IntroductionMy portfolio is organized like a newsletter. Please notice the table of contents to the right. As I mentioned in my reflection, his course has helped inform my professional practice in many ways. I have re-evaluated my classroom management strategies, refocused my philosophy of assessment, increased my familiarity with online resources and gained an appreciation for new uses for technology in communicating with parents.Specifically, I plan to use my own social-emotional intelligence to help students develop their own. Students who are emotionally supported are better prepared to learn. I plan to consistently use Learning Goals and Success Criteria as well as Achievement Charts. I am more comfortable with a Problem Solving Approach in math and will definitely be developing more cross-curricular units. I hope to set up a class blog for parents and will send information to parents via email or app. Lastly, the Electronic Portfolio was an excellent way to reflect on my learning. I hope to keep this in mind and reflect more on my professional practice in the future.653243Commitment to Students and Student LearningReflectionsOngoing Professional LearningLeadership in Learning CommunitiesProfessional PracticeProfessional KnowledgeTable of ContentsElectronic PortfolioJunior Additional Basic Qualification2015Jennifer Bates

Commitment to Students and Student LearningA Review of:Social-emotional learning is essential to classroom management Stephanie M. Jones, Rebecca Bailey and Robin JacobUniversal Design for LearningI chose these two assignment because they Highlight the care and commitment needed to develop contributing citizens of Canadian society. As the article suggests, we can do this forming relationships with our students by emotionally supporting them. Further, UDL principles treat students equitably by being sensitive to their individual needs as the Standard for Commitment to Students and Student Learning explains.Rational1) Personalize learning Know your student's strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes. Make connections that will pique their particular interest. You can create lessons that they enjoy and will succeed at.2) Share and "preach" every student can succeed Every student must be given the opportunity, and tools to succeed and they must believe that they can do it! Their belief will motivate them and help them to be successful.3) Use both Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction UDL and DI can work well together to meet the needs of diverse learners. UDL is appropriate when teaching more broad principles, DI enables you to be more focused in your instruction and yet gives students a choice in how they demonstrate their learning.4) Continue to improve yourself as a teacher. Be up to date on most recent best practices and research to best serve your students.5) Use Assessment for Learning Giving students the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning through the making of learning goals, peer and self- assessment and reflection empowers every learner.RationalWhen my son started kindergarten, I feared that he would feel overwhelmed with the large class sizes and many needs of the students. I have seen teachers become overwhelmed with the many behavioural needs. So, when I saw the title of this article, my interest was piqued. The writers break classroom management into four categories whose central theme, across all four principles is that effective classroom management is not about reaction but about prevention and building skills (Bailey & Jacob, 2014). I absolutely agree with this statement. However, I have so far been rather reactionary in my own classroom management strategies. I have a set of classroom rules. If a student breaks a rule, there are consequences. I would rather develop strategies to prevent negative behaviour to begin with, and build appropriate skills. According to the article, appropriate social-emotional skills include focusing, listening attentively, following directions, managing emotions, dealing with conflicts, and working cooperatively with peers (Jones & Bouffard, 2013) (Bailey &Jacob, 2014). The article suggests we ought to use our own social-emotional abilities to form relationships with our students and develop more effective communications. It goes on to say we need to shift our thinking about classroom management instead of being frustrated, we could view a disruption as an opportunity to help students to grow in their learning. The article also includes several helpful activities to teach desired behaviours. The writers discovered that classes who had implemented the activities or a program called SECURE, were not only better managed classes, but the students felt more emotionally supported and were meeting benchmarks.I recently read that one of the greatest predictors of success in Grade 1 is learning self-regulation in kindergarten. I would like to develop my ability to teach social-emotional learning, the article encourages the use of a feeling circle after recess. A feeling circle sounds a lot like a Talking or Community circle. I would like to learn more about how to ask the right questions to promote a safe and honest environment for our most vulnerable little ones.

