tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19883777531626613492024-03-13T22:13:14.642-05:00Reflections of an English and Speech TeacherUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-38779485982275303262023-10-31T13:04:00.009-05:002023-11-02T09:00:42.466-05:00Take Off the Mask: You are Enough<span id="docs-internal-guid-312ea18f-7fff-a890-412d-6ba3ae8dea95"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbRkzBLHJdalNf_V4XmuaZ97kQ4qVfpi9IWibZNTBDu0SqB_p8H6dKvy1BTrRKW1MkLRj5fClTgXn6-TLUzwpx-8YLiQH837rNyseMqAhsX88mgRLNQHXMGVHlgB0LuDIo2mQPh_1cW5pXHKVZj3rfgA5ZG2TY0qbtyTUz7VYNLICqjTD_PoQus_UT2Q/s800/Take%20off%20your%20mask.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbRkzBLHJdalNf_V4XmuaZ97kQ4qVfpi9IWibZNTBDu0SqB_p8H6dKvy1BTrRKW1MkLRj5fClTgXn6-TLUzwpx-8YLiQH837rNyseMqAhsX88mgRLNQHXMGVHlgB0LuDIo2mQPh_1cW5pXHKVZj3rfgA5ZG2TY0qbtyTUz7VYNLICqjTD_PoQus_UT2Q/w640-h160/Take%20off%20your%20mask.png" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays, but as soon as the calendar turns to November, it indicates that Christmas is almost here. Since my oldest daughter Harper was born, we take out our Christmas decorations right after Halloween because I was home on maternity leave and had the time to decorate. Since then, it has become a tradition to enjoy the holiday season by embracing all things Christmas as soon as the leaves fall. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Halloween has also marked some significant life events. On Halloween in 2008, I called in sick for the first time in my career. I had the stomach flu and had a long list of wedding tasks to take care of - including getting our marriage license. Josh stayed home, too, and we ended up getting legally married and crossing off one of the major and, perhaps, the most legally significant tasks left on our wedding agenda. Halloween is also the day that we received a frantic phone call from our children's pediatrician that Jordan most likely had cystic fibrosis. In 2017, our lives forever changed as we received a phone call that every person fears receiving. After hanging up the phone and frantically Googling CF, I remember moving through the motions and attempting to "do Halloween" with three small children dressed in Monsters Inc. costumes huddled around me on the couch. We went to houses, said Trick or Treat, took the pictures and went through the motions. </span></p><div><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0pMHDdNWe3AkRtuvOVJX8KbiKcqfPjZ5xDkMi2eXrcLtPhVq7haUqDKiV1jOBJqH88Q_WiWXb9om0ui-PUjjcj3IXAvDFm8jd_KzuYvJEvlftux-sb0hORUy0zimbrrh9s5YU33OQ8t-NHmmQ4iHx-ehRalFKLwhzr-dLsC65C49kD-z1zc6t05xcHo/s1600/22904828_10105154109160950_2840692230757168942_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0pMHDdNWe3AkRtuvOVJX8KbiKcqfPjZ5xDkMi2eXrcLtPhVq7haUqDKiV1jOBJqH88Q_WiWXb9om0ui-PUjjcj3IXAvDFm8jd_KzuYvJEvlftux-sb0hORUy0zimbrrh9s5YU33OQ8t-NHmmQ4iHx-ehRalFKLwhzr-dLsC65C49kD-z1zc6t05xcHo/s320/22904828_10105154109160950_2840692230757168942_o.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Every year, as Halloween approaches, I reflect on the masks we often wear - masking our feelings, masking from COVID, masking to cover up or hide from what scares us. For so long, I coped with Jordan's diagnosis, the pandemic, and really any fears of being a parent by filling my days and schedule to capacity. I scheduled every second, so I didn't have time to process the pain and fear that I was living with. The bustle of a full day masked and suppressed my fears. However, the busyness of being a teacher, coach, friend, and more made me feel like a less-than-adequate mom. If I was busy being everything to everyone else, could I be an adequate mom? Society often expects women to juggle many roles, and it also expects them to excel in all of them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I gave up a few parts of my life I loved this year because I thought it would make a statement that my family came first. By limiting myself and conforming to a role that others expected me to play, I would make myself more of a mom. For several months, I felt pressure from almost every person in my life to pull back and refocus on my family. What I learned in this process is that by denying who I am and attempting to remove parts of myself, I would become what I feared most. I would become less-than-adequate. By listening to this invisible pressure to fulfill society's expectations or to show that I would put my family first, I lost myself. Still, in doing so, I unknowingly removed a mask I didn't even realize I was wearing. Masking my fear with positivity and joy, I was able to play a part that allowed me not to process the deep-seated pain I had endured. Through this painful process, I have rediscovered myself. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6DoZmsdSZuZjB74bnnZM44Ka6pjoQpbSBLHNu8mBKN7r8WP5Nv9_22CsRpLRm-p00VUA37EXkOofxQ0RD9INt8g1-muzXqbL7ifs5eiA3S8cksxCKApfcNAeZj3bpCERN1WGvkpCNeTsNEkrwxvCLd-eRaD-TCAbdOoAdVgOYm6iv04ITJZqRPUn5RA/s1600/45173634_10106133063832940_7302610229122826240_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6DoZmsdSZuZjB74bnnZM44Ka6pjoQpbSBLHNu8mBKN7r8WP5Nv9_22CsRpLRm-p00VUA37EXkOofxQ0RD9INt8g1-muzXqbL7ifs5eiA3S8cksxCKApfcNAeZj3bpCERN1WGvkpCNeTsNEkrwxvCLd-eRaD-TCAbdOoAdVgOYm6iv04ITJZqRPUn5RA/s320/45173634_10106133063832940_7302610229122826240_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Halloween is a time to try on and play out different roles in life. We ask children to imagine what might be, and we can embrace those possibilities as well. If we think of a superhero like Superman, who is continually asked to save the world, we imagine a character with infinite strength flying through the sky. We don't often associate with or think about his other role - Clark Kent. He is both a superhero and an ordinary person working as a journalist. He plays many roles, both of which have value and impact the world. Superman can play both roles well, and in fact, in many iterations, he longs for the role that many deem less valuable or less impactful. I understand Clark's desire to serve quietly - not wanting to take credit or stand before flashing lights. I also understand that his power is not limited to just one role or one path. This character often works against societal expectations to hide his superhero identity. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Through my own evolution this fall - losing and rediscovering myself, I have learned that I do not have to give up parts of myself to still be my version of supermom. My kids are the greatest gift in the world to Josh and me. Whether we are driving to dance class, crawling into Harper’s bottom bunk after an incredibly full day, or falling asleep at the fall play (Jordan did reluctantly fall asleep at the fall play this year - even though his version of superhero high school pals were onstage), we are a team ready to tackle our ever-growing to-do lists. What others might not understand or see as valuable can still hold value for me - for us. In fact, I learned that it is okay to move at superspeed if that is what fuels my work and passions. There are no limits to what we are capable of - regardless of what societal expectations may imply. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This fall, my church asked me to speak on the future of our faith, which, again, has caused me to consider what might be. Our love, like God's love, is not finite. Our love and our capacity for joy are abundant, but only when we are true to ourselves - when we recognize our gifts and use them with intent. We are not put on this earth to fulfill someone else's definition of who we were meant to be. Instead, we must follow our individual callings. We do not have to mask or hide who we are to fit someone else's plan. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqRfSLivyoUJRpUg_E1E_jSz5CmrV0cmp7g30atN0cdNvMQ-3aZlZXrBVmX0ATcIvTdUqBVjadVE8W5ree0TTz5PKzE6hI7P0w8HtGny7iLorORBOA-gAnJQJ0k3qP0SFE-GV2IwNxmmcJzsz871wyid_GpoKZO9v6FlzlVwkFspM5WlXik_LgSgW23E/s1582/-no-subject-ssukow-d155-org-Community-High-School-District-155-Mail.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1582" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqRfSLivyoUJRpUg_E1E_jSz5CmrV0cmp7g30atN0cdNvMQ-3aZlZXrBVmX0ATcIvTdUqBVjadVE8W5ree0TTz5PKzE6hI7P0w8HtGny7iLorORBOA-gAnJQJ0k3qP0SFE-GV2IwNxmmcJzsz871wyid_GpoKZO9v6FlzlVwkFspM5WlXik_LgSgW23E/s320/-no-subject-ssukow-d155-org-Community-High-School-District-155-Mail.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My children, who are three of the most joyful people I have been blessed to know, have shown me and continue to show me that it is vital to be unapologetically ourselves. Despite their circumstances, my children remind me to find the good and that it is okay to put one thousand things on our to-do lists. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jordan has spent the last six years of his life in and out of doctors' appointments, hooked up to a chest compression device, and taking countless pills to grow and thrive. His joy and love are gifts innately within him but also a reflection of all the people he has been fortunate to meet so far. He doesn't ever say no or turn away from an experience that brings him joy. He dances to his own beat and does not conform. He's defied many odds and continues to tackle any obstacle set before him unwaveringly. May we all continue to remember to find that inner joy, radiate love, and remember that we are capable of so much more than what the world might tell us.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Take off the mask this Halloween. You are enough. </span></p><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-73854711005049669412023-10-16T06:27:00.008-05:002023-10-16T09:13:39.656-05:00A Brighter Tomorrow: Refinding My Voice in the Celebration of CUMC's 135th Anniversary<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvpsidjNWLuOln_pSQRd4nhyVCBflTbW34lHUFcwKSPIS4AtAOmr5MhZbsbRqe3cYKDtzby3MVbCUjubcv88Y7b4UpFgjZ226r1MKSfdKIioZATI6t3KlU3vVlRPUzhNh5S6tcTA6NUCOlDFgCPh1FF5nor7qBDlnmO6BJGxIQTo2oi62Pze8-4p_BPc/s960/%E2%80%9CThe%20Real%20Relationship%20Between%20Money%20and%20Happiness%E2%80%9D.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="960" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvpsidjNWLuOln_pSQRd4nhyVCBflTbW34lHUFcwKSPIS4AtAOmr5MhZbsbRqe3cYKDtzby3MVbCUjubcv88Y7b4UpFgjZ226r1MKSfdKIioZATI6t3KlU3vVlRPUzhNh5S6tcTA6NUCOlDFgCPh1FF5nor7qBDlnmO6BJGxIQTo2oi62Pze8-4p_BPc/w640-h160/%E2%80%9CThe%20Real%20Relationship%20Between%20Money%20and%20Happiness%E2%80%9D.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p>This semester has been a struggle. My hope is to explore and share the journey as I begin to process and move forward. I have lost my sense of self in so many ways, but I am working to get back to myself so that I can be the best version of myself for my family and for my students. This weekend, I was asked to give a speech on the future of our church at the 135th celebration. Talking about the future reminded me so much of what my purpose is - to love and empower youth. Not to cue up any Whitney Houston songs or embrace any cliches, but I truly believe that building into our youth will lead us to a brighter and more beautiful tomorrow. October is always a very reflective month for me. More is coming, but for now, here are my thoughts on the future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_EW8RuiNs4" width="320" youtube-src-id="6_EW8RuiNs4"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p>Here's my speech: </p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ladies and gentlemen, dear members of our church family, today, I'm here to share my thoughts on the future of our faith and the Cary United Methodist Church. I love that I'm here to talk about the </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">future</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> of our church. As a mom to three of our youngest members, I am so grateful to have this place on the hill and an amazing church family to help nurture and guide Harper, Willa, and Jordan. I am also so grateful and overjoyed to see them become active members of this church who run down the aisles for children's time, read at church, and high-five Pastor Norval at every opportunity. It is in my children - and all of our children - that we can find inspiration in the hope and potential that lies ahead. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Josh was raised in a Methodist church. One of his favorite aspects of being a part of his church (Our Saviors United Methodist Church in Schaumburg) was that the church held true to the values of open hearts, open doors, and open minds. When we got married, we wanted to raise our children in a church that reiterated those values that we hold dear. That desire brought us here to Cary United Methodist Church 10 years ago. Those values of the past still ring true in our church today, and those values will be passed down to the next generation.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">These principles have shaped our identity - reminding us to practice compassion and inclusivity. These principles will continue to light the path of building a beautiful future for our church and for our world because they are the embodiment of our commitment to the teachings of Christ and our promise to be a place of love, acceptance, and peace.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our church has been a sanctuary of empathy, kindness, and understanding. It's within these walls that we, as a church family, come together to support one another on our journeys through life. As we navigate the ever-evolving future, it's crucial that we keep our hearts open to each other. Embracing the diversity of our congregation and acknowledging that every individual is a cherished member of our church family. The future offers us opportunities to deepen our connections and nurture an environment where love and compassion flourish.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our church has been a haven for those seeking God's love and community. It's a place where people from all walks of life find a sense of belonging. We must continue to keep our doors wide open, both physically and spiritually. As our world evolves and the needs of our community change, we must adapt and extend our warm embrace to anyone in search of spiritual guidance.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As a mother, I see a world brimming with change and progress, driven by the energy and innovation of the younger generation. It's a world where technology reshapes the way we connect, where values evolve, and where faith can light the way. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our children represent hope as we step into the future. They are the ones who will lead our church with fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and a deep commitment to making this world a better place. We must prepare them, guide them, and love them today - just as God has loved us. That love we pass down today is planting beautiful seeds that will continue to flourish after we are gone. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We must mentor and empower our youth, nurturing their leadership skills and fostering an understanding of our church's values. They are the ones who will adapt our methods, ensuring that Cary United Methodist Church remains a beautiful center for spiritual growth.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The future of Cary United Methodist Church transcends a physical building. It's about upholding the teachings of Christ and our mission to be a source of love and light in a world full of division and uncertainty. Our faith knows no age or time; it's a dynamic force that will guide us into a future filled with hope, unity, and purpose. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As we embark on this exciting journey into the future, may we keep the flame of our faith burning brightly, lighting the way for all who seek spiritual nourishment and community. I pray for God's blessings as we step forward into this promising and transformative chapter in the history of Cary United Methodist Church with our youth at the forefront, leading us toward a brighter and more beautiful future.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-31124813788365529772023-08-17T20:15:00.005-05:002023-08-17T20:30:19.560-05:00Small Ways to Make a Splash and Smile at the Beginning of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb4z3s016CKhBzCDw_mk2Y08yDoOSZGBQVoZzy-eKRfv37X1RLQFi5fTOIN5rehcIcSTRiScrTb5BonkfZUrGCi7SAvNILClK8WeS-ckcLjjaOYc7tcNgSe97OUSZCVI-wfzkb1ffaDdCAN93IfW0PQyRDgxDybKLLzUdLL3mtBdHpk8g-BvPyyixg_I/s800/DC%20Music%20Theory.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb4z3s016CKhBzCDw_mk2Y08yDoOSZGBQVoZzy-eKRfv37X1RLQFi5fTOIN5rehcIcSTRiScrTb5BonkfZUrGCi7SAvNILClK8WeS-ckcLjjaOYc7tcNgSe97OUSZCVI-wfzkb1ffaDdCAN93IfW0PQyRDgxDybKLLzUdLL3mtBdHpk8g-BvPyyixg_I/w640-h160/DC%20Music%20Theory.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-35dd288a-7fff-f197-dd2d-13a57c34e0be"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The first week of school can feel overwhelming. Emotions run high as students and staff learn new rules, set goals for the year, and meet new people. A prevailing feeling of exhaustion and vocal fatigue flood the faculty office as teachers help students to transition back to a school year pace. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I transitioned to a new role and school in the same district this year. Navigating this change has presented considerable challenges. Even though many faces are familiar and routines are the same, I am not quite at home in my new surroundings. Several students are also feeling out of place during this uncharted school year. How do we help our students feel acclimated to their surroundings? How do we support staff in connecting with their students, schedules, and school-year pace? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Regardless of our role in the school system, we must remember that we communicate a great deal with our actions and words. Our messaging becomes our mantra as we establish a culture in our classrooms and across the school. As we work to build a positive school culture, it's important to reflect on what we can tangibly do to improve the culture and climate of our school. