2014-2015 School year
June 1, 2015
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Environment: This resource compilation includes tips and guides on classroom design and layout to help maximize the possibilities of the learning environment for new teachers (or old! Why not?) http://www.edutopia.org/article/new-teachers-designing-classroom-learning-environment-resources
Are You a Whole Teacher? Looking to include more 21st Century Skills and Attributes into your classroom? Take this educator self-assessment to find out how you’re doing. http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/whole-teaching-whole-teacher-self-assessment-educator-assessment/ We hope you have enjoyed the Reuther Lit Bit this school year. The feedback from staff has been very positive and was truly appreciated. |
May 18, 2015
Expectations & Opportunities: This Passive vs. Active learning pyramid displays activities and the outcomes they produce. Don’t miss the information inside the pyramid… ideas for active learning in your classroom.
Missed out on the Twitter chat (#8CulChat)about Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools by Ron Ritchhart? A new book study is beginning on June 8. See http://www.mathcoachscorner.com/2015/05/16/book-study-monday-creating-cultures-of-thinking/ for more details.
Ready for your classroom to go from information to transformational? Check out this article, 4 Big Things Transformational Teachers Do to get you started. http://www.edutopia.org/blog/big-things-transformational-teachers-do-todd-finley
Don’t forget to check out the updates on the Think from the Middle website… new additions and changes are being made weekly. http://www.rcsthinkfromthemiddle.com/index.html
Missed out on the Twitter chat (#8CulChat)about Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools by Ron Ritchhart? A new book study is beginning on June 8. See http://www.mathcoachscorner.com/2015/05/16/book-study-monday-creating-cultures-of-thinking/ for more details.
Ready for your classroom to go from information to transformational? Check out this article, 4 Big Things Transformational Teachers Do to get you started. http://www.edutopia.org/blog/big-things-transformational-teachers-do-todd-finley
Don’t forget to check out the updates on the Think from the Middle website… new additions and changes are being made weekly. http://www.rcsthinkfromthemiddle.com/index.html
May 4, 2015
All 8 Cultural Forces: 27 Ways to Help Your Students Be Innovative ties in with all eight of the cultural forces. While you read through the list, see if you can connect all 27 ideas to one of the 8 Cultural Forces!
Routines: Check out this article by Katrina Schwartz (found from : http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/12/08/how-dissecting-a-pencil-can-ignite-curiosity-and-wonderment/ ) about how dissecting a pencil can ignite curiosity. The idea is from a program called Agency by Design and uses thinking routines designed by the Harvard researches on thinking routines.
The Innovator's Mindset: While thinking about helping our students to be innovative… a list of 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset.
Routines: Check out this article by Katrina Schwartz (found from : http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/12/08/how-dissecting-a-pencil-can-ignite-curiosity-and-wonderment/ ) about how dissecting a pencil can ignite curiosity. The idea is from a program called Agency by Design and uses thinking routines designed by the Harvard researches on thinking routines.
The Innovator's Mindset: While thinking about helping our students to be innovative… a list of 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset.
April 27, 2015
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Are you on Twitter? If not… Twitter is a great resource for sharing CoT ideas and resources. Check out #rcstfm (Our Think from the Middle website) or #8CulChat (a professional learning community dedicated to discussing Ritchhart’s new book, Creating Cultures of Thinking, and led by local Oakland Schools’ teachers)
Environment: Check out this article http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/07/14/this-is-what-a-student-designed-school-looks-like/ about what a student-designed school looks like. The article is about a pilot school (The Independent Project) that eight students helped to develop in 2010 and is still going strong.
Time & Opportunities: Ever wonder what happens to your brain when you have a brilliant idea? Check out this infographic from Vivian Giang from http://www.edutopia.org/ |
April 20, 2015
- As a follow up to our April 14 staff meeting, a copy of "Creating Environments That Bring Out the Best in Learners (p. 259 & 260 from Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools by Ron Ritchhart) and a copy of Profile of a Modern Teacher were placed in your mailbox. Consider these things as you re-envision your classroom environment for the 2015-16 school year.
