Shaw's Continuous Educational Blog

Students are setting across from kids that are completely the opposite of them; different home lives, different cultures, different race, and ethnicities. The students in the classrooms I work in change dramatically throughout the year due to transient populations; migrant workers, apartment deals, and family upheavals. I believe it is a true disservice to our students if they don’t get the opportunity to get to know one another… students in the classrooms must get the chance to have conversations about these differences BUT, more importantly, the similarities among all of us-   The best way I know how to do this is through reading.  I have compiled a list of some of the most diverse, multicultural texts that I feel could impact a classroom in the most positive way. 1.  Croza, Lauren., & James, Matt. (2013).  I know here The story is filled with beautiful figurative language and sensory details that capture the se...

The love of reading has lead me to articles online. I wanted to incorporate this technology into my classroom but also benefit from a quick assessment. I started asking around and found the site  ReadWorks.org . It is a super easy way to add information and or fiction articles in my reading stations. The students responded well to the new "tech reading," and I am able to collect and analyze data. Check out the quick tutorial!

Being a part of PLNs is an ongoing process of collaboration for educators to improve their teaching as well as student learning. Becoming a diverse educator and delivering engaging beneficial teaching through sharing and supporting leadership with professional learning communities.  https://home.edweb.net/ This PLN is free online host for learning committees sharing ideas that can improve teaching practices and student learning. The possibilities range from ELL ideas, technology, behavior, coding, and webinars guiding administration students. https://padlet.com/shelbieshaw/8cttkj7dri06 This network is my personal website for my students and parents to access. My reading curriculum department does have a specific reading padlet that all 5 th grade reading teachers shares. We all have access to the padlet and share ideas, websites, images and links. I also teach social studies and we have a padlet network that all district 5 th grade teachers share. All parties includ...

Looking through the lens of UDL displays that each learner is different but capable of working and growing to his or her fullest potential. When I prepare lessons for my students, I always start with the end in mind “Affective Networks”. Having a high economically disadvantage population, my students need the WHY piece first. What is going to get them engaged and stay motivated? Then I integrate the “Recognition Network”, WHAT are we learning. How are we going to gather facts and recognize task? Finally focusing on the “Strategic Network”, of HOW are we going to plan and perform the tasks.   By setting up the students with this successful path so they can witness their own accomplishments is my goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&feature=youtu.be Like any human, there are moments of mistakes and weakness. For example, this past school year I took on the challenge to take the lowest reading group for tutoring to prepare for a second STAAR admission. I went in...