BL T.O.W.---'was able to level my groups, my classroom transformed.' Day 35

HDES BLENDED LEARNING T.O.W. 

MS. ETHERIDGE

Ms. Etheridge is always full of great energy and is passionate
about helping students! 

Q. How long have you been teaching?

3 years 

Q. What grade do you teach?

First grade! :)

Q. How has your 2 months been with BL implementation?

It’s always difficult to adjust your teaching practices but the blended learning model and support from colleagues made this easy to implement.  Once I got the hang of the three station rotations and was able to level my groups, my classroom transformed. Having only three centers cut my planning time in half and allowed me to differentiate instruction for each group.  Every student is working on their personal level in the independent center on Smarty ants as well as in their guided reading group with me.  The group center allows for shared learning and collaboration. 

Q. How has BL changed your thoughts about teaching? 

Blended learning has helped me teach and read with every student, in a small group setting, everyday. I can also practice a more gradual release model. I start by introducing a concept in my guided reading and the next day the students will practice that content or skill in their group center. I have also been able to integrate technology into all the centers to keep my students engaged. I also have a more accurate report of what my students can do independently through my weekly Smarty Ants report and am now able to adjust their instruction accordingly. 

Q. If you had one word to describe BL what would say and why? 

Differentiated!