Back to School 2021

 Thoughts and Plans for This Upcoming Year

As we prepare for another school year, the third now impacted by the pandemic, I find myself looking for inspiration to focus on what's possible (instead of what's impossible) how we can grow, and how we can help others to grow toward a purpose.  I've gathered quotes, advice, and plans from trusted sources.  Where are you finding inspiration and purpose as you start this school year?  

Bright Morning Podcast, Episode 84

Video Clip- NWP

           

  

Articles:

We Belong: The First Week of School, I wish I Had

The Seven Habits of Highly Affective Teachers

4 Reading Strategies to Retire This Year (Plus 6 to Try Out!)

Infographics, Books, Art and Music:

Free, downloadable art from author Jarrett Learner

Start each day with music! 

 Upcoming Literacy Professional Learning Opportunities 

Join The Study of Early Literacy (SOEL) in it's 9th year!  This professional learning network is designed for PreK-5 teachers to learn more about literacy instructional practices through book studies and guest speakers.   This fall, we'll meet virtually, once per month via Zoom from 4:00-5:30, with September 30th as our kick off. See our timeline here for a history, and our flyer to register for the kick-off and topics for fall meetings. Our Winter/Spring times TBD by the group. 

Building Equity-Based Disciplinary Literacies

Designed for middle and high school teachers of all subject areas, 

Building Equity-Based Disciplinary Literacies is a collaboration between WISD and Eastern Michigan University  to meet the changing needs and the growing understanding of disciplinary literacies at the secondary level.  We want to be responsive to educator learning needs, and the last 18 months have affirmed that building equity through disciplinary literacies takes the sustained collaboration and community that this will provide.

  

Throughout this school year, we’ll build

our foundational understandings of equity and literacy through the creation of our own personal syllabus that can include relevant readings from our field, interviews with community members and experts in the disciplines, and collaborations between secondary classroom teachers and EMU professors. You design your learning path; we’ll help you get there.

You can expect support in these ways: 

• Partnering with an EMU professor

• Reading and discussing professional texts

• Participating in professional development activities

• Talking with other secondary and university colleagues within and across disciplines

• Applying your learning in lesson planning, unit planning and/or teacher research

• Earning an Equity Based Disciplinary Literacy Badge

Join us as we grow and learn in this new collaboration!  See our registration for the September 23rd virtual kick off! 

More Book Studies, anyone? 

Book studies were very popular last school year, as well as over the summer.  As you look into this next school year, what do you want to read and learn to improve your practice?  Take this quick survey to help us plan what to offer for our upcoming Book Studies.

Check it out! The Diverse Lending Library

Poster by Jerry Craft

Our Diverse Lending Library is now in the WISD online catalog!

Just create an account, and you can search the library for books to check out.  After reserving, you can arrange pick-up or delivery to your school in Washtenaw County.  Our picture books can be checked out individually.  Books for middle and high school classrooms can be checked out as a larger set for up to six weeks. We have many new titles including: Sulwe, Say Something, Drawn Together, Julian is a Mermaid, Outside, Inside, We are Water Protectors, Butterfly Yellow, They Called Us Enemy, You Should See Me in a Crown, Kindred, Dark Sky Rising, Three Keys and The Dragonflies. 

Literacy Opportunities in our Community

U-M Museum of Art offers customized lessons and consultations about how to integrate art and literacy. Curious about how you can use art objects as texts? Reach out to Grace Vandervliet to discuss connections to your specific curriculum. Check out some sample ideas for combining art and writing. 

UMS Performance Playground

Here you’ll find great resources about the performing arts for students in grades K-12. Check out our videos featuring UMS teaching artists performing and talking about their craft. You can join them to begin your own journey! To learn more, explore accompanying slides and worksheets.

These resources are for educational use only, and are free to everyone. Children are encouraged to explore resources with the guidance of teachers, parents, or on their own.

January 2021

 Fresh Starts, Re-Starts, Renewing Purpose

Teachers, students, educational leaders, everyone, may see 2021 as a fresh start, a re-start or a chance to renew the purpose in our work.  I've gathered some tools for just that.

