October is here, teacher fans! Even if you’re not facing strong winds and heavy rains like we are in Oregon, chances are you’re feeling fall in the air.
This month is often filled with celebrations of things that scare us, culminating in Halloween and the bags of candy parents work so hard to regulate. But there’s one thing we think teachers shouldn’t have to be scared of: Common Core.
Since so many states are implementing the Common Core State Standards this school year, they’ve once again been a hot topic in the news. With all of the articles, workshops, professional development sessions and email updates it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
So in order to chase away the ghosts of testing past, Inspiration is here! This month you’ll see some specific examples drawn from our Common Core-aligned lesson plan database, like this Kidspiration “Concept Blocks” Activity:
Kidspiration “Vocabulary Lesson: Concept Blocks” Activity for K-5
This is just one example of how you can use this versatile activity in your classroom; check below for the standards it meets and download the lesson plan here!
October is also Connected Educators Month, an initiative backed by the U.S. Department of Education. Although we work hard to support teachers year-round, this month you’ll see extra efforts to help Inspiration-loving educators link up and expand your PLNs. Read more about Connected Educators Month and share your thoughts on how we can continue creating a community!
That’s all that’s fit to print from blustery Portland–stay warm, dry and unafraid!
Signing off from Inspiration HQ,
Stephanie H.
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Applicable College and Career Readiness Standards Anchor for Language:
#4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, where appropriate.
#6 Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering and unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