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On day two of the new school year, I co-led a breakout session on belonging with my principal, who is also new. Of course, the two fresh faces in the faculty are the ones talking about what it means to belong to our community. I showed a video of the ultimate pool slam dunk to hook my colleagues into the conversation. Nearly a dozen teens working together to create an epic trick shot reinforces the power of collaboration and the importance of making any experience exciting. Teens will spend hours perfecting a basketball pass. Why? Because it is fun. The experience brings them together to complete an incredible feat. We can capture that same energy by challenging our students to see the possibilities in their experiences within our walls. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="193" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aCVW-lba644" width="232" youtube-src-id="aCVW-lba644"></iframe></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote></blockquote><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It all starts with time and space to adjust. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At the beginning of the year, to-do lists are long. Adjusting syllabi, refining the curriculum, and preparing for students takes careful thought and effort. Several of these to-do list items help a teacher feel ready to start the year. As such, teachers need time to work. They also need time to reconnect with colleagues who may have gone in different directions over the summer. That time to reconnect holds even more value than the preparation for class - at least for veteran teachers. I am fortunate to have an incredibly experienced crew of teachers, and creating space to share about their summer reenergizes the team and makes coming back to school enjoyable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">That energy then translates to students who are also given time and space to adjust to a new schedule in the first few days. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As someone new to my school, I have taken the time to walk the halls, be visible, and meet one-on-one with staff. Time with them helps me recalibrate to my new space and feel like part of their team. These connections help people feel important and seen. Showing genuine interest in others establishes a sense of trust and camaraderie. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With our students, we must build the same sense of camaraderie by promoting a sense of belonging. Creative icebreakers involving collaboration and problem-solving help everyone feel like a team member. Carefully planned low-risk activities have a lasting impact and unite groups of students. Early in my career, I was worried about teaching content immediately. Now, giving space for students to adapt to their new surroundings pays off in dividends throughout the semester. There is time for content, but first, we make connections. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">How do we make those connections? Show up.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Being present in a given moment is the greatest way to create meaningful connections. When we genuinely stop to listen to others - teachers or students - they feel valued and seen. When we are visible, we show that we are invested in the people and the community to which we all belong. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While it is easy to become caught up in to-do lists and the bustle of a brand new semester, it is important that when with people, we slow down. When someone enters my office or starts a conversation, my to-do list is immediately out of my mind. The most important person in my purview is the person standing in front of me. The to-do list isn't going anywhere! Allow yourself to stop and cherish moments with others because those bonds will make tough days better and the best days unforgettable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img height="142" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/UHCsjkbsu4SD5aYUH36DuVC8vP6Sh_aXhFjWspZ4_BCBe_U8G7Yl6JNbKotv31cueMezOmPPf8ulWQQG2Y4D3qTwxJ_1SiSy2Blq6llbmg4WsKw-BkVjY3eXUzdPPMHmqftTFecJUP-tX3Km43A3eA31wg=w320-h142" width="320" /></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even in the toughest moments or when we feel pulled in multiple directions. Another way to make a splash is to be real.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Being present in the moment is powerful, and so is being authentic. Not every day is great, or experience the most exciting one around. It is absolutely acceptable to wear your heart on your sleeve and share your story. When we tell our story, we create space for others to do the same. We all have different strengths to bring to a school community. When we can identify and share our strengths with others, we promote a collaborative community that recognizes and values each person. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Transitioning to a new school brings challenges. Even when moments are difficult, I am finding ways to be authentic and embrace my strengths. From discussing blended learning to troubleshooting projectors, I have discovered numerous reasons to smile. I have much to learn from my new people and surroundings, and I'm ready to plunge into the deep end of the 23-24 school year. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img height="181" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wXzHTLF50cYj0xyya2tvuc96ZVttnQ4HxftregRKrxZ3UMx0OhWij-Yv_gQ9_8VEm5FKY1g9JVUdBu6NWLbOXY8hL2npRnBOE4wGWGdizetYd3igrl5ec1ApC5W3gcYOz42iTSir6JNRF9JkpKNLHzSIcA=w320-h181" width="320" /></span></p><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-43971338644701459942023-08-13T20:25:00.005-05:002023-08-13T20:25:39.892-05:00Caring Beyond Fear: A Caregiver's Path to Healing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAttgiUuS6kVBYL51PBss9hAPHY3sP5dV9UoMfp6C1abYQG2RqKMtmOBr6KoDESsh7mz42MRPGFdaT7ULhum9v_wmHYhA2lB21elTHo7n3UR0htk_T_G5OJfPY6p4DWzIAPqGdASfnI3sdyf1JvmKWDEuwALjrKTg9d_App5VUODhvZWLxsdUJODTARN4/s800/Welcome%20to.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAttgiUuS6kVBYL51PBss9hAPHY3sP5dV9UoMfp6C1abYQG2RqKMtmOBr6KoDESsh7mz42MRPGFdaT7ULhum9v_wmHYhA2lB21elTHo7n3UR0htk_T_G5OJfPY6p4DWzIAPqGdASfnI3sdyf1JvmKWDEuwALjrKTg9d_App5VUODhvZWLxsdUJODTARN4/w640-h160/Welcome%20to.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /> Attending a CF clinic involves a revolving door of doctors, including the pulmonologist, nurses, geneticists, nutritionists, social workers, and more. While we don’t need those specialists for every quarterly appointment, their presence offers essential ongoing support for Jordan’s care. <br /><br />For the first two and a half years of Jordan’s life, we made it a point to be present at every appointment. Whether monthly or quarterly, we tag-teamed these experiences to support each other, learn everything about Jordan’s disease, and present as a united front. For years, Josh and I have attempted to keep in the giggles when the social worker, who mostly helps us with insurance and advocacy, attempted to therapize us while playing with Jordan during appointments. Our strong bond and willingness to openly express our emotions made us feel ready to handle any challenge we faced with Jordan’s health. When times have been tough, we have never shied away from embracing our feelings and felt ready to cope with what came next.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYueHvofF1VpM95iieHpw3sWhl3JMxAV_AzYa-lBagzYw9PfjCyeafH0M7iPbxoGGroSr213cObKHR3qqH3fqXbLrkt5qtkQV0M_ocgqaGOJnkYkZZ8hzehboV34EzzuqsU95r6_qXR1ULcT5BD2ptVkpvxYTJobgV3EMT_dSyw29whNIkBX45Rv3d-E/s4032/IMG_5871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYueHvofF1VpM95iieHpw3sWhl3JMxAV_AzYa-lBagzYw9PfjCyeafH0M7iPbxoGGroSr213cObKHR3qqH3fqXbLrkt5qtkQV0M_ocgqaGOJnkYkZZ8hzehboV34EzzuqsU95r6_qXR1ULcT5BD2ptVkpvxYTJobgV3EMT_dSyw29whNIkBX45Rv3d-E/s320/IMG_5871.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /><br />However, the onset of COVID introduced an unexpected plot twist. Hospital restrictions and the general fear for the health and safety of our family meant that only one of us could attend Jordan’s appointments. Suddenly our confidence in navigating Jordan’s health wavered. We stopped seeing close family and shut ourselves up from the world long after isolation restrictions were lifted. Masked and distanced, we stopped hugging people and set boundaries that involved not eating in a restaurant or traveling until halfway through 2023.<br /><br />My solace during this time was pouring ourselves into work and our community. While I couldn’t physically be with friends, family, and colleagues, I could show up for each and every person by supporting their technology needs, researching and sharing best teaching practices, and giving small gifts and cards at every opportunity. I became so entrenched in serving others that I quieted my fear by giving more.<br /><br />Reflecting on the aftermath of the pandemic, I still find myself unpacking the trauma that COVID left behind. Jordan began taking Trikafta - the miracle drug that means his life expectancy tripled and then some. The fears and anxieties that held me captive for three years and three months started to release because I no longer had to jump after coughing or sniffling. The end of the school year meant I could find peace and fully reenter a world I had kept my family from for years out of necessity. Despite the progress of the world around me and the medication that finally meant that Jordan would be able to handle a cold - or COVID - with some normalcy, my head and my heart began to find conflict.<br /><br />Serving and supporting others is a worthy and honorable pursuit, but when it is used to quell fear and anxiety, it becomes a stopgap in coping with trauma and fear. I moved the goalpost to process the grief and loss I felt during 2020 and the years that followed, in which my family still had to follow careful COVID protocols as we waited for Jordan to become old enough to take Trikafta.<br /><br />These last few years, I have worked to be the best mom by compensating for what my children missed out on by making elaborate virtual birthday parties and by filling their every second with activities and action. I worked on being the best teacher, coach, and colleague by making sure that I could anticipate every person’s needs and provide them with every bit of support they could possibly need. I wrote over a thousand cards and baked my body weight in chocolate chip cookies. These actions gave me purpose and direction but did not calm my anxiety or help me move forward from pandemic life.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNS8DVc8oXB8sYHJYO-UsZhUaLLsB6aWKXwXQfzYN83DMoqRHrdnUkt0JgRuadVgoR6O9uX7lA4GdQoAmBax1u4xlxN53NmrAiyxKk6m-86d04wZ4cbA4j-pbRkiPj7TdKmxEnLgB0J7AIFI9wCBy0s20Fj4ZJAOm9_i3k6U52-bMO8FhyHNybOK9NfA/s3088/IMG_5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNS8DVc8oXB8sYHJYO-UsZhUaLLsB6aWKXwXQfzYN83DMoqRHrdnUkt0JgRuadVgoR6O9uX7lA4GdQoAmBax1u4xlxN53NmrAiyxKk6m-86d04wZ4cbA4j-pbRkiPj7TdKmxEnLgB0J7AIFI9wCBy0s20Fj4ZJAOm9_i3k6U52-bMO8FhyHNybOK9NfA/s320/IMG_5716.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <br />While I started moving about the school like normal and engaged with others for work purposes only, I still felt uneasy about the germs I was exposing myself to daily. I worried constantly and made sure that I didn’t get sick. We still haven’t tested positive for COVID, although I am pretty sure we had COVID in May - when I had the most significant panic attack of my life. Still, these flashes of fear continue to hit me - when I smell smoke or hear accessive coughing. I am still worried that I will make my immunocompromised child sick if I get sick. Now I get it. I understand why caretakers are often carefully watched by medical professionals. I know that I must rediscover the balance between what my head logically knows to be true and the pain my body feels from the pandemic living to the present.<br /><br />The journey toward healing remains ongoing. Being a caretaker of a young child with health concerns that could escalate from zero to 100 in minutes. I will continue to navigate what this new sense of normalcy means for my family and the peace that it promises to bring.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtlu7jag6pml0N6cgOf5o0GX8YMLrCT4vDm1LLVjxFExoZGkTnWB8rTmQy_nhHGgl4WE-oGKLQpxG1YSptZJedvcHUXkGu69y5dnzt6DRRcE_sZfkIGf79DplXBbnqO5CGbGs1N1DF5_CuxUzWkNXxP5A3x1uQ0HAYiPd5rftjWp0MALNHv2o2XnCIpc/s4032/IMG_4767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtlu7jag6pml0N6cgOf5o0GX8YMLrCT4vDm1LLVjxFExoZGkTnWB8rTmQy_nhHGgl4WE-oGKLQpxG1YSptZJedvcHUXkGu69y5dnzt6DRRcE_sZfkIGf79DplXBbnqO5CGbGs1N1DF5_CuxUzWkNXxP5A3x1uQ0HAYiPd5rftjWp0MALNHv2o2XnCIpc/s320/IMG_4767.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br />The journey of a far-too-caring caregiver is one of constant adaptation. It is a challenging path, and it is sometimes hard to find balance. I am starting a new journey, one that is pushing me out of my safe space. As I start this school year, I hope to authentically be myself to open myself up to new people and new experiences. While I still am trying to shake off the fears I internalized during the past three-plus years, I hope to redirect my anxieties with purpose and find new people to pour into - not because I’m trying to survive but because I genuinely want to learn, grow, and make a difference. COVID amplified the challenges of many and certainly magnified my fears. While healing is not a linear process, I aim to move forward stronger and more resilient. I am no longer in survival mode. I can finally step forward and reclaim a little bit of peace as I start a promising school year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FZTUsek7wQ_AtUuXY2LpnJSuQWA4GSgBn856Oj1qZJKOyw_bwE9LBJrVFFnxm8IaBFqDtewEGwDJ9pKzh_1gEn_osDnkzpWarh6FeX8yDmqpi-qnDlgmgggcNOvz6cej-Xpt-UVdDuV_BQlkZ8ELDjPqEjp72nhuiq6oeD5Kkv0AhUcENlz2ZOGMbM/s1136/-no-subject-ssukow-d155-org-Community-High-School-District-155-Mail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="836" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FZTUsek7wQ_AtUuXY2LpnJSuQWA4GSgBn856Oj1qZJKOyw_bwE9LBJrVFFnxm8IaBFqDtewEGwDJ9pKzh_1gEn_osDnkzpWarh6FeX8yDmqpi-qnDlgmgggcNOvz6cej-Xpt-UVdDuV_BQlkZ8ELDjPqEjp72nhuiq6oeD5Kkv0AhUcENlz2ZOGMbM/s320/-no-subject-ssukow-d155-org-Community-High-School-District-155-Mail.png" width="235" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-57450406464291594172023-07-22T19:16:00.012-05:002023-07-23T04:01:59.069-05:00Coping with the Changes: Fostering Resilience in and Out of the Classroom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT2K6z_GGBZ9yMScOZ-k7O5LVwJHdNHa9-9D7HyXs7Yx_q5b02yh1ZVkA6xZxnqtfQczBtb2g-NjrEFJDOqD7ZWTG3ixKMYsjCQ6uy7BpY_wGrLFqsCTUmcSOk-aPhbD3pr1WTgzxtuR6tpLyRCEVyx5yysGHxZLZVTOyqVEuaKdmNiyWphQTYv7TdUk/s800/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201)%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT2K6z_GGBZ9yMScOZ-k7O5LVwJHdNHa9-9D7HyXs7Yx_q5b02yh1ZVkA6xZxnqtfQczBtb2g-NjrEFJDOqD7ZWTG3ixKMYsjCQ6uy7BpY_wGrLFqsCTUmcSOk-aPhbD3pr1WTgzxtuR6tpLyRCEVyx5yysGHxZLZVTOyqVEuaKdmNiyWphQTYv7TdUk/w640-h160/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201)%20(2).png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div>Today, I learned that Jordan may be the oldest child in the United States on Trikafta in granular form, the miracle drug that will improve the quality and longevity of life for people with cystic fibrosis. At the age of six (88 days), he will begin taking Trikafta in pill format. <br /><br />Currently, Jordan takes this medicine twice daily. We've been dissolving the crystals in water and Gatorade and also learned that he can take them in yogurt instead of drinking a salty-tasting liquid. He's a trooper and continues to show his resilience. He never complains about the medication, treatments, or doctor visits. While his health is still closely monitored (especially for bowel obstructions), there is hope that this school year will be relatively normal for him.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w15NpbOcW1r0sAD_jOuA96mhX-fAgDvh5bWcCKyrY_uIiTrMSwp6vChtseStmhXkG8YVMSr6zoXsx83VMRUgXHtKoFQ-VJcckT7pGF36V2Q8n06fhWr1QiCFsBsMYbYbKsE3Y7pjC_x9BpdethPRruAa59T3eZJggYJHSRELDaoCFOo_dpDRieOVzAc/s1280/IMG_9148.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w15NpbOcW1r0sAD_jOuA96mhX-fAgDvh5bWcCKyrY_uIiTrMSwp6vChtseStmhXkG8YVMSr6zoXsx83VMRUgXHtKoFQ-VJcckT7pGF36V2Q8n06fhWr1QiCFsBsMYbYbKsE3Y7pjC_x9BpdethPRruAa59T3eZJggYJHSRELDaoCFOo_dpDRieOVzAc/w169-h225/IMG_9148.JPEG" width="169" /></a></div></div><div><br />Observing Jordan's strength as a parent inspires me as I navigate challenges and life changes. We cannot control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we respond to these situations. Jordan is rarely phased by treatments, medicine, and being poked and prodded by doctors. How do we handle challenges and life changes like Jordan? How can we help foster resilience in our students?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Take stressful situations and times day by day.</b></div><div><br />Life is full of surprises, and unfortunately, not all surprises are positive. We will all face adversity that stretches our mindset and choices. My son is and appears to be an incredibly healthy child. The quality of his health can go from perfectly healthy to a potential hospital visit instantly. His bowel obstruction seems unexpected and can derail any plan our family follows at a given time. Because his health might become a concern without much warning, I have learned that I cannot worry about stressors that might come. I have to live in the moment, taking each day as it comes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_JtnvUTjIMTOIno2DxU735zZambjepwCbAzrfoEOE2WLcqyzb7sKUw7LBb9dWifhANjixuDO9p-MA9au5VstJgjha95SdYdLbPgMzTSxXdhmkijMADHP783_SXXlP_qB-iSZS8_xyeo-6FuUm_YhgDLiioldIC3oUogIVU_brNSb6bqUCUNYO1mECKk/s4032/IMG_8600.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_JtnvUTjIMTOIno2DxU735zZambjepwCbAzrfoEOE2WLcqyzb7sKUw7LBb9dWifhANjixuDO9p-MA9au5VstJgjha95SdYdLbPgMzTSxXdhmkijMADHP783_SXXlP_qB-iSZS8_xyeo-6FuUm_YhgDLiioldIC3oUogIVU_brNSb6bqUCUNYO1mECKk/s320/IMG_8600.