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I am using interactive math journaling since the last PD to function within constraints of the curriculum but also use an innovative technique as well

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The curriculum and pacing guides place constraints that make true innovation very difficult.  I assumed I was being innovative using OneNote in the classroom until I looked at one of my assignments and realized it was merely and an electronic worksheet that was more accessible to some students but not all.  I have since used more open ended activities and collaborative problem solving.

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The curriculum and pacing guides place constraints that make true innovation very difficult.  I assumed I was being innovative using OneNote in the classroom until I looked at one of my assignments and realized it was merely and an electronic worksheet that was more accessible to some students but not all.  I have since used more open ended activities and collaborative problem solving.

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During PIE time, I like to give the student opportunities to create posters/drawings/books that represent what they are learning in class. Allowing students to demonstrate their learning using different modalities can be very valuable. 

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During PIE time, I like to give the student opportunities to create posters/drawings/books that represent what they are learning in class. Allowing students to demonstrate their learning using different modalities can be very valuable. 

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Innovation within our schools begins with having time to collaborate as both grade level teams and at the district level. As they say, two heads are better than one and being able to have true time to collaborate (and innovate) matters in being able to try new things...we don't know what we don't know.

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Giving students a chance to respond to the subject matter in different ways shows innovation within constraints. (verbal, written, drawing, acting out, turn and talk, group discussions, collaboration, etc.)

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In the classroom I give students a lot of choices within the work that needs to complete.  I use  a bunch of different learning modalities. 

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In the classroom I give students a lot of choices within the work that needs to complete.  I use  a bunch of different learning modalities. 

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Our recent Mystery Science lesson, where students worked collaboratively as different types of engineers to solve a community problem within a fixed budget is an example of innovation within constraints.

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I think that most of us are constrained by curriculum. we are also constrained by a very fixed schedule, without much room to deviate. These constraints force us to think of ways to be innovative while still meeting our curriculum demands/schedule demands. I have seen so many great ways that teachers structure their classrooms/routines to meet the needs of ALL their students within their constraints.

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I think that most of us are constrained by curriculum. we are also constrained by a very fixed schedule, without much room to deviate. These constraints force us to think of ways to be innovative while still meeting our curriculum demands/schedule demands. I have seen so many great ways that teachers structure their classrooms/routines to meet the needs of ALL their students within their constraints.

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-S

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Given different modalities of responding is a quick and easy way to be innovative it also helps to address the needs of various students. I also think the use of Discovery Ed SOS are quick innovative things that can be used during independent work time. They can be assignments that are used during guided reading rotations.

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Not sure WSD is innovative. I think we chase the cart a lot. Let's look at Pre-K. Let's allow for more recess - as every study shows helps children attend. We have wonderful opportunity for STEM, and Mystery Skype, and websites...but kids are still staring at a screen.

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Not sure WSD is innovative. I think we chase the cart a lot. Let's look at Pre-K. Let's allow for more recess - as every study shows helps children attend. We have wonderful opportunity for STEM, and Mystery Skype, and websites...but kids are still staring at a screen.

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-F

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I think the breakout boxes are an innovative way to get students to problem solve while working together. I think it really gets students to think critically.

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I think the breakout boxes are an innovative way to get students to problem solve while working together. I think it really gets students to think critically.

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This year I did mystery skype for the first time and I found it very innovative.  The kids just loved learning map skills though this activity.  They learned geography in a real life situation.  When we finshed we each discussed the plants, landforms and animals that live in our state.  It was engaging and very informative!

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This year I did mystery skype for the first time and I found it very innovative.  The kids just loved learning map skills though this activity.  They learned geography in a real life situation.  When we finshed we each discussed the plants, landforms and animals that live in our state.  It was engaging and very informative!

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Beth

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I think one of the latest innovative actions in education is the use of flexible seating. It provides kids with a sense of power and choice over their own learning. It also shows them that everyone has unique needs that help them to focus and be the best learner that they can be. It can be as simple as allowing kids to work independently in bean bag chairs, on yoga mats, or while standing. I am the kind of person who works best when I am comfortable. Growing up this was never a choice for me, and I think I would have been better off if my teachers had been that innovative. -Alex

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Inside of schools I have seen innovation from teachers/staff by allowing students to learn outside the school walls.  This happened in gardens, walks to the library,and local vendors so students could experience the real world.   Outside of schools, some libraries are lending stem and sensory toys for all ages.   

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Inside of schools I have seen innovation from teachers/staff by allowing students to learn outside the school walls.  This happened in gardens, walks to the library,and local vendors so students could experience the real world.   Outside of schools, some libraries are lending stem and sensory toys for all ages.   

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Inside: Another teacher and I recently developed a tool to integrate with an existing tool to help a child deal with his emotions. Outside: I wrote a story around an already-sequenced group of songs. 

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Inside: Another teacher and I recently developed a tool to integrate with an existing tool to help a child deal with his emotions. Outside: I wrote a story around an already-sequenced group of songs. 