- 8 Things to Look for in Today’s Classroom by George Couros (found on
http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/5027) includes several of the 8 Cultural Forces such as Time, Opportunities, and Interactions. - What type of questions do you ask in your classroom? Ron Ritchhart has found that most classrooms involve a majority of review and procedural questions, while CoT (culture of thinking) classrooms include generative, constructive and facilitative questions. Check out the list of questions types here: http://ronritchhart.com/COT_Resources_files/A%20Typology%20of%20Classroom%20Questions.pdf
- Thought of the week:
"I never teach my pupils. I only provide the conditions in which they can learn." Albert Einstein
April 13, 2015
- Great quote to think about as we start the fourth quarter: “A mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions” – Oliver Wendell Homes, Sr.
- Language- The Blooms Taxonomy Question Stem list is a great tool to use when lesson planning or reflecting on a lesson. How many of the “stems” do you use from levels 4, 5 and 6? This list fits nicely with the “Wheel of Wonder” we received a few years ago. This list is from www.teachthought.com
- Opportunities & Language- From www.edutopia.org , What Does Transformational Teaching Look Like? lists several aspects of transformational teaching (versus informational teaching).
March 30, 2015
Student Survey - On his website, Ron Ritchhart has a student survey (and survey breakdown) on classroom perceptions. This is a great idea to give to your students at the end of this school year and use for personal reflection for improvement for next year. The constructs being surveyed include: Teacher Goals (work vs. learning), Academic Press or Thinking, Learning as Collaboration, Building a Community of Learners, and Academic Efficacy. You can then use the breakdown to look at each type of question and what the response say about your classroom. I have also attached these documents.
Maker Spaces - Nicholas Provenzano and Suzie Boss highlight some of the positive influences maker spaces are having in schools across our country. Stop by our own maker space to see what’s happening here at Reuther!
Food for thought:
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." - Albert Einstein
http://www.teachthought.com/ this is a blog devoted to supporting educators in evolving learning for a 21st century audience. They offer tons of ideas for incorporating technology into your classroom. Their mission from the website: “Our mission is illuminate and actuate optimal learning for everyone, everywhere. This starts with helping smart teachers teach smart, and it extends to work with like-minded organizations to bring visibility and traction to their ideas.” Check it out!
Maker Spaces - Nicholas Provenzano and Suzie Boss highlight some of the positive influences maker spaces are having in schools across our country. Stop by our own maker space to see what’s happening here at Reuther!
Food for thought:
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." - Albert Einstein
http://www.teachthought.com/ this is a blog devoted to supporting educators in evolving learning for a 21st century audience. They offer tons of ideas for incorporating technology into your classroom. Their mission from the website: “Our mission is illuminate and actuate optimal learning for everyone, everywhere. This starts with helping smart teachers teach smart, and it extends to work with like-minded organizations to bring visibility and traction to their ideas.” Check it out!
March 23, 2015
This infographic reminds us that interactions through opportunities with others in class help us to remember up to 90% of what we say and do. We only remember 10% of what we read, but incorporating a routine through which we can discuss our reading, and we will remember much more!
Positive Mindset - Check out this video of Harvard researcher David Perkins on positive mindset. He shares some wisdom about teacher interactions and the impact it has on a student’s mindset.
Positive Mindset - Check out this video of Harvard researcher David Perkins on positive mindset. He shares some wisdom about teacher interactions and the impact it has on a student’s mindset.
March 16, 2015
Bring on the Learning Revolution! Check out this Ted Talk by creativity expert Ken Robinson about personalizing learning for our students. http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution You can also find the link on our TFM Lifelong Learners page.
Friday, March 20- the Reuther/Brandon Science Action Research project meets for the final time this school year. Teachers from Brandon Middle School will be back at Reuther to discuss their personal artifacts from data point 3 using the Student Thinking Continuum.
Friday, March 20- the Reuther/Brandon Science Action Research project meets for the final time this school year. Teachers from Brandon Middle School will be back at Reuther to discuss their personal artifacts from data point 3 using the Student Thinking Continuum.
March 9, 2015
Ron Ritchhart’s newest book, Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools, is now available to purchase! http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Cultures-Thinking-Transform-Schools/dp/1118974603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425922457&sr=1-1&keywords=ron+ritchhart . In the book, Ritchhart includes a section about our very own Erika Lusky (and Julie Rains, from West) on Enbrighten®, an approach they created.
If you didn’t have a chance to read the article What Are Thinking Skills at the March 3 PD, ask for a copy. This article provides great examples of how to incorporate many of the cultural forces into your own classroom.