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />As an educator, I like many teachers, am a planner. I realize, however, that we cannot plan every moment of the entire school year at once. Should we still have overarching goals and long-term plans in place? Absolutely. But in difficult times, having short-term goals makes a negative experience feel more like a drizzle than a downpour. <br /><br />Short-term goals allow us to feel the success of accomplishing a task or overcoming a small hurdle. The positive feelings from achieving a small goal begets future, long-term success. Teaching our students to create short-term SMART goals can also empower them to navigate their challenges and obstacles. <br /><br /><b>Be okay with being uncomfortable.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq8k6TrS6r-sPbQ2s7k9-uLO_HEag-jxjmxJDcX5TdCtMEDHZ8mN4FBgdbqlW0VEFGYGUgk5GHVZdxI6s_IWwBBrmTw6GpOGtB1ymqbTqJWCeG4jo1RZH3b1QpE-ZTWBNn38aAUsEkN78wOdRCm0ZDVr5cnciic2PGf3isFIKLM1KpbOwq2oPjUulGms/s3024/IMG_9273.JPG" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq8k6TrS6r-sPbQ2s7k9-uLO_HEag-jxjmxJDcX5TdCtMEDHZ8mN4FBgdbqlW0VEFGYGUgk5GHVZdxI6s_IWwBBrmTw6GpOGtB1ymqbTqJWCeG4jo1RZH3b1QpE-ZTWBNn38aAUsEkN78wOdRCm0ZDVr5cnciic2PGf3isFIKLM1KpbOwq2oPjUulGms/s320/IMG_9273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>We can do anything for a short time. Embracing short-term discomfort can be informative and lead to unexpected lessons learned. As a parent and educator, my instinct is to clear the path and reduce the obstacles that my children and students face. Still, by doing that, I am robbing them of the learning opportunities that come from failure. When we accept discomfort and live in that space, we also become more confident. We start to identify our values and priorities and shift our thinking toward growth. <br /><br />When we help students accept their discomfort, we allow them to stretch themselves, innovate, and reflect. If they feel safe to fail, they are more likely to grow. Creating an environment where failure is okay comes from frequent reflection and class conversation about what it means to be successful learners. These conversations must be ongoing as we constantly cycle through the learning process together. <br /><b><br />Describe your feelings and model vulnerability for others.</b><br /><br />Living in discomfort comes with many emotions that are likely to shift. Describing those feelings and putting words to how we are processing challenges fosters critical thinking. It also creates a space in which students feel safe to share their feelings. We cannot learn in silos, and working in isolation often wastes time and resources. As educators, we need to be able to talk through what we are experiencing and also problem-solve with other educators. No one is perfect, and even the best teachers have tough days. When we are open to discussing circumstances and working collaboratively with others, we can leverage our vulnerability to grow together.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7GuTSW8USPAFkcif3LIBTX1o57DzTQht17Xoa4tvPSjNV3qH_OlFSO0S7ZR3Oz5MVlCcHdMd3rirYjfv19LPpHJ6NvpToUH7xqKflzkJ-WUJgUkbpX719ipy7fahKfg99a76eL2GG3HDwg00meRe2PwbYXWv_GOdlhc1O-GFVsBaUk6SNkN6Kq6J3DU/s4032/IMG_8373.JPEG" style="margin-center: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7GuTSW8USPAFkcif3LIBTX1o57DzTQht17Xoa4tvPSjNV3qH_OlFSO0S7ZR3Oz5MVlCcHdMd3rirYjfv19LPpHJ6NvpToUH7xqKflzkJ-WUJgUkbpX719ipy7fahKfg99a76eL2GG3HDwg00meRe2PwbYXWv_GOdlhc1O-GFVsBaUk6SNkN6Kq6J3DU/s320/IMG_8373.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />We have to be intentional with helping students put their discomfort to words, too. Making it seem like we have life perfectly mapped out ourselves creates unrealistic expectations and exacerbates their insecurities if they aren't living up to a specific standard. When we show our vulnerabilities, students are more likely to self-disclose what they think, feel, and learn. This mutual sharing of feelings and ideas only leads to a stronger learning community. <br /><br /><b>Read, research, and reach out.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m8GK4IYqUM-szWNluoBF6qlB5DM4JzGuPcxovAJAUCLpxAEAMt6GU2YeebGvZqJOBhmlMuorpydIeLjsjtatRx11aJ9Y1LdOIsRWr-f8Mj5qBqXpPH6kazYCOuvJP4kvHoKjSa4Uo9PVd_hdIMQmfy89ByfAMPeSOHqT7e54uvTa1fyi0oEIWZmzC4c/s4032/IMG_9172.JPG" style="margin-center: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4m8GK4IYqUM-szWNluoBF6qlB5DM4JzGuPcxovAJAUCLpxAEAMt6GU2YeebGvZqJOBhmlMuorpydIeLjsjtatRx11aJ9Y1LdOIsRWr-f8Mj5qBqXpPH6kazYCOuvJP4kvHoKjSa4Uo9PVd_hdIMQmfy89ByfAMPeSOHqT7e54uvTa1fyi0oEIWZmzC4c/s320/IMG_9172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br />As stated in the book, <a href="https://a.co/d/iBdEIDk">Recipes for Resilience: Nurturing Perseverance in Students and Educators</a>, "Learning is for everyone. Make a commitment to yourself to expand your knowledge and expertise, and in turn, your environment will flourish" (Robert Martinez). We are always learning about ourselves, our relationships, and our practices. To better serve students, we must be active learners ourselves. <br /><br />I am working on being okay with not having all the answers and moving slower and with more intentionality. I am learning that to serve others, I cannot just give them all the answers; I have to empower them to discover more about themselves and their professional practice. We do not know what tomorrow brings, but when we embrace the learning journey, we are better prepared to face and learn from it. True success does not come from knowing all the correct answers ourselves; it comes from helping others to find their version of success. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /><div> </div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs_8BlRAYTj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background-color: white; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(50% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs_8BlRAYTj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none; width: 50%;" target="_blank"><div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 96.5169px 0px;"></div><div style="height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; text-align: left; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 63.491px 0px;"></div><div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left-color: rgb(244, 244, 244); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 6px; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top-color: transparent; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div style="border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 8px; border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top-color: rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 8px; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div><div style="border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 8px; border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top-color: rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 8px; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs_8BlRAYTj/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; line-height: 17px; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Steph Sukow (@steph_sukow)</a></p></div></blockquote><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-54404506932100245102023-07-12T20:13:00.007-05:002023-07-13T06:15:05.418-05:00 From Competition to Collaboration: Unleashing the Benefits of Cooperative Learning<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxypj09n6M3oNVOPv-KUY9rnmPt5uxNYZVxg5v7kTxNGiVxJGxlF-cuF-KaVQdW0LdEx4kkrGJVB4ZXJZsilcAjGs6gZbLvaV10eaCoEXcVcOi6KQRLvbHliloIIS4XAmBOMH1XtikTUXJymQpGumWqigOIHX9vr206K-7uNltRCcSJYlTryluikdAVWY/s800/B87BE82A-305C-48F9-A684-3F0D47FAB880.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxypj09n6M3oNVOPv-KUY9rnmPt5uxNYZVxg5v7kTxNGiVxJGxlF-cuF-KaVQdW0LdEx4kkrGJVB4ZXJZsilcAjGs6gZbLvaV10eaCoEXcVcOi6KQRLvbHliloIIS4XAmBOMH1XtikTUXJymQpGumWqigOIHX9vr206K-7uNltRCcSJYlTryluikdAVWY/w640-h160/B87BE82A-305C-48F9-A684-3F0D47FAB880.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few days ago, my children and I walked over to our neighborhood park. They were ready to play woodchips (tag) and began generating a list of rules and protocols for the game. Whoever was it first would start at the park's tallest point, which is difficult for my son to reach. His sisters promised to help him reach the balcony -- even if he would soon be chasing them. Despite the game's competitive nature, they were still ready to support him. Regardless of who was chasing whom, they would ensure they could participate. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS1FgXXnEnni0mW968mvdqG6WPewtdghE6SsoNFMDAZlMfLwc16frrC85-KHKBZfh3jX-GcCORdDRY-Kug8us_2HTcAE2uJbuWbHTD8Nq2DTJl77ZGZMjYjSPYC1MsbG0s0wE85hIeBbhbjYS9HNeYJc2oFM-YAR7h-qi0LNqbClMzGiNwi2KQ0ibeqo/s4032/221DBE05-E125-4DD6-BC85-DB9A5CCBF341.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAS1FgXXnEnni0mW968mvdqG6WPewtdghE6SsoNFMDAZlMfLwc16frrC85-KHKBZfh3jX-GcCORdDRY-Kug8us_2HTcAE2uJbuWbHTD8Nq2DTJl77ZGZMjYjSPYC1MsbG0s0wE85hIeBbhbjYS9HNeYJc2oFM-YAR7h-qi0LNqbClMzGiNwi2KQ0ibeqo/s320/221DBE05-E125-4DD6-BC85-DB9A5CCBF341.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I watched them begin to play, I was moved by how naturally they collaborated and cheered each other on. The game was more fun when everyone could contribute. How do we replicate this productive and positive rivalry in our own classrooms? How can we encourage students to recognize the value in playfully pushing each other to learn, grow, and in this case, reach the peak of the park? </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring positive competition to the classroom. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"We're all winners when we all learn" is a phrase met with eye-rolling and groans in my classroom, but it's true. I love incorporating friendly, low-stakes competition into my classroom. Sometimes we compete for bragging rights or a chance to choose a desired place in the speaking order. Other times, the winners of these competitive experiences earn stickers or candy. The reward is never significant, but the learning process can be an enjoyable way to practice essential classroom skills. Whether we play a review game such as Kahoot, deliver impromptu speeches, or complete a puzzle, these gamified experiences challenge students to apply content knowledge to an often collaborative activity. The motivation to succeed pushes students to test their skills and measure what they need to improve before a summative assessment. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Positive competition also encourages students to challenge each other and recognize where they are in mastering a concept or skill related to others. With this knowledge, they can identify what they still need to work on. If we are playing a review game, I share the materials and games for asynchronous play so that students can revisit skills and resources as needed. By establishing that everyone succeeds when we all achieve mastery, students can begin to self-reflect on their own skills and find ways to support others in the learning process. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remind students that we achieve more when we work together. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Collaboration and communication are critical skills employers in any field seek. Soft skills are essential for our academic, professional, and personal success. As instructors, we can facilitate the development of these skills through collaborative games and experiences in which students work together to achieve an end goal - whether it be a presentation, a score on a review game, or a solution to a puzzle. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we create a collaborative environment, we also prepare students to navigate real-world challenges. They develop problem-solving skills and recognize the power of leveraging everyone's skillset to innovate and create. When students can value the strengths of their peers, the collaborative spirit extends beyond the classroom into their personal and professional lives. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nLgzegb6vG0sw7FmVcw5O-TWgGI1efFr674agz0tq8U/edit">Socratic seminars</a> and <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ivqkqoojl5bumMHukqEfyBvBHkFcyAj-nK5C224-91M/edit?usp=drive_link">group discussions</a> are wonderful ways to encourage students to use active listening skills and develop empathy. </span></p></li></ul><br /><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnR2RuoPtXofOyxcmwGY5ni9HK2PKKEEG6qYH88I41RS-HcTxwTQInhXYnKfNMMXIUnP_8tIeLRtLQML0AtHggvEFSJcFe8pSZYViw13hOEICqubonv-Xh5Fq3HRL5eyzTx5i-4zRdwH6vyr9ILMrvkTd4hJncheqFh8gnI40SLsCs7_v3Va9yw2_eKA/s1149/Getting-Started-with-Socratic-Seminar-Packet-Google-Docs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1149" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnR2RuoPtXofOyxcmwGY5ni9HK2PKKEEG6qYH88I41RS-HcTxwTQInhXYnKfNMMXIUnP_8tIeLRtLQML0AtHggvEFSJcFe8pSZYViw13hOEICqubonv-Xh5Fq3HRL5eyzTx5i-4zRdwH6vyr9ILMrvkTd4hJncheqFh8gnI40SLsCs7_v3Va9yw2_eKA/s320/Getting-Started-with-Socratic-Seminar-Packet-Google-Docs.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Problem-solving scenarios can also provide real-world applications. I love challenging students to create<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zq2eU0XtGBtdM2iYHq8xrWByJ06XxCRcmANL1Me8qEw/edit?usp=drive_link"> public service announcements</a>. PSAs encourage students to formulate a message for a specific audience and narrow the focus of the situation. Students then consider how to craft an impactful message while working together to create a final product. </span></p></li></ul><br /><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNoZ8l0rRMnLIqpHNPGcupgH1J1q7jtRx1myMnYH1ik7BRKkpCQjdjXfM6cMljdktTC0LuSZVlayLVSdeZqKih7YE1VlCF60jps7Y35KJE7yDKD49pn9yAI4fBDPIUyO2yVuFdNqqrF399S_Gecs9T-Zjr8jjXFw81hSoddWTrODPug6Yu5dY6TCUya8/s1505/April-Coach-Slides-Sukow-Lights-Camera-Video-Creation-in-Action-WeVideo-Google-Slides.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1505" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNoZ8l0rRMnLIqpHNPGcupgH1J1q7jtRx1myMnYH1ik7BRKkpCQjdjXfM6cMljdktTC0LuSZVlayLVSdeZqKih7YE1VlCF60jps7Y35KJE7yDKD49pn9yAI4fBDPIUyO2yVuFdNqqrF399S_Gecs9T-Zjr8jjXFw81hSoddWTrODPug6Yu5dY6TCUya8/s320/April-Coach-Slides-Sukow-Lights-Camera-Video-Creation-in-Action-WeVideo-Google-Slides.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Creative <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17fjzbYl57kJqSgdi6QUApQTwZRRYPHhW1kGHW_Cu6y8/edit">writing assignments</a> open the door for collaboration. Whether students are writing a short story or generating <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSTy_SUuUCYPMOYvpdrfxr_wghQQ1vdinT46OqehdNz6QhII9FPfuoPxdIxjO-_WYQms2HNEBPZlxDp/pub">RAFT</a> assignments, they can work together to build a common narrative that can impact a much wider audience than a single teacher or reader. I love letter writing and using the RAFT writing format to encourage students to assume another person's perspective and use empathy to recognize the experiences of others who differ from them.</span></p></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrQZhvIP88PMa88t8WERsrQLQp_UxkdEFzb8JoeCYJVYKNTzw6VwRIzVDyiv-VDF37DlSD-Ej2eNy9dbE-7xNajXGiZXU3pbK7B3c5QDFCyN6VNWVHamYWjv3Jp61LOZw--GT9uELnU0RTlArlnegohLz9bNVFs8xX5sdwLNSMZGCHvnqivGUPa-b1-k/s1180/RAFT-Template-Google-Docs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1180" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrQZhvIP88PMa88t8WERsrQLQp_UxkdEFzb8JoeCYJVYKNTzw6VwRIzVDyiv-VDF37DlSD-Ej2eNy9dbE-7xNajXGiZXU3pbK7B3c5QDFCyN6VNWVHamYWjv3Jp61LOZw--GT9uELnU0RTlArlnegohLz9bNVFs8xX5sdwLNSMZGCHvnqivGUPa-b1-k/s320/RAFT-Template-Google-Docs.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These assignments are playful in nature. They involve creative thought and engagement with others. While infusing our classroom with these tasks, challenges, and collaborative experiences, we must also encourage them to provide constructive feedback to their peers. This feedback allows them to stretch their thinking and adjust their approach to a given task as needed. While students are collaborating, we need to help them understand that they need to collaborate peacefully and find value in the strengths of others. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foster a cheering section. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the first day of any course, I use a meme of vegetables holding hands, saying that "We're rooting for you." I remind them that when they enter my classroom, I am rooting for their success and will partner with them to help them master the skills our class will focus on this term. I also remind them that we want to be successful, so we must understand and recognize that we significantly impact each other. Our actions directly lead to the success and growth of the people beside us. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The best learning occurs when we make mistakes or fall short of our goals. When we collaborate with others, we must shift and redirect our thinking. We won't always win the review game or solve the problem the fastest, but we will develop soft skills that will make us better professionally and personally in ways that we won't recognize immediately. Even when we are competing for first place in a Kahoot, we can take the time to lift each other up. There's room for everyone at the top, especially when we take the time to help each other along the way. