Connecting to Communicating Your
Innovation Plan
 

Being a teacher in Texas, I imagine that, like in any primary school in the United States, starting the teaching and learning process with very young children with different academic needs represents a challenge. Trying to motivate them to achieve the miracle of good knowledge (learning) and appropriate values ​​serving them for life is a significant challenge. As I begin the adventure in my classroom, I am ready to start the learning journey by implementing different techniques to attract their attention in any of the subjects I teach. By doing it the conventional way and following class plans, I realized the lack of motivation and apathy that I often face. Especially if we are in the middle of Hagerty's class, where there are no audiovisual resources other than the sounds of the letters. Children who have a lot to say but need help putting their ideas in order or writing them down meaningfully. Several months into the school year, we see how students still need to learn to think about an idea or write it down. Therefore, attainment of the targeted aims, such as opinion, informative, and narrative writing, is not that easy. It has over the years been a nagging problem that we have to battle in our classrooms year in and year out, one that we have to dip ourselves into in the quest for new look and alternatives, bearing in mind traits of children of this age. The vast majority more enjoy video games, YouTube videos, and digital whiteboards than traditional games or writing letters with pencil and paper. This article addresses why Blended Learning and how we could show the way in this scenario? It will reveal the benefits of the station rotation model in the kindergarten classroom by reflecting students' writing progress and motivation. Why blended Learning: Blended learning, by definition, is an approach that responds to a new social context in which the need for a renewed pedagogical model that relates the process of technological and social change to educational innovation is evident. The opportunity to integrate traditional teaching methods with digital tools can be an effective solution to address the lack of motivation in writing in kindergarten. According to Fleck (2012), many teachers have begun to move away from the traditional approach to teaching and are trying to find ways to increase learner engagement. Horn and Staker (2015) noted “Just a few steps can be taken in educational circles, and you hear about blended learning. It is at the top of the list of trending topics related to changing education. Blended learning is any formal education program in which some element of the learner controls time, place, path, and/or pace. In all blended learning programs, students do some of their learning via the  Internet. This does not mean using any digital tools, like an online graphing calculator or Google Docs. Blended  learning means a broader educational shift from an in-person teacher to web-based content and instruction, ( pp 31-34 ). Specifically, the station rotation model, by definition, will significantly improve students' writing skills. The focus on combined interactive, adaptive, and dynamic learning activities is part of its effectiveness. Students can easily access learning materials and engage in collaborative conversations with peers and teachers. It is one of the most popular blended learning approaches. The model is neither new nor exclusive to blended learning. Teachers have used learning activity "hubs" in their classrooms for decades, particularly at the primary level (White J, 2019). One of the most important benefits in kindergarten classrooms is its flexibility for teachers and students. Teachers can decide how they would like to teach the learning material, and depending on the type of model, children can access the course material from anywhere convenient for them. Innovating from the Beginning: How Technology Transforms Learning in Kindergarten? Before, when we talked about education, we immediately thought of the physical classroom. However, when discussing education today, it is inevitable to think about the Internet and digital media. Today, they exhibit transformative advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, massive data processing, robotics, and biotechnology. In it, technology creates a world of profoundly personalized and instant experiences. This is where we must be ready to take advantage of those opportunities in the daily lives of our students. According to Don Tapscott, author of "Growing Up Digital," early exposure to technology helps children develop digital skills that will be essential in their later lives. Tapscott argues that children who use technology from an early age are more likely to adapt quickly to technological innovations in the future. In this way, we see how endless educational options may be of interest, providing, there is a world of possibilities. Among the contributions that ICT offers are: Stimulates creativity and ingenuity. Promotes the experience. Advances according to the learning rhythms of each student. Develop study and research strategies. Provokes curiosity. Stimulates independence. Wake up learning. It helps in the development of different eye-ear and especially eye-hand coordination. The digital age has radically changed development in the process of education. Technology advances at compromise levels about every aspect of human life. Therefore, it is necessary to be constantly updated to keep up with the great changes in the world and its development. My new vision for teaching writing in kindergarten. I am complicit in the power of using technology to foster motivation in students. Faced with the unexpected and sad news of the death of a kindergarten teacher in October 2022, and after having been without a teacher for more than two months, I arrived at a classroom where sadness, self-distrust, absence of routines, and lack of motivation were the norm. See how they could barely write their name to compete with each other to write a note to the teacher. Or Seeing Darío arrive every morning crying because he had his shoes untied, forgetting Wednesday's folder, or not being able to write his name to say: Dario: Teacher, have you seen what reading level I am reading at? Teacher: No: Dario: Level E (first-grade level). Alarm signals that were building the paths to implement some digital tools. Nothing was more genuine than seeing little eyes shining at the possibility of writing on a digital screen or using tablets or computers in digital writing activities with interactive applications (Seesaw, ABC Mouse) that teach the formation of letters, words, and phrases. Alternatively, a 3-minute YouTube video can help them understand new writing concepts. It keeps children's attention and explains ideas in a visual and attractive way that previously took them hours, sometimes days, to learn with the blackboard and chalk in hand. Showing them videos of people writing was essential to helping them understand the process and replicate it. The implementation of rewards and recognition for achievements in writing encourages children to try harder. Inspiration and the strength of passion, which in my class translates as "Superpower." Identify your superpowers, believe in them, and unleash them. Listen to your inner strength and show how valuable you are. These were some of the reflections I told them, and incredibly, those children transformed that place (the class) into a space we never wanted to leave. Despite seeing the first results in implementing this methodology, there is still a long way to go, a lot of work to do, many tools to apply, and finding, along the way, a complicity between traditional teaching methods and digital tools  that best applies to our little Cowboys. Finding the right path is a meticulous and incessant task that occupies us daily in the beautiful mission of teaching and educating.