If you didn’t have a chance to read the article What Are Thinking Skills at the March 3 PD, ask for a copy. This article provides great examples of how to incorporate many of the cultural forces into your own classroom.
March 2, 2015
Ron Ritchhart Interview http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/cultures-thinking-bridge-future-interview-ron-ritchhart Check out this interview with Ron Ritchhart by Arina Bokas, PTA President of Clarkston, MI Schools. The Future of Learning Public TV series are produced by Independence TV and Clarkston Community Schools, MI. Arina Bokas, the Clarkston PTA Council President, hosts this show. In this interview, Ron provides insights into how Cultures of Thinking prepares students to succeed in a global society, as employees and as individuals.
Do you follow us on Twitter? https://twitter.com/hashtag/rcstfm is the Twitter feed link for our Think From the Middle website. Many of our colleagues from around the district post pictures and useful links on this site by including #rcstfm when they post. These posts show up on the website within the twitter feed. Will your post be next?
The Student Thinking Continuum developed by Ron Ritchhart can be used when looking at student artifacts. The continuum is used to determine if a student is a beginning thinker, developing thinker, or deep thinker. If students are not at the deep thinking end of the continuum, what can you do to get them there?
Check this out! The following image is from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-schools-or-learning-george-couros
Do you follow us on Twitter? https://twitter.com/hashtag/rcstfm is the Twitter feed link for our Think From the Middle website. Many of our colleagues from around the district post pictures and useful links on this site by including #rcstfm when they post. These posts show up on the website within the twitter feed. Will your post be next?
The Student Thinking Continuum developed by Ron Ritchhart can be used when looking at student artifacts. The continuum is used to determine if a student is a beginning thinker, developing thinker, or deep thinker. If students are not at the deep thinking end of the continuum, what can you do to get them there?
Check this out! The following image is from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/21st-century-schools-or-learning-george-couros
February 9, 2015
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Expanding the 8 Cultural Forces… If you haven’t seen it recently, the Environment page has been updated with several examples of classroom environments that may inspire you to transform your classroom environment. Our environment displays what we value. Before checking out the page, http://www.rcsthinkfromthemiddle.com/environment.html ask yourself “What does my environment show that I value?” Then, take a look at the examples on the page and think about how the environment in these classrooms display what is valued.
Routine to Try: The Leaderless Discussion. Looking for a new routine to use for facilitating a discussion about a text? Try the Leaderless Discussion which asks readers to generate questions about a text to use in a discussion with a group. See the website for more details. Profile of a Modern Teacher -
Check out this Profile of a Modern Teacher infographic. As the creator, Reid Wilson, puts it, “One of the greatest misconceptions in education today is that certain teachers have a higher natural aptitude in technology than others. This inspirational graphic sets out to disprove that notion and remind the audience that external skills are only a function of the internal dispositions that allowed them to grow”(Wilson, 2014). |
January 26, 2015
Have a great picture of your environment or a thinking routine in your classroom? Tweet it with: #rcstfm It will appear on the RCSTFM website twitter feed for anyone looking at the page (here at Reuther or around the world!)
Looking for resources to get you started (or continue on) with the cultural force of language? Here is a resource and posters you can use to promote the language of community, identity, agency, noticing & naming, knowing, and feedback & praise in your classroom.
Looking for resources to get you started (or continue on) with the cultural force of language? Here is a resource and posters you can use to promote the language of community, identity, agency, noticing & naming, knowing, and feedback & praise in your classroom.
Check out this awesome video from Schroeder Elementary in Troy. Many routines with teacher interviews are showcased.
Inspirational quote for the start of the second semester:
Collective efficacy, which is a shared perception or belief held by a group that they can organize and execute a course of action that makes a difference... is, in fact, a better predictor of student and school success than student socio-economic status or race (Goddard, 2003; Hoy, Smith, & Sweetland, 2002)
Creating a culture of thinking not only in our classrooms, but also our school, is so powerful! What we are doing here at Reuther has such a positive impact on these students! “Our students will reach their full potential through the development of a strong work ethic, effective problem solving skills, and positive relationships.” This is our vision for these students and by each of us believing in making thinking visible, and building a culture of thinking, we are making a difference. Let’s keep going… Reuther is amazing!