The Renewing Purpose Activity from the NSRF Critical Friends Group is a brand new protocol designed for virtual use. This protocol is to be done with a group to remind ourselves of purposes and our connection to them, to help us see if we are on track toward a specific goal, and to reinvigorate ourselves at a time when our spirits may be lagging.   If you'd like a facilitator for this, please reach out to me at mbrooksyip@washtenawisd.org

One Little Word is a less intimidating way to set a New Year's Resolution and purpose!
Educational Bloggers Margaret Simon and Annie Campbell explain how they use "One Little Word" to help students set intention for the year- who they are and who they want to be. By examining what's important to them- goals they want to fill, strengths they want to grow, and wishes they have- each student, and the teacher, settle on one word.  The teachers find this helps students connect to their identity, while also building a stronger classroom community.   
If you decide to try this in 2021, please let me know!   

Upcoming Literacy Professional Learning

January 7th & February 4th

Free and open to all. Register here

February & March

For Washtenaw County Educators- register here

Free and open to all. Register here

November

 Election Day Resources

"What will you do on Wednesday?"   Teaching Tolerance provides these resources for educators to support students no matter the result on election day. There are strategies here for fostering an inclusive classroom, identities, positionality and feelings.  

The Dialogue Deck from UMMA is a conversation exercise for political reflection.  Take a look for images selected by UMMA and Gingsberg Center staff that evoke culture, politics and history of the US.  Along with the images are question prompts, and a printable PDF version. 

 Cultivating Genius by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad

I'm well into reading this book for the fourth time and still learning how to live into the Culturally and Historically Relevant Literacy Framework as an educator.   Dr. Muhammad is returning to visit us on November 5th, and book studies continue.  Here are your links to keep the conversation going in Washtenaw County and beyond:

• Pre-registration for the Winter 2021 Cultivating Genius Book Study

• A folder of resources including interviews, podcasts, and lesson plan examples from Dr. Muhammad.

• Want to Lead Your Own Book Study? - contact me at mbrooksyip@washtenawisd.org - let's talk!  

• Join us:  

REGISTER HERE

**E-mail for link**

August

Literacy, Equity and Engagement Tools 

While I am feeling inundated by a plethora of resources coming through all social media and e-mail, there are a few that catch my eye as they relate to literacy, equity and building community in classrooms- virtual or face-to-face: 

All Students Need Anti-Racism Education

Online Teaching Can Be Culturally Responsive

First Week of School Stations

EduTopia Learning Stations to Kick off The Year

How to Make a Digital Bookshelf in Google Slides

We know articles and activities certainly don’t solve the multiple challenges we are facing right now, my hope is that they may allow some reflection and help in planning at some point in the near future.

 

WISD Professional Learning in August 

August 10, 13, 18, 20, 21 Cultivating Genius Book Study

August 13th Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy Grades 4-5

August 14th Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy Grades K-3

August 19th Back to School EdCamp

August 20th Socially Just Assessment and Grading 

*Register for all in the WISD ABC System

*Please contact Melissa Brooks-Yip for Literacy topics and Amy Olmstead Brayton for Assessment 

_____________________________________________________________________

Register HERE

______________________________________________________________________________

 Summer Literacy Learning in our Community

AADL Summer Game

Northfield Township Area Library Summer Reading Club

Dexter Library Summer Reading Family Events

Saline District Library Imagine Your Story

Chelsea Library Summer Reading Program

Manchester Library Youth Summer Reading Registration

Ypsilanti Library Summer Challenge

Milan Public Library 

March

SOEL Explores Sound and Rhthym in Early Literacy Learning

Through our SOEL at WISD collaboration with the University Musical Society at UM, teaching artist Marcia Daft demonstrated Sound Writing- Exploring Rhythm, Reading and Writing.  First graders at Perry ELC in Ypsilanti participated in rhythm activities for identifying syllables in classmate's names, and ease of movement for classroom transitions. 

Marcia then came to our SOEL meeting at WISD to work with teachers on incorporating rhythm into reading and writing in the classroom.

Celebrating March is Reading Month  

    Our friends at EMU's Campus and Community Writing (C2W) are celebrating March is Reading Month and the connections between reading and writing. Students, teachers, and family members are encouraged to conduct interviews with each other about their reading habits—and write up what they discover.  You can use the interview questions linked HERE to get you started.  If you share your writing with EMU C2W, along with signed permission forms, they will publish the pieces on their website and even select a few to be featured in their social media platforms. 