Learning at an early age is the very moment in which the foundation should be laid for further academic and personal development. In this context, I  propose an innovation plan, with a focus on "Learning to write at an early age through Blended Learning," aimed at transforming the process of teaching writing in kindergarten. To ensure effectiveness and success, I will execute 4DX, proposed by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling. The 4 Disciplines of Execution principles will help an organization execute the most important goals. These disciplines are: Focus on what is crucially important (WIG):  It means intrinsic motivation and the help of innovative technologies to make it more challenging and stimulating for children to learn writing within the given context. Predictors: Will identify indicators that will predict students' motivation and performance success, such as active participation in technological activities and progress toward writing skills. Keep a results board: This can be any visual, accessible system that enables us to track student progress and the impact of new strategies put in place. It will help in making continuous adjustments to realize improvements. Establish a cadence of accountability: Hold regular meetings with the faculty and staff to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan the next steps. Disciplines within the 5 Stages of Change recognizing the need for change, clarifying the change, launching the plan, adopting new practices, and optimizing and maintaining habits will enable us to apply this innovation plan in very orderly and sustainable ways. We will work towards a continuous learning/growth culture in kindergarten through systematic and collaborative improvement of student writing skills. The 4 Disciplines of Execution: How do the Influencer Model and 4DX complement/supplement each other? In the short time I have been a Kindergarten teacher, I have been able to visualize how students have a low motivation towards writing and how to apply this to opinion, narrative, and poetic writing. A problem that, in discussions with my team of more experienced teachers, reveals a recurring problem year after year. This implies the search for new ways to teach and have results. Implementing blended learning in kindergarten represents an innovative strategy to improve writing skills in children. This innovation plan promotes intrinsic motivation, integrating changes, innovations, and technologies that transform the writing process. To ensure the success of this plan, we have combined two powerful strategies that we consider crucial to change. The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) with the Influencers Model allow effective and sustained execution of the desired changes. When I think about how these proposals (Influencer Model and The 4DX) complement each other, my graphic mind becomes concave and convex. From top to bottom, they have strong connections around their analysis and practical proposals. The 4DX encourages us to identify and focus on a crucial objective: Increase the intrinsic motivation of students towards writing, something that the Influences Model does very well since it allows teachers and students to be mobilized and motivated towards the objectives (WIG) using influences. . personal and social. The second discipline focuses on identifying and acting on measures that predict success, which the Influencer Model gives us a foundation to analyze the influences that affect these. Creating a scoreboard is a visual and motivating tool that keeps everyone focused on goals. The Influencer Model guides us to use structural and social influences that encourage and motivate students and teachers. Adaptation and adoption of new changes in a kindergarten class could not work without routines and monitoring. The fourth discipline encourages routine responsibility and monitoring. Here, the Influencer Model highlights the importance of personal and social influences in holding regular meetings to review progress and adjust strategies. So, integrating the 4 Disciplines of Delivery with the Influencer Model provides an effective strategy for implementing blended learning in kindergarten. Conclusión: Throughout my journey through The Four Disciplines of Execution, many passages left an imprint on me and a terrible desire to put them into practice. One of the messages the authors leave in the book is inspiring and motivating for me, which I make available to you as a conclusion to this work. “Consider spending the future in a relentless whirlwind where everything is always urgent and truly important priorities are forever postponed. The great management scientist Peter Drucker observed: “I have seen many people who are great at doing unimportant things. They have an impressive track record of achievements in trivial matters.” But you don't want to be magnificently trivial. You want to make a real difference. Want to make a high-value, high-impact contribution? The 4 Disciplines of Execution can take you there (McChesney et al, 2012)” References: Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change. McChesney, C. (2016). Introduction to 4DX OS. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KOhF6T5D8X8?si=iUJ39RM_WvkVP1gp McChesney, C. (2017). The 4 Disciplines of Execution in a Nutshell. Youtube. https://youtu.be/mP7sq_tGZj8?si=UCbGUZRbQKWqTE60 McChesney, C. (2020). Move Your Middle Chris McChesney. Youtube. https://youtu.be/cbQfozH2KxM?si=wxk-jMSZlRS8H7XC McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 Disciplines of Execution.

