ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND LEARNING TARGETS

So . . . I'm here with a little essential questions and learning target chatter. These two phrases are at the heart of common core instruction these days. It's all about pulling the layers back on that "deeper meaning." Well, I just so happened to have the opportunity to review a product along these lines from the one and only Carson-Dellosa!

Let me fill you in on a backstory quickly here.  I have always chatted about the standard that we are targeting and have asked thought provoking questions, but I have never provided it in written form.  I have always thought that posting these was a super cool idea, but I just never got around to implementing them in hard good form :) 

This all changed when I received Learning Targets & Essential Questions (Grade One) in the mail.  I'll be honest here and admit that I immediately thought to myself, "Can I really manage another thing right now?"  However, once I actually started using this product in my room, I realized that this product is a no-brainer :)  

The best part about this product is that it is a complete package kind of a deal. It requires almost no prep . . . other than opening the box and organizing the cards. There is NO cutting or laminating involved!!!  #teacherwin

The product covers all of the Common Core Standards in first grade and is broken down by strand.  The standard is also listed on each card (thank you, Carson-Dellosa . . . I didn't want to go look those up)!  The thing I like the most is that the targets and questions are back to back.  It's so nice to have ONE card with the standard and a great "higher level" question waiting for you on the other side.  

I didn't get the corresponding learning target pocket chart to display all of the cards, so I posted the learning targets in each individual area when I was teaching something . . . or when the kids were working independently.  It has been a VERY long day and I might not be explaining myself in a very coherent manner at this point (hehehehe). So, here are a few picture examples for you this evening . . . 

I incorporated the "I Can" or "I Know" cards into my lessons.
I posted this card to remind my kiddos to check their work for capitals & periods :)
It was a great addition to our sentence writing lesson.

I always lay out my work for the next day across this blue shelf at the front of my room.
It was so easy to slip a learning target on top of the stack of papers or game.  

The essential questions on the flip side are awesome as well!
I really liked what they asked the kids to think about.
The cards also helped me remember to slow down and take time for this critical component.
We all get rushed every now and again, but these questions are so important!

During reading groups I have had this learning target posted all week.
The kids read it with me every day.
We are working on building that phonics confidence when reading and writing :)

On a related note . . . I was looking back at my photos as I was putting this post together and realized that I missed out on catching a few of the other quick and easy ways that I incorporated these . . . duh, Dolling. My favorite way that I used these cards took no time at al l and added a little extra "common core" flavor to my centers.  I posted a learning target card in a pocket chart at various centers this week. The mommy helper, assistant, or I would address the target as the activity or game was being explained.  It was a great reminder for the kids and a few times I was able to circle back around after centers and use the flip side of the card to ask the related essential question.  

Overall, I really like this product. I will continue to use it throughout the year and in the future :) 

Alright, I am ALMOST out of here.  However, since you took the time to visit, I thought you might like to enter to win one of these.  Carson-Dellosa offers Learning Targets and Essential Questions for grades K-5 . . . and one big winner will get to pick a grade level set of choice!!!  Simply enter yourself via the quick and easy Rafflecopter below.  I will pick a random winner on Saturday afternoon, so get entered STAT. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me today.  I promise to be back soon with Part II of my Writing Series.  If I only had about 10 more hours in a day.  Then, I'd be absolutely GOLDEN (um . . . says every teacher in the fall trimester). 

Review Disclaimer:  I participate in the Brand Ambassador Program for Carson-Dellosa and have received this product for free to review.