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a8jI3myDLnYghm58dhpTrmH0B5WT3UifPy5oLJsd4EHhpenilot04bbXbZBQ9mGq3mXYqbg3KR8RCS2j5TifDapLBmOoP21MHPGdQfGZ14RFhNRkulPXxXFwyQ0GwWhHtdBFR4PzjbtAbQid9PkcMDKmCpif90OnCowH263Sf6xJHlRlBzZYb7R3Gr8/s1024/C6F07C12-7AFD-46DB-AC1C-9C2B1FA54C5B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a8jI3myDLnYghm58dhpTrmH0B5WT3UifPy5oLJsd4EHhpenilot04bbXbZBQ9mGq3mXYqbg3KR8RCS2j5TifDapLBmOoP21MHPGdQfGZ14RFhNRkulPXxXFwyQ0GwWhHtdBFR4PzjbtAbQid9PkcMDKmCpif90OnCowH263Sf6xJHlRlBzZYb7R3Gr8/s320/C6F07C12-7AFD-46DB-AC1C-9C2B1FA54C5B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-5700622331241981312023-07-08T21:18:00.007-05:002023-07-08T21:26:37.441-05:00From Passive to Active: Transforming Icebreakers into Engaging Experiences<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexDqRHK7FGcYw-EYRnrLJKAkhWC_qFAqmzpo9HxIZn7WjYcSYv8d0NTV6gLGgGS7yF91r6TSdL5ipHRPVlwyhJlcVz6WVyB2WocJGdx1fG1KSGGWx5UxMn_-HZS5V7gDiuL9FsCyVf4LlABeu9yqRvLPRk1D4dB8aA_udxi3FjjwokM0-Tg3gp4zMX1g/s800/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201)%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexDqRHK7FGcYw-EYRnrLJKAkhWC_qFAqmzpo9HxIZn7WjYcSYv8d0NTV6gLGgGS7yF91r6TSdL5ipHRPVlwyhJlcVz6WVyB2WocJGdx1fG1KSGGWx5UxMn_-HZS5V7gDiuL9FsCyVf4LlABeu9yqRvLPRk1D4dB8aA_udxi3FjjwokM0-Tg3gp4zMX1g/w640-h160/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201)%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The 4th of July has blasted past with its usual fanfare and sparklers. While most of us still have the month of July to enjoy our summer schedules, the turn of the calendar often leads to preparing for the start of the school year. In search of fresh ideas for the upcoming school year, </span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-384ec0b4-7fff-ad27-d7b1-9ccb83a58372"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I stumbled on a Twitter post pleading with educators to reconsider using icebreakers to kick off the beginning of the school year. Why are icebreakers often so dreaded? How might we build rapport with our students and new teams without inciting the awkwardness and anxiety among everyone in the room, often associated with icebreakers?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Building rapport is about focusing on relationships and creating a positive environment. Yes, there are inherently bad icebreakers, and typically I have encountered them in graduate courses, in which the entire classroom knows each other, and the instructor is new. We have to go around and awkwardly share the same information we have already shared with each other, and it takes way longer than it should. When an icebreaker calls for one speaker at a time in a room full of 20+ people, the experience becomes passive and nerve-racking as a spotlight is put on one person at a time. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Instead of asking every person in the room to share one fun thing about their summer break, icebreakers can become powerful and memorable shared experiences that encourage participants to collaborate, share, and learn how to work together. Instead of making people recite information aloud that they could write down a notecard in two minutes and calling it an “icebreaker,” get creative. Ask the group to actively work together to complete a task or solve a problem. These active icebreakers challenge participants to use communication skills for a purpose. They have the ability to thaw out any chilly or preconceived notion about icebreakers. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For the last decade, I have hosted a summer camp for speech team that is more focused on team building and leadership than competing in high school forensics. During these camps, I have worked with my coaching team to create experiences that forge friendships, promote critical thinking, and build bonds. These activities were experiences that led to powerful learning experiences that positively pushed students out of their comfort zones and into a space in which they could learn and grow. So what makes an icebreaker work? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Active participation is important. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The first day of the school year is exhausting. Students (and teachers) are inundated with information, rules, and expectations. If they are sitting and not actively engaged, they will become passive, and the information being shared with them will not be retained. Instead, they will leave the classroom or the meeting tired and anxious, still wondering what the upcoming school year will bring. Talking </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">at</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> people is not an effective communication strategy (although sometimes necessary).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bDb6f_0RxESrN_dZ1UJPbMC4nHnNP4AIMkZatNSdo2ademxLvFuQaR6jZQ1-5aWPTbI0XogVCQKOgUUk6jgF0u5lfnY3aiZneBtysQfIGOcORxbMvGPscHh_j-3imsfEAbnAV6jEGNop31IrbCHd19IozFbpQXK590jEzkL92Cp4AQQameO0fvZsUbc/s4032/IMG_5718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bDb6f_0RxESrN_dZ1UJPbMC4nHnNP4AIMkZatNSdo2ademxLvFuQaR6jZQ1-5aWPTbI0XogVCQKOgUUk6jgF0u5lfnY3aiZneBtysQfIGOcORxbMvGPscHh_j-3imsfEAbnAV6jEGNop31IrbCHd19IozFbpQXK590jEzkL92Cp4AQQameO0fvZsUbc/s320/IMG_5718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Instead, start with a challenge. Break people into smaller teams and give them a task to accomplish. I love to start with the spaghetti challenge. Recently a teacher shared </span><a href="https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/engineering-challenges-for-kids-steam/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">math and engineering challenges</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> that encourage people to build and create with me. Scavenger hunts and escape rooms also work nicely. Some of my favorites include:</span></p><br /><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Toxic waste: Students have various materials and have to remove tennis balls from the center of a circle without stepping into the circle. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Toxic river: Students must figure out how to cross a "hazardous river" with limited supplies and work together to navigate obstacles. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Puzzle challenge: Students are divided into teams. They have some of their puzzle pieces, and other pieces are hidden throughout the room. Their pieces are mixed in with other teams' pieces. They have to find their pieces and negotiate for others with other teams. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Magic carpet: Students all stand on a tarp. They have to flip the tarp without stepping off the tarp. </span></p></li></ol><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhkFyA7j5PDsKqu0R89oMHhmERpns2mDgoUrgn-ivjfNRqR41p5KqD4J29l70UA6fONdesdXgsFwu3pxrp8nANiVUgzvMHeJY9HGDH-OTOOnAlzdUdORr8M__cHLzLP8ei7ztU3WqVp2dCkyhnkjhniZr7_J-SKWYxL3OebIZvRJEVFX6mkNYpjZjJFs/s1817/PXL_20220726_145857121.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1817" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhkFyA7j5PDsKqu0R89oMHhmERpns2mDgoUrgn-ivjfNRqR41p5KqD4J29l70UA6fONdesdXgsFwu3pxrp8nANiVUgzvMHeJY9HGDH-OTOOnAlzdUdORr8M__cHLzLP8ei7ztU3WqVp2dCkyhnkjhniZr7_J-SKWYxL3OebIZvRJEVFX6mkNYpjZjJFs/s320/PXL_20220726_145857121.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Note: These activities can be scaled and adjusted to meet any classroom's space and time constraints. Most of these activities can take less than 15 minutes, but the connectivity they foster is an incredible investment in student buy-in and engagement. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dave Burgess’s </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-PIRATE-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Teach Like a Pirate</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> has a lot of ideas for hooking students with various strategies. I recently led a PD using his book. </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Check out these </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TK42scIMTGOFFpd57HbTbHMahpPkgDbUCgkpk_hb720/edit" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">slides</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> for more icebreaker ideas and videos that I use with my own students, or check out his book. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="299" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSyLd2jOTPTJ1pMios8i8yS0S5_hrDzcCtVQ09RX9IPPi--g_HwtWBGbR_n9ENW0ChukVEFySick3mU/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="480"></iframe><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Find a way to encourage students to build something or use creativity to solve problems. In the time they take to create together, they will start talking, laughing, and creating memories. While they may or may not be successful in solving the problem, they will be engaged with others. After connecting with others, they will be more comfortable talking and engaging with a larger group. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3l6hKppbsN4Ob_SjbUauW4SDTnWV54BGp7_owGgpQcHRVyn1QTA2uIWVSqmIXcXL_580D3wgdOjaTw7FO53gpl7k_9n9OmubG7kGH-bPjX9sQVPHHivapVPgCD21zv7z1DJHigMS4XbZxKPWT_KhI-Lzy0tlAFwKF4WvhfFMOGFi6PW9W6jqrEDywoU/s4032/PXL_20220725_144452656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3l6hKppbsN4Ob_SjbUauW4SDTnWV54BGp7_owGgpQcHRVyn1QTA2uIWVSqmIXcXL_580D3wgdOjaTw7FO53gpl7k_9n9OmubG7kGH-bPjX9sQVPHHivapVPgCD21zv7z1DJHigMS4XbZxKPWT_KhI-Lzy0tlAFwKF4WvhfFMOGFi6PW9W6jqrEDywoU/s320/PXL_20220725_144452656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Questions and conversations should extend beyond the surface. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After working together in smaller groups, participants are more likely to open up and engage in self-disclosure. I still use either a notecard or Google form to gather information from my audience. I want to know the details, and I want to find ways to connect with them individually. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These icebreakers are often ineffective because the information seems to go nowhere. The information written out by the participants is not revisited or referenced. You must close the communication loop if you ask students to provide information. That information needs to be used. Also, if you ask students to self-disclose information, you have to share information, too. Answer your own questions, show students the depth of information you hope to gain from them, and encourage students to share more. Students want to be seen and valued. They do not want to bear their souls to the whole class on day one, but they will share quite a bit with you in a more individual non-threatening way, like a Google form or even a </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xogCc8y-Y-nrXp8Q-_eOG8w3byEoce1AfnWsmH99EEE/edit#slide=id.g1448383efe0_0_115" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pear Deck,</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> where they feel more anonymous. (Here's a </span><a href="https://www.differentiatedteaching.com/discussion-questions-to-build-relationships-with-students/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">resource</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to spark some question ideas).</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here's a mini PD presentation on </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gF7ukO64EWA5jhlr5sKkYHMRRmETqKZx5sQYx1rZKHI/edit#slide=id.g144330ba5cf_0_30" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Questions of the Day</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">
</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="389" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTINUrnsEZlocJo8lE5tacNkKd3m7gpHXxt4IqZ0bJ3VCbz0J8klS1Wx8eSCwyykFdNAGyQO3GWRUSK/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="640"></iframe></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Initial experiences promote exploration and spark curiosity. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">An icebreaker doesn't have to only occur on day one. These icebreaker activities can build on each other. They can reveal a clue or allude to a puzzle the next day. I love questions of the day (</span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OWLt4kBaeqXovLSCrIhpznO5g8LRl570sKbaIRO1EUU/edit#slide=id.g144806d2a63_0_7423" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here's a template</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">). Theming of the questions or using questions to spark even more curiosity about a topic or theme increases student engagement. They will want to return to find the next answer or finish a project they've already started. Digital escape rooms make great teases for future lessons. Finding ways to keep the mystery going and encourage students to wonder about a lesson or idea brings excitement and makes the icebreaker worth doing. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Group reflection leads to more authentic connections. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After completing a challenge, debrief. Talk about the experience and encourage students to consider the lessons learned. These tasks have instructional value and classroom connections, but students will only identify them if we discuss what we learned. These conversations are valuable and can lead to group reflection about the learning process, classroom expectations, and being an active citizen. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B4i2fDKz2UTSljA90zumipO5WyPy8U2_RmrIKXHAzBUXr2tab7qR64I_l3Y1WiL6js1NF0z25Ig6oxPXSWuJxZE2Qli7DrR4FfM0RAurag-PhdoJTikXKWWopwqQ6jzE4HYvAj2vcfEuWFLv8T9esL5yugKjpX0BKOAAjWQKCb9KXoTRpqKesoIhT1o/s4032/IMG_5726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-B4i2fDKz2UTSljA90zumipO5WyPy8U2_RmrIKXHAzBUXr2tab7qR64I_l3Y1WiL6js1NF0z25Ig6oxPXSWuJxZE2Qli7DrR4FfM0RAurag-PhdoJTikXKWWopwqQ6jzE4HYvAj2vcfEuWFLv8T9esL5yugKjpX0BKOAAjWQKCb9KXoTRpqKesoIhT1o/s320/IMG_5726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Icebreakers don't have to be passive or designed for extroverts only. They can be meaningful and used to foster rapport. If an icebreaker sounds dreadful or awkward to you, skip it. Instead, find an activity or design an experience in which you can be an active participant too. Students will buy in if a teacher is having fun, being silly, and showing the power of self-disclosure. It's okay to have fun in the classroom, and it is certainly okay to be goofy. If you are willing to have students laugh at you, they are far more likely to listen to you. These types of icebreakers are certainly worth our investment. </span></p><br /></span><b>References:</b><br /><br />Bonnie, Emily. "Ultimate Guide to Team-Building Activities Your Team Will Actually Like." Wrike, 22 Apr. 2022, Ultimate Guide to Team-Building Activities Your Team Will Actually Like. Accessed 8 July 2023.<br /><br />"Build a Tower, Build a Team." TED, uploaded by TED Conference, Feb. 2010, www.ted.com/talks/tom_wujec_build_a_tower_build_a_team. Accessed 8 July 2023.<br /><br />Burgess, Dave. Teach like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator. San Diego, Dave Burgess Consulting, 2012.<br /><br />Davies, Rebecca. "50+ Questions to Get Kids Talking and Build Community." Differentiated Teaching, 2023, www.differentiatedteaching.com/discussion-questions-to-build-relationships-with-students/. Accessed 8 July 2023.<br /><br />Garber, Peter R. 50 Communications Activities, Icebreakers, and Exercises. E-book ed., Amherst, HRD Press, 2008.<br /><br />Stokes, Katie. "15 Engineering Challenges Kids Love." Gift of Curiosity, www.giftofcuriosity.com/engineering-challenges-for-kids-steam/. Accessed 8 July 2023.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-17218816744587059542023-06-29T08:46:00.015-05:002023-07-01T10:22:15.934-05:00 Rethinking Success: Shifting the Focus from Achievements to Personal Growth and Development (Part 2)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYXcUk-Q5dCwLA5jMzhG9LL0zheaqUyvnSYALxn6t0LMLTqhlE8X15E8iIVaYb-JX_TWZOC6Kv3Tka-GpvT5Re2Z_zZtlsR-841nqPX_dv2Sv2Tl1i3lc_lJB0XuyH8WGkoxAHm1ak-0IquA5X5SX6VZhLjHutvSCX5-j9AHFy2aNgDnVcX_aKposiyM/s800/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYXcUk-Q5dCwLA5jMzhG9LL0zheaqUyvnSYALxn6t0LMLTqhlE8X15E8iIVaYb-JX_TWZOC6Kv3Tka-GpvT5Re2Z_zZtlsR-841nqPX_dv2Sv2Tl1i3lc_lJB0XuyH8WGkoxAHm1ak-0IquA5X5SX6VZhLjHutvSCX5-j9AHFy2aNgDnVcX_aKposiyM/w640-h160/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201).png" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Why would you want to be an English teacher?" This was an actual question I was asked when I was in high school. Be anything else BUT an English teacher was the message I received. The concern was that English is a popular subject, and I would need help finding a job. <i>Note: Never let someone convince you not to pursue your dreams and passions.</i></div><br />Why English? I come from a family of math and science teachers, and I am the only humanities teacher. My love for literacy derives from my desire to connect and empathize with others. In the early oughts (2000s), the STEM push consumed the conversation around education. While I love and value STEM, my passion has always been empowering all learners to share their stories, create innovative ideas or projects, and collaborate with others. These soft skills, often considered secondary to other disciplines, are the foundation of academic, professional, and personal success. Regardless of the discipline we teach or pursue, how can we help our students find success?<br /><br /><b>Students must be encouraged to set goals for personal growth.<br /></b><br />Both organizations and individuals write SMART goals in the business world (and in education). However, a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/annabelacton/2017/11/03/how-to-set-goals-and-why-you-should-do-it/?sh=104307bd162d">Harvard Business Study</a> found that of the top MBA students from their program, only 3% had written down their goals. Of course, the study going that the percentage of individuals who had written down their goals earned 10x more money than the 97% combined. <br /><br />While money does not buy happiness, having a clear direction and purpose can lead to a more fulfilling life. Teaching our students to write goals down physically is crucial. Where we might miss the boat as educators, however, is that we need to teach students to write smaller, more tangible goals. We want our students to dream big and reach for grandiose ideas. When a goal is set too far in the future, it becomes too much of a reach, and the drive to achieve that goal can fizzle. <br /><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-c173ff83-7fff-5bae-29bc-3a89fa06ccf0"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 138px; overflow: hidden; width: 206px;"><img height="138" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aWVDU_YboCiz-__z9dYW96v4bmMAlS4Nt71a3N_enVWLs_4bqhuXYl_qc6qZoVi4RXldGw9aCn9eaai_w-F3QCXVhES8KCuCSSchhCcb6Q9STyqXrdIAh_spx5IhKYSzQr29zrdT3f40vEDSV_TgqiM" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="206" /></span></span></p><br />I love the image above. Shorter goals and small steps toward a grander goal yield better results. We must show our students how to manage, set, and reset their goals so that they feel the energy to accomplish a task. That seemingly micro feeling of success will yield even more success moving forward.