An important aspect in developing a cohesive curriculum is to plan for vertical alignment among grade levels within a subject area. Thinking about how what students learn in one grade level supports the next, and also looking at what is “new and different” at each level helps to ensure students will not only have a solid foundation for future grade levels, but will also be able to advance their learning from year to year.
Looking to engage your audience and encourage active participation? Assigning roles is a great way to empower leaders and foster a collaborative learning environment. Roles can also encourage individual accountability and build communication skills. Consider assigning roles during group work or discussions such as Facilitator, Presenter, Recorder, or Time Keeper.
When creating assessments, whether formative or summative, be sure to align them to both the content and the verb as outlined in the curriculum. Ask yourself, “What are students supposed to know and be able to do?” We use the content and verbs from the curriculum in our instruction, so matching assessments to that same criteria will help ensure they are being assessed at the same level as they were instructed.
The power of positive relationships can transform the culture and climate of your classroom. Dedicating time to learn about your students as individuals beyond the walls of the classroom sets everyone up for a year of engagement that will ultimately support their learning. What are your favorite ways to build relationships with your students?
Utilize the foundations and strategies found in games to transform engagement and learning in your classroom. After identifying the objective of the lesson, consider games that can easily support the lesson goals. Gamification caters to multiple learning styles, incorporates social skills and teamwork, and can be a hands-on approach to learning concepts.
When preparing to embark on the curriculum writing journey, analyzing the current curriculum will provide you with a foundation to start from. Survey teachers to find out what is currently being taught and then look for patterns, gaps, or missing standards. This will also help to identify locally important components within the district.