Professional Knowledge Who is the Junior Learner EQAOThe Junior Learner: Post-task writing-They are gaining coordination and muscular strength-They enjoy playing on teams *Team Building exercises would be very popular- We need to be particularly aware of our at-risk students who will begin to feel their isolation much more acutely *such as ESL students, those with mental illness or learning difficulties- Their particular identities are being shaped, but the pressure to conform is great. They are very susceptible to peer pressure - Providing opportunities for learning through open-ended problems *but make sure to model appropriate critical thinking with think alouds.- Giving students an opportunity to play with zero- no intervention- Though cognitive abilities are developing, discernment does need to be taught Rational1. How could you use the information found in the document and on the EQAO site to your advantage?The Understanding Levels of Achievement- Junior Division document can be very useful for the Junior teacher. Not only does it provide helpful resources to include in your practice, it also includes IfThen statements for helping your students move up to the next level of achievement. Further, the document includes thorough explanation of each level and annotations of sample answers. This is useful on two fronts, you can use to compare your student work with the models given and you can show your students so that they can see the difference. The EQAO website includes a breakdown of a schools achievement over the course of several years.I chose the assignment to the left because we are fist to reflect on our students development. We need to know who the Junior Learners is in order to inform our professional judgement. Further, we need to stay current of educational research. The assignment to the left is a reflection on the benefits of the EQAO website. The educational research found therein informs our professional practice with helpful If then statements showing how students can move to the next achievement level. The EQAO website also shows specific strengths and weaknesses which can be used in developing goals for school improvement plans and more specifically as teachers work together through TLCPs.Standards of PracticeEthical StandardsProfessional Learning FrameworkStandards ReviewHow Teachers are CertifiedProfessional AdvisoriesMembers' HandbookAdditional QualificationsGreat TeachingAccreditationEnhancing Teacher EducationPublic Awareness InitiativeComplaints and DisciplineProfessional AdvisoriesMediaEnd of #container@ OutputCache Duration="86000" VaryByParam="None"\

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10 Strategies to use In the ClassroomA Resource Checklist to ensure I am using materials appropriatelyProfessional PracticeRationalTwo assignments from this course which will inform my Professional Practice were: to the left, the creation of a checklist for the appropriateness of the resources I share in class. To the right, are the results of an interview with a more experienced work colleague. Where I may lack experience to inform my practice, I will absolutely take every opportunity to learn from others to inquire and dialogue with others.Checklist ItemFilmPrintApplications/ProgramsEthics: Diversity is perceived as positiveIs image of diversity stereotypical?Promotes good citizenship and valuesArtistic MeritUses rich languageExplores universal ideasQuality Illustrations or Graphics Educational MeritFits curriculum expectationsIntegrates several parts of the curriculum across several subject areasPromotes critical thinkingResources used independently orResources promote teamworkApplications and or connections made to other materials/subject matter or lifeACCURACY: Is the information accurate?AUTHORITY: Who is the author/creator?What are their credentials?CURRENCY: Is there a date of publication/creation or last update?If web page, do the links work?If web page or program, is it maintained?Is the information considered current PURPOSE: Is this information meant to teach? Inform? Persuade? Entertain?Is the information fact? Opinion? Propaganda?Is there advertising on the site? What is being advertised?Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

Title/Author-Whoever you Are,Mem FoxSynopsis:A simple repetitive story with a simple message of equity. We may be differrent in many ways, but we all have many things in common. We all laugh, and we all cry, and above all, our hearts are just the same. The Illustrations are colourful and engaging. Issues: The message is the issue. No matter where you live "all over the world" we share a common humanity.Title/Author- I'm Like you, You're Like Me, Cindy GainerSynopsis:Another simple story with a simple message of equity. The diction would be better suited for primary aswell as the sentence construction. However it does cover a lot of ways we are different and a lot of ways we can help people to feel included.Issues: For a younger student this picture book would be ideal as it lays out exactly how our actions can impact how people feel.Title / Author Standing Tall, Spencer WestAge: 10- 14Synopsis:It is the autobiography of Spencer West. A boy who was born without the use of his legs. His legs were amputated below the pelvis. The story recounts the story of his life.Issues:The book challenges our perceptions and beliefs of "disability" and "able-bodied."Title / Author "Listen to the Wind", Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth or "Three Cups of Tea" (Young Adult Version)Age: 5-14Summary -Both books have been adapted from Mortenson's memoir Three Cups of Tea. It recounts the story of how his life was saved by the people of a small village and about his subsequent return trip to help them build a school.Issues:This book challenges us to look at how we treat outsiders. Do we show kindness? Do we go out of our way to help others, even when inconvenient? Are we people of integrity? Do we keep our promises?Title / Author I am Malala,Malala YousafzaiAge: 12 and upSynopsis:It is a relevant and current work, a memoir by Malala, Yousafzai. She recounts her story of growing up in Pakistan. She stood up for what she believed in. She believed girls had the right to an education and she was shot for her beliefs.Issues:This book powerfully examines how far each of us would go to stand up for what we believe in and fight against the injustice we see in our world. Further it casts a light on gender inequalities.RationalIn the spirit of promoting and participating in the creation of a collaborative, safe and supportive learning community, I decided to include my brochure on Planning and Assessment because I feel as many others do, that education has changed a great deal in the last 30 years and many parents may be unfamiliar with the language our profession uses. The brochure will keep them in the loop so to speak. I also included my list of books that encourage equity and inclusivity in the classroom in order to maintain ethical standards.Leadership in Learning Communities