January 5, 2015
We recently added a cluster map to our RCS Think from the Middle website. This shows the location and date of visitors to the site. Just today, people from California, Massachusetts, and cities around Michigan visited the site. However, over break, people from countries around the world (Italy, Brazil, and Canada to name a few) visited our site! Visit http://www.rcsthinkfromthemiddle.com and check out the cluster map at the bottom of the home page.
We are currently looking for student artifacts to add to the RCS think from the middle website. Below is a list of the routine samples we currently need. Please let one of us know if you have any student samples you’d like to share.
Circle of Viewpoints
Compass Points
Hot Spots
I Used to Think… Now I Think…
Layers
Peeling the Fruit
Question Starts
Red Light, Yellow Light
Stop, Look, Listen
Think, Puzzle, Explore
True for Who
Tug for Truth
We are currently looking for student artifacts to add to the RCS think from the middle website. Below is a list of the routine samples we currently need. Please let one of us know if you have any student samples you’d like to share.
Circle of Viewpoints
Compass Points
Hot Spots
I Used to Think… Now I Think…
Layers
Peeling the Fruit
Question Starts
Red Light, Yellow Light
Stop, Look, Listen
Think, Puzzle, Explore
True for Who
Tug for Truth
December 8, 2014
Reuther was mentioned on the Making Thinking Visible Facebook page (and NOT by one of us!) The creator of the page posted an image of our 8 Cultural Forces pie graphic (created by Rachel Mainero, adapted from Ron Ritchhart) and mentioned us in the post! Awesome!
Today, Neil DeLuca, assistant principal at RHS, came to visit four 8th grade classrooms (Pathenos, Staugaard, James, and Moore) at Reuther Middle School to observe visible thinking routines being used. He is looking to take back ideas and examples to his staff.
Our customized tour with Brandon Middle School was blogged about by Jean Schmeichel from Oakland Schools. Check it out at http://blog.oakland.k12.mi.us/cot/
Today, Neil DeLuca, assistant principal at RHS, came to visit four 8th grade classrooms (Pathenos, Staugaard, James, and Moore) at Reuther Middle School to observe visible thinking routines being used. He is looking to take back ideas and examples to his staff.
Our customized tour with Brandon Middle School was blogged about by Jean Schmeichel from Oakland Schools. Check it out at http://blog.oakland.k12.mi.us/cot/
December 1, 2014
Take a few minutes (really… just 4 minutes!) to watch this video from Project Zero about why thinking routines should be used, and the power of using them in your classroom. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=853011791417144&set=vb.232080106843652&&theater
Check out the “Our Journey Page” on the Think from the Middle site. New events are constantly being added to document the happenings at Reuther in year 3.
Do you ever think about whether your classroom is a work oriented classroom or a learning oriented classroom? Here is an interesting article about the homework we send home with kids. http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/04/what-if-we-assigned-students-work-that-matters-outside-of-school/
Check out the “Our Journey Page” on the Think from the Middle site. New events are constantly being added to document the happenings at Reuther in year 3.
Do you ever think about whether your classroom is a work oriented classroom or a learning oriented classroom? Here is an interesting article about the homework we send home with kids. http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/04/what-if-we-assigned-students-work-that-matters-outside-of-school/
November 24, 2014
Reuther’s Intellectual Character by Ron Ritchhart Book Club is taking twitter this week! Check out the conversation about chapter four on twitter with #rmsICbookclub
At last week’s SIP meeting, several examples of how the UA teachers are using VT strategies in their classrooms were reported by the awesome Jason Shafer. Be sure to stop by and check out the headlines from Lisa Saraniecki’s seventh grade classes on money management. This department is on fire!
Check out the “What’s New” on the Think from the Middle website. Two new additions have been added this week. Maybe your video will be next? If you are using one of these in your classroom and are willing to be recorded or send us pictures, we would love to add them to the website! We are looking for videos/pictures on the following routines:
o Circle of Viewpoints
o Claim, Support, Question
o Compass Points
o Peeling the Fruit
o Zoom In
o And many, many more!
Be thankful for only one more day of school this week (and all of the other blessings in your life!)
At last week’s SIP meeting, several examples of how the UA teachers are using VT strategies in their classrooms were reported by the awesome Jason Shafer. Be sure to stop by and check out the headlines from Lisa Saraniecki’s seventh grade classes on money management. This department is on fire!
