I use my coaching binder every day.  I love having all my information in one place.  This summer, I added an option if you want to have a digital option.  Included in the updated file is a link to a Google Slide file.



In terms of keeping a digital binder, I have found that what works for me is to have a folder for each grade level and then a folder for each teacher.  

You can copy and paste from the original Google Slide document to create additional Slide documents.  Make sure you right click 'copy' and then if you create a new slide set the PAGE SIZE as 8.5x11.  Then PASTE into a new blank slide.  

The digital option can be edited and adjusted to fit your needs.  When you open the file, you'll see that  many titles say ADD TEXT HERE or TEXT.  For this form, I use it to take notes.  

This form is for classroom observations.  You can add notes.  It is different than the paper version in the binder, because you type directly in it, and don't check boxes.

When I meet with teachers, I keep track of meetings and what my follow-up focus will be.  

This form, I titled OBSERVATIONS, and then kept track of the conferences/observations I've had with teachers.  I like creating one per grade level, but you could have all teachers on one form.  Since it is editable, you can decide what works best for you.




Word walls can take up quite a bit of room, so I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of them.

When I put a new word on the word wall, before the word is placed on the word wall, we say the word, spell the word, snap and spell the word and then I use the word in a sentence.  With student's Kagan partner, each student uses the word in a sentence.

I try and refer to the word wall all day long.  This means it has to be placed in a location where it is visible no matter where we are in the room.  If I'm at my guided reading table, I want to be able to reference it.

I started putting the words on different colors, and it has made a big difference in helping students pick out words.   I can say, "that" is the word that is on green, next to "so."  It has helped students find words much more efficiently.  I also find that I encourage the word wall more.

Since the purpose is to have the students take ownership of the word wall and use it as a reference, I have had them place the words on the word wall when we add new words.

Some ways to use the word wall daily are by incorporating it into a work station.  Here is a free download that I use with students to practice finding words on the word wall.

Another freebie that will help your students is a personal word wall.  It comes with two files (one that you can edit).  
I've also had students make their own personal word wall by using spiral-bound index cards.  Back-to-school time is the perfect time to find them!  Students (or the teacher) write each letter on each page.  As words are added to the word wall, students add to their personal word wall.



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