Spring Professional Learning Opportunities

March 13th- Instructional Agility to Foster Student Investment 

Join the Assessment Literacy and SOEL Networks in learning more about how to structure learning environments that better allow teachers to accurately assess and respond to student learning and make real-time decisions that foster student investment. Educators will be able to identify the classroom conditions to set up instructional agility and student investment, describe key components of instructional agility, learn key strategies for developing student investment through instructional agility, reflect on current instructional agility and student investment practices to determine next steps. 

FREE at WISD - Register HERE 

March 14th- Responsive Teaching Institute

Join all network teachers in learning about applying culturally relevant pedagogy across content areas. Participants will examine how the integration of content areas can further engage students in learning. 

Presenters include:

Dr. Laura Jimenez on selecting culturally responsive books 
Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz on critical English education, Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, racial literacy in urban teacher education.

Dr. Dorinda Carter Andrews- the role of leadership on culturally responsive schools 

Dr. Donna Ford, Culturally Relevant Teaching in AP, Honors courses 

Dr. Sandra Crespo, Culturally Responsive Teaching mathematics   

FREE at EMU- Register HERE

May 1- Overview of Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy, Grades 4 & 5

This is a one day overview of the Grades 4&5 Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy . Teachers, literacy coaches, or administrators who seek a general overview or a refresher are welcome.  

FREE at WISD- Register  HERE

May 9-  Overview of Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy, Grades K-3

This is a one day overview of the Grades K-3 Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy . Teachers, literacy coaches, or administrators who seek a general overview or a refresher are welcome.  

FREE at LESA- Register  HERE

November

Teacher Planning & Implementation Day

Planning and Implementation Days were introduced this year to give teachers involved in an instructional or assessment network some intentional time to plan around their new learning in order to put it into classroom practice. 


On the first Planning and Implementation Day, October 18th, teachers had time with experts and consultants who frequently speak at our network meetings. Consultants were available on this day solely to support teacher's self identified professional learning needs.   

We were fortunate to have a plethora of expertise working with us that day:

Dr. Cathy Fleischer, EMU- Teacher Research and writing

Dr. Darin Stockdill, UM- Disciplinary Literacy

Dr. Gina Cervetti, UM- science units K-3

Heidi Roy-Borland, WLES, Coach-  K-3 reading instruction

Jenny Miller, AAPS, BLE - K-3 Writing instruction

Tonya Saragoza, MAS, Coach- Teacher Research, Reading Instruction 3-5

Tracy Terris, MAS, Coach- Reading and Writing Instruction K-3

Kate Rossetter, Coach, Howell-  PBL, Information in Action Kits

Members of the Achievement Initiatives Team at WISD - on literacy, assessment, responsive mathematics, & coaching.

Future Planning and Implementation days will be February 14th and April 18th.

Upcoming Professional Learning

Join us as we explore how educators can engage in culturally relevant pedagogy in literacy, mathematics, and science!

• Decentering Whiteness-  Selecting Complex and Compelling Texts for your Classroom- Dr. Laura Jimenez

• Engaging Students in Responsive Science Instruction - Dr. Felicia Mensah - Columbia University

• What is Powerful Literacy Instruction? - Dr. Ernest Morrell - University of Norte Dame 

• Mathequity - Dr. Aris Winger - Georgia Gwinnett College

• Achieving the Goal of Leading for Equity - Dr. Richard Milner - University of Pittsburgh

FREE to all educators in Washtenaw & Livingston counties

$35 for all other attendees

Register HERE  

*******************************************************

Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy- Grades 4 & 5 OVERVIEW for Literacy Coaches

The purpose of literacy essential instructional practices for grades 4 and 5 is to improve children’s literacy in Michigan. Professional development throughout the state can focus on this set of research-supported literacy instructional practices for daily use in the classroom. Expert research suggests that each of the 10 practices outlined in this document can have a positive impact on literacy development. The use of these practices in every Michigan classroom every day can make a measurable, positive difference in the state’s literacy achievement. Join us for a one-day overview of these practices. Cost is $25.00   Register HERE

*For questions regarding registration for any event, contact Jay Kirby at WISD. 

