Valhalla Union Free School District CSC

Resources

The resources shared are intended for you to use as you think through your instructional planning and are not intended to be used directly with students. Always check your district policies prior to sharing resources with your students.

PBL Units!

In addition to the resources we included in our June resources page, check out the following PBL units that align with some of the themes this month! In addition to being Caribbean-American Heritage Month, it is also Immigrant Awareness Month. June also celebrates National Zoo and Aquarium Week.

Mission: Conservation

Zoos and human fascination with nature have been part of society for thousands of years. However, not all zoos are created equally, which means some do not contribute back to the community through conservation and/or education programs. In this authentic learning unit, students will investigate zoos and aquariums in their local area, learn about the current animals living there, and analyze the habitats in which these animals live. Then, they will create a presentation for the board of directors, president, and/or CEO explaining how the zoo/aquarium could expand its conservation efforts by helping an endangered or threatened animal whose habitat is similar to those already in place. This unit is aligned to 3rd grade standards, but could be modified to fit other grade levels.

Survivor: The Caribbean Islands

Students develop an information kit for the Caribbean country of their choice which will include all of the information a producer would need to determine whether the country would be an appropriate choice for the setting of a reality TV show, such as Survivor.

Immigration: The American Way - Past, Present, and Future

Students research historical trends of American immigration and examine related US policies. Then they develop an argument for one of four stated policy options and write a persuasive letter to the US Commission on Immigration Reform.

⚡Student Reflection & Self-Assessment ⚡

The May ⚡Lightning Learn⚡ topic is on Student Reflection & Self-Assessments, the perfect topic to support students as they wrap up this school year, head into the summer, and set goals for next year!

You may be thinking, "Do we really need to carve out precious time throughout the day for reflection?" Yes, the process of reflection does take time, but it is well worth it!

When we provide students with opportunities to think about their own thinking, we empower them to take charge of their own learning.
Reflection on their own progress increases their executive function and critical thinking skills.
Prioritizing reflection as a part of your class structures will help create independent and self-directed learners.
When students reflect, they have a better understanding of what they have mastered, where they need more help, and possible pathways for continued growth.

Check out the resources that we shared here. To access some of the links, log in with your MyQPortal credentials. If you're not sure what they are, ask one of your consultants!

Consult & Co-Teaching Models

Our April ⚡Lightning Learn⚡ was on Consult & Co-Teaching Models. There are many different models of Co-Teaching & Consult Model Teaching to explore, each serving their own purpose to benefit the unique needs of the students in our classrooms. Explore the resources here and reflect on what models you utilize in your classroom! You will also find some great questions that you and your co-teachers can explore together as you plan for the next school year!

Executive Function & Impulse Control

Our March ⚡Lightning Learn⚡ was on Executive Function and Impulse Control.

What Is Executive Function?

“The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal. [Executive function] is an umbrella term for the neurologically based skills involving mental control and self-regulation” (Cooper-Kahn & Dietzel, 2008, p. 10).

In her book Building Executive Function, Dr. Nancy Sulla says that executive function may be the missing link to student achievement! (See a preview of the first chapter here.) This is because even the best lesson may fall short if a student does not have the necessary executive function skills to focus and concentrate, remember details, or overcome temptation. In the book, Dr. Sulla maps out the 40 executive function skills to increasing levels of complex thinking. (See the video and the document to the right to learn more!)

What skills do you think your students possess? What skills might they still need to build? Check out all the resources that we shared by clicking here!

R430_efskills_mapped_mar23.pdf

Classroom Management

Our February⚡Lightning Learn⚡ was on Classroom Management. When we think about classroom management strategies, there are both anticipatory and responsive strategies. (See image to the left.) When we can be more anticipatory, it reduces the likelihood that we will need to use responsive strategies. Reflect on your own strategies using this tool, and explore some other resources here. Reach out to us if you have any questions!

Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs)

Did you get to attend our ⚡Lightning Learn⚡ session in January? If not, below are some tools you can use to help support your English Language Learners:

Stages of Language Acquisition - Language acquisition is a remarkable process that unfolds in distinct stages. Each stage represents a unique set of characteristics, challenges, and milestones as learners progress in their language skills. Learn more about each stage to gain insights on your ELLs.
Content Area Sentence Stems - Using sentence stems and sentence frames supports students' writing and speaking skills. This resource provides some sentence stems in ELA, math, science, and social studies.
ELL Tech Tools - Let technology help you! Explore this resource, which contains multiple online resources to support ELL's comprehension and speaking skills.

Understanding NYSESLAT Scores & Supports.mp4

You may also want to use this tool to keep track of your ELLs' levels and scores in each domain.

Utilizing AI to Generate Engaging PBL

Resources for December's⚡Lightning Learn⚡ on utilizing AI are here! You can access the digital resources in the Google Drive folder here!

Utilizing AI Platforms- There are so many different resources that you an use to support your instruction & design. Check them out to see what you might like to use in your design!
AI Cheat Sheet for Teachers: Unlocking AI's Potential in Education- Check out this cheat cheat to help you brainstrom the many ways that we can use AI to support us in our classrooms!

Reflection Tools

Dive into the world of emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy—the building blocks for student success both in and out of the classroom. Uncover practical SEL strategies and interactive tools for reflection. ✨ Ready to nurture not just minds, but hearts too? Click to explore and elevate your classroom experience!

The Importance of Student Reflection

Student Self-Regulation

Impulse Reflection Graphic Organizer

Values and Strengths Affirmation

I'm a Star - This is a tool for grades 1-5 to help develop self-confidence

Look in the Mirror - This is a tool for grades 6 and up to help develop self-confidence

How are you feeling today? - This self-awareness tool is intended to support students in identifying their emotions using precise language.

Resources to Support Students' Transition to Extended Periods

As you continue to transition into extended periods, feel free to utilize the sample lesson plans below for both MS and HS.

Important Links to Bookmark

⭐️If you haven't already!⭐️

You now have access to the NEW PLE: Engaging Students Through the 6 Ps of PBL!

Professional Learning Experience (PLE) - learn.edquiddity.com (credentials good for 2 years)

- - If you ALREADY redeemed your code, simply sign in using your created email/password.
  - If you DID NOT redeem your code yet because of the internet failure we experienced, use this how-to sheet to gain access.

MyQPortal - myqportal.com (credentials good for 1 year)

- - Sign in using the credentials that were provided to your during your very first Superintendant's Conference Day. If you need help, contact any of your IDE Team members.

Continuing to Utilize

Differentiated Activity Lists for Student Engagement

To deepen your understanding of DALs, revisit Modules 2-5 of your PLE (from last year). Remember, you have access to ALL of the modules this year as well!
If you're ready to create more DALs, consider using this Blank Template.
To support your creation of learning activities, consider using the Scaffold for Learning, found on MyQPortal (credentials to sign in are found at the very bottom of this resource page).

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