Check out the “What’s New” on the Think from the Middle website. Two new additions have been added this week. Maybe your video will be next? If you are using one of these in your classroom and are willing to be recorded or send us pictures, we would love to add them to the website! We are looking for videos/pictures on the following routines:
o Circle of Viewpoints
o Claim, Support, Question
o Compass Points
o Peeling the Fruit
o Zoom In
o And many, many more!
Be thankful for only one more day of school this week (and all of the other blessings in your life!)
November 17, 2014
The Technology Matrix is now being assembled in ELA classes. You will NOT need to take your homeroom down to the computer labs to do this.
Julie Rains and Erika Lusky, RCS employees, presented at the Project Zero Perspectives: Making, Thinking, Understanding national conference in San Francisco, CA in October. Check out their story on our Think from the Middle website. Additionally, Ron Ritchhart devoted an entire chapter of his new book Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools to Julie and Erika’s classroom approach Enbrighten® and the work they have done. Here’s a link to the book (from above) which is due out next spring. http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Cultures-Thinking-Transform-Schools/dp/1118974603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416245785&sr=1-1&keywords=creating+cultures+of+thinking
Looking to do some professional reading? This article by David Perkins is about creating a culture of thinking in your own classroom. Happy reading! J http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov93/vol51/num03/-Creating-a-Culture-of-Thinking.aspx
Julie Rains and Erika Lusky, RCS employees, presented at the Project Zero Perspectives: Making, Thinking, Understanding national conference in San Francisco, CA in October. Check out their story on our Think from the Middle website. Additionally, Ron Ritchhart devoted an entire chapter of his new book Creating Cultures of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master to Truly Transform Our Schools to Julie and Erika’s classroom approach Enbrighten® and the work they have done. Here’s a link to the book (from above) which is due out next spring. http://www.amazon.com/Creating-Cultures-Thinking-Transform-Schools/dp/1118974603/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416245785&sr=1-1&keywords=creating+cultures+of+thinking
Looking to do some professional reading? This article by David Perkins is about creating a culture of thinking in your own classroom. Happy reading! J http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov93/vol51/num03/-Creating-a-Culture-of-Thinking.aspx
November 10, 2014
Think Tank Thursday this Thursday from 2:30 – 3:30 in Room 131. Counts for PPD!
On Facebook? Join the Making Thinking Visible group to see examples from educators around the country.
Check it out! The showcase in the front lobby is now displaying Ron Ritchhart’s 9 Apps for Parents. This month: Developing a Growth Mindset. Along with the updated showcase, the Reuther website has been updated and connects with the monthly parent app.
Links to the 8 Cultural Forces have been added to the home page of our Think from the Middle website for easy searching.
On Facebook? Join the Making Thinking Visible group to see examples from educators around the country.
Check it out! The showcase in the front lobby is now displaying Ron Ritchhart’s 9 Apps for Parents. This month: Developing a Growth Mindset. Along with the updated showcase, the Reuther website has been updated and connects with the monthly parent app.
Links to the 8 Cultural Forces have been added to the home page of our Think from the Middle website for easy searching.
October 27, 2014
Many staff members asked for more information about the Growth Mindset after October 14th’s PD presentation. A folder named “Growth Mindset” has been placed in the building common drive. It includes articles and a list of resources including links to activities and videos.
I found this article that would be great for sixth or seventh graders to read when getting started on thinking about mindset. Youcangrowyourintelligence
For the November 4th PD, in addition to bringing student artifacts, don’t forget to bring a sign to hang that states the thinking move you used to determine which routine you selected. If you have any questions about this, please see a literacy coach.
In case you didn’t see it before, here is a link to the video from our October 13th PD. Thank you again to the wonderful presenters for all of their hard work and effort. http://vimeo.com/109157388
Each week new and exciting additions are made to our Think from the Middle website. Be sure to check it out! We would love to have your video posted next!
I found this article that would be great for sixth or seventh graders to read when getting started on thinking about mindset. Youcangrowyourintelligence
For the November 4th PD, in addition to bringing student artifacts, don’t forget to bring a sign to hang that states the thinking move you used to determine which routine you selected. If you have any questions about this, please see a literacy coach.
In case you didn’t see it before, here is a link to the video from our October 13th PD. Thank you again to the wonderful presenters for all of their hard work and effort. http://vimeo.com/109157388
Each week new and exciting additions are made to our Think from the Middle website. Be sure to check it out! We would love to have your video posted next!
