Have you ever met a little 6-year-old boy with Super-Powers? Or, perhaps a better question would be: Have you ever met a little 6-year-old boy who didn’t have Super-Powers? Many boys this age are full of energy, excitement, enthusiasm, and beans. Yes, a lot of BEANS! Some of these children also have very little self-controlContinue reading “Charmed, I’m Sure”
Author Archives: Tia M. Dawson
First Self-Reflection Conferences
The first term reporting period is upon us. In the past few weeks, I have reflected on and written about my struggles with assigning letter grades to my students. By putting my concerns and struggles out there for all to read, many of you gave me wonderful support and suggestions. Thank you all so much!Continue reading “First Self-Reflection Conferences”
The Primary Pad Buzz
After hearing about one of our teacher’s experience and witnessing the excitement of the students, I knew I wanted to give PrimaryPad a try with my own classes. It went really well, for the most part. The second class I tried it with went much better than the first class though. I think that myContinue reading “The Primary Pad Buzz”
A Lesson in Persistence and Collaboration
One of our Grade 5 teachers tried something new a couple of weeks ago. It turned out fabulous, but not without a few hiccups. Her class is studying the environment, so she wanted to have her class collaboratively answer a debatable question regarding farming salmon. With the help of our Teacher-Librarian, she and another GradeContinue reading “A Lesson in Persistence and Collaboration”
My Grading Moratorium Story
At what stage of the abolish grading game are you? I am at the beginning stages of abolishing grading. As a Vice-Principal in an inner-city elementary school Surrey, British Columbia, I spend 70% of my admin assignment teaching. 30% of this teaching assignment includes being an Intermediate Prep teacher. Each class comes to me forContinue reading “My Grading Moratorium Story”
Be Present
Be Present (and so will they) (My version of “Build it and They Will Come”) There is a little boy in our school who is a runner and a hider. He runs away from his Grade 1 class regularly. He leaves the classroom when something is wrong: usually when he has been disciplined. We, atContinue reading “Be Present”
I’m Back and On the Mend
I’m Back! I have been unwell for the past week. Apparently, it was time for my yearly visit with my friend Bronchitis, with a bonus stopover from Sinus Infection. Misery loves company, don’t you know. This is how I looked, I’m sure: While I did manage to get myself in to work on Wednesday andContinue reading “I’m Back and On the Mend”
Letter Grades Pt. 2
If you read my last blog post, you know how much I am struggling with giving out letter grades this term. I received some great advice and many blog posts to read in relation to this very topic. It was exciting to read other people’s ideas. If you happened to be a fly on theContinue reading “Letter Grades Pt. 2”
My Struggle With Letter Grades
Much of my teaching experience, prior to becoming a vice-principal was teaching primary students. When teaching primary students, we do not assign letter grades. Instead, we look at each prescribed learning outcome for each student on a continuum of learning: not yet within expectations, approaching expectations, meeting expectations, and exceeding expectations. I very rarely indicatedContinue reading “My Struggle With Letter Grades”
Soft Eyes and a Warm Voice
On Friday, for the Provincial Professional Day, a group of us from our school heard the second part of the workshop by Colleen Drobot on Supporting the Inner City Teacher. Specifically, her workshop was entitled: “Working With Immature, Sensitive and/or Stuck Kids”. The second part of her workshop she presented was called: “You’re Not theContinue reading “Soft Eyes and a Warm Voice”
It's All About Learning 