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I like to give the students choice. I think this helps them to be creative. I don't want them to think it is "my class," but rather "our classroom community."  I think technology definitely also helps students to be innovative. I also encourage students to be "problem solvers" in real life situations, not only in math class. 

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I like to give the students choice. I think this helps them to be creative. I don't want them to think it is "my class," but rather "our classroom community."  I think technology definitely also helps students to be innovative. I also encourage students to be "problem solvers" in real life situations, not only in math class. 

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Danielle

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In our school, I think having STEM as a set part of the rotation/ curriculum is a great example of innovation.

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In our school, I think having STEM as a set part of the rotation/ curriculum is a great example of innovation. It allows for different ways of thinking and collaborating outside of the more traditional structure of the classroom, with still teaching important ideas and concepts that can be applied in many areas in the student's future.

Emily

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More opportunities for STEM activities in the classroom, in both large and small groups.  After school programs like Bricks 4 Kids and Science Explorers are also examples that also provide opportunities for students to explore.

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More opportunities for STEM activities in the classroom, in both large and small groups.  After school programs like Bricks 4 Kids and Science Explorers are also examples that also provide opportunities for students to explore.

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I like trying new ways of doing "traditional" things with my students.  For example, students can read books into an MP3 player or read a book into Flipgrid to work on fluency. They are still practicing their fluency but just a different way to do it.  Since I have some students for 3 years, I try to have new things to try each year to make the "practicing" a bit less boring.

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I like trying new ways of doing "traditional" things with my students.  For example, students can read books into an MP3 player or read a book into Flipgrid to work on fluency. They are still practicing their fluency but just a different way to do it.  Since I have some students for 3 years, I try to have new things to try each year to make the "practicing" a bit less boring.

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Lauren

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The use of technology (laptops) in our middle school and high school provides innovative learning opportunities to the students in those grade levels in the WSD. 

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The use of technology (laptops) in our middle school and high school provides innovative learning opportunities to the students in those grade levels in the WSD. 

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Of course technology has opened up a new world for students and they have the world at their fingertips (literally) but it is how to use this technology to teach life skills (problem solving, conflict resolution, etc) that is the way to enhance innovation.

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Of course technology has opened up a new world for students and they have the world at their fingertips (literally) but it is how to use this technology to teach life skills (problem solving, conflict resolution, etc) that is the way to enhance innovation.

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This year in my room I am using classroom DoJo. I am also using Beat the Teacher to help this large group come together as a community and support each other in a positive way. It is working. They have earned several different rewards, all that are voted on, in just the first few months of school. When a student was ill and out for Halloween another student share that they were sad b/c they would miss the day. They care about each other and that is important.

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This year in my room I am using classroom DoJo. I am also using Beat the Teacher to help this large group come together as a community and support each other in a positive way. It is working. They have earned several different rewards, all that are voted on, in just the first few months of school. When a student was ill and out for Halloween another student share that they were sad b/c they would miss the day. They care about each other and that is important.

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Dana

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One example of innovation within constraints is our school behavior system. Our school was in need of a new way to track student behavior and instead of doing another behavior chart we are using a new format with the class dojo.

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I remember my own elementary school principal and how innovative he was. He really cared about all of the kids and made sure he did everything he could to make it a positive learning environment. Even at the elementary level, we had career fairs every year so that we could see different paths for our future. Those speakers would share what subjects helped lead them to where they are today, which really helped make our learning relevant and got us excited to learn. I also remember him leading so many fundraisers to help raise money for computers for the computer lab, which was a new idea at the time lol, and being present at events like the science fair, reading and math nights-all events that made learning fun and engaging.

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The TED talk “Embrace the Shake” by Phil Hansen speaks to the idea of constraints enhancing creativity. I show this to my 5th grade students and we do a project within limitations. This is followed by a discussion of the process and how the limits forced them to make choices they otherwise wouldn’t have considered.

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Giving our students the opportunity to experience STEM activities has provided our students the freedom to fail without judgement. I've observed students who typically get frustrated easily not giving up and trying different ways to problem solve. "Trying different things and and figuring out alternative options are all part if the innovator's mindset."  

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Giving our students the opportunity to experience STEM activities has provided our students the freedom to fail without judgement. I've observed students who typically get frustrated easily not giving up and trying different ways to problem solve. "Trying different things and and figuring out alternative options are all part if the innovator's mindset."  

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The most amazing innovator I have ever seen was my son's 5th grade teacher.  The district made the staff adhere to a strict curriculum with lots and lots of workbook pages.  Mrs. Ryan would schedule optional Saturday field trips where families could journey together with her to destinations and experiences that would enhance the incredibly constricted curriculum.

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The most amazing innovator I have ever seen was my son's 5th grade teacher.  The district made the staff adhere to a strict curriculum with lots and lots of workbook pages.  Mrs. Ryan would schedule optional Saturday field trips where families could journey together with her to destinations and experiences that would enhance the incredibly constricted curriculum.