Powerful Professional Development- Building Expertise Within the Four Walls of You School
By Diane Yendol-Hoppy and Nancy Fichtman Dana
This is a great professional learning book. This book exposed me to some new thinking as well as confirmed for me my current thinking about Professional Development. I firmly believe that professional development is most effective when teachers are in the driver’s seat, and have the opportunity to build on, refine and reflect on their craft. In our school learning communities teachers need to see themselves as learners just as much as the students do. Their professional learning is in service to the student learning. The two can not be separated as they are two sides of the same coin and serve the same purpose…enhancing student learning. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Math Work Stations- Independent Learning You Can Count On K-2
by Debbie Diller
This book was recommended to me by a member of my PLN. I was expressing my concerns about the lack of content and quality, research based instructional strategies in the Daily 5 Math. She suggested that I check out this new book instead and as soon as I began reading I was hooked. From the ideas around classroom organization to the standards based Station suggestions this book has much to get me thinking. I also really like how Diller stresses that no station can stand alone without the quality teaching teachers do everyday.
Comments on: "My Professional Reading" (2)
The book seems very interesting. Over the years, I’ve made use of workstations in classes. They had additional activities for children and would be part of our lessons. Within a given topic, each workstation had a related activity. Children would alternate, trying each activity. I would move from station to station seeing the progress after the initial introduction to the topic.
Work stations work but, as pointed out, they don’t stand alone without quality teaching.
Ross Mannell (teacher)
Australia
I am interested to read it. I have the same concerns with Daily 5-it seems to become “center time” .Thanks for sharing.