<br /><br />In <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299">Atomic Habits</a></i>, James Clear reminds us that "Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement." If we teach students to become just a little better each day, before they know it, they will feel transformed in their skill sets and will want to continue to grow. <br /><br /><b>We must foster a culture that maintains a positive mindset.</b><br /><br />To succeed, we must also fail. Feeling like a failure can produce frustration and tension. Students look to us to see how we react to our failures. If we become overwhelmed when technology doesn’t work, for example, we demonstrate that it is acceptable to become angry if something doesn't go our way. Of course, we all have moments of anger and frustration, but as educators, we must be aware that our students are always watching (just like our children). They will react to setbacks in the same way that we do. The "do as I say, not as I do" mentality is a generation or two ago. If we want our students to have a positive mindset, we must start by evaluating our own.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How can we foster a positive mindset in our classroom?<br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Celebrate positive behaviors. Identifying what our students are doing and how those actions are positive can help students to recognize what behaviors will lead to successful outcomes.</li><li>Embrace struggles and problem-solve together. Discussing how to problem-solve provides students with a framework to refocus and reset after a failure. It is important to learn, reflect, and grow.</li><li>Identify the lessons learned. Talk through what was gained in a situation and use experiences to move forward.</li><li>Show gratitude for the people and experiences that have helped us become who we are today and who will continue to support us moving forward.</li><li>Focus on the word yet. When unpacking a situation, the word yet allows us all to understand that if something doesn't go our way, it means we are still learning and growing. Even though our desired outcome hasn't happened yet, it is still possible, and we can still see the positives in any situation.</li></ol></span>I love Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." I often remind my students and myself that even though not every day is exciting or life-changing, every day provides us with an opportunity to learn, grow, and build relationships with others. When we learn to appreciate and embrace those initial steps joyfully, we become stronger and find meaning in everyday experiences.</div><div><span><br /><b>Preparation is key.</b><br /><br />We must prepare our students for the challenges they will inevitably encounter by helping them take a realistic look at the circumstances while finding the nuggets of hope in the face of adversity. We must prepare our students to hear no, receive a rejection, and handle criticism gracefully. They will face rejection in many ways; we all do. What they choose to do in those moments will determine their success. Failure is a gift, but one needs to learn how to handle the package to reap the rewards of the lessons that this gift can teach. <br /><br />Part of success is recognizing and understanding how to move forward from loss and rejection. Success is about navigating the obstacles and rethinking, recreating, or redirecting our path. I want to continue to empower my students to find meaning in their lives and experiences, accomplish their goals, and, most importantly, experience the joy of living a life that brings them meaning and purpose. <br /><br />Someone told me boldly that I'd never find joy as an English teacher. While they may have been well-intentioned, I did not allow them to stop me from pursuing my dream. I understood that I might hear no. I recognized that I might not succeed on the first try, and that belief strengthened me. <br /><br /><i>NOTE: I was hired very early in the job hunt (before spring break), within 24 hours of my interview. My first principal told me not to interview at a neighboring school in the same district, which I was set to do the next day. Post spring break, I received calls for interviews from over a dozen different school districts. I was definitely going to find a job.</i></span></div><br />Again, don't ever let anyone discourage you from reaching your goals. While the vision of success in my life has shifted over the years, and that definition might shift for others, we can help our students see the steps they need to take to reach their goals. We can empower our students by helping them to shape their understanding of success and take those first steps. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>References:</div><div><p style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;">Acton, Annabel. “How to Set Goals (and Why You Should Write Them Down).” <i>Forbes</i>, 3 Nov. 2017, www.forbes.com/sites/annabelacton/2017/11/03/how-to-set-goals-and-why-you-should-do-it/?sh=104307bd162d. </p><p style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"></p><div></div><p></p><p></p><p style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;">Clear, James. <i>Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones</i>. Cornerstone Press, 2022. </p><div></div><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-24426095862963194542023-06-21T07:58:00.013-05:002023-06-22T07:16:44.007-05:00 Rethinking Success: Shifting the Focus from Achievements to Personal Growth and Development (Part 1)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkV2Xi1iHnVs6ga2kqns9gFnctgntcvjeiKOZ4WNp6Gi_nFbEss5zfWwaXkhwcU5Wzj8ateW4vXkvqnLt85GtYhV1YYaWO_rDsYrwzsIJbkClDA4R32PZRfftVHhQG8ZijkRFRvoM46oQo2BgbEivWoDQHmNp-ZxxVpwSaCHesPiP9tjAkpf755ronhY/s800/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkV2Xi1iHnVs6ga2kqns9gFnctgntcvjeiKOZ4WNp6Gi_nFbEss5zfWwaXkhwcU5Wzj8ateW4vXkvqnLt85GtYhV1YYaWO_rDsYrwzsIJbkClDA4R32PZRfftVHhQG8ZijkRFRvoM46oQo2BgbEivWoDQHmNp-ZxxVpwSaCHesPiP9tjAkpf755ronhY/w640-h160/Rethinking%20Success%20Shifting%20the%20Focus%20from%20Achievements%20to%20Personal%20Growth%20and%20Development%20(Part%201).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>My center child profoundly influences the emotional climate of my home. She unapologetically feels her emotions, which is both beautiful and terrifying. She is a powerful force, and I love her fervor for life.</div><div><br /></div><div>At her first dance recital at age four, she stood on stage cupping her ears, mustering the courage to move only at her favorite part of the routine, which involved jumping. Pas de Bourr - uh-oh. (Mom note - She stood her ground the whole time and didn't run off stage. She even performed the whole dance for us in the living room as soon as we returned home. I loved her won't quit attitude, which has allowed her to continue growing and face her fears.).<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zAeW7amlPuJnnjydJKkryKLzGWB3XU-shOTYPb7hCcdiqJrid-T3kLCM9OVdCAwIdW-sYXmlyL-wE72q3N1zopwESNK3UcY7jIoub_3hgGrSIPDMLhQ9Wj8pjPmMXIW3qTgTEznkhFVI8o2PH8RBZzPUD29AVc0YGBUsxOJ6wGGNpfM7EwGkq-Q-4wE/s6016/DSC_2228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6016" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zAeW7amlPuJnnjydJKkryKLzGWB3XU-shOTYPb7hCcdiqJrid-T3kLCM9OVdCAwIdW-sYXmlyL-wE72q3N1zopwESNK3UcY7jIoub_3hgGrSIPDMLhQ9Wj8pjPmMXIW3qTgTEznkhFVI8o2PH8RBZzPUD29AVc0YGBUsxOJ6wGGNpfM7EwGkq-Q-4wE/s320/DSC_2228.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />At seven years old, she still leaps through life and has shown incredible growth in her confidence and joy of dancing with her friends on stage. Her dance career was not marred by her first performance or even her fifth performance. She continues to gain confidence and is always practicing her skills throughout our house. Watching her discover herself has challenged me to pause and consider how we define success in our schools and how students develop in their journey to achieve benchmarks and goals. <br /><br />As I watch my children develop as dancers, readers, learners, and people, my understanding of success has been transformed. It is human nature to categorize or label people or experiences, but when we label our students, we inadvertently limit their potential to achieve.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOmyhiuxZVyc_xfEsfzaxM8cqs9RquUCNA8hxBEiljPxiOTdPtZlVwy8bXBKm6Di7v7eyW9gj5SPL1CgUSwoQhrjJTfHqcVarE50598qYKNStgwp6Oh4W4cDPuEokwECZGvs6K3WUKJukEnQorkCH7kecRLGF1D0Q5i1cxFNCLfq40hQNkzqx7SW2oEg/s1178/Recent-Google-Drive.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1178" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOmyhiuxZVyc_xfEsfzaxM8cqs9RquUCNA8hxBEiljPxiOTdPtZlVwy8bXBKm6Di7v7eyW9gj5SPL1CgUSwoQhrjJTfHqcVarE50598qYKNStgwp6Oh4W4cDPuEokwECZGvs6K3WUKJukEnQorkCH7kecRLGF1D0Q5i1cxFNCLfq40hQNkzqx7SW2oEg/s320/Recent-Google-Drive.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Admittedly, our schools are publicly assessed and ranked based on quantifiable data such as test scores, college readiness criteria, climate and culture surveys, and other measurable factors. While these data points are essential for informing our schools' decision-making practices, they do not provide a roadmap for success. They don't consider personalized learning pathways that help us support every student's understanding of success. As educators, we can utilize this information to guide our next steps, which help students discover their paths to success and foster their growth.<br /><br /><i>So how might we define success? More importantly, how do we create a space in which students can define success for themselves?</i><br /><b><br />First, we must create a space for students to learn from mistakes.</b><br /><br />In Jessica Lahey’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Failure-Parents-Children-Succeed/dp/0062299255">The Gift of Failure</a>, she emphasizes that as parents (and educators), our instinct is to clear away obstacles and provide the most direct path to success. In this process, we rob children of the greatest lesson they could have - failure. Mistakes are inevitable within the learning process and create lasting memories that can shape children’s ability to problem-solve, collaborate, create, and grow.<br /><br />In a learning environment that is supportive and encouraging, students have many opportunities to practice and apply what they are learning in low-stakes ways. They feel comfortable sharing and showing what they know, even before mastery. Along the way, they might make fail.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZQgH6ggs05eH-S4wI7R8vjibmuGI5-Ienyi8C1koAuIY_Hzlyfkdsc-IZrc4NUvW6U-HF0YnPY4Or7a5BQG9V5A1gZAW1uLxVHNsXTDpKHq4BlYYAF6ktM2ty4sIPorxo_1l9qMjKqnBwCm2CznUpKRfPDSBG-VpvLZdXCQ0A_l05F9jzANutzfRTLg/s1080/Positive%20inspiring%20quote%20motivation%20Instagram%20post.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZQgH6ggs05eH-S4wI7R8vjibmuGI5-Ienyi8C1koAuIY_Hzlyfkdsc-IZrc4NUvW6U-HF0YnPY4Or7a5BQG9V5A1gZAW1uLxVHNsXTDpKHq4BlYYAF6ktM2ty4sIPorxo_1l9qMjKqnBwCm2CznUpKRfPDSBG-VpvLZdXCQ0A_l05F9jzANutzfRTLg/s320/Positive%20inspiring%20quote%20motivation%20Instagram%20post.png" /></a></div><b><br />What does this look like in a school setting?</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Frequent formative assessments</li><li>Game-based learning</li><li>Small and large group discussions</li><li>Group challenges and low-stakes presentations</li><li>Active learning experiences, scenarios, and project-based learning</li><li>Peer feedback</li><li>Personalized pathways with choices on how students demonstrate mastery</li></ul>As a speech coach and teacher, I always encourage my students to “fail big.” Make visible choices and actions that we can all see. Some choices may not work or create the impact students had hoped for. Because their work and learning process is highly visible, we all know what needs improvement. As students perform, they also have an audience. They are not only making mistakes in front of an adult but also being vulnerable in front of their peers. The culture is celebratory and collaborative. Everyone learns from each other’s imperfections, ultimately fostering stronger relationships, greater learning experiences, and more confident performers.<br /><br /><b>In addition to embracing failure, we need to teach and embrace the development of soft skills. </b><br /><br />This summer, one of my college students told me more about her high school experience in which she was never expected to speak in front of others because she was a language learner. As an ELL student, she was excused from practicing and experiencing a skill essential to her daily life academically and socially. She has beautiful writing and is very articulate, and she will definitely find that she is incredibly capable of speaking in a formal setting! I know she’s going to be successful in my class. Her statement was shocking and sad to hear. This Thursday’s speech will be the first time she’s standing in front of the class (aside from the few group challenges we have had already this semester).<br /><br />Students typically despise public speaking. Let's be honest; most adults openly detest it as well. I teach public speaking at the high school and college level every semester. I even spent 15 years tricking high school kids into thinking that it was fun and cool to get on a bus at 6 AM and compete for 12 hours every Saturday in suit jackets. I have to convince them that this skill is essential and help them overcome their fears to unlock their potential. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWT7eShLQUQ0KUADANxbQCGopaP5_lKWmaFu7AIy77uWAfZvEw-bU21KmZlltwDgbDeyWhBNqzAJYR24ZzaECohBj3zqQaBs57GMj4WW3D6m71lrFU-IN-yTIFsoDPtuE0_ceVf9f5okB2oSS2wEhYOtLdg3jdDe6Jbyq1l-XuI-aNnVrs_XrsDJbyfc/s4032/IMG_1011.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWT7eShLQUQ0KUADANxbQCGopaP5_lKWmaFu7AIy77uWAfZvEw-bU21KmZlltwDgbDeyWhBNqzAJYR24ZzaECohBj3zqQaBs57GMj4WW3D6m71lrFU-IN-yTIFsoDPtuE0_ceVf9f5okB2oSS2wEhYOtLdg3jdDe6Jbyq1l-XuI-aNnVrs_XrsDJbyfc/s320/IMG_1011.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of the first items on my agenda is to be open and vulnerable with my students. Most are only present because the class is a college requirement. They all simply want to cross the course off the to-do list and are secretly (and sometimes not so secretly) dreading my class. Using my persuasive appeals, I illustrate to them the power of public speaking and how communication is the foundation of EVERYTHING we do. Without the skills to share ideas, LISTEN, and collaborate with others, we cannot maintain quality relationships, are less likely to be hired, and might even just end up feeling lonely. <br /><br />Communication, collaboration, empathy, and general executive functioning skills are essential to our daily interactions. These are the skills that become underdeveloped during COVID lockdowns and remote learning. During that time, not only did students not practice and develop these skills, but our society as a whole seemed to forget the importance of using these skills to relate to one another and work together to solve significant problems. We must explicitly teach these skills to our students. <b><i>Society actually depends on it. </i></b><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Growth takes time and is often a slower process than we would like. As we shift our definition of success and focus more on progress over data points on a page, we can help our students take more ownership of their own development, leading to lifelong changes and realized success. Part two of this blog post will address setting goals for personal growth and fostering a culture that maintains a positive mindset. We can help our students achieve their goals; we simply need to shift the narrative and invest in personalizing their progress. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-91241670905801892662023-06-15T12:14:00.007-05:002023-07-01T10:23:08.422-05:00Bouncing Forward: Taking Inspiration from The Bounce Back Book<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25WpWH40o7VNL8c96cpGC1TAnzdf_bw7by-CED8_ALr70Hv0FKIgnuKK3Oe_lzzQzOWNM1559hd1dhzCwsqKwz4hd3remrgTmAYzISdzZpUFQEHpW7XWqgo8ohunnKNHS9_MrFEiA8aXCCTpvUCQy9_SvkoEkz1Y6sFMe27ZMy_QlFvhiP3h-H-CT/s800/Share%20your%20walk%20the%20plank%20song%20(3).png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25WpWH40o7VNL8c96cpGC1TAnzdf_bw7by-CED8_ALr70Hv0FKIgnuKK3Oe_lzzQzOWNM1559hd1dhzCwsqKwz4hd3remrgTmAYzISdzZpUFQEHpW7XWqgo8ohunnKNHS9_MrFEiA8aXCCTpvUCQy9_SvkoEkz1Y6sFMe27ZMy_QlFvhiP3h-H-CT/w640-h160/Share%20your%20walk%20the%20plank%20song%20(3).png" /></a><br /><br /><br />As educators, we have to roll our eyes at the perceived notion that some hold about our leisure summers off, which are often filled with professional development, meetings, working a second job (I adjunct at two local community colleges and do some side professional development work), prepping for next year, and squeezing in some time to recover from working overtime and attempting to balance family life.<br /><br />I absolutely love my job. I find joy in walking into a school building, knowing that I will inevitably learn something new every day, make a great connection with another person, and have the opportunity to make an impact. Still, we need to recharge. Our summers are a time to recharge, rest, and prepare for another year of learning. We are bouncing back. <br /><br />Every few months, the local library has a book sale, and my family excitedly scours the shelves to find new books. This past sale, a little read book entitled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Back-Thrive-Face-Adversity/dp/076114627X">The Bounce Back Book</a> by Karen Salmansohn. This book contains 75 tips for recovering from setbacks and adversity, and as I transition into a new role next school year, its premise resonated with me.