I'm a little late on posting this blog, but I have done a lot of reflecting on the "Kickoff." I had 3 teachers join me at the kickoff, but I have a total of 7 who will be a part of inquiry this year. I've shifted from the involvement of middle & high school teachers last year to middle & elementary this year. I would have liked to have some teachers for the high school level, but for one reason or another, they did not respond. The kickoff was very exciting. It never fails, I always return with new things I want to try. In Mickie's presentation, I got the idea of teachers sharing examples of tests and reflecting on the complexity of the questions through a “Gallery Walk.” I think this would be a great way to support teachers in developing those "higher order" questions that are so important. I want to try this with the pretests my teachers are developing for the new 9 weeks. I’m planning to have them post the tests in the conference room on the day of team meetings and write comments/suggestions to one other directly on the tests. I think this will give them positive feedback & ways to improve their questions writing skills. I also loved her idea of a “Tic, Tac, Toe” board at the end of a unit. The students chose 3 activities in a row to complete as a culminating activity for a unit. This is a great idea for “Differentiated Instruction.”I also had the privilege of being in Debbi's presentation on Fluency. Even though I have heard it several times, her enthusiasm makes everyone excited about inquiry. Her "passion" for reading shines through her presentation. Thanks Debbi!My group will be meeting for the first time on November 6. I plan to include refreshments like I did last year & meet for 1-1 1/2 hours. It seems that a couple of the inquiries will focus around science since we are involved in a large science grant that focuses on “hands on" curriculum in our district. I'm excited about the discoveries that will be made through those inquiries. Teachers in general seem to be under a lot more stress this year. I hope I can make “Inquiry” come across to them as not just something else to do, but as the rewarding experience that we have all experienced in the past. The kickoff helps with that, but because I had several teachers who did not attend, I want to make sure I portray that important message. I even thought about having one of the teachers who presented last year share his inquiry at a district meeting. I thought that would make it personal and give him a chance to share his presentation one more time. Sorry- this was long. I guess I was making up for my missing posts. I’m looking forward to “inquiry” this year. I’m always a little nervous getting started, but once we get moving, I know it will be fine.