I had a full day today to work on both TLLP projects. I felt like I was wearing three different hats today or like I had a split personality. I had a lot to do for my own project (Mentor Texts), a tonne to accomplish for Cheryl and Francine with our group project AND I was doing all this in the staff room of my school. This meant I was in my classroom 5 or 6 times for various reasons. My supply teacher was awesome but I had some things to do that I just felt she couldn't manage...ah...the life of the perfectionist. Silly stuff, like checking up on permission forms, and marking a dictee, and giving out new "at -home" reading books to everyone.
In addition to all this I also had to plan for next week. I will be out of my class for 4 full days, while we undertake another round of Teacher Moderation and PD sessions in Formosa. I had to make lesson plans for each day. I also have a high school co-op student starting her new placement on Monday, in my class (and 2 others) . So I had to plan for her, despite the fact I'll be in Formosa.
So what exactly did I accomplish? First, I worked on the Mentor text project. I organized all the books into bins and made up lists of what each teacher was receiving. I revised my agenda for the PD session that I will be leading. I typed a prayer that we will use during the PD session. I reviewed all the materials I will need to lead the PD. I reviewed my budget (gulp!). I previewed a CD with a video of a teacher leading children in a Mentor text lesson. I had 4 cups of coffee.
Next, I worked on the group project that I have undertaken with Francine and Cheryl. This was actually kind of funny. We had agreed that I WOULDN'T drive to Formosa for a 1/2 day of planning. Formosa is far, the weather is bad and besides I can work just as well in Owen Sound. BUT this also meant that Francine, Cheryl and I "spoke" on the phone or by email MANY MANY times during the course of the afternoon. They gave me tasks to accomplish. I asked questions. They clarified. I worked on the tasks and then asked what was next. It was silly really but it worked really well. So what was I responsible for? First, finding a suitable prayer and making copies for all. Second, drawing up the agenda on chart paper. Next, photocopying sample student work. Next, readying a few necessary resources for the PD sessions. Last, purchasing highlighters and prizes for the teachers. (I didn't get this last job done yet, but I will.)
In the meantime, Cheryl and Francine were working hard in snowy Formosa. They had a long list. First, email everyone and remind them to come to the PD session. Second, photocopy a Running Record, then find a video and locate a monograph. Next, re-confirm the snacks and lunch delivery. Last, plan the rest of the PD session down to the minute details. ( This was partially done already, but we teachers like to revise and edit and re-think).
At the end of day, we all emailed eachother saying "Whew! Enjoy a glass of wine tonight and see you on Monday!"
So...on Monday we hold the first of our next round of PD sessions. 4 days in Formosa...should be a movie title!
Thanks ladies for another productive work session, even if I was working from a remote location.