Discuss how the model is divided into the two domains of motivation and how it is subdivided into personal, social, and structural sources. Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan y Al Switzler, desarrollaron un modelo para producir sobre otros ciertos efectos (influir) con el libro "Influencer: The Power to Change Anything.”To be clear, Patterson, Grenny, Maxeld, McMillan, and Switzler didn’t discover a magic bullet. Rather, they uncovered a common set of tools that have been proven effective in different combinations, under different circumstances.The authors also came to understand that the world’s greatest influencers start by focusing on behaviors. They don’t seek to apply an influence strategy until they have clearly defined the underlying behavior they are targeting. The most important part of leading change is understanding what you are leading towards, when it will happen, and being able to track progress towards it. Use both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Don’t waste time on how to create change until you’ve carried what you want, why you want it, and when you want it. An effective result is: 1. Specific and measurable. It is quantitative not qualitative. 2. What you really want. It’s the outcome that matters. 3. Time bound. It comes with a completion date. This model divides influence into two main domains: motivation and ability. These domains are subdivided into three sources: personal, social, and structural. 1. MAKE THE UNDESIRABLE DESIRABLE. The first strategy involves creating new experiences by providing individuals with ample opportunities to actually try the behavior. Trying a new behavior enables people to stop predicting how it will feel, which historically, is often wrong. The authors suggest using modeling to create vicarious experiences. It is important for individuals to feel like it is almost a game, that is, use reasonably challenging goals and clear feedback in order to engage individuals. Take The focus o of the activity itself and attempt to reconnect the person’s behavior with the vital behavior, in order for successful inuence.The second strategy involves creating new motives for the vital behavior. Influencers must make the new behavior relevant to an individual. When people make their behavior morally significant, almost anything can be achieved. In daily life we are often not moral thinkers, so it's imperative that influencers get individuals to act on their morality instead of blurring the vision by acting on emotions. 2. SURPASS YOUR LIMITS. A person’s resistance to change is because of a lack of skill. People underestimate the need to learn and practice the skill they desire. In fact, all people who achieve extraordinary accomplishments do so because they have practiced the right actions in a controlled environment. People simply cannot change through sheer willpower alone. 3. HARNESS PEER PRESSURE The most powerful influence tool out there is the people who we respect. They can easily persuade any social network to either follow through with change or can grind change into a halt. In order to utilize this power, it is necessary to be the one respected person within the network who can model the new vital behavior. It is also necessary to spend a large amount of time with the respected people in the network in order to build trust, and enable them to spread the message of change. Sometimes it is necessary to invite everyone in the network to come together and talk openly in order for change to be widely accepted. It is important to seek a healthy dialogue, and strive to create a safe venue for discussing controversial topics. In some cases, change efforts require the help of all members of the organization. “People must be plucked from their support structure and placed in a new network, one where virtually everyone in their new social circle supports and rewards the right behaviors while punishing the wrong ones” (Patterson et al.2008, p. 164). 4. FIND STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. In the entertainment business, there are many examples of heroes who have defeated many enemies alone. In North America especially, the authors maintained that partially because of the entertainment industry, society has become unwilling to use cooperation in order to solve problems. Rarely does any one person have the ability to have success in every single problem they encounter. It is necessary to invest in building our own social capital in order to help us succeed in all complex situations. Expert influencers know the importance of building social capital. “They’re quick to consider what help, authority, consent, or cooperation individuals may need when facing risky or daunting new behaviors. Then they develop an influence strategy that offers the social capital required to help make change inevitable” (Patterson et al. 2008, p. 192). 5. DESIGN REWARDS AND DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY. The first four sources of influence deal primarily with changing individual behavior in order to have success in the vital behavior. Sometimes though, we need to utilize incentives to help create change. Patterson et al. (2008) noted that rewards must be linked to vital behaviors in order to be successful. They should be closely linked to specific actions you want repeated, and not just outcomes. In terms of rewards, it is also important to rely on personal and social motivators first. Small incentives that reward improvements, and that are heartfelt are the most appreciated.Before administering punishments of any kind, the authors advise leaders to provide a clear warning before handing out the punishment. People need to understand that negative things will happen if the negative behaviors continue.Punishments make an organization firmly  understand their core values, and can be used to change behavior if correctly administered. 6. CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT. The final strategy presented involves the changing of actual things within the building. People fail to realize the impact on change that changes a few things at work, which means that this strategy is often overlooked. It is also far easier to change things rather than people. Another reason that we do not always adopt this sixth strategy, is that even If we realize the impact our environment is having on us, it is often difficult to know what to do about it. Once the element for change has been identified, the next step is to provide cues to remind people of the behaviors you hope to influence. The small cues draw attention to the important details, change how people think, which in turn, changes behavior. Change also becomes easier and more manageable when changes to the physical environment can eradicate choice altogether. When structure is relied on, the vital behavior an expert influencer strives to change becomes inevitable. The behavior becomes more of a pattern, and failure does not become an option. Consider how many sources of influence need to be addressed to get children to make a change. Discuss why it is so important to explore the six sources of influence if you want to be successful in your change effort. You need to combine at least four preferably or more sources of influence. Your chances for success go up 10 times (Washed Up video). It is essential to address the six sources of influence to achieve significant changes in a child's