Formatives in 5: Writing & Math Journals

There is such POWER in writing and journals--in all subject areas.  An INTENTIONAL question or prompt can provide such valuable information regarding where they are in their learning!  Let's take a look at  math journal examples found in some of our own BPS  Math Cadre Classrooms!

As you can see, Math Journals can be a learning tool for students, helping them make sense of the math. It can also be a great way for you to check for understanding and misconceptions.  

Welcome to another edition of Formatives in 5.  

Chalk talks / Placemats are a great way to engage kids and even adults in reflective discussion. This formative check makes thinking visible in your classroom and provides an opportunity for everyone to be heard and encourages students to consider others' viewpoints.


Your Turn: In the comments share your Ah-Ha's and connections relating to chalk talks as a formative. 
Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book. 

Formatives in Five: Exit Slips

This week's Formative in 5 video showcases the power of Exit Slips/Exit Tickets.  Exit slips are one of the easiest ways to gather information about student learning. 

Your Turn: In the comments, share your take-aways and connections with using exit slips to gather evidence of student learning and drive your instruction.

Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book. 

Formatives in 5: Observation

This week's Formative in 5 video showcases the power of observation.  Careful observation is the foundation of a teacher’s formative assessment work. Here are a few ideas of how to keep track of the information you gather while observing your students.

Resources for Implementation:

Student Evidence Grid

Kindergarten Recording Form

1st Grade Recording Form

2nd Grade Recording Form

3rd Grade Recording Form

4th Grade Recording Form

5th Grade Recording Form

Your Turn: In the comments,  share your Ah-Ha's and connections with using observations to figure out what kids know and don't yet know!

Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book. 

Formatives in 5: Math Games & Recording Sheets

Who doesn't LOVE a great math game in which students are modeling with manipulatives, engaging in discourse, and making sense of the math!  How can we gather evidence of where kiddos are in their learning during game time?  Check out this video to find out!

Hands on games can be so powerful! Weaving in methods for students to make connections between the concrete, pictorial, and abstract numbers while engaging in activities is critical. Then, having students record this information provides valuable evidence of what students know and don't yetknow! Once you take a look at these recording sheets, it can help you determine next instructional steps in whole group & perhaps small group work!

Resources for Implementation: Several activities on your Proficiency Scale resources include Game Recording Sheets already! Go to tinyurl.com/bpsccmath and your specific grade level.

Your Turn: In the comments,  share your Ah-Ha's and connections relating to Game Recording Sheetsto figure out what kids know and don't yet know!

Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book. 

Formatives In 5: Reading Journals

Welcome to the first official Formatives in 5 post. Because we know you are busy, in 5 minutes or less you will be provided with quick ways to find out what kids know and don't know.

Reading journals are already part of your daily classroom practice and we know that they are useful tools, so why not use them as a formative? In this clip, you will see how students provide evidence of targets using reading journals. Teachers engage students in targets and skills in whole group instruction. After engaging in whole group instruction, students can use their reading journals in small group and independent practice to show evidence of these targets.

Resources for Implementation: Primary Reading Journals

Your Turn: In the comments share your Ah-Ha's and connections relating to reading journals as a formative. 
Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book. 

Welcome to BPS Effective Teaching & Learning

Welcome!  The BPS Curriculum team is excited to use this blog as a way to share ideas, tools, and resources that relate to effective teaching strategies and the formative process.  Topics will include ways to determine "what kids know and don't know", teaching strategies that impact learning, and other tips and tricks to help you along your journey of moving kids forward in their learning.

The BEST part of this blog is that you can comment and share your insights, questions, and experiences that relate to our posts.   Stay tuned for Formatives in 5...a series of short 5 minute classroom video clips that show authentic ways to determine what students know and don't know!  (PLC #2)