Learning Log

Learning Logs, and how they Grew... 

            Previous posts have introduced the Learning Log as a tool for both teachers and students.  Please explore this very engaging and effective format for keeping everybody focused on where we're going with our learning!

            

            In the past, I have sometimes had a section for morning reflections/personal journaling, where I sometimes responded back.  (We used a post-it tab to designate that section.)  Anything that involves journaling of any kind can be incorporated here, and I’ve tried it all.  Every year I change, and sometimes I drop some of the plans when I see how the year is going…….It’s important to start out with a standard/goal framework and just flesh it out as it evolves.  Have your big plans ready but know that you probably won’t implement them all the first year!

           

            This year I’m trying something new:  a plastic prong/pocket folder AND the small bound (not spiral) comp book.  They fit into the back pocket nicely, but so do regular spirals that aren’t too thick, IF you don’t use both flaps for the prongs.  I put paper in the prongs but only fasten through the FIRST flap, so the folder is much more flexible.  The comp book is for goals/standard and responses/reflections; the prongs have paper and procedural notes, etc.  The front pocket is for spontaneous stuff that doesn’t fit anywhere or that is waiting to transition to a page somewhere.  Maybe later you will put it in the prongs, or use the glue stick to put it in the LL.  You will discover that it often happens that you’ve got this paper, and no time to take care of it, so it’s great to have a procedure in place for saving stuff when you run out of time.  You might want to put notes the kids use all year in the plastic sleeves.  You can use dividers or cardstock to create sections if you find a need. 

So, keep McLearning, and try something new this year.  Give your kids a chance to  Log their Learning.

Learning Log

Learning Log Set-Up

            By now you have considered your choices for the Log:   a bound composition notebook, a spiral notebook, or a prong/pocket duo-tang type folder, preferably plastic. 

            Decide if you want to separate the content areas or just integrate everything.  If you see yourself integrating everything, keep it general.  When we are reflecting and responding, an entry may cover several content areas.  Remember, the whole idea of integration is to make connections. 

If you want to separate:

Start out with a piece of notebook paper and one post it.   Have the kids practice placing the post it so that it overlaps the edge of the paper about ¼ inch.   Teach them to line up the lower edge with one of the blue lines on the page so that the post it is straight.

OR, BE PREPARED TO JUST WALK AROUND AND PUT THEM ON YOURSELF.

Color code your subjects and give each child a corresponding post it to use as a tab, sectioning off each content area.

EX: count 20 pages and put the pink post it at the very top like this (demo).

You may use it so that each subject area is in front of its color tab.  Or if you have each one after its color tab you will have a blank “general purpose” section in front of the learning log. 

If you are NOT separating according to content areas, give each kid a post it to keep on the current page.  Teach them to move their post it ahead as they move ahead.

2) Give them printed instructions per procedures and have them trim and use glue stick to secure inside front cover or on first page(s).  If using a folder w/prongs, punch holes and put these pages in first.

That's all, folks!  Ready for McLearning!

Learning Log

Interactive Learning Logs 

Most teachers are required to post either standards, benchmarks, goals and/or essential questions in the classroom.  But research shows that the student needs to interact with those ideas, make them his/her own.  The Learning Log helps make those interactions happen, and provides a written record of the student's learning journey.

Before you decide on the actual format, read the guidelines below and think about how this will work in your classroom.

Big Ideas, Standards & Goals-Copy and put in LL by cutting out and using a glue stick to attach to a page, or have students write in.

Always include some initial response format such as a graphic organizer or KWL-type entry to help the child CONNECT. Or say “Draw a picture/write one sentence about an experience you’ve had with TOPIC.” If you need to model, choose something very ordinary and low-key.  If you show/tell something particularly dramatic, many younger students tend to try to one-up. 

            Always include a response to some problem or question, and this may be associated with classroom experiences or outside exploration or research.  This would serve as a formative assessment.

            Always include a final reflection.  This should be closely tied to a goal and would serve as a formative or summative assessment.  You may use this as an  ELA and a content grade.

            Plan ahead and decide if there will be interim predictions, responses, or reflections.  This is where you have to be aware of saving space in case you need to have students enter additional Big Ideas, Standards or Goals regarding ANOTHER topic.  If you have more than one you will give students a different color post it to mark those pages after counting ahead. 

            Students will probably use1- 2 pages (or 1 front and back) per goal.

SET UP

            You will be choosing between a bound composition notebook, a spiral notebook, or a prong/pocket duo-tang type folder, preferably plastic.

            Decide if you want to separate the content areas or just integrate everything.  If you see yourself integrating everything, keep it general.  When we are reflecting and responding, an entry may cover several content areas.  Remember, the whole idea of integration is to make connections. 

However, if you are determined to separate content areas, the instructions will be different.

                                                    (Tomorrow, step by step instructions.)

Learning Log

Learning Logs and Common Core

 

The Learning Log is a kind of notebook in which the student records evidence of learning.  It can serve as a kind of portfolio, documenting progress.

The analogy below accurately explains the purpose of Learning Logs.

The Goal is the vehicle we are driving to get to the destination-mastery of the Standard.  The learning experiences are the fuel that gets us there.  We will not necessarily be aware of the details of the learning experiences  (“Wow, love this 92 octane.”) themselves by reading the Learning Log. 

We will be aware of learning milestones along the way because of the sensory, emotional, or cognitive connections evident in the writing (“What an amazing waterfall!  The different musical sounds of the water at different places along the trail…The smell-you could smell the water. I’ve got 189 pictures!”)

         Learning Logs can be so much more, but should never be less. Tomorrow: complete instructions on how to set them up.

TPT Sale!

Where did the time go?

Well, I've spent the last 3 weeks researching and writing integrated units.  Some of the results can be seen at my TPT store.

Whether we like it or not, Common Core is here.  Most educators are very busy adjusting curriculum to be sure that Common Core is addressed.  As I've been preparing and planning, I've discovered a few routines which are very helpful.

COMMON CORE 

Planning/Implementation Tips

A few tips for any K-12 teacher planning any kind of lesson:

1) Keep  a copy of the CCSS in your line of sight as you plan.  After every step, eyeball those standards so that you don't miss any opportunities to plug them in!

2) Notate the standard with each activity on the plan.

3) Keep a running list of those standards practiced or assessed in the lesson, along with the step or page or whatever you decide to use to identify the location.  A steno or composition book is a simple but effective way to do this, and you can use post-its as tabs to separate standards into days/lessons.

4) Remember that we are not just "covering" the standards, but practicing those skills in multiple settings.  Many times the practice is ORAL, a part of a discussion. Always be prepared to record anecdotal notes about a student who is showing extreme confusion or strong understanding. "X" or "+" beside the name will do.  A class checklist on a clipboard is a great tool for this.

5) Follow up with a little private discussion or small group tutoring with the "X" students, and put the "+" students with groups of borderline students, to pull them up.

Let's share what works!    Connections Count!

Let’s look at some of the ways Common Core encourages best practice. With the Common Core Language Arts emphasis on constant discussion, reading, and response writing, we can justify and encourage:

Integration across content areas-

          • making connections
          • elaborating
          • going deeper

No more excuses that we have no time for social studies or science. If we have time for Common Core Language Arts, we have time for these subjects. 

Check back for details. Be ready to share your tips. We’re always McLearning!