behavior since each one acts directly on behavior and motivation. Especially when it comes to assuming a new model, such as learning to write from blended learning. I think it is important to explore each of them because without intrinsic motivation or without social support, it is very difficult to want to learn to write at an age where play and fun are a priority. Likewise, having a solid structure helps them develop skills they can use when frustration and demotivation take over their behavior. The help of friends and colleagues and constant interaction with others in writing and reading comprehension activities are decisive in reviewing and fixing the contents. The influencers came to the conclusion that if you understand the science behind behaviors, you can change remarkably resistant behaviors. “All of this is important to know because if you want to change the world, you eventually have to change how people behave. And if you want to change how they behave, you have to rest and change how they think”(p.20). This means that we as people, can learn how to influence others, it is not because of a character flaw or lack of motivation. We need to see it because of a character flaw or lack of motivation. We need to see ourselves as influencers, and study the masters in order to learn. References (2023). All Washed Up! https://youtu.be/cW0qZl6IrkI?si=v3MRSgisv7hw83w3 Influences. Book summary. (n.d.). www.transformleader.com. Petterson, K., & Grenny, J. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change, Second Edition. (McGraw-Hill Education. ed.). Youtube Video. (2022). Harnessing Social Pressure. https://youtu.be/wu7UBY5euBg?si=30gjT0uYrSNP2gVY

Measurement Strategy & Connecting and Communicating Your Ideas According to Mertler (2020), Action Research is a reflective and practical approach that allows professionals to investigate their work environment for problems and improve their practice. This cyclic method involves planning, action, observation, and reflection to arrive at practical, evidence-based solutions to real problems. In the educational field, the most valuable type of research would be action research since teachers can analyze and then improve their strategies, both for teachers' and learners' better performance. The rationale for importance encompasses continuous improvement, informed decisions, and professional development. Action Research Outline This action research outline investigates the impact of implementing blended learning on students’ motivation during the writing process. The current study aims to apply innovative methodologies through blended learning, by which students can learn to write independently and improve their motivation and writing skills, particularly in kindergarten. In particular, it will assess to what extent the integration of technological resources and online activities develops writing skills in structure and content. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines qualitative insights from observations and interviews with quantitative data from assessments. Literature Review In this literature review, I explore how blended learning has affected students' motivation during the writing process. I define blended learning, focusing on the Station Rotation model, which includes face-to-face and online activities. I'll review several models of Blended Learning, such as Station Rotation, Flipped Classroom, and Enriched Virtual, among others. Each has the possibility of flexibility to adapt to different learning styles and needs. Action Research Plan This Action Research Plan investigates the impact of implementing blended learning on students’ motivation during the writing process. The current study aims to apply innovative methodologies through blended learning, by which students can learn to write independently and improve their motivation and writing skills, particularly in kindergarten. In particular, it will assess to what extent the integration of technological resources and online activities develops writing skills in structure and content. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines qualitative insights from observations and interviews with quantitative data from assessments. Applied Digital Learning Journey Synthesis Applied Digital Learning Journey Synthesis was a wrap-up for my learning journey, enabling me to reflect on how every module contributed to my innovation plan in implementing blended learning to improve motivation in kindergarten students when writing. Disruptive Innovation in Technology 5305 made me very aware of how technology could drive change in old practices. Innovation was accepted as my tool for increasing the fun and creativity of young students. In 5302 Concepts of Educational Technology, I developed a solid theoretical foundation for integrating digital tools, allowing me to design strategies in concert with best practices in educational technology. These connections have empowered me to create a dynamic, student-centered writing environment, seamlessly merging theory, practice, and innovation. Contribution to my Learning and Learning Community

Planning the Alternative PL outline/blueprint Change the game Change the game Change the game Change the game Connect, Collaborate, Grow Connect, Collaborate, Grow Connect, Collaborate, Grow Connect, Collaborate, Grow Video At each turn of history, man had been inspired by stories that spoke to their hearts. Chief among these must be the life stories, which allow an individual to connect with real life and provide a glimpse of our own lives reflected in other people's coming-of-age stories, defeats, or triumphs. The life stories permit the individual to feel it is possible to be in a different place than where one presently is, and this transformation can be actively engendered by oneself rather than imposed without it in personal or professional life. One of those moments of change has been my journey, harnessed through Professional Learning meetings in my school; I have come to learn through frustrations, challenges, and discoveries how to bring about better meetings to drive educators' professional growth. My call to action evolves from this context: Change the Game: Connect, Collaborate, Grow. Implementing " Change the Game: Connect, Collaborate, and Grow" can be a game-changer in taking PLCs from a routine experience to a little more meaningful and powerful for educators. It's about slowly moving from a meeting-based culture toward meeting spaces where authentic interaction, professional learning, and increasing capacity are the focus of continuous growth. It intends to build a community where every educator is empowered and allowed to share their ideas, enabling them to enhance others, hence creating an environment to elevate teaching practices for improved student outcomes. The process has overcome some weaknesses that have characterized traditional forms of professional development: a system of one-off events that inspire or motivate little actual change in the classroom. Integrating these 5 Principles of Professional Learning, Modeling, Time, Support, and engagement into a professional development plan for our Kindergarten Teacher's PLC will significantly improve the associated benefits. In this way, the level of learning will be more profound. Shallow exploration of concepts cuts off reflection, practice, and internalization of new approaches by educators. This leads to a