In a couple of weeks, we will be starting our work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) at our school.  Last year we worked in grade group configurations and this year we are venturing into mixed grade PLCs based on teacher interest and student needs.  In order to group teachers within PLCs and to determine what teachers’ choices will be, we have been asked to think about the teaching and learning questions that have surfaced during the month we have spent with our students.  What issues have we noted related to our ability to teach our students as well as we can?  What concerns us about particular students’ learning or that of the whole class?  What isn’t working with this group of students and what might be some causes?  What skills and strategies are our students struggling with?  
So, in the spirit of thinking deeply about my teaching and my students’ learning, these are some of my questions:

•    When are the times that student A is engaged during circle time?
•    How can I help students make smooth and quick transitions from working independently to working whole class?
•    How can I help student B learn how to get what he needs from other children?
•    How can I get my students to understand that we all learn from each other and that I’m a learner, too?
•    Why isn’t the first ½ hour in the morning going well (entry and morning meeting)?
•    How can I help student C engage with books?
•    How can I make my focus lessons concise, purposeful, clear, and intentional?
•    What teacher language helps and hinders children’s ability to develop agency and independence as learners?
•    How can I get student D to be an active participant in our class and to engage in learning activities beyond what is minimally required?  

What are your insights on the above queries?  What questions do you have about your students this year?  I welcome your responses.