<br /><br />Challenges and obstacles are always in our paths and sometimes appear so quickly we become blindsided by their impact. COVID has shifted our perspectives, and the social effects of that period of our lives are still coming to us in waves. We can become debilitated by those waves, or we can bounce back. Whether we are educators in a classroom, administrators supporting teachers, or just people in the world, we can all learn to reframe the narrative and bounce back. So what does that bounce back look like? Here are the tips that resonated with me: <br /><br /><b>Tip #15: Find your bounceable people.</b><br /><br />"Resilient people identify those who are available, trustworthy, and helpful. Then they go toward this light," is a quote cited in the book from Dr. Dina Carbonell of Simmons College. As teachers, we need to find people who will shine a light when we are struggling and seek out the light when they need it. We all need people willing to be present for us when our ball bounces out of bounds. We need people who will push back on the court and help us move forward in the right direction.<br /><br />As teachers and as humans, we have tough days. Finding the people that will reflect the light back to us when we need it most and always sit in our cheering section regardless of the wins and losses helps us move forward and grow. Who we spend time with will shift our energy and perspective. Being aware of and seeking out the people that will help us become better versions of ourselves is a powerful strategy and makes life more joyful. <br /><br /><b>Tip #4: Feeling means you're dealing, means you're healing. </b><br /><br />In my 20s and throughout my life, I have been told that my emotions are a weakness. I believed that they would hold me back and make me less of a leader. In the last few years, I have actively worked to unlearn that misconception. As an instructional coach, speech coach, and mom, I have used my vulnerability and empathy to lift others up. I now realize that my emotions are a strength that I leverage to help people see the best in themselves and to feel comfortable taking risks. My softness creates an environment that empowers others to grow. Feeling my feelings, especially since my children were born, has allowed me to evolve and find my footing in ways I never thought possible. <br /><br />So as we all recover and move forward from the last few years, let's all find ways to be more authentic and share our emotions in productive ways to move forward. In the classroom, sharing our feelings with our students demonstrates that we can cope with struggles. We should not hide our imperfections because we would not grow without them.<br /><br /><b>Tip #19: Walk yourself out of that bad mood.</b><br /><br />I struggle with stillness and am happiest on the move. The best part of summer is warm weather and more flexibility to get out for a long walk. My cousin and dear friend find ourselves sneaking in walks all summer. Being able to move, reflect, and be a sounding board for another person is a blessing and can create a space to shift one's mindset. Walking is good for the body but also so restorative for the soul. Even in winter, walking indoors solves most of my problems and allows me time and space to recover from hard times. <br /><br /><b>Tip #35: Don't just write a "To Do" list. Write a "To Be" list. </b><br /><br />This tip struck me. I always carry a notebook in my hand. At school, I am notorious for leaving said notebook, which usually consists of a list of names of people, in random classrooms, the office, and the copy room. When people find it, they return it to me because it's my compass. It guides me to the people and projects that need me. Instead of simply considering it as my to-do list of items I must attend to, shifting the language and creating a to-be list feels more empowering. Life is not about getting through events and meetings but about being present in every moment. This shift in mindset and language gives purpose to a given day and sets an intentionality that fosters growth and relationships with others.<br /><br /><b>Tip #60: See awful as awe-ful. </b><br /><br />Like the shift in language from a to-do list to a to-be list, seeing the best in even the worst situations can help us cope and redirect our trajectory. COVID was awful. During that time, I helped my district learn a new learning management system and was actively creating solutions for teaching and learning remotely. My son's health was a significant weight on my heart that prevented my family from moving past COVID restrictions long after most people returned to a more normal life. Those times were incredibly hard, but I shared incredible memories with my children. We learned to create fun in everyday tasks and find ways to serve others in our community, even from afar.<br /><br />I am in awe of what we can do when we change the narrative. As educators, our impact is much more significant than we realize, but our actions don't have to be monumental. Sometimes, the smallest gesture or the simplest activity can be incredibly fun and life-giving. We merely have to choose our words wisely and shift our perspectives.<br /><br /><b>Tip #67: Perform your own research studies on happiness. </b><br /><br />Finally, we have to keep learning. What happiness looks like to me is different from others. We need to learn to define happiness in the context of our lives. Happiness can be found in the smallest gesture or simply by expressing gratitude. It's also about letting go and learning to heal from the past. I find happiness is about learning and growing, which I strive to instill in my children and students. <br /><br />Gretchen Rubin states in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Gretchen-Rubin/dp/1443414565/ref=sr_1_6?crid=28MTVBI2ITGMW&keywords=the+happiness+project&qid=1686836815&s=books&sprefix=the+happiness+project%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-6">The Happiness Project</a>, "It's about living in the moment and appreciating the smallest things. Surrounding yourself with the things that inspire you and letting go of the obsessions that want to take over your mind. It is a daily struggle sometimes and hard work, but happiness begins with your own attitude and how you look at the world." The slightest shifts can help us all bounce back from setbacks, but they can also help us bounce forward with great energy, momentum, and joy. <br /><br />I highly recommend this quick read. I loved the ideas it sparked and the layout of the text. It's definitely full of ideas that can spark reflection in any person. Let me know if any of my local friends want to borrow it! Sometimes we simply need a little spark to get the flames roaring again. <br /><br /><b><br /></b>References:<br /><br />Rubin, Gretchen. <i>The Happiness Project</i>. New York City, HarperCollins, 2009.<br /><br />Salmansohn, Karen. <i>The Bounce Back Book.</i> New York City, Workman, 2008.<br /><br /><div><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></div><div><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></div><div><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-8529638440521783452023-06-10T09:16:00.005-05:002023-06-13T06:30:34.810-05:00Rediscovering What You Need (And Stealing from the PIRATE)<p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W677MylHvPJO7Y6v1yuaQUQ_wRXt89XztfMsHTEfB2ZCF0Z6IyLKQbyctXg6MMefbJ7PX9N_cTeA_MLYP0ZTvBx7DyCABNvcVdBr_gXEp1Ok0OrNBIaZCfVXlHRzZyMdqIfl7s2tV2pC4qegbjjG455qIMqoHomzDLypVsj-Gr_DP9WM9-A6Elhe/s800/Share%20your%20walk%20the%20plank%20song%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8W677MylHvPJO7Y6v1yuaQUQ_wRXt89XztfMsHTEfB2ZCF0Z6IyLKQbyctXg6MMefbJ7PX9N_cTeA_MLYP0ZTvBx7DyCABNvcVdBr_gXEp1Ok0OrNBIaZCfVXlHRzZyMdqIfl7s2tV2pC4qegbjjG455qIMqoHomzDLypVsj-Gr_DP9WM9-A6Elhe/w640-h160/Share%20your%20walk%20the%20plank%20song%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you need? </span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b35c48c2-7fff-b783-ed8b-966130912318"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year was surprisingly challenging. Many educators are struggling with behavioral issues that they haven't experienced since their first few years of teaching, if ever at all. We are all still in the recovery phase of the pandemic despite the feeling that we have closed that chapter. </span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After spring break, I like to reflect on what I have learned from the current school year. I also plan my summer personal and professional improvement goals. During early April, I typically explore books I want to read, conferences to present at and/or attend, and what I want to do to recharge. This summer, my focus is both student and teacher engagement. </span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My colleagues and I limped to the end of this year, and my students still needed support with their executive functioning and soft skills that were negatively impacted during the pandemic. Many of us have been stuck in a rut where we needed help identifying solutions or a way to restart the creative engines. Instead of looking to recreate the wheel, I realized in this reflection that we just needed to reenergize the great work we are already doing. The pandemic challenged us to shift our teaching strategies, create online resources that can be used to personalize the learning experience in ways we had not prior and explore many different technology tools that have enhanced the student experience. We don't need to innovate because we have spent the last few years pushing the envelope forward at incredible speeds. Now, we need time to reflect, rest, and reignite our passion for teaching. Which led me to the seemingly simple question - </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do you need? </span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went to my bookshelf with my professional development books, and a familiar book caught my eye. I was surprised I actually had it on my shelf since I bought this book at least four times. People tend to borrow and not return it, which always makes me smile because I know this book has an impact.</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=teach+like+a+pirate&rlz=1CAHVWY_enUS1021&oq=teach+&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i61l2j69i60j69i64l3j69i65.902j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&surl=1&safe=active&ssui=on">Teach Like a Pirate</a></span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=teach+like+a+pirate&rlz=1CAHVWY_enUS1021&oq=teach+&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i61l2j69i60j69i64l3j69i65.902j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&surl=1&safe=active&ssui=on"> by Dave Burgess</a> caught my eye. This book, full of inspiring reminders about finding our passion as educators and bringing our best selves to our students, is always a hit with teachers. My district hosts a teacher summer camp where teachers and administrators host three-hour workshops on various topics. The<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TK42scIMTGOFFpd57HbTbHMahpPkgDbUCgkpk_hb720/edit#slide=id.g24d33c85a23_0_58"> summer camp</a> I proposed and presented centered around<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-PIRATE-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600"> </a></span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-PIRATE-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600">Teach Like a Pirate</a> </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and sparking the joy in teaching. When I consider my answer to the what do you need question,</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I know I need to be in a community with others, embrace my enthusiasm, and feel valued.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="299" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSyLd2jOTPTJ1pMios8i8yS0S5_hrDzcCtVQ09RX9IPPi--g_HwtWBGbR_n9ENW0ChukVEFySick3mU/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="480"></iframe></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what is the PIRATE method, and why does it resonate with teachers? </span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PIRATE</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> stands for - </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">P</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">assion, </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mmersion, </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">R</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">apport, </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sk and </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nalyze, </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ransform, and </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">E</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nthusiasm. These ideas are familiar, but we often need to pay more attention to them or remember to incorporate them into our daily planning and practices. In the last few years, we have been so overwhelmed with teaching and regrouping post-pandemic that, as teachers, we don't give ourselves time to slow down and enjoy time with our students. Relationship building and rapport are what lead to classroom transformation. Being all in on a topic, lesson, or idea begets buy-in and success from our students. That </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wyZ6Cixnm0&t=1s" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"all in</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" practice looks different for every teacher and can be achieved by everyone if and when we give ourselves permission to jump into the deep end of joyful learning and flounder around for a moment.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wyZ6Cixnm0" width="320" youtube-src-id="3wyZ6Cixnm0"></iframe></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What do we need?</b> </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to give ourselves permission to fail, experiment, and play. Those practices lead to significant learning outcomes and more memorable experiences for our students. </span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we "</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQVnx2KERvw&t=4s" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">unstuck</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" ourselves? </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VQVnx2KERvw" width="320" youtube-src-id="VQVnx2KERvw"></iframe></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Simon Sinek has a fantastic </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&t=133s" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TED talk</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on discovering our why. Why do we teach? Why do we love working with kids? Why are we passionate about the topics, ideas, and relationships we hold dear? As I was reading tweets and articles he's written, I discovered this video: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1iQjFMiLuE" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A QUICK Way to Find Your Why</span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e1iQjFMiLuE" width="320" youtube-src-id="e1iQjFMiLuE"></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instead of always trying to work alone and create meaning independently, it is so powerful to remember that we have a whole team of teachers and friends behind us. As </span><a href="https://www.elizabethhoagland.com/worship-with-words-3/2014/01/31/whos-in-your-balcony-encouraging-book-balcony-people-by-joyce-landorf-heatherley" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyce Landorf Heatherley expresses in her work,</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we have a balcony full of people cheering us on and wishing for us to succeed. In my workshop, I leaned into the idea that we don't have to define our why. Instead, if we ask our balcony people to state our why for us, we can step outside of ourselves and discover something about our skills and gifts that we cannot see while feeling stuck. Asking our teacher friends to answer our why also sparks a conversation encouraging us to reciprocate and help them see their whys. This intentional conversation revitalizes our energy to rediscover our passions and strengths and encourages collaboration, support, and uplifts others. Fueling those collaborative relationships and conversations improves the culture and climate at school and can fuel a spark into a strong flame of un-stuck teachers. </span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where do we begin? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d9e81156-7fff-5c86-2e44-c778f2966f63" style="font-weight: normal;"><img height="180" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EJ1hplEvnrlUnACZjxDeBdGTWztM0yuZ4_AAnYt44fnzwJBdY04eQqp8aRUsx3wg3xgZpSChLtjqiTdfV_s85vF8y3HizngAdPfoOp-Jaf2iZyzHQ1dgFWEl8n5_Rr1M46OlPVW4Pw5mIa0xDKcGkC8m6w=w319-h180" width="319" /></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another question that Burgess uses in his book that I love is: "Would you want to be a student in your classroom?" This question makes me pause, and I try to ask myself every week. No, not every day is the most memorable and exciting lesson ever. Sometimes we have to provide direct instruction, and those days can admittedly be a little boring. Instead of muddling through it, we can ask ourselves how we might slightly shift the lesson or learning environment to improve the quality of our students’ experiences. </span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can find ways to engage and connect with them - even if it has nothing to do with the lesson. Those small moments and connections lead to incredible buy-in and foster a strong learning community. Burgess uses what he refers to as hooks as questions to guide teachers into considering what this process might look like in the classroom. I made</span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSep45VmwJzUuuQ9Q39au0PLEjq6ZI7ASszgxGMRxr3leknmYA/viewform" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a form</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to help teachers with the planning process and lead them to hooks that might work for their individual goals. As we recharge and refocus our compasses this summer, may we start by asking ourselves, “</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What do I need?”