Are you looking for something new to use with vocabulary instruction?  Do you want some new ideas to mix up your classroom routine?  Check out the THis Strategy Swap newsletter.  It is full of useful ideas, immediate take away activities, and links to some great resources.  Some activities are set to make a copy for you as soon as you click on the link.  This way you have your own copy immediately to use or modify for what works best for your classroom.  There are vocabulary games, in class activities, possible intervention or extension options, as well as, some innovative dictionaries that are not your average dictionary.  

THIS Strategy Swap mini sessions will be held monthly.  Stop in to the instructional services office anytime during the day for a demonstration, to ask questions or collaborate with your colleagues.  There might even be treats.  We need your feedback to make this successful, so if you have ideas for future sessions, we’d love to hear from you.

Which Blob Are You?

During our recent AIW Training we were presented with a blob tree image.  If you aren't familiar with a blob tree, you MUST check it out (link below).  It is a wonderful image of a tree with multiple little blob-like characters positioned multiple ways with a high variety of expressions and emotions. All of which can be nicely associated with how a teacher might be feeling with a particular professional learning initiative.  What a great opportunity to discuss with your team as to how ready or comfortable you feel for the change.

http://www.speechmark.net/giant-blob-tree-poster

Are you the one:

• stable on a platform with a smile? 
• helping another one up before you even get started?
• laying on the ground uninterested?
• at the top frowning while waiting for the rest?
• 1/3 of the way up with your back turned?
• happily joined with others further up?
• just barely hanging on, or falling?

I'm sure we can relate with all of them at some point in our journey of professional learning.  At NFV we hope you feel the multiple supports in place for a successful community of learning.  TigerHawk Instructional Services can provide teachers with opportunity for reflection, modeling, practice and support through the request of informal consult or coaching.  We will soon be rolling out procedures for utilizing our model teachers as well!  Proud to be NFV!