fuller understanding and practical application in the classroom. In addition, planning to pilot the initiative in the first year with our kindergarten teachers is a strategic way of implementing the initiative. This will offer a promising avenue that we can use to obtain some helpful feedback and effectiveness assessment and make necessary adjustments before scaling up into other grade levels. Who will lead what components? PLC Lead Facilitator Professional Learning Meetings : The lead facilitator conducts the PLC meetings, which occur every week. They ensure that the sessions' objectives are met and the discussions are guided. Collaboration Leader: The leader will be fronted by an experienced collaborative-work teacher. His main tasks will include planning and organizing activities that enhance effective teacher interaction, holding brainstorming sessions in control, and running joint projects. Leadership of Technology Support : An experienced leader in digital tools and educational resources will provide technology support. Professional Growth Mentor : An experienced mentor will provide individualized coaching and feedback to teachers who need additional support. He/she will also follow up on ongoing support to assist the teachers. Evaluation and reflection leader : This leader is supposed to manage the development of an evaluation tool that would possibly estimate the outcome of PLC meetings on teachers' professional learning. Audience/Needs. My audience comprises a group of kindergarten teachers divided into two segments: teachers with years of experience and familiarity with pedagogical practices and teachers in the early stages of their careers. More experienced teachers need to learn new, relevant methodologies and techniques to improve their current practice, avoiding the feeling of stagnation. Some might require more training in using the latest technological tools and their integration in the classroom. The new teachers may also be more familiar with technologies; however, they may very well require support on how to use technologies effectively in the school. They will need guidance around classroom management, lesson planning, and effective pedagogical strategies. In both these groups, the experienced teachers will have to find a place to share experiences and learn from their colleagues without feeling that their prior knowledge was being slighted and find an atmosphere to express their ideas without fear of judgment over their lack of experience. Fostering Collaboration. Several strategies may be utilized to effectively create an atmosphere where it is comfortable for the teachers to work with and share ideas with colleagues. We use the first 10-15 minutes of the meeting to go around and share what's currently working and not working in the classroom. The objective is to inspire others by sharing your successful strategy and opening the conversation to solve the challenges together. We will have quick presentations. Teachers take 5-minute turns sharing a strategy, activity, or resource that has worked well in their classroomThe objective is to inspire others by sharing your successful strategy and opening the conversation to solve the challenges together. We will have quick presentations. Teachers take 5-minute turns sharing a strategy, activity, or resource that has worked well in their classroom. The objective is to introduce new ideas with multiple approaches to teachers briefly. We will establish small groups and devise at least three concrete, practical solutions to a teacher's challenge. The aim here is to facilitate collaborative problem-solving and generate valuable ideas. Also, each educator brings in one resource, book, or tool that worked for them in their teaching and shared it with the group. The objective is to build a shared library of valuable resources. Other activities that we will take into account would be those mentioned below. Shared Feedback Circle : Teachers bring a lesson plan or example of student work and share it with the group. Each team member offers constructive feedback following a structure: first, something positive, and then, a suggestion for improvement. Objective: Promote continuous improvement in a supportive environment the intention is to provide practical, constructive feedback regarding teaching practice in real time. Specific Feedback Workshop : Teachers learn specific constructive feedback techniques, such as the “feedback sandwich” (positive comment, area for improvement, positive comment). They then practice giving feedback using these approaches. The objective is to teach teachers how to give and receive feedback effectively. Celebrate Team Accomplishments: At the end of the PLC meeting, we will have a small, short ceremony where we give the teachers certificates or symbolic awards for their accomplishments, such as introducing new strategies that worked or improving some field in the classrooms. Sample of some possible rewards: Innovator of the Month" for trying a new technique. Inspirational Teacher of the Month" for helping a colleague with his/her challenge. Creative of the Month" for an outstanding activity carried out with students. Team Accomplishment Video . A small video, photos, and videos that compile the most important moments of the team. It's good to add teacher quotations regarding achievements or critical moments of the school year, showing them at a special meeting or the end of the month. The objective is to celebrate more vividly and emotionally reached milestones and achievements. Victory Cup: We will generate a "victory mug" passed on among teachers. Whoever the teacher receives it will keep it on his desk every week or month for some particular achievement to be decided by him, and he will pass it on to whomever he chooses next month. Goal: To ensure rotation in recognition and continuous celebration of accomplishments throughout the year. Instructional Design Professional Learning will be organized using BHAG Big Hairy Audacious Goal and a 3-Column Table instructional design model. Professional Learning will be designed using BHAG- Big Hairy Audacious and the 3-Column Table instructional design model. It provides a dynamic and organized format where the BHAG sets ambitious but achievable goals, while the 3-column Table gives a practical means of organizing content, activity, and assessment. It combines these two approaches so that information flow becomes coherent, objectives are clear, and learning outcomes align with learning outcomes, thus developing professionalism holistically and effectively. Resources To successfully undertake the alternative professional learning plan "Change the Game: Connect, Collaborate, Grow," we will need materials and human resources. First, we will require a well-thought-out schedule that efficiently employs meeting times within the existing PLC sessions. We shall iron out a time that will enable all teachers to be present without adding to the workload of teachers. We would use platforms such as Google Calendar or Trello for meeting organization and providing discussion topics and technologies or strategies actively involving teachers during meetings, for example, real-time survey applications: Mentimeter and Kahoot. During the coaching sections, workshops, or particular pieces of training, training materials will be used to enable facilitators to support teachers in their growth. Furthermore, we will implement checklists, guides, and manuals so that teachers can easily follow the procedure and have access to digital platforms for continued support. Learning materials: Articles, studies, videos, research, and manuals referring to the betterment approach in PLC meetings and professional teachers' growth. We would look for support from school leaders and management so this plan has sound backing and adequate monitoring. Professional Learning Outside. We made a clear outline regarding structure, logically supporting the organization of the topics and ideas. In such a way, one can pay attention to the main objectives, avoid deviation, and consider everything about the project. This is done in Google Sheets, a platform that allows it to be adapted during the process, thus embedding new ideas or changes without losing the overview. Please refer to the Professional Learning Outline for PL for more information regarding the leadership for each component, target audience, assigned tasks, and schedule, among others. References Duarte, N. (2013, March 21). How to tell a story. