Analogous Learning

Marzano noted it throughout his research - comparisons lead to enhanced learning.  So, as you are working with students on skill, knowledge, life...make comparisons, make contrasts, make analogies, use metaphors.  But, don't make it a secret.  Explain how it's analogous...the more explicit, the better!

B4 is to battleship as latitude and longitude are to map locations.

Inch is to ruler as centimeter is to meter stick. 

Internet is to 2015 as card catalog is to 1985.

Zentangles is the to mind as yoga is to the body.

Direct quote is to paraphrase as recall is to summarize . 

RAP is to writing as ____________________ is to _______________________. Fill in your ideas in the comments below.
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Teaching the Art and Science of Investigation

As 6th graders, they were CSI investigators, determining the culprit of the missing Marvin the Martian.  As 7th graders, they are at it again!  This time, they're investigating their teacher, gathering evidence using pictures, artifacts, and random information interspersed throughout the classroom.  Why?  To prepare for DBQs, of course.  Good historians, good writers, good readers (and good scientists!) are investigators.  They must take disparate information and compile it to make conclusions, to infer the truth.  

As the year progresses, this is a skill that will be enhanced as students continue (GASP!) learning how to think!

No Rest for the Weary...

It's the first full week of school, but if I didn't know better, I'd think it were the first week of October: the weather outside is mild, and the learning inside is hot!  Check it out...

"Lucy" in effect:  students begin writing personal narratives.

Pretests to assess knowledge and skills in math and science.  How knows IV and DV?

Collaborative work to build ancient civilizations - an inquiry-based project.

 Engaging in classroom expectations - using jigsaw and student voice.

Kahoot to learn about the library media center.

Explicitly teaching organizational skills.

Students determine their classroom norms through collaboration.

Students audition for choir and review their knowledge of musical language.

The process of finding that "just right" book.

Does that say "Station"?

Annotating while reading a short story about 7th grade.

Using technology to expand learning.

Learning the classroom.

A Recipe for Success

Clearly, TMS staff know what it takes to have a great start to the school year, so much so that multiple people commented that this first day of school was "the smoothest ever!"  Maybe, that's the result of a new traffic flow that gets the school year started with safe and happy drivers; or, maybe, it's the additional staff to support increasing enrollment; or, maybe it's that new technology education program....no matter what the reason, it's clear we have the recipe!

Step One:  Prepare the Classroom!

Conveying a message of accessibility.

Learning as an interdisciplinary experience.

A clear emphasis on formative assessment.

Read a book about first day jitters...

Step Two:  Build a Community of Learners!

"Fold the line" to learn more about your Flyertime friends.

Team-building...with a little scientific thinking!

Rock, paper, scissors...

Flyertime Bingo to know your community.

More Bingo:

Candy anyone?  Good, now tell us about yourself...

Our new German names!

True or False:  Getting to know your teacher.

Getting to know classmates with fun tools.

Step Three:  Set the Tone!

Writing starts on day one!

Learning the expectations - 6th grade's new "Stop and Think" cards!

Let's beat our time - the pass in the papers game...

Accessing online resources.

Step Four:  Give students what they need to be successful.

Differentiated interests during a break...

Sensory supports!