<3 Ms. Christie
My name is Christie Hoogendoorn. I have been a teacher for nearly 17 years. I love to read, listen to music, dance, take pictures, swim, spend time with my family and friends, exercise, and go on adventures. I love my life and teaching makes it EVEN better! I am a regular education teacher who specializes in differentiating instruction to meet the needs of ALL learners. I love to tap into the social-emotions needs of those I work with. I care deeply about making sure I know each child and try to connect in meaningful ways. I am committed to doing the best I can to help your child love learning! I am able to be a better teacher for your child, when I know everything I can about him/her. If there is ever anything you need to tell me about your child or situation that will help me understand and connect with your child please do not ever hesitate to reach out.
hoogendoorn_ch@4j.lane.edu
Guiding Questions and Outcomes:
I keep intentional social-emotional and academic outcomes for each unit/project/activity in mind, when I craft lessons and projects. I like to share and explore guiding questions with students. We talk about what we are doing, why we might be doing it, and what it could look or feel like when we know we are done. Output options in class can vary depending on kid-centered interest, ability, and ideas. I will keep our learning focuses up for all to see in class. These will change throughout the year.
Volunteers and Student Teachers
This classroom is able to come to life and meet the needs of the diverse learners in it BECAUSE of the amazing volunteers and student teachers who commit to coming in. I am always looking for ways to help kids make connections and find the support they need. You are always welcome to come and work with us. If you would like to volunteer or work in the classroom with kids, please make sure to fill out the online application to volunteer.
Here is the link to the Volunteer Application and Background Check Site
Whole Group Instruction:
Kids will move in and out of whole group and small group instruction throughout the day. Multiple strategies are used to include all students in conversations and work. The goal is for all children to feel part of the conversation, like their voices matter, that they can be comfortable to be who they are, and that they ALL can have fun while learning! I weave sensory breaks into my instruction. The timing of them are always student led. When I see the need for movement, centering, or even a break, the class moves in that direction.
Seating Arrangements:
Kids will sit with peers in small groups throughout the day. The groupings will be flexible and change often. I typically change seating every 5-6 weeks, or as needed.
Language Arts Block Groups:
Kids are in rotation reading/writing groups five days a week.
Kids rotate through 2 different stations each day.
Station 1: With Christie
Kids work at their instructional levels in small groups. There are five different groups. All operate at their own level and pace (grouping is fluid). On the spot coaching and targeted skill instruction and practice occur here. Journeys is the curriculum used, along with teacher made/collected materials to reach all levels. Each group is in their own unit and area of focus. It is based on their ability and pace.
Station 2: Unit Word Study and Independent Reading
Kids begin by practicing letter names, sounds, unit words, cvc words, and site words. After their independent practice, kids get to choose from a selection of books to enjoy reading on their own. Fictional and non-fiction are both offered in this station. The books are swapped out after kids have rotated through the station at least 3 times.
Station 3: Targeted Skill Practice with Adult.
Kids work on developing letter sounds, site words, decoding skills, grammar, handwriting, and fluency. The targets are based on skill level and required student pacing. This group focuses both on reading and writing. Journeys student books are utilized. Kids are all working at their own levels and pace.
Station 4: Independent Writing
Kids are offered a variety of engaging writing activities. The kids make cards, respond to writing prompts, create silly sentences, create stories, and develop their ability to respond to a given prompt/task independently. When there are volunteers in the room, I have the adult help facilitate this station.
Station 5: Handwriting and Spelling
Kids work to develop fine-motor skills through handwriting practice. There is a focus on learning how to spell commonly used words via the handwriting. Names, numbers, months, days of the week, etc. are used to focus writing practice. This can be a non-preferred activity. I like to find ways to keep it fresh and engaging. I am always open to new ideas!
Math Groups:
Kids are in rotation math groups five days a week.
Kids rotate through 2-3 different stations each day.
Station 1: With Christie
Kids work at their individual levels and pace on math concepts such as addition, subtraction, making 10, place value, telling time, setting up and solving equations, measurement, organizing and making sense of data, asking for help, giving help, and learning how to differentiate their own math instruction to meet their needs. A huge focus is on helping kids become divergent math thinkers and to help kids develop their ability to understand and justify their answers . . . regardless of accuracy. The focus of this instruction is linked to Learn Zillion curriculum/content.
Station 2: Independent/Partner targeted Skill Practice.
Kids work with a partner to practice targeted skills in the form of a game. The “games” link to the instruction and practice of the current unit of focus. Games change out after each group has rotated through at least 3 times.
Station 3: Targeted Small Group Instruction
Kids work with a student teacher, volunteer or staff member on understanding, setting up, showing work/evidence for, and solving word problems. There is also focus on pre-teaching and re-teaching some of the skills focused on in the given unit.
Station 4: Independent Stamina Practice
Kids work individually and at their own pace on engaging and progressively challenging math tasks. The purpose of this station is for kids to be able to focus and complete work on their own, to work on linear thinking, and to build their stamina and focus on a challenging and time-consuming task.
