Lesson Makeovers - 5 lesson innovations.

I have declared 2013 as 'the year of trial and error'. I'm going to experiment a little. I'm going to make some discoveries, and probably some mistakes (another word for discoveries) along the way. Like I say to my students all the time - "You learn more from mistakes and failures than you do from success". So with that, I give myself permission to experiment with things like technology, lesson ideas, concepts, flipping the classroom and some other areas of my teaching.

Here in Australia we have just completed our first week of term 3. Already some experiments are paying off. Here are some of the newer things that I have tried so far:

1. 'The Amazing Race' - as an introduction to cross country/orienteering I devised a lesson that simulated the TV show of the same name. You've seen it - people following maps and instructions to reach check points and then complete a task. Ask students to run cross country usually results in moans and groans, but my classes (yr 4, 5, 6) were happy to run across the school grounds and perform physical tasks for 40 minutes without any complaints. I pointed this out to them in the debrief - find physical activities that you enjoy doing, that keep you stimulated, and you will forget that you are exercising at all. I emailed my yr 5 classes this orienteering youtube clip and posted it onto my Yr 6 PE group on Edmodo.

2. Skipping Challenge - My school participates in the Heart Foundation's 'Jump Rope For Heart' programme every second year. I devised three charts (bronze, silver and gold) each with 11 pictures and descriptions of skipping tricks, with bronze being the easier tricks and Gold being quite challenging. Students have a list of all the tricks on a page and select the tricks they would like to try and master. A peer must witness the trick being performed 3 times for it to be considered mastered. I like that students can work at their level, and can choose the tasks that interest them.

3. Alphabet Challenge - I dusted off an old 'Gymfit' resource and whittled it down to a few activities that I decided I would use this year. One of those is a list of 26 activities (each is assigned a letter of the alphabet) involving the use of skipping ropes, hoops, large balls and small balls. Students were paired off and introduced to the idea of 'peer assessment'. I made a record sheet for the students to check off when they observed their partner performing the task as per the picture. Again students could work at their pace and choose the activities that interested them. All students were engaged. They were learning how to compromise when it came to choosing activities as well as being honest when peer assessing.

4. Ipad and projector screen - I am very keen to make use of the large screen and projector screen in our undercover area. So far I have shown youtube videos for instruction, as well as setting up a station where 3 students at a time play games such as Bit Breaker, Fit Freeway and Fuego's River Adventure. It was such a big hit and I had parents and other teachers stopping to have a look. One teacher brought out her class for a demonstration. These are great as wet weather activities.

5. Socrative - I teach health to our Yr 6 students. Our theme for this term is 'Challenges and Choices'. Getting 11 year olds involved in discussion can be a challenge in itself. With the increased number of laptops available I was able to use the Socrative App on my ipad projected up onto the interactive white board while students logged onto the 'student' site. From here I could ask a discussion question and have the students type in their thoughts. The responses come up onto the IWB for all to see, but the students can post anonymously, giving them a little more bravado to speak their mind. As a result my students were all engaged and contributing. It is a fun way to stimulate discussion and not rely on the usual 2-3 students who always put up their hand.

For many teachers these ideas will already be in place in their teaching practices. For me - it was time for a freshen up, and the above are examples of how I am personally doing things a little different this year. Not only does it freshen things up for my students, but it rejuvenates my interest and passion for my work. I will make some discoveries along the way - and win, lose or draw........my students and I win in the long run.

Streaming in PE

There's a reason why I don't play basketball for the L.A. Lakers - I'm not good enough. They don't just let anyone play in the N.B.A. But the reality is I wouldn't really enjoy it anyway. I doubt I could get the ball past half way, and it wouldn't be long before Kobe realised that he just shouldn't pass me the ball at all.

In sport, to get the best out of an individual or team, they must compete with 'like' athletes. Divisions, rankings, leagues, levels...they are all required in competition, and I have considered this with my PE classes. Here I will explain one of the methods of streaming students I have used, and reveal the results.

Streaming Yr 6 Volleyball 
My first lesson in this unit involved a student constructed quiz to test each other on how much of the rules and teaching points they retained from last year. Then I threw them into a game and observed. This informed me as to what skills and game procedures needed the most work, and it enabled me to split the class into a Blue group (better skilled) and a Gold group (lesser skilled). The following lesson I set the two groups onto separate skill-drill progressions to accelerate the Blues in applying their skills, and to catch up the Gold group on the fundamentals. When it came to game time (culmination of each lesson which was more and more each week) the results were amazing.

The Results
My Blue group played the best volleyball I had ever seen from year 6s. The rallies consistently went 4-5-6 times over the net. They thoroughly enjoyed their games. All students were involved and confident enough to offer suggestions and support to their team mates. They were even able to umpire themselves fairly without any major disputes.

