Susan Fitzell-Educational Consultant & Speaker » mnemonic devices

Seven Surefire Ways to Relate Classroom Material to the Student’s World

sfitzell — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:09:52 +0000

Seven Surefire Ways to Relate Classroom Material to the Student’s World — Learning Disabitlities Association of Wash… http://shar.es/aIrcR

Posted in Differentiated Instruction, Uncategorized Tagged: Differentiated Instruction, learning, mnemonic devices, strategy, teaching, technology education

Singing the Guidelines for Flexible Grouping

sfitzell — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:28:56 +0000

Woodington Middle School Workshop on Flexible Grouping and Acceleration Centers (™)

Recently, I presented a ‘workshoppy workshop” on Flexible Grouping and Accleration Centers (™)at Woodington Middle School in Kinston, NC. To teach the concept of small groups, the teachers actually get into small groups and learn the material (similar to a jigsaw) well enough to present their section to the rest of the group. After we’ve discussed the basics of flexible grouping and created ground rules, each small group takes a section of the material and creates a mind-map denoting the key points and a creative, non-lecture way to present the information to the group. The eighth grade teachers created and performed a song to the tune of Singing in the Rain to teach and remember successful tips for flexible grouping. They were just awesome! I always appreciate teachers who have the courage to get up in front of their peers to perform. It takes a lot of hootspah! I’m honored that I had the opportunity to work with them.

A poem about small group work sung to the tune of Singing in the Rain.

Written by Susan Heath, Kellie Wolfe, Linda Smith, and Judy Burkett

We are the groupies and we’ll help you with your lengthy hour if you’ll pay attention to our flower power.

Today I am going to see in which groupie you will be. I’ve had a chance to look at last year’s EOG. (North Carolina’s End Of Grade test.)

There is a test we will use to see the various aspects of your personality.

I’ve observed you in the classroom and various other places so you may not be with your friends today but brand new smiling faces.

Your academic abilities may not be the same, combine your strengths and weaknesses you’re sure to win the game.

The interest you have is sure to grow as you share with each other the knowledge you know.

You may not be quite ready for the task that is at hand but after class instruction now you’ve got it man.

In a small group there is no time to sleep recorder, reporter or the time you will keep.

Some of you learn better by listening to what I say. Others learn by touching or in a visual kind of way.

Self-assessment is a valuable tool so leave your exit card with me and you’ll definitely be cool.

Posted in Differentiated Instruction Tagged: 8th grade teachers, acceleration centers, flexible groups, Guidelines for flexible grouping, Manchester, mnemonic devices, music as a memory strategy, NH, Professional Speaker and Educational Consultant and Coa, singing, susan fitzell, teacher strategies, Woodington Middle School

Using Differentiated Instruction Strategies at Rochelle M.S.

sfitzell — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:53:22 +0000

Rochelle Middle School Teachers Working Hard to Engage Students

Today, I worked with two groups of teachers at Rochelle Middle School who are interested in learning more strategies to differentiate instruction and meet their students needs. We discussed behavior management strategies for working with groups and Four Corners activites, and quietly cueing kids to get on task or to receive Kudos for doing the right thing! We also discussed four powerful teaching tips, adaptation strategies for students reading below grade level, and …mnemonic devices as well as several other best practice ideas. Thanks Rochelle M.S. teachers, Mr. Nick Harvey, principal, and Pat Tunstall for a great day and the honor of working in Lenoir County!

Tomorrow, we’ll tackle co-teaching strategies. That workshop is lots of fun because we get to work with personality styles which is a guaranteed laughter generator!

Posted in Differentiated Instruction Tagged: Differentiated Instruction, inclusion, mnemonic devices, New Hampshire, Professional Speaker and Consultant, Rochelle M.S., susan fitzell, teaching strategies