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrRQ1oQWQk. Duarte, N. (19 February 2013). How to Create Better Visual Presentations. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so9EJoQJc-0. Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers: Effective Professional Development in an Era of High Stakes Accountability. http://conference.ohioschoolboards.org/2017/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2016/07/1pm111317A114Job-embedPD.pdf Horn, M. B., & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: using disruptive innovation to improve schools. Magana, S. (2017). Disruptive Classroom Technologies (1st ed.). SAGE Publications. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323442436_Disruptive_Classroom_Technologies. Sinek, S. (2009, September 29). How great leaders inspire action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA * Note: My literature review provides more information about the research conducted to support my Innovation Plan. Why blended learning? My new vision for teaching writing in kindergarten. Being a teacher in Texas, I imagine that, like in any primary school in the United States, starting the teaching and learning process... Joyce T Perez Executing Change 4DX. Learning at an early age is the very moment in which the foundation should be laid for further academic and personal development. In this... Joyce T Perez Influencer Strategy. Discuss how the model is divided into the two domains of motivation and how it is subdivided into personal, social, and structural... Joyce T Perez Media that Engages. Discuss ways that the media can engage the audience to influence their thinking? We can reach more recipients with a single message... Joyce T Perez Audio and Visual Digital Tools I would like to start by discarding or leaving aside the fact that I do not have enough experience in using or managing tools or... Joyce T Perez Change Behavior. Being exposed to Jane's story was an experience because, through the feelings generated at that moment, I can explore how we touch... Joyce T Perez Recent Posts

Instructional Design “Change Is The End Result Of All True Learning Leo Buscaglia When all is said and done, it’s all about making an impact and facilitating change within your online learners. The learning process should encourage them to evaluate their own cognitions and work toward bettering themselves. Even if that means challenging assumptions and beliefs that are holding them back. Push online learners past their comfort zone without making them feel too uncomfortable. Subject: Biliteracy Writing (Research Writing). Level of instruction: Kindergarten Intended audience: Students enrolled in the Dual Language Program (the goal is to foster language proficiency, cultural awareness, and academic excellence in English and Spanish through the combination of two languages and culturally rigorous instruction) in the kindergarten classroom (5 years old) come from diverse Latin American countries, especially Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela, and Cuba. Sometimes, they had minimal prior knowledge and experience about the writing process, depending on whether they were enrolled in a Pre-K course. Key institutional documents influencing the design process: District Biliteracy Writing Curriculum: It provides guidelines, standards, and essential TEKS for what students should learn and how they should be taught, ensuring alignment with state educational goals and benchmarks. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company (HMH) provides educational content and related services for Kindergarten through a set of online learning platforms, including, but not limited to, our ThinkCentral, HMOF, Write Source, Seesaw, and ClassZone platforms (the "K-12 Learning Platforms" or the "Platforms"). Biliteracy Writing (Research Writing) Are you using competency-based education (CBE) or outcome-based education (OBE)? Why? While we do not ignore outcome-based education in teaching writing in kindergarten, competency-based education allows us to be specific in the skills and competencies we instill in the student. Progress is then measured by the ability of the student to show he has mastered those competencies. It is the level at which fundamental competencies could be basic literacy, fine motor, and social skills. Allowing them to go at the child's pace, therefore, ideally helps diversity in their development. Some examples of this are being able to write their names, recognizing shapes, and sharing with others. Another ingredient would be flexibility on the teachers' part to change the teaching procedures according to the competency shown by the child so that more timely and expressly provided help may be practical. Mastery of some competency gives them a feeling of achievement, raising their intrinsic motivation to learn to write even more. What design approach have you chosen? Why? The chosen design approach is blended learning, which combines face-to-face teaching with online learning components. Blended learning is an approach that responds to a new social context in which the need for a renewed pedagogical model that links technological and social change with educational innovation is evident. The opportunity to integrate traditional teaching methods with digital tools can be an effective solution to address the lack of motivation for writing in kindergarten. Specifically, the station rotation model will significantly improve students' writing skills. The focus on interactive, adaptive, and dynamic blended learning activities is part of its effectiveness. Students can easily access learning materials and collaborate with peers and teachers. It is one of the most popular blended learning approaches. The model is neither new nor exclusive to blended learning. Teachers have used learning activity "hubs" in their classrooms for decades, especially at the primary level (White J, 2019). Flexibility is one of the most essential benefits to teachers and their students in virtual kindergarten classrooms. The teacher can decide how they want to show the learning material, and children can access the course material from any place that may be comfortable with them, depending on the model type. It also fosters parental involvement through online resources and insights about teaching methodologies for better collaboration