 47:21

  When you finish your day of teaching do you take time to reflect on what happened? Do you take time to say this worked and this didn't and I think I will try this next time? You should. Yes, I know we all have so much stuff to get done plus we sponsor activities and have families...I know. But this doesn't take hours. Find about 30 minutes...get your daily and unit plans. Find a quiet place and think about what you were trying to do for the day and where you are trying to go and ask yourself some questions...plus write it down. Here are my thoughts about reflecting at the end of the day: 1. Get a journal. 2. Set aside time. 3. Grab your daily and unit lesson plans. 4. Find a quiet place. 5. Reflect on the day: Ask yourself these questions... -What were you trying to do? -What worked? -What failed? -What could you have done differently? -What will you do next? -What individual challenges did you have? -Were there specific group challenges? 6. Put in writing what you will try to address these challenges.   Happy reflecting!   Length - 17:08

Planning is important. Being successful in the classroom requires planning. Planning means taking time for reflection and a focus on what needs to be done and how you are going to do it. Last episode, I shared my 10 Secret Ingredients for Better Unit Planning. Today, I am talking about my: 9 Thoughts for Successful Daily Lesson Plans 1. What are you trying to accomplish each day? 2. Block or Chunk Time 3. Think engagement - How? 4. How will you know if they are getting it? 5. Specific activities for expanding understanding of the content vocabulary. 6. How you will begin/close. 7. Be flexible. 8. Use small group activities and learning centers to provide opportunities for practice. 9. Daily plans should always be driven by individual needs. Remember - planning is important and an essential tool for helping us assist kids in achieving their dreams. Thanks for listening. Other Resources: Lesson Plan Templates (As with anything find what works for you but work to include what I talk about in the episode.) Dave Burgess and Teach Like a Pirate Assessment Strategies (Stickies, mini-whiteboards, and more) Laura Robb's Vocabulary is Comprehension My interview with Laura Robb about Vocabulary is Comprehension Learning Stations Length - 17:55

Better instruction requires planning. Planning comes in two main types for the classroom: unit and daily. Today, I discuss my thoughts about 10 essential elements that need to be included in your unit planning: 1. Start with the end in mind. 2. Create a time frame. 3. Identify what you will teach (content). 4. Develop how you will teach (instructional strategies). 5. Identify resources you will need. 6. Identify essential vocabulary. 7. Develop how you will teach the vocabulary. 8. Create opportunities for learning what the students know and don't know. 9. Make notes about student individual needs. 10. Create a system for identifying what can be eliminated to create more time.  Unit planning is essential for staying focused on what you want the kids to learn. Use these 10 ingredients with your unit planning and you will have better results. Happy planning. Links for Resources: Vocabulary is Comprehension written by Laura Robb My Pinterest Board focused on Teaching Vocabulary My Pinterest Board focused on interactive Word Walls My Pinterest Board focused on Assessment Strategies  Length - 22:31

  Dr. Barbara Blackburn returns to Teaching Learning Leading K12 to discuss her book, Rigor and Assessment in the Classroom. What I like about the way Barbara writes is simply this: easy to understand, easy to use, and plenty of free resources to help you implement. By the way, plenty of free resources is an understatement! She has a treasure chest full of support for you! You can read today, plan tonight, and put into play in your classroom tomorrow. The book is divided into ten chapters from Best Practices to Working Together to Improve Assessment in Rigorous Classrooms. Today, we focus on just a couple like Linking Instruction and Assessment to Improve Rigor (Chapter 3) and Grading (Chapter 8), as well as a couple others. Lots to learn. Thanks for joining us. By the way... Here is the special page for the discounts that Barbara talked about: https://www.routledge.com/collections/10881   Contact Barbara and learn more: www.barbarablackburnonline.com www.routledge.com/eyeoneducation https://www.routledge.com/authors/i7701-barbara-blackburn   Length - 55:17  

Rick Snyder is an international business coach, writer, speaker, and consultant. Rick has launched three businesses and is an expert in mentoring, training, and teaching others how to utilize the process of bringing intuition into an effective business plan and company culture. He is now the CEO of Three Hats: :Three Hats describes the services they offer - business coaching, training, and consulting.  "While we will address immediate fires in your business, the real key is to discover how those fires got there in the first place so that they don’t happen again." -Three-Hats.com Rick's breakthrough strategies have been implemented by executives and businesses in Europe, Canada, Asia, and America. Today we are focused on the role of intuition, relationship building, and listening in organizational as well as personal success. Thanks for listening. I think that Rick will inspire you. Contact Rick: rick@three-hats.com Three Hats RickASnyder Twitter RickASnyder Instagram RickASnyder LinkedIn Extras that Rick mentioned: Simon Sinek David Whyte   Length - 42:18

   Ryan Schaaf is an author, speaker, professor, consultant and blogger. Today we are talking about his book (written with Ian Jukes and Nicky Mohan) Reinventing Learning for the Always-On Generation: Strategies and Apps that Work (Solution Tree, 2015.) He is the author of three other books and has a couple more in the works. Reinventing Learning, an IPPY award winner for its contributions as a resource book for educators, is an incredible tool that focuses on 9 attributes that educators should understand when working with the Always-On Generation. We take some time to talk about the 9 attributes and take a deep dive into three of them: Attribute #4 is my favorite - It states, "Digital learners prefer to network and collaborate simultaneously with many others." #6 - "Digital learners prefer just in time learning." And # 9 - Digital learners prefer learning that is simultaneously relevant, active, useful, and fun." Wait until you discover all of the extra resources that are included with the book! Wow!!! Lots to learn.  Thanks for listening. Have an awesome day!   Contact Ryan: rschaaf@NDM.edu Tweet Ryan @ryanlschaaf More information as well as other resources: Reinventing Learning for the Always-On Generation: Strategies and Apps that Work (Solution Tree, 2015) Game On: Using Digital Games to Transform Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (Solution Tree, 2017) Ryan's Amazon Page Solution Tree Ryan's Page on Solution Tree Listen to Ryan on the Teach Thought Podcast Part 1: Ep. 81 Reinventing Learning: Why Are Kids Different Today? Part 2: Ep. 84 Reinventing Learning: The Nine Core Learning Attributes Of The Digital Generation – A Primer Part 3: Ep. 85 Reinventing Learning: A#1: Digital Learners Prefer Receiving Information From Multiple, Hyperlinked Sources Part 4: Ep. 88 Reinventing Learning: A#2: Digital Learners Prefer Parallel Processing and Multitasking Part 5: Ep. 89 Reinventing Learning: A#3: Digital Learners Prefer Processing Video, Images, and Sound Part 6: Ep. 90 Reinventing Learning A#4: Digital Learners Prefer Collaboration Part 7: Ep. 91 Reinventing Learning A#5: Digital Readers Read In An ‘F’ or Fast-Pattern Part 8: Ep. 96 Reinventing Learning A#6: Digital Learners Prefer Just-In-Time Learning Part 9: Ep. 99 Reinventing Learning A#7: Digital Learners Prefer Instant Gratification https://infosavvy21.com/    Length - 49:22