Savanna Gaston

4th grade math/science teacher at Samuel Beck Elementary School.

[Kaitlyn Davis @MrsDavisDonuts]

Best way to start a Friday morning? Have a dance party in the hallway while kids are entering school of course!! 💙🐾🕺🏼 @Gaston4thGrade @mscoffer4th @BeckElem

[Kaitlyn Davis @MrsDavisDonuts]

@Gaston4thGrade and I had a great first day in-person with our kiddos! 💙🐾

[Jessica Clark @_MrsClark23]

Your mathematical mindset MATTERS! Loved learning how to promote a growth mindset within myself & my students.🌟 Great session @Gaston4thGrade & @Mrs_Dodson_4th!👏🏼 #EngageNISD #GrowthMindset #RISEUP

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@MsBecan @Mrs_Dodson_4th Thank you so much! It was great to see you on Zoom @MsBecan!

[Kelly Mitchell @7Hills_Mitchell]

Starting this morning with math! #EngageNISD @Mrs_Dodson_4th @Gaston4thGrade

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@MarmonSusan @Mrs_Dodson_4th Thank you!! It was so good to see you @MarmonSusan!

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Goal setting makes feedback valuable! I love the way the book puts it: "If students know what the goal is, then constructive feedback will make sense to them; otherwise "'feedback' is just someone telling them what to do" (Brookhart 2012, p.24)." #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 I would love to try QRS! I love that it provides students the opportunity to be reflective on their work and can promote good conversation between the teacher and student. It can also help propel the student into further goal setting. #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch6Q4 (2/2): It can be easy for a Ss to come up with a solution quickly, but having them slow down & think about the processes that led to their solution, that's where learning can really stand out! #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch6Q4 (1/2): Teaching Ss to think about their own thinking is important! I love the creative problem-solving rubric & how this chapter emphasizes a "time out" for reflection.

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch6Q2 (2/2): Promoting creative problem solving helps Ss accept the fact that different strategies & learning styles should be celebrated! It helps Ss have a deeper appreciation for one another & can help promote a positive environment. #sscbookstudy #SEL

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch6Q2 (1/2) Yes! Creative problem solving is such an important skill! Some of my favorite math problems are ones that have multiple answers, Ss can take different approaches to find various solutions then defend it. Ss learn so much by hearing their peer's creative approaches...

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 I would facilitate, provide clear expectations, & encourage Ss as they take risks & dive into their learning. I love providing contracts, having conferences, & allowing Ss to rate their own work & effort. This helps them to be successful during the creative process. #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Definitely! I firmly believe teachers must model the innovation process & create a space where Ss can question, problem solve, and take risks. Doing so will help Ss develop a love for learning and help them be successful as they approach new learning situations. #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch4Q3: I couldn't help but think about Depth and Complexity's Multiple Perspectives icon & Thinking like a Disciplinarian while reading this chapter. Ss can imagine different perspectives & even place themselves in the shoes of someone else while learning/creating! #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch4Q1: Imagination is critical to creative thinking! I love how the book says "Imagination is necessary if we are to make meaning of our experience." Not only does imagination help students create, but it can help make learning meaningful and memorable. #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch3Q1: I believe that as a teacher is crafting any lesson they should be mindful of all their student's needs, possible misconceptions, etc. Being mindful can help the teacher properly differentiate, scaffold, & guide students to successful learning outcomes. #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch3Q3: Revamping lessons & making them more meaningful & engaging for kids is ALWAYS worth the extra time! Knowing that a creative lesson can provide students with meaningful learning opportunities and fun, positive experiences is always worth it in my book! #sscbookstudy

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch2Q5: I can't wait to implement Starter Phrases, Reverse Brainstorming, and the Change Matrix for my fantastic 4th graders in the fall! #sscbookstudy @audrarowell94

[Savanna Gaston @Gaston4thGrade]

@audrarowell94 Ch2Q1:"'Creativity demands emotional risk taking'...the teacher provides an emotionally safe environment." Creativity must be nurtured so students feel safe & can grow in an engaging environment! Educators need to create this environment for all kids! #sscbookstudy @audrarowell94