between home and school. How will you balance assessment Or/For/As learning? Assessment balance "For" the kindergarten writing process was achieved by integrating these three assessment strategies to develop children in writing. Assessing Learning in the Writing Process We use within our classrooms to determine if students have mastered specific competencies of writing upon completion of this unit, such as being able to write their name, properly form letters, and utilize sources such as books, websites, or experts to gather new information to include in their work The balance is based on using Assessing Learning to understand each child's progress and adjust future planning according to their abilities and needs. However, we use the Assessing Learning in the Writing Process to guide real-time instruction to improve writing skills while students are learning. This is simplified in activities such as observing how children hold their pencils and form letters and offering immediate corrections and suggestions for improvement. Use hands-on games and activities, such as tracing letters in sand or clay, and provide verbal feedback on their attempts and achievements. Balance this with activities that allow children to receive ongoing feedback, which will help them to improve their writing skills progressively. Assessment "As" Learning in the Writing Process encourages self-reflection and self-assessment, so students become aware of their writing process and development. This involves engaging children in simple self-assessments, such as using a happy face or a thumbs up to indicate how well they think they wrote something, encouraging awareness of their progress. Are you moving your learners into deeper learning? If not, why not? Deeper learning is facilitated by combining intrinsic motivation, personalization of learning, active teaching, effective technology integration, continuous feedback, and a supportive environment. We must inspire subsequent generations to create changes based on their beliefs and feelings. Establish connections that last a lifetime. Children's learning is more effective when they are motivated. Integrating change, innovation, and technologies can transform the writing process in kindergarten, making it more challenging and stimulating. It is critical to highlight that implementing change, innovation, and technology is not a whim but necessary to significantly improve the educational experience, making it more relevant and engaging. The urgency lies in the fact that if we do not adopt a more dynamic and personalized approach now, we will continue to have year after year in our classrooms students who, even in fourth and fifth grade, still struggle to think of an idea and write it down. This leaves a generation ill-equipped to conquer the future they once dreamed of. Our vision, with the implementation of blended learning as described in the previous paragraphs, has been to prepare generations who, from an early age, develop the ability to accept the challenge of change in an ever-changing world so that they thrive as critical and independent collaborators, thinkers, and writers. It is a powerful inspiration and calls for innovation, change, and transformation. By awakening the passion of those who dream of a model where educational progress is measured by acquiring practical skills and competencies rather than time in the classroom or traditional exams, we are instilling a deep sense of hope and optimism for the future of education. We also aim to show the dangers of continuing with the status quo and highlight the opportunities our students would miss if we do not embrace this revolutionary change. Therefore, I firmly believe that today, my classroom looks different and that our learning is taking us deeper into the development of our children as we have been empowered by the theories of Carol de Week, Michael Horn, John Kotter, and many others along this journey we have come to know and put into practice. Who controls the learning? The blended learning model sometimes provides students with much more agency over their particular aspects of learning, such as pace and topics, within a set framework and choice of digital tools. This helps them develop more autonomous capabilities and allows students to decide how to learn better. Students learn to set goals, progress, and reflect on their learning. This particular aspect of control is crucial in developing lifelong learning skills since learning usually begins early in life. Although learning is more autonomous, teachers are crucial as guides and facilitators. They design the curriculum and select the digital tools and resources that best support student learning. They also provide guidance, supervision, and ongoing support. Teachers can differentiate instruction based on the data collected from digital learning platforms. They can quickly intervene when a student needs additional help or adjust activities to be more challenging or accessible based on individual needs. It is a model where control of learning is shared between students and teachers, giving a leading role to the use of technology and guided by the curriculum and the school institution. Outline for a Five-Week Research Writing Project. Module 1: Exploring Digital Resources and Understanding Research Day 1: Introduction to Research Explain to students what it means to research: “Research is like being a detective to learn more about something you’re interested in.” Read a simple non-fiction book about an interesting topic to show how we learn new things. Day 2: Choosing a Topic Brainstorm as a class about topics of interest (animals, plants, places, etc.). Allow each student to choose a topic for research. Use pictures and words to help them decide. Day 3: Research Questions Help students formulate simple questions about their topic. Example: “Where do pandas live?” or “What do butterflies eat?” Use graphic organizers (drawings and labels) to visualize their questions. Day 4: Introduction to Sources of Information Discuss different sources of information (books, internet, interviews). Visit the school library to explore books about the chosen topics. Day 5: Planning the Project Create a simple plan with drawings or charts showing the research steps (explore books, learn from videos, make drawings) Module 2: Finding Idea. Day 1: Finding Information in Books Provide time for students to explore illustrated and non-fiction books related to their topics. Help them identify key images and words. Day 2: Finding Information in Videos and Educational Websites Watch short, age-appropriate videos about the selected topics. Discuss what they learned from the videos. Day 3: Group Activity – Sharing What They Learned Organize small groups for students to share what they have learned so far. Use a shared chart to collect and visualize the information. Day 4: Collecting Additional Information Continue exploring books and videos. Help students jot down or draw their discoveries in their graphic organizers. Day 5: Reflection and Adjustment of the Research Plan Review what they have learned and see if there are any new questions. Adjust the research plan if needed. Module 3: Organizing Our Information Day 1: Organizing Information Help students organize their notes and drawings into simple categories (habitat, food, appearance, etc.). Use colors or symbols to identify different categories. Day 2: Writing the Draft