Seminar Reflections:

Math Coach: Mrs. Puchta

Mrs. Puchta had us start out with a pattern problem. She had us try and solve it by drawing the next step and finding an algebraic equation. When we had finished she asked us if we were checked in or checked out while trying to solve that problem. She then explained that we will all have students who are checked in or checked out. She explained that the students in our class who have checked out, as teachers our job is try and figure a way to get them checked back in. In math, wait time is so important. Most teachers only allow 3 seconds for wait time. She encouraged us to allow at least 10 seconds for wait time. We also talked about different classroom strategies that we could use when questioning students in math. The next thing we did was a few number talks. She had us give our answers and explain how we got to our final answer. Number talks normally start simple and get more complex. Then we finished our time together by playing a few math games. We played a game called Knock Out and a game from the Investigations program called Closet to 100. Our group played the Close to 100 game which has a lot to do with place value, addition, and subtraction. Both games were very fun and engaging.

Librarian: Mrs. Farnlacher

The Librarian at Trace Crossings, Mrs. Farnlacher spoke to us today about her job and the importance of reading. She started by reading the book Tadpole Promise. She read this book to point out that picture books are not only for babies and young learners. Picture books can be for

any grade and any learner! Also, this book also illustrates the point that not all books end how we want them to. Her job entitles more than just organizing books and helping students choose a book to read. She believes that her job is to foster the love for reading. She says that she is no expert in teaching to read. She believes that teaching children to read is not her job. She also strongly believes that part of her job is to help teachers to find resources and books for lessons and activities. The librarians job is for both students and teachers. Mrs. Farnlacher teaches through book talks, picture walks, good book, technology, and life lessons. When purchasing items for the library, there are a a few things to take into consideration. First, common core standards. Teachers will look at the common core standards and develop a list of resources and materials needed. Second, teachers will put in requests for items to be purchased for the library. And lastly, they look at current and popular literature. She encouraged us to get involved. There are so many awesome opportunities for teachers to get involved with the American Library Association. She has been on many committees and been to several conferences that has taught her a lot. Their are also many incentives to being involved with the American Library Association. I loved listening to the librarian speak. Her passion for books was evident and contagious. She is knowledgeable and very willing to help with any questions. I hope that when I am working at a school one day, that I will have a librarian as passionate as Trace Crossings librarian.

Counselor: Mrs. Smith

School counselors for many year, first, had to be a school teacher. The state department made a change about three years ago to that. The state recognized that their was a need for more

school counselors. Counselors who have been a classroom teacher have much more experience and a much more insight into the classroom. In order to be a school counselor, you must have a Masters Degree. A school counselor degree allows to work within K-12th grades. There are so many ways to get plugged in and acquire any additional degrees within school counseling. School counselors have a state guidance and counseling plan that they must follow. School counseling addresses the social, emotional, academic, and career needs of a child. Everything that the counselor does within her job needs to align with those four aspects. Mrs. Smith has been a counselor at all levels. She has worked with College students, High School students, Middle School students, and now is currently working with Elementary school students. As an Elementary school counselor, Mrs. Smith addresses topics such as grief, social skills, etiquette, manners, drugs, alcohol, and many other topics. She works with small groups, whole class, individual students, teachers, and parents. Mrs. Smith, along with Trace Crossings parents have started Trace Treats for children who are hungry. Businesses, churches, and individuals have gotten on board with this program and have helped make Trace Treats a success! Little children have big needs. Yes! I love what Mrs. Smith said. She has a heart for all students and believes that children and students have big needs. She also believes that helping and reaching out to their parents is a crucial part of her job. She hopes to be a support system for all children and parents that she comes in contact with.

Assistant Principle: Mrs. Stone

Mrs. Stone spoke about the importance and advancements of technology. She gave us helpful hints on new technologies. She told us about what Trace Crossings plans to do to

improve their technology. Also, she encouraged us to stay up to date with new technology. Mrs. Stone talked about BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and other technology opportunities at Trace Crossings. Students in 3rd and 4th grade are receiving new devices next year. This is very exciting as Trace Crossings moves forward with technology advancements. She discussed the 5 concentrations of technology: Google Apps, Creating Apps, Movies, and Presentations. Mrs. Stone talked about the emergency plan of Trace Crossings. She encouraged us to be familiar with what all of the code names meant. We talked a little about what happens during these drills and emergencies. Mrs. Stone ended with talking about the school wide events that Trace Crossings would be hosting during this semester. She told us about each event and what to expect at these events.