RationalI was really impressed with the problem solving approach and gleaned a great deal from the online tutorials. I am committed to ongoing professional development and will be self-directed as I watch, read and observe more through the many websites this particular ABQ or professional learning awarded. I neglected to share my Shared Reading Assignment in this portfolio as I feel already that I can do better after having read more on the subject. Problem Solving Approach Focusing on the BIG IDEAS in mathematics is much like finding the universal ideas or themes in literature. Focusing on the big ideas in mathematics will enable students to see the usefulness of mathematics, recognize the universality of solutions and the multitude of possible connections. The BIG IDEAS of mathematics are explored through a culture of inquiry. This culture of inquiry is a problem solving approach. Specifically, the students are given a problem. They are not explicitly told how to solve it. They are challenged to find the answer by any means possible. They may work in groups or partners or in isolation. They may use any manipulative that they deem useful. The problem solving approach is crucial because it enables the students to be actively involved in their learning. They are not blank slates upon which the educator may write, rather they are challenged by teacher generated, rich problems, problems created around a central concept with a multitude of possible methods of solving. As the reading explained, we dont merely tell our students how to do mathematics, we let them discover (ExpPanel 456 Numeracy, 9).The classroom is structured with the teacher as a partner in learning. The lesson begins with teacher choosing a problem that offers a variety of entry points for students at different levels. The teacher is responsible to know where a student is in their learning or to know their prior knowledge on the subject.As the lesson continues, teachers ask questions to deepen understanding. This step is crucial. The idea is that the students come to answers in their own way. We do not want to give away anything or dismiss anything. Further, we need to let them have the opportunity to struggle a little they need to learn perseverance. At the end of the lesson, students are given the opportunity to explain their answers and their understanding.The resources discussed in the reading were useful. Here are two more sites that I found useful. I will be exploring them further in the months to come. First, my school brought in the group Mathletes for our Junior students. The program encouraged problem solving within groups. There mission is, that every student leaves a Mathletes event feeling about themselves, their abilities, their classmates and the subject of math than before they arrived. http://www.mathletes.ca Secondly, my school board purchased and trained Elementary teacher to use the PRIME program put out by Nelson. PRIME is a Professional Resources and Instruction for Mathematics Educators. From what Ive read and observed. The program will be very useful as I seek to implement a Problem solving approach http://www.prime.nelson.comReply to ThreadMembers recognize that a commitment to ongoing professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration and knowledge.Shared ReadingI wasnt entirely happy with my Shared Reading assignment so I have not included it here. I can say however that I learned a great deal about the process and plan to move more slowly when Reading with my students, taking time to examine textual features, vocabulary and giving opportunity for students to do independent and group activities to make the reading meaningful. Ongoing Professional Learning

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I have learned to value my colleagues. To seek their insight and expertise. Do not be afraid to ask for help.I have learned that there is a great deal of curriculum to cover. Integrate as much as possible.I have learned to organize my classroom to maximize learning and student initiative.I have learned about the Problem Solving Approach to math and Shared Reading.I have learned and am astounded at the ministry resources and workshops available online.I have learned that parents must be part of the equation. Communication with them is crucial to create a positive learning environment.I will endeavour to ask for help and will ask more questions.I will study the curriculum documents during the summer and determine where they intersect.I will keep materials and manipulatives accessible for students and include a math hub in the classroom.I will improve my delivery of both the Problem Solving Approach and Shared Reading Activities.I will continue to read and study the resources provided in order to stay abreast of new research and methodology.I will maintain a class blog and will email parents with general notification and give them a call if there is cause for celebration or concern.ReflectionGoalsSpring 2012Lorem Ipsum Dolor

1) Develop a regular and systematic routine for record keeping!!!

a. Take tons of pictures. Create computer-based portfolios of student work. Pictures work particularly well for the Show Me part of math.

2) Keep materials accessible for students so that they can become independent.

a. Clear and Labeled plastic bins with picture and word.

b. Sharp materials not accessible.

3) Set up new guided reading activities weekly.

a. Select activities that they are able to do independently. (A difficult task).

4) Have students sit in heterogeneous groups. Teach them how to work together.

a. Even different grades can be put together in the same group.

5) Early Learning Literacy Intervention Program very useful. PM Benchmarks useful.

6) Pre- and Post assessment a sticker placed in math Scrap Book with the question What do you know about?

7) Music wand very effective for getting class attention.

8) A website with calendar of events and photographs essential. Also, Remind 101 App for contacting and reminding parents of key events.

9) Contact parents a great deal in beginning and you wont have to do so later on.

10) Homework is a monthly calendar so parents can decide when to do particular tasks.