Introduce the structure of a simple report (introduction, details, conclusion). Guide students in writing a draft using drawings and keywords to express their ideas. Day 3: Continuing the Draft Provide additional time for students to continue working on their drafts. Offer individualized support as needed. Day 4: Reviewing the Draft Review the draft in small groups with the teacher’s help. Ask questions to help students add more details or clarify information. Day 5: Final Draft Review Do a final review of the draft. Make minor corrections and add additional details as needed. Module 4: Revising and Helping Our Friends Day 1: Preparing the Final Presentation Help students transfer their final draft to a “published version” using detailed drawings and clear words. Day 2: Creating a Class Poster or Book Assist students in creating a large poster or a class book with their research. Include drawings, photos, and key facts from each project. Day 3: Practicing the Presentation Practice how to present their research to the class. Teach them to speak loudly and clearly and to use their poster or book as a visual aid. Day 4: Project Presentation with others grade level and parents. Host a “research fair” where students present their projects to the class and, if possible, to other classes or parents. Day 5: Reflection and Celebration Reflect on what they learned about their topic and the research process. Celebrate everyone’s hard work with a small party or recognition. Module 5: Sharing and Celebrating Our Work. Module Objective: Students will share their research writing projects with their peers, teachers, and families. The goal is to foster pride in their work, practice presentation skills, and celebrate the achievements made throughout the course. Day 1: Preparing to Share Activity 1: Final Review Students will review their research work using the editing checklist provided in the previous module. Teacher-led activity to make final adjustments in spelling, punctuation, and format. Duration: 20-30 minutes. Activity 2: Presentation Practice Each student will practice reading or presenting their project in front of a partner or small group. Peers will give positive feedback and suggestions to improve clarity. Duration: 15 minutes per student. Day 2: Creating Visual Materials Activity 1: Creating a Poster or Visual Aid Students will create a poster or visual map to accompany their presentation. It will include images, key words, and relevant facts to help tell the story of their research. Materials: Poster boards, markers, printed images or cutouts. Duration: 45 minutes. Activity 2: General Rehearsal Students will perform a full rehearsal of their presentation using the posters or visual materials they have created. Duration: 10 minutes per student. Day 3: Sharing with Peers Activity 1: Presentation Day in Class Students will present their projects to their classmates. Each presentation will be followed by a brief question-and-answer session and comments. Duration: 5-10 minutes per student. Activity 2: Reinforcing Positive Feedback After the presentations, students will practice giving positive feedback to their peers, highlighting something they liked or learned from the presentation. Duration: 15 minutes. Day 4: Virtual or Family Presentations Activity 1: Sharing with Families (In-Person or Virtual) Students will present their work to their families, either in a virtual event or in-person. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and celebrate their children’s achievements. Duration: 1-hour event. Activity 2: Reflection Journal After the presentation, students will reflect on how they felt about sharing their work and which parts of their research they are most proud of. Duration: 15-20 minutes. Day 5: Final Celebration Activity 1: Celebration Party A small classroom celebration will be held to commemorate the students’ hard work. This could include a “showcase” of the research projects so that everyone can view their peers’ work. Duration: 45 minutes. Activity 2: Recognition Certificates Students will receive a certificate or acknowledgment for completing their research project. The teacher will publicly recognize the efforts of each student. Duration: 15-20 minutes. Syllabus Kindergarten Research Writing Project Syllabus Course Title: Kindergarten Research Writing Project. Duration: 4 Weeks Teacher: Joyce Torres Perez Contact Information: joycetorresperez40@gmail.com Course Description: This four-week project is designed to introduce kindergarten students to the basics of research and writing. Through guided exploration, students will choose a topic of interest, gather information, and create a simple research project. The focus will be developing curiosity, understanding simple research processes, and expressing ideas through writing and drawing. Module Description: In this module, students will compose informational texts after conducting their own research. Students will learn about the appropriate use of sources like books, websites, and experts to gain new information that can be included in their work. Teachers will explicitly model all components of the writing process, emphasizing revising and editing work in preparation for sharing with others by using various delivery modes. The teacher introduces students to an editing checklist. (Research Editing Checklist ) For this module, teachers may provide a more formal opportunity for the students to share their work with other grade levels, teachers, administrators, or parents. Misconceptions: The students may make the following mistakes: Focus more on conventions than ideas. Confusing editing with revision. Adding transition words without purpose. Failing to use the editing and revision process and depending on draft writing only. Course Goals: Encourage curiosity and interest in learning about new topics. Introduce basic research skills appropriate for kindergarten. Develop early writing skills through simple sentences and drawings. Foster collaboration and sharing of knowledge among peers. Build confidence in presenting information to an audience. Plan by generating ideas for writing through class discussion and writing. Weekly Breakdown: Week 1: Introduction to Research and Topic Selection Week 2: Gathering Information Week 3: Organizing Information and Writing the Draft Week 4: Publishing and Presentation Materials Needed: Non-fiction books (library access) Drawing and writing supplies (paper, markers, crayons) Access to a computer or tablet for videos Graphic organizers (simple templates for young children) Poster board and art supplies for the final presentation. Assessment: Participation: Active engagement in discussions and group activities. Research Process: Ability to ask questions, gather information, and organize findings. Writing and Presentation: Clarity and creativity in the final project and presentation. Classroom Expectations: Be curious and ask questions. Share and listen to others. Try your best in all activities. Respect materials and classroom rules. Conclusion: In conclusion, our Kindergarten Research Writing Unit offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience combining traditional and modern instructional methods. By focusing on curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, we aim to cultivate a lifelong love of learning and research in our students, setting them up for success in literacy and beyond. UbD/Design Template