
Module 1 - Session 6
EXCELLENT TEACHING HAPPENS EVERYWHERE
Shifting to Teaching Across Learning Environments (TALE)

GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 1: Shifting to Teaching Across Learning Environments (TALE)!
Goal – The goal of this module is to prepare educators to intentionally design and offer learning experiences that build upon the opportunities provided by different learning environments and formats.
Module Content – This module consists of 10 sessions that will support shifting to teaching across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 1 – Session 6: Excellent Teaching Happens Everywhere.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
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Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 6 in the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 6. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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How does my teaching environment affect my instructional choices?
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What are the teaching practices that are effective across learning environments?
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How is my teaching practice already nimble and portable?
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Which instructional practices would increase my ability to move easily between learning environments?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Reflect on teaching practices that are constant regardless of instructional setting and the practices that require additional consideration across instructional settings.
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Identify instructional strategies that transfer across learning environments.
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Identify current assets and opportunities as a teacher.
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Determine what teaching strategies are currently being used and how those strategies can be leveraged across learning environments.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on how they are providing excellent teaching across all learning environments.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 1.6.1 – What Are My Go-To’s?
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If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ
Dive into our Module 1 – Session 6 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH
Tune into our Module 1 – Session 6 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 1 – Session 6 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You should explore ALL the resources for whichever option you choose (read, watch, or listen), but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

20 Creative Ways to Check for Understanding
Tools and Tips for Checking for Understanding in Remote and Hybrid Settings
Synopsis: These two articles explore using a common teaching strategy – checks for understanding – and applying it to teaching across all learning environments.
Format: Articles
Time: 10 minutes

Synopsis: In Checking for Understanding, five teachers demonstrate how they check for understanding during their lessons. In Best Practices for Teaching and Learning: Academic Conversations, students engage in academic conversations in order to have higher-level discussions. In Restorative Practices: Community Building Circles, a district strategically supports students’ social and emotional growth.
Format: Videos
Time: 13 minutes

365 Inclusive Learning Strategies to Help Every Child
Synopsis: Karen Janowski discusses using a new mindset of including students who learn differently and thereby better reaching the children in your classroom. She also shares some practical examples and edtech tools in the process and how you can work to innovate every day of the year in a way that is not overwhelming.
Format: Podcast
Time: 15 minutes
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 1.6.2 – Taking Stock of My Teaching Environment.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 1.6.3 – My Classroom Community. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 1 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy of the workbook.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
Academic Conversations: Classroom Talk that Fosters Critical Thinking and Content Understanding
Topic: This chapter offers a brief description of the need for more and better oral academic language in school, followed by advantages of classroom conversation.
Format: Book Sample
Time: 15 minutes
53 Ways to Check for Understanding
Topic: A comprehensive list of strategies for implementing checks for understanding into your lessons
Format: Resource
Time: 10 minutes
Restorative Justice in Oakland Schools - Tier 1: Community Building Circle
Topic: Students demonstrate how restorative practices are used in their school to foster an equitable, respectful, and positive school community
Format: Video
Time: 9 minutes
Restorative Justice in School: An Overview
Topic: Restorative justice and the focus on building relationships and repairing harm
Format: Podcast
Time: 1 hour and 9 minutes