My Gold group also picked up their intensity compared to what I had seen from some of them in previous units. The game was played at a slower pace to the Blue game, so they all felt like they could contribute (there were modified rules to allow the game to flow, like being allowed to catch a serve). They played with confidence because their team mates and opposition had similar skills and so refrained from making criticism when mistakes were made. Mostly I could stand back and observe and make assessments on their skills, understandings and teamwork.

At the end-of-unit-debrief and reflection I was pleased to hear how much the class enjoyed playing volleyball. I fed back to them how much they had improved, what their greatest attributes were, and what they could work on to take it to the next level in high school.

Summary
If students enjoy playing sport and being active in PE, they will be more inclined to pursue physical activities in their own time. This will lead to them becoming life-long participants in sport and as we know - the physical, social and cognitive benefits are endless. Naturally skilled students find enjoyment from being challenged when playing at a pace and level that is exciting and involves risks and failures. Lower skilled students need an environment that is less risky, a suitable pace for easier decision making and with rules that are easy to follow. Both groups can get the same enjoyment out of the same activity if the environment is suited to their abilities.

My favourite hour of the week is when I play basketball for a team called 'Vintage'. It's not the NBA - it's Tuesday night social Men's B division at my local recreation centre. I can keep up with the pace, I don't get criticised if I miss a shot (and it happens ...oh it happens!) and I thoroughly enjoy the level of competitiveness and teamwork. I have found the right environment for me, and I will continue to find the right environment for my students.

Note - Of course there are benefits of having mixed ability groupings as well, and I use this often in my teaching. But this is a topic for another blog.....

My next blog will be on how I streamed my Yr 5 basketball class by rotating groups through stations.
Until then I'd love to hear how you group your classes - skill groups, mixed abilities, friendship groups?

7 New Year's Innovations - what has worked for me so far in 2013.

One of the best things about being in the field of teaching is the fresh start that is offered to us each year. In fact we get a fresh start each term, come to think of it....every Monday! A fresh start is the right time to consolidate what you are already doing well in your teaching, and to leave off the methods that did not serve you or your students well. It is also a great time to try something new. And that is what I have done.

Here are a list of innovations that have worked well for me so far in 2013.

1. Streaming - putting apple with apples.
There are many ways to extend your skilled students, just as there are many ways to modify activities to suit your weaker students. By streaming my Yr 6 volleyball class into stronger and weaker groups I was able to do both. The details will be in my next post, so to keep it brief, I will simply say the results were amazing. Both groups were engaged, challenged and comfortable amongst their peers.

2. Throw them into a game and see what you get.
I didn't start my Yr 4 netball module with the usual introductory skills and drills, but instead threw the students into a game. I wanted to see where they were at in terms of skills and game knowledge. I discovered they did not need lessons of work on passing, pivoting and jump-stopping. Rather they just needed a little polish on using space, leading and defending. So this was my focus for the following lesson before returning to match play. I discovered that what they needed and what I thought they needed were quite different.

3. Edmodo
Last year our Yr 6 students used Edmodo in second semester. This year the Yr 6 teachers and I decided to introduce them to it from day one.  Edmodo is used daily to share information regarding events at school, homework, group projects, youtube videos, pictures and general Q and A about classwork. The students have embraced this networking platform and it has already shown to be useful in our teaching and the students' learning.

4. Pinterest
Having discovered Pinterest at he end of last year I had all my Summer holiday to start 'pinning' photos, pictures and resources. My boards are a collection of images I use to share with students, teachers and parents. I have only scratched the surface with what I aim to collect, but it's a start. My students love to see what images I have for them to view every time I come into their classroom.

5. Wristbands - the best $4 I have ever spent on teaching.
Like you, I reward students to reinforce the positive behaviours they exhibit, such as using manners, helping others, displaying good sportsmanship, giving their best effort, helping pack away etc. I used to lose track of who I had earmarked for a reward throughout the lesson, but not anymore. I wear 5-6 hair elastics on my wrist. When I see or hear a student exhibiting those positive behaviours I hand them a 'wristband' to put on their wrist. At the end of the lesson I can say "If you have a wristband on please come and see me before you go for your reward". Simple, effective and the students have responded to it really well.

 






6. Theory Focus
I have added a 'Theory Focus' to my Yr 3-6 classes. This means that amongst the skills, fitness and sport during PE time, every few weeks a new topic is discussed which covers topics such as bones, muscles, how to be 'sun-smart', leadership, umpire appreciation, sports injuries, nutrition and many others. I spend just a few minutes using charts, quizzes and props to show students a little bit more than I used to. Soon there will be a screen and projector in the undercover area, so visuals off the iPad will follow.

7. Going full circle with checklists and anecdotal records.
I used to use clipboards and a class list, but didn't like taking my eyes off the class to find a name on an alphabetical list. Then I moved to a small handheld dictaphone to record notes. The speed and ease of note taking was great, but listening back to 6 lessons worth of notes everyday can be time consuming. Next I moved onto the iPad for videoing students in action. Great for collecting evidence but again very time consuming and the camera can never take in as much as the eye.
So what do I do now? All three!
I  always take with me a clipboard and fresh class list, my dictaphone and my iPad. All three have their strengths and I use each one for whichever situation calls for it.