March

SOEL 2 with Dr. Gina Cervetti on Science Integration in Literacy

On February 28th, the Study of Early Literacy 2, welcomed Dr. Gina Cervetti from the UM SOE.  Dr. Cervetti believes we (educators) should support the development of KNOWLEDGE (not just isolated skills) through extended investigations and experiences, units of study, and conceptually focused reading. By combining what we know about literacy instruction with the NGSS, knowledge building will be the focus, as it should be.  SOEL looks forward to working with Dr. Cervetti next year in writing science/literacy integrated units, in line with both NGSS and The Essentials of Instruction in Early Literacy. 

Join SOEL: 

• March 13, SOEL 1 welcomes Dr. Ernest Morrell on Every Child a Super Reader at EMU. 

• May 22nd, 23rd or 24th  at WISD as SOEL teachers showcase their learning from their year long SOEL Teacher Action Research. Contact Melissa Brooks-Yip if interested.

• August 1, 2, 3 SOEL Summer Institute  (Save the Dates, more info. to come) 

IDLL at Millcreek MS- Disciplinary Literacy and Inquiry Based Learning

On February 21, the Inquiry Into Disciplinary Literacy and Learning was hosted by member Melanie Dever at Millcreek Middle School. Melanie and Ethan from Huron HS, led us through a process of thinking about what it takes for teachers to teach disciplinary literacy (as opposed to reading and writing in the content area), that disciplinary inquiry is about constructing and communicating knowledge, and this instruction is defined as supporting students' specific literate practices in the discipline for the purpose of disciplinary inquiry. 

Join IDLL!

• March 22 as Huron High School hosts IDLL with guest Dr. Liz Kolb on Learning First, Technology Second. 

• May 17th at UM on the future of Disciplinary Literacy-contact Melissa Brooks-Yip if interested.  

• June 26 & 27 for the Disciplinary Literacy Summer Institute at EMU

March (and EVERY month) is Reading Month 

Are you looking for some new titles for YOU and the diverse readers in your classroom?  

Chinese New Year

28 More Black Picture Books that aren't about, Boycotts, Buses or Basketball

Favorite Read Alouds

Outstanding Science Trade Books

A Mighty Girl

34 Books by Women of Color

2018 Titles by/for/about Latinx

18 Most Buzzed about Middle Grade Books of 2018

Practicing Kindness

Like book lists?   Follow me on Twitter!    @melyiplit 

February

 What are Teachers Reading? 

Teachers in The Study of Early Literacy (SOEL) 3 are reading Write Now! Empowering Writers in Today's K-6 Classroom by Kathryn Ganske.  With a focus on writing instruction, Write Now! details:

• What writing instruction should look like in the age of high standards
• The power of mentor texts to teach narrative and informational writing skills
• Strategies for teaching argumentative and persuasive writing
• Vision, choice and identity in motivating writers
• Multi-genre projects to integrate social studies and science

Upcoming Literacy and Technology Professional Learning

IDLL hosts Dr. Liz Kolb on Learning First, Technology Second

March 22 at Huron High School, Ann Arbor

Hosted by the Inquiry into Disciplinary Literacy and Learning teacher network-  all are welcome! 

REGISTER HERE

*THIS IS RESCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 14th. 

Learning with technology doesn't happen because a specific tool “revolutionizes” education. It happens when proven teaching strategies intersect with technology tools, and yet it's not uncommon for teachers to use a tool because it's “fun” or because the developer promises it will help students learn.

Learning First, Technology Second offers teachers the professional learning they need to move from arbitrary uses of technology in their classrooms to thoughtful ways of adding value to student learning.

*About the Author:  Liz Kolb is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan. She is the author of several books, and the creator of the Triple E Framework for effective teaching with digital technologies.

Dr. Ernest Morrell on Every Child a Super Reader

SOEL and Responsive Mathematics once again host Dr. Ernest Morrell on March 13th at EMU.

Register HERE

Dr. Morrell will continue working with participants around the 7 Strengths Framework, on how to foster:

• belonging
• curiosity
• friendship
• kindness
• confidence
• courage
• hope

 SUMMER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

SAVE THE DATES

• August 1, 2, 3:  SOEL Summer Institute at WISD- for educators focused on PreK- 3 (with a focus on early literacy instruction and the PreK-3 Essential Instructional Practices) along with Teacher Action Research.

                 Pre-register HERE

• August 21: EdCamp as WISD- for all educators