Flat Stanley Rubric

Since I have learned about rubrics, I have depended on them greatly to help me assess the activities that I prepare for unit plans that we have to create. It really puts things in perspective when you are trying to figure out how to grade a student. I mean what would you say when your student or a parent asks how is this an “A” or why is that a 90% and that one a 98%. Rubrics really do set clear expectations and explanations. Rubrics not only help me determine grades, but it can also be used to guide students through the activity. Most times, students are not always sure how to complete a task because they keep wondering, “What does she want me to do? What will I be graded on?” Rubrics prepare students, and puts them at ease when they know what to do.
Although rubrics may take time to think through and create, they are a big life saver at the end. It just makes grading easier for the teacher, and clearer for students and parents with questions.
The chose Rubistar to create my Flat Stanley rubric. I used to use something else, I forgot what it’s called, but I chose to use Rubistar because it allowed me to make my own rubric with my own words and so on. The other one that I use is also great, it’s just that you can’t create one with your words. The thing I do like about it though, is that it provides a lot of different types of rubrics, and if you’re not sure what your students should be graded on, it provides the possibilities for you, you just pick which one you want. It is a great rubric maker. However, if you like being original, and want to use your own words, Rubistar allows you to do that, and that’s one thing I like about it.
Check it out at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=CustomizeTemplateDownloadFile&

Class Newsletter

Communication between parents and teachers –don’t forget the students as well- is very important. Communication is the only way we know what’s going on. When we don’t know the details, confusion starts. Communication is very important in daily life, and, when it comes to school, communication can play a key role in the success or failure of a child. When parents and teachers make the effort to stay in constant communication, the student has a bigger chance of succeeding. Think of it this way. When you let your parents know what going on, you have back up support because when your students gets home, the parent continues and supports whatever it is you informed the parents on.
I plan on using a variety of ways to communicate with parents. One way to communicate with them periodically on class events or news is by newsletter. I think that every teacher is required to provide weekly newsletters. I know it’s required at GTC, and I commend the effort. I plan on providing both a hard copy newsletter for students to take home, and also an online newsletter for those who can access it. However, the online newsletter might provide a bit more information since information can be added as soon as it occurs. As of right now, I feel that blogger, or any other blog generator is a good way for me to post my newsletter or classroom news. I also plan on using e-mail when it applies.
The software I used was Blogger. I chose this because it was something I was already familiar with, and it serves my needs for the newsletter activity. It is also very practical…at least for me.
You can check it out at http://www.jocelynsnewsletter.blogger.com