So there you have it - 7 innovations I have added to my repertoire. I would love to hear what you have tried different, or simply built upon this year. I will follow up soon with details of my Yr 6 volleyball class that I streamed successfully. Until then, keep those kids happy and healthy!

9 tips to help you return to work with child-like enthusiasm.

Picture the first day back at school to start a new year. There's excitement in the air. The teachers are excited. Why? Because they are about to begin a new year of discovery, achievement, targets, goal setting, professional development and fulfilment. The kids are excited. Why? Because they have new pencils...........

Who wins? The kids of course. I mean, new pencils - come on! Add to that the new uniform, new classroom, new school bag, maybe even a new haircut!

So maybe we should take a leaf out of the children's books and inject a bit of wide eyed enthusiasm into our first week back at school. Here are 9 simple tips for adding that extra spring in your step for day one, week one:

1. Rearrange your desk and/or your office (if you are lucky enough to have one). Make it feel like a new workspace by moving your computer monitor to a new position, or shifting the bookshelf to another wall. It's also a good opportunity to dig through those old files and books you've been hanging onto. Clear out the obsolete and make space for the new resources that you will discover, or just de-clutter the view for when you are pondering your next lesson.

2. Replace those old posters with something new. While your 'renovating' your workspace, put up images or words of inspiration that catch your eye every time you enter. It's like a fresh coat of paint.

3. Treat yourself to a new set of clothes. Is it time to upgrade those sports shoes? What about a new hat, drink bottle, whistle and lanyard? And most definitely arrive on day one with your feet inside a brand new pair of socks! You will certainly feel like a new person.

4. Create a new playlist on your iPod/iPhone or whatever device you use. Do you sometimes play music during lessons and activities? Have a playlist of current songs that don't contain explicit lyrics or themes just for the kids to work to. You don't want to still be listening to those tired old songs. Update the playlist for a fresh sound that you and the kids will enjoy.

5. Try a new screen saver on all your devices. Something that gives you a lift every time you open your iPad or sit at your desk. It could be a motivational quote - your mission statement for the year (find some here), or maybe a funny picture that reminds you of a special person, place or time. And while we're at it, what about a new ringtone or message alert sound? If you use your devices as much as I do, it's nice to freshen them up once in a while.

6. Order new equipment in time to have it ready for use on day one. Children love new toys, so indulge your inner child and make sure your new equipment is ready to go when they are.

7. Use new equipment you haven't used before. Try something new, even if it is just for an ice-breaker activity or a warm-up. You will find this stimulating for both you and the students. Watch the ideas snowball once you see what the students come up with when asked to 'explore' their new items.

8. Buy new stationary for your desk. You deserve new pencils too! Include in this a new and unused notepad and sticky notes. It's a simple idea but one that will make desk work a little more exciting (if that's possible!)

9. Rewrite the signature at the bottom of your emails. Try a new colour and font, and while you're at it, how about a message, motto or personal mission statement about your teaching. Simple. Effective.

So there are just a few simple ways of making your return to work even more enjoyable. Keep it fresh. You're already filled with excitement and motivated to have your best year yet, but the ideas above will just add a little sparkle to those first few weeks.

It's exciting when the Christmas tree comes out each year, but you need the decorations too, right?

Excited about 2013.

So here I am on New Year's Day writing my first blog. The head is a little fuzzy....but here it goes....

The 1st of January always offers the chance to start over, especially in the field of teaching.
I look forward to turning over my new leaf and getting stuck into the 2013 calendar - personally and professionally. I am buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm for my new love - social media - in particular about how I can best use it to enhance my teaching and deliver the best experiences to my students.

Here's how I got to this point:

• At the start of 2012 all staff in my school were given iPads with the idea of letting us learn how to use them and integrate them into our teaching.
• Working closely with a younger teacher who is a tech buff has definitely rubbed off. He set up his own apple tv / whiteboard configuration which I used when in his class for half a day each week.
• Our yr 6 teachers and students used edmodo successfully throughout the year.
• I became familiar with the term 'flipped classroom' and began sending students reading and videos via edmodo for them to view before coming to class
• I joined twitter! (@PE_MrB). This has been the single largest step in terms of personal learning about educational technologies and developing a PLN (professional learning network).
• Since then I have started a youtube channel, pinterest account and now this blog. All three are in their early stages, but with each day I am downloading, liking, following, tweeting, subscribing, pinning and watching more and more content and adding it to the basket of resources that will hopefully lead me to become a more multifaceted educator.

So you see I have been busy. Its a good thing I don't watch tv because I don't have the time. But I can say this - never before have I been this motivated and immersed in my work.