</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We don't need to redraw the map to great teaching completely. We simply have to adjust the sails and rediscover our wind. Passion and enthusiasm will follow. </span></span></p><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><img height="165" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GvpxtAn6p3Y8gr5igUsjvr801JqeDT-QVHG1h5GHzVvlqcAUVkUvBmkCEJljtgdSX5wGSdfgc_jzBrdqPm-An-3g9SL-H5yTrGhlFdicTA2R-42nNxxEM3efxEZ6ZK1NTj03vFKDKAkIZe3naK-szqPF5w=w376-h165" width="376" /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-91262122468854457862023-04-29T18:40:00.006-05:002023-07-01T10:23:23.089-05:00Making the Most of Our Time Together: Navigating the Final Days of the School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodx-S1iSdNevNAStJd140benHlHEmKDKbESMsBFfMZLb-tj3oDO_Jbu494FzzZWYg5nFIjJ3nuKiqJcwq2oaG9awhiW7tlGMN_efjESRCfwSWmWj-lbt9fQoLjrxfwUA002Y0X4B1SYVxFYOGwjHtHOAcbWXoLabPrYGNic1PgLDaYmjET2PlYM7x/s800/Promoting%20Student%20Agency%20and%20Ownership%20of%20Learning%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodx-S1iSdNevNAStJd140benHlHEmKDKbESMsBFfMZLb-tj3oDO_Jbu494FzzZWYg5nFIjJ3nuKiqJcwq2oaG9awhiW7tlGMN_efjESRCfwSWmWj-lbt9fQoLjrxfwUA002Y0X4B1SYVxFYOGwjHtHOAcbWXoLabPrYGNic1PgLDaYmjET2PlYM7x/w640-h160/Promoting%20Student%20Agency%20and%20Ownership%20of%20Learning%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>According to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/us-partner-blog/2021/11/15/you-have-eight-seconds-differentiate-your-business-through-the-art-of-storytelling/">a study conducted in 2015 by the Microsoft Corporation</a>, humans have an attention span of eight seconds, roughly the time span of a goldfish. While researchers elaborate that the human mind has much more potential to focus on an idea or action for more than a few seconds, any educator at the end of a school year would undoubtedly argue to the contrary. Student engagement becomes an uphill battle as the calendar pages turn toward warmer months, but we still have work to do. I hear my students lament about "senioritis" and the desire to break free from their K-12 education. How do I maximize my time with them and guide them through our final learning experiences before they run from our halls for the final time? <br /><br /><b>Storytelling is a powerful way to captivate people.</b><br /><br />"Good speakers are great storytellers" is a phrase I say to my students at least once a week. Stories build suspense, foster creativity, and encourage us to connect ideas and each other. Find a way to create anticipation for a lesson or a concept. This past week, we started our final unit - special occasion speaking. <br /><br />I always begin the unit by sharing stories from weddings I have attended, highlighting the best and worst wedding toasts I have witnessed. Jokes about the thirty-minute best man toast that involved bathroom breaks and a hall full of hungry guests to uncomfortably sit through childhood stories of the groom and his brother remind them that our speaking skills can and will be put to the test in numerous ways throughout our lives. My stories help them to recognize the connection between content and their lives. We can all leverage our stories and experiences to captivate our students and help them understand the greater context of what we are learning together. <br /><br /><b>Keep students active. </b><br /><br />The spring is full of distractions. Alternative schedules, field trips, and end-of-year experiences are at the forefront of students' minds. When students actively engage in the learning process, they are less likely to be consumed by distractions. Collaborative projects that promote creativity and creation can help students master skills while also having fun.<br /><br />One of my favorite assignments is a nonverbal video project in which students tell a story that relates to high school students without using words. This week students asked if they could incorporate videos into their final special occasion speeches. We went down a rabbit hole of TikToks and Reels that represented their high school experiences and related to the themes of their final speeches. Instead of scolding them for embracing their distractions, I found a way to tie their videos into their speeches by looking for themes and discussing how these videos communicate their values and beliefs.<br /><br /><b>Utilize technology to amplify their voices. </b><br /><br />Distractions can be opportunities to redirect. They can also become part of the curriculum that keeps students engaged and actively using their interests to demonstrate mastery. Having students make videos encourages them to share what they're learning on a larger scale. Using their platforms, they are more inclined to share the fun, which turns lessons into flashbulb memories that they will take with them beyond the classroom walls. <br /><br /><b>Be ready to change course. </b><br /><br />I am *that* teacher who plans the entire semester before it begins. I am comforted by a road map that helps me prepare for heavy grading weekends and allows me to understand my units' interconnectedness. While having a plan is valuable, I acknowledge and am always ready to shift course. Some days are rough, and a lesson needs to be retooled. Certain groups of students move faster or slower depending on their skill sets and strengths. As teachers, having a vision for the journey we want our students to take in our classrooms helps us to adjust our strategies to meet the needs of our students. We must be ready to rethink, retool, and revise to meet those needs.<br /><br />The final few weeks fly faster than we can blink. While our attention spans may be swimming away during the last few weeks, we can keep our students engaged by inviting our students to be active in the learning process and co-creating powerful stories and memories together. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>References:</div><div><p style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;">Stutsman, Lori. “You Have Eight Seconds. Differentiate Your Business through the Art of Storytelling.” <i>You Have Eight Seconds: Differentiate Your Business Through the Art of Storytelling</i>, Microsoft Corporation, 15 Nov. 2021, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/us-partner-blog/2021/11/15/you-have-eight-seconds-differentiate-your-business-through-the-art-of-storytelling/. </p><div></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-49311073775703546432023-04-22T09:57:00.014-05:002023-04-22T14:10:50.886-05:00Promoting Student Agency and Ownership of Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfC-s4KYjICl6drW0wBRnObozKtWMt2XGJf9flanXtIHO8mpPLJ3L2nDIiuQolIUTcBPevNUFuhwLP1MH8kHjGNIE4ERtDmJ3K4aB5LORWPENI5gJjEa4oAEsWCaoQwdVXaOJ-zuhZ5UWpAcmBigDnVU5FLZKdKer17Cjx1fnGdeVZmb_wK-TVXjR/s800/Promoting%20Student%20Agency%20and%20Ownership%20of%20Learning.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfC-s4KYjICl6drW0wBRnObozKtWMt2XGJf9flanXtIHO8mpPLJ3L2nDIiuQolIUTcBPevNUFuhwLP1MH8kHjGNIE4ERtDmJ3K4aB5LORWPENI5gJjEa4oAEsWCaoQwdVXaOJ-zuhZ5UWpAcmBigDnVU5FLZKdKer17Cjx1fnGdeVZmb_wK-TVXjR/w640-h160/Promoting%20Student%20Agency%20and%20Ownership%20of%20Learning.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As the semester comes to a close, I have worked to focus my conversations with seniors about life beyond high school. This particular group of seniors had a normal freshman year before the pandemic, but the pandemic and ever-changing schedules and rules disrupted their formative years. They were remote learners and hybrid students who lost some extracurricular experiences. Despite past challenges, we talk about moving forward and being empowered to navigate any challenges they may face. We all experience obstacles; at any age, we must continue to learn and grow from our experiences.<br /><br />On the first day of every semester, I have students complete a challenge. Everyone is asked to stand up and then tasked with touching the door. The caveat is that they can only walk three steps to the door. Inevitably, the room goes silent, and a few timid students inch toward the door who have a clear path to reach it. For them, it is easy. This task seems insurmountable for students sitting in the back, on crutches, or having other physical restrictions. I wait and then repeat that they only have three STEPS to reach the door. Suddenly, creativity sparks as students hop, roll, cartwheel, and even carry others toward the door. If a student has a physical restriction, I'll push out my chair on wheels to guide them to the door. This experience is simple but powerful. Sometimes our paths are clear, and other times, we have the cards stacked against us.<br /><br />This experience is why cultivating student agency is so important. Students must be empowered with skills to help them navigate adulthood, understand accountability, and recognize the importance of following through with commitments. To help them survive the pandemic, we took much of the accountability they once had off their plates well-intentioned, but in doing so, we took away some of their agency. They no longer solved their own problems and navigated their commitments with adult intervention. They lost the opportunity to develop their sense of agency because we were so focused on surviving daily. We forgot to help students see the bigger picture.<br /><br />Regardless, seniors are going off into the world. No matter the path, we must prepare them to navigate life beyond high school. They will be confronted with the great picture of their lives in just three weeks - ready or not. <br /><br />So how do we use our time wisely to prepare our exiting seniors for the next exciting chapter? How do we revise and improve our practices for students taking the seats of those who just matriculated?<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br />Accountability has to fall on their shoulders.</b><br /><br />I remember during the pandemic pleading with "strong students" to turn in their work. The assignment due date no longer mattered; I would grade every assignment that came my way because I wanted to connect with my students. I wanted to give feedback and help them grow, which often meant accepting late work. Social-emotional struggles were real and impacted us all while we were remote. Today, we are no longer remote. Obstacles still exist, but we cannot let past experiences be an excuse. <br /><br />We need to set hard deadlines and high expectations. Students will rise to the challenge we give them, and when they do not, we must stand firm in allowing natural consequences to impact them. I am an empath who feels the emotions of others deeply. With this personality trait, I tend to extend grace naturally, but I have learned these past few weeks that I can still extend and give grace while standing firm with my expectations. Students won't grow if I justify or allow excuses to be reasons for allowing students to fall short of the bar<span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><br /><b>Along with maintaining our standards and expectations, we must stop owning their problems.</b><br /><br />I am guilty of internalizing others' problems. I am a mom who worries, and those instincts are triggered when I see my "big kids" struggling with time management, organization, and poor decisions. My worry does not help them grow. In conversations with students recently, I have been intentional with the pronouns I choose. Instead of using the inclusive "we," I have reframed my questions to be about the student and the choices the student is making. Some of my common questions recently have been:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How does this situation make you feel?</li><li>How do the consequences of your actions impact you moving forward?</li><li>How are you going to plan your schedule so that you can complete x, y, and z?</li><li>And my favorite: What do your choices communicate to others about you?</li></ul>Being able to look at a situation from an outside perspective is helpful. Asking students to identify their feelings and then objectively look at a situation often helps them take ownership. This practice also helps them recognize what their actions imply. Do they want to be the person their actions are saying they are? How do they reclaim their agency and move forward in both positive and negative situations?<div> <b><br />We need to continue to talk about career pathways and redefine lifelong learning.</b><br /><br />We are all always learning. Learning can be academic, but it is often more holistic than that. Through our experiences, we learn to build better relationships, gain job-related skills, and solve problems. All of us fail, and those failures are powerful lessons -- sometimes difficult ones. <br /><br />We have to teach our students that life will teach us all important lessons, and if we learn to listen, reflect, and question in those situations, we can and will continue to grow. The school of life never stops. As a 12th-grade teacher, I must infuse those executive-functioning skills into daily conversations with students. I want to provide my students with the ability to think critically and recognize how to use their agency to move forward and make positive changes in their lives when faced with challenges. They will learn those skills at some point. I plan to take a step back, allow them to fail in small ways, and then partner with them to move forward with stronger life skills that enable them to soar outside the high school walls.<br /><br /><br /><b>References</b><br /><br />Ferlazzo, L. (2019, October 19). Student agency is ownership. Education Week. <a href="https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-student-agency-is-ownership/2019/10">https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-student-agency-is-ownership/2019/10</a><br /><br />McKibben, S. (2022, November 1). Anindya Kundu on the difference between grit and agency (and why it matters). ASCD, 80(3). <a href="https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/anindya-kundu-on-the-difference-between-grit-and-agency-and-why-it-matters">https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/anindya-kundu-on-the-difference-between-grit-and-agency-and-why-it-matters<br /></a><br />Zakrezewski, V. (2014, March 20). What's wrong with grit? Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_wrong_with_grit">https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_wrong_with_grit</a><br /><br /> <div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-44838927976593890362023-04-17T08:43:00.008-05:002023-04-17T15:13:25.832-05:00From Exhaustion to Empowerment: A Call for Teacher Self-Care<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXBClkWixR8hROrUnT_s4bb6sNhoe1tLAcdoX6vpTaBXTmABEnaZ0NGk6NyKymYY4FrDsCawSoIfURd133fw2qTUzAYVHnOQiQf1olPIBK5IDmlVUBD47WHK8XFvmRFrc0eYweL00gKhWMaxWdrmaSz5lknPpbf-WKgiwkLwuEL9s95x0zz-8pKpY/s800/From%20Exhaustion%20to%20Empowerment%20A%20Call%20for%20Teacher%20Self-Care.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXBClkWixR8hROrUnT_s4bb6sNhoe1tLAcdoX6vpTaBXTmABEnaZ0NGk6NyKymYY4FrDsCawSoIfURd133fw2qTUzAYVHnOQiQf1olPIBK5IDmlVUBD47WHK8XFvmRFrc0eYweL00gKhWMaxWdrmaSz5lknPpbf-WKgiwkLwuEL9s95x0zz-8pKpY/w640-h160/From%20Exhaustion%20to%20Empowerment%20A%20Call%20for%20Teacher%20Self-Care.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher burnout is real. From chronic student absenteeism to a lack of understanding of deadlines, I am hearing an overwhelming number of teachers locally and from my personal learning network express experiencing hardships and struggles in the school setting that have snuffed out the joy of teaching and learning. Exasperated by the end-of-the-year fatigue, state testing, and the longing for summer weather, teachers are worn out.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5919aa71-7fff-24fd-89db-d369586dd384"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I get it. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We talk about student SEL, but we often forget about teacher SEL. As an instructional coach, I often focus on bringing energy and positivity to teachers. Positive connections can help fuel even the most challenging days, whether formally collaborating or informally chatting in the hall. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do we continue to identify ways to engage in self-care and restorative choices that improve our day-to-day experiences and help us be better teachers for our students as they transition from one grade to the next, or in my case, from high school to college? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, we must create a culture of trust and openness. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When a school is a safe place, our students are more successful. They are more engaged. As teachers, we must feel safe and allowed to be ourselves. When the professional environment is not open and supportive, teachers will stop taking risks, trying new strategies, and most importantly, they will stop collaborating and sharing great ideas. We need to trust that we can be authentic. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One way to create that culture of trust is for administrators to provide leadership opportunities to their teachers. Often, teachers feel like their voices do not matter, and even if they have input on decisions being made, their input is dismissed or undervalued. A disconnect happens, and the reasoning behind decisions is often left out, which creates mistrust. Transparency matters, and taking the time to explain the why can make difficult decisions clear. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrating success is crucial and can shift the culture. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, my focus has been finding ways to celebrate my colleagues. People need to be uplifted. During COVID and in this post-pandemic phase of life, strong teachers feel frustrated. "Normal" teaching practices and strategies are not working as they used to, and obstacles are seemingly popping up frequently. To combat the heaviness that many are still feeling, I believe in finding ways to celebrate the wins, honor leadership, and empower others to share their incredible ideas that often happen behind the closed doors of a classroom. </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, I have facilitated a sit-and-snack series that teachers throughout the building lead. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The skills they share highlight strategies related to blended and personalized learning that any teacher can use in their classrooms, often immediately. I have also had the joy of starting a podcast called the "</span><a href="https://teachinten.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teach in Ten</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" podcast with my friend and colleague, Cori Schwarzrock, which is focused on amplifying the stories of amazing teachers in our district. In both experiences, those teachers are uplifted and realize how valuable they are to our school community and our students. Teachers need to be empowered to share their strengths and recognize the value they bring to the school culture. The more plugged into their strengths, the more likely they will continue growing and engaging in the community. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM4yyU0O3V4-ndKGfrV2AXPZRH2YrmNlLVZHEKrmOpiy7xv5QKvLEE0IAYHeAJJGuNAl6rgs4A7TiPKzF9K2NJJoEPF7uYDA8Y8SUx75tT6RniB8TTkgmpAFXdI60IHciby7dIZUJjGgGNUjPjPOARs75QLYKxi_u4LZyBkngx1q-rTUs9X67iNwS/s1600/Yellow%20and%20Black%20Griddy%20Big%20Type%20Environment%20Individuals%20SDG%20Twitter%20Post%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM4yyU0O3V4-ndKGfrV2AXPZRH2YrmNlLVZHEKrmOpiy7xv5QKvLEE0IAYHeAJJGuNAl6rgs4A7TiPKzF9K2NJJoEPF7uYDA8Y8SUx75tT6RniB8TTkgmpAFXdI60IHciby7dIZUJjGgGNUjPjPOARs75QLYKxi_u4LZyBkngx1q-rTUs9X67iNwS/s320/Yellow%20and%20Black%20Griddy%20Big%20Type%20Environment%20Individuals%20SDG%20Twitter%20Post%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to reach out, offer support, and foster positive relationships.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will be eternally grateful for the colleagues who have helped me navigate my 20s, encouraged me to find work-life harmony in the early stages of parenthood, and are the reasons I survived the pandemic. They are my lifelines and extended family who have brought me so much joy even in challenging moments of the last decade. We must lean into those relationships and find the people who help us grow, who are safe spaces when we need to vent, and who celebrate our success. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We also need to remember to be those people for others. It's easy when we are feeling burnout to become isolated or to produce negative energy. When I am feeling low, I love to revisit the </span><a href="https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/marigolds/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Marigold analogy</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> - remembering that I need to find people who encourage me to grow, encourage me, and support me. Positive self-talk and conversations can help us to reframe our experiences and find the good in difficult circumstances. This positive outlook should not cross into toxic positivity. I genuinely believe saying, "This simply sucks," is acceptable. Acknowledge the difficulties, but do not become complacent in those hardships. Sometimes life is just hard, but our Marigolds - our PLN - can help us find the sun again. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beyond our experiences and immediate community, we also must seek resources and professional development beyond what we can create on our own. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am reading and learning all I can on teacher-SEL. I am fortunate to have a partner at home who is skilled in finding work-life harmony. My husband has also gotten into the </span><a href="http://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glennon Doyle podcast</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and other SEL-themed podcasts, which has given me a person with whom to dialogue about finding that balance, even in my busy seasons at school. However, teacher-SEL cannot fall on the teachers. This practice cannot be another trend that an administrator adds to the end of a slideshow at the beginning of the year. Practicing self-care is easy to say and add to an agenda item, but it needs to be authentic, and support must be given. Whether that involves attending conferences, joining professional learning networks, or engaging in other communities, we need to find something to engage in self-care genuinely. With decision fatigue, we also need help and support to find these outlets.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, we need to allow ourselves to reflect and understand that we are in the business of people. Our jobs are emotional and draining. We must find healthy ways to release the pressures of our days and fuel our decision-fatigued minds. We need to talk to our colleagues and loved ones, engage in self-care, and shut down our devices more often than we do. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher burnout is a significant issue that impacts both teachers and students. When we create a culture of trust, take care of our physical and mental health, and acknowledge the emotional intensiveness of our jobs, we can work towards reducing burnout and creating a more positive learning environment for all stakeholders. As educators, we must prioritize our well-being to continue to inspire and support our students to be productive and positive members of our communities at school and beyond. </span></p><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-66004947971624606062023-04-02T21:10:00.005-05:002023-04-03T05:25:26.103-05:00Welcome to Quarter Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdxGujhKU1X65gT0t7vDsob5eK_G_r77k4qMbnLuLBGijsOe8puDYZgao0T-3DmR3oy6X1Zm5OwVGy3GwImuCFAL3FMkyVUliAn-JMPRir2CL9skEGQBx5cJYSDD8vbU4tctc5OhAyvDLVmd5pTRfFAFL0tp8v1fMUmnmWSCe_LVQxbmq8_wfLMgh/s800/Welcome%20to.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdxGujhKU1X65gT0t7vDsob5eK_G_r77k4qMbnLuLBGijsOe8puDYZgao0T-3DmR3oy6X1Zm5OwVGy3GwImuCFAL3FMkyVUliAn-JMPRir2CL9skEGQBx5cJYSDD8vbU4tctc5OhAyvDLVmd5pTRfFAFL0tp8v1fMUmnmWSCe_LVQxbmq8_wfLMgh/w640-h160/Welcome%20to.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-6338ea58-7fff-f2f7-9d3b-1bb78acc47d5"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Six weeks. That's all that I have left with my seniors. Time is fleeting, and our final days together will be filled with final speeches, prom, and memories they will carry into their post-secondary pursuits. The word of the year has been full - full of activity, full of growth, and full of joy. While I still see students acclimating to the new normal in this endemic phase of COVID, our community seems relatively back to pre-COVID practices. The year feels normal - classrooms are noisy, and students are engaging in typical high school activities in and out of the classroom. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These students are still trying to find balance, executive functioning skills, and adhere to deadlines so lax in uncertain lockdowns and more restrictive times. </span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do we make the best use of our final few weeks together? What skills must they refine before crossing the football field during graduation? Most importantly, how do I empower them to be literate and effective communicators in any endeavor they pursue? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5WBOzDtiy25-8KFN_EzqwO05IOn-1J6TMF80vJTo2UK6wGr_bzFALshzj-OcZS1VKK4VpzqDywFl2C2pGysofeY-5IRR9fsbndeKCkO-fUYi_2dsf7ieclOCNrw0A-tELyjwSE0NisQ0Fw5L3S6esWFHMHWcknqtaw0Sgtd8pww4smugzLVKPwxJ/s4032/FozjZZmWAAEkJY5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5WBOzDtiy25-8KFN_EzqwO05IOn-1J6TMF80vJTo2UK6wGr_bzFALshzj-OcZS1VKK4VpzqDywFl2C2pGysofeY-5IRR9fsbndeKCkO-fUYi_2dsf7ieclOCNrw0A-tELyjwSE0NisQ0Fw5L3S6esWFHMHWcknqtaw0Sgtd8pww4smugzLVKPwxJ/s320/FozjZZmWAAEkJY5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fourth quarter is a sprint, so let's start running toward those final goals.</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This spring break, I took time to reexamine my learning targets and goals for the final two units of the semester. Using backward planning, I mapped out the time needed to complete their last two assessments and incorporated time to practice to reach mastery. Backward planning is so essential, especially as time is limited. While the day-to-day plan may shift and be revised, the overarching direction of the remainder of the course is needed. With a plan, we will maximize our time together. Plans also allow us to focus, evaluate, and shift approaches as necessary to help students reach the finish line with strength. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Still, there is always time to foster relationships and encourage students to value their connections with their peers, teachers, and school. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2c_shCiBmKfPcf2qK67LHA-CZd-6rMnSCAFZldtn3vmT0h9UeNnIPJEcO3ek__QTOabjG0vNhL2Lwuc91KGeCTxwbG2ICwxKBJH3Jf2CMvnEWG6LxxOERsrGZY9Xk15bzqGIcjPrmLGVP7Cw6HSiNpZJPTuuJJcRiBxZF6qkHC4tSnTxxQrxL1By0/s2048/FnG1NgLWIAA7i1Z.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2c_shCiBmKfPcf2qK67LHA-CZd-6rMnSCAFZldtn3vmT0h9UeNnIPJEcO3ek__QTOabjG0vNhL2Lwuc91KGeCTxwbG2ICwxKBJH3Jf2CMvnEWG6LxxOERsrGZY9Xk15bzqGIcjPrmLGVP7Cw6HSiNpZJPTuuJJcRiBxZF6qkHC4tSnTxxQrxL1By0/s320/FnG1NgLWIAA7i1Z.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building relationships is one of our most significant investments. While a silly bellringer sometimes feels off track, these moments to bond, collaborate, and share yield some of the most substantial results. When students feel connected to their teachers, peers, and the school environment, they are more successful academically and far more likely to retain what they have learned. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The adage that people won't remember what we said but will remember how we made them feel applies here. My students probably won't remember the exact terminology for Monroe's Motivated Sequence. Still, their connectedness to the course and our time together will give them the confidence to logically and effectively apply persuasive appeals. I hope they can use their voices clearly, concisely, and confidently. I also hope they will remember that most communication is listening and adapting to their audiences. Our relationships matter, and as teachers, we can model the power of relationships in our daily lives with our students. No matter what comes next for them, this interpersonal skill will open doors and make their lives richer every day. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The weather is somewhat unpredictable in the spring in the Chicagoland area, so wear layers -- and plan for the unexpected to occur both in and out of the classroom. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lesson I share with students on the first and last day of my class is that it's essential to live in the present but plan for the future. We should never wish away time. While we all could look ahead and say, "I can't wait until summer," or "Life will be so much better when ____ part of my life is done." Wishing away time, however, prevents us from appreciating every moment and every phase of life. My seniors often get overwhelmed by wishing away their senior year, but it is important to enjoy the present. Still, planning ahead, applying for scholarships, and taking advantage of opportunities such as internships, career shadowing, and extracurricular experiences can help students develop skills leading to further post-secondary possibilities. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, let's listen to those around us and appreciate the beauty of spring -- and each person. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQgU_sBqJ06ZI5gwZyopk7BXVkmkTIO4ZusPbhpvFUhsQMOZA2lMyAa4oVO_MkurDd_UkSFkyQq2BIWfmwGFZ5iQLPC6wSBoIoZfOQr2HMfI_ogb_pv7TV6JeRjcr1Yr7W1xtIBAYaij_yA8KPk5Mc71ZTgUimqM9dEcNXzq_UnWIpM-8t6v480Vz/s4032/FozjZaeXwAA0ium.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQgU_sBqJ06ZI5gwZyopk7BXVkmkTIO4ZusPbhpvFUhsQMOZA2lMyAa4oVO_MkurDd_UkSFkyQq2BIWfmwGFZ5iQLPC6wSBoIoZfOQr2HMfI_ogb_pv7TV6JeRjcr1Yr7W1xtIBAYaij_yA8KPk5Mc71ZTgUimqM9dEcNXzq_UnWIpM-8t6v480Vz/s320/FozjZaeXwAA0ium.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the rush of the final quarter, it is easy to keep moving without valuing the people and moments around us. We can all learn so much from each person we encounter. My students this semester are particularly goofy. They bring larger-than-life energy to the classroom every period. They are in an exciting phase of their lives as they make significant decisions about their futures and share their hopes for what is to come. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our stories are woven together, if even for a moment. May we see the best in each other and blend our current paths to leave a beautiful legacy behind us. The best way to empower others is to help them see the best in themselves, realize what they are capable of, and show how much their stories matter. The next chapter is an exciting one, but it's still unwritten. I hope my students take the skills they gained in high school to make that chapter joyful. </span></p><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNFf99clFudzC06zGwn-UjDzl9R9Brbx4rYsmG_l6xnLVe7nF7A05IaYCjq9nRfUKJsyvNpfLW0SL5M3a6mcilwohD3RMPbN7O9aeN4BKettkosa4jRePJtXpU3qQX3tLkkXBY7NoL2sxg64hrmRbjoIm7rxgyupWSfCMFIIlNwtCp4NFMYH_RLHM/s4032/FsRPnsnWAAAFj8y.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNFf99clFudzC06zGwn-UjDzl9R9Brbx4rYsmG_l6xnLVe7nF7A05IaYCjq9nRfUKJsyvNpfLW0SL5M3a6mcilwohD3RMPbN7O9aeN4BKettkosa4jRePJtXpU3qQX3tLkkXBY7NoL2sxg64hrmRbjoIm7rxgyupWSfCMFIIlNwtCp4NFMYH_RLHM/s320/FsRPnsnWAAAFj8y.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-62602378343557479092023-03-31T19:45:00.006-05:002023-03-31T19:50:28.259-05:00Guided-Growth: Developing Strong Connections for Success<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-16eae965-7fff-e702-6175-4f67505bc597"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8phH3eQOZ5-G7bmFyTV00_koSG1iA_Er_CxyVfUHW4uuMuztqXaldNZtLRiieL8gBfbHYi8iKYJCFsJ9q-RGMJ7cnbCEdGPPtiUW0izN9n_SViCVrta-MWUXjxmIbcwwI-cmsqil0izEZm2fsKOlRMUmUA4o4rQgKykIqiLdbfEhQG_m8W4elTRE/s800/Guided%20Growth%20Developing%20Strong%20Connections%20for%20Success.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8phH3eQOZ5-G7bmFyTV00_koSG1iA_Er_CxyVfUHW4uuMuztqXaldNZtLRiieL8gBfbHYi8iKYJCFsJ9q-RGMJ7cnbCEdGPPtiUW0izN9n_SViCVrta-MWUXjxmIbcwwI-cmsqil0izEZm2fsKOlRMUmUA4o4rQgKykIqiLdbfEhQG_m8W4elTRE/w640-h160/Guided%20Growth%20Developing%20Strong%20Connections%20for%20Success.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Sukow family was burning for learning this spring break. We completed the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LibraryLoversExpedition?src=hashtag_click">McHenry County Library Lovers Expeditions</a> by visiting 13 libraries across McHenry County and exploring the land of Lincoln. We road-tripped with the kids to Springfield, stopping at Illinois State along the way, and added three more libraries to our list. Watching the kids light up as they learned more about Lincoln and have the opportunity to sit on an old courthouse bench reminded me how joyful learning can be - especially when we learn together. Their curiosity and questioning sparked great conversations, and we are already planning our next adventure. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZHGXVdv-WgZrqhYXxXEKD-BA1lMeB470kSuWS_MZzU--Z74p64YosRI89_7yadldMWzR9Do-_wo8sfIp95_1SkziERnvDhbScluISuzfg47oIEfh4n3kOvJ2X_oPoXgQRB8YFETNkUe8fq6uieMjWyEeQkMoxZluTyVmVFvzYtof7TjxtcaSmYJT/s3024/IMG_7392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZHGXVdv-WgZrqhYXxXEKD-BA1lMeB470kSuWS_MZzU--Z74p64YosRI89_7yadldMWzR9Do-_wo8sfIp95_1SkziERnvDhbScluISuzfg47oIEfh4n3kOvJ2X_oPoXgQRB8YFETNkUe8fq6uieMjWyEeQkMoxZluTyVmVFvzYtof7TjxtcaSmYJT/s320/IMG_7392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watching them explore the world reminded me how powerful our shared learning experiences are. Learning can be fun, memorable, and impactful when collaborating and sharing ideas. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an instructional coach, I am blessed with the opportunity to explore and witness all different curricular activities in classrooms around the building. As Jordan enthusiastically asked questions about Lincoln’s dog Fido, I have seen teachers spark student curiosity for math and science. I have witnessed real-world connections in business classes and art classes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftHJz2a3yrP_hQ0eY-GKxpGPPwJSVEoalyqIG2hBA-WR8h8Y8d8eNaRyND7iX2Z8yLgsHxL_A53d1g1NSa80koFccXDjo9ysShLHq-6lOWmTd-gqe3JN0YvNkAub_iU2kyaOxHxJZcbBuSVXdxsl8uM4KeP42-ZwZooHGzr0jJgg0jucAaJttAMgm/s3024/IMG_7393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftHJz2a3yrP_hQ0eY-GKxpGPPwJSVEoalyqIG2hBA-WR8h8Y8d8eNaRyND7iX2Z8yLgsHxL_A53d1g1NSa80koFccXDjo9ysShLHq-6lOWmTd-gqe3JN0YvNkAub_iU2kyaOxHxJZcbBuSVXdxsl8uM4KeP42-ZwZooHGzr0jJgg0jucAaJttAMgm/s320/IMG_7393.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As teachers, we are all coaches, in a way, guiding our students toward academic success. To help foster this success, we must continually grow through inquiry and professional development. Just like a road trip, professional development involves a unique approach to learning and growth tailored to each individual (or Sukow family’s in our case) needs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what does effective instructional coaching look like? How do we all adopt the role of coachee and coach to improve our craft? And what are the benefits? </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At its core, instructional coaching is all about developing strong connections between coaches and their coachees. Through ongoing feedback and collaboration, instructional coaches work with colleagues to help them grow and develop their craft. This process of guided growth is based on the principles of trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to learning and improvement.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKofiuVZyI0hvnuDUpgGkaDrlOtdN6gnl7G4VRPgk_Ok_RWgZkmocU8kgpQ2KSJ103-lkjeFYIRQxWRGW0gLXTTIZkxeQaQekIGD3iWgxO6ke8NRpFl3ypK4XzrBgf_eqhGVwIIphdcVO-n6QxWczg9xlv-0y74492Pq8_Gl-mBov25z0QDV4twkG/s2048/FpmdeTRWAAE5kiZ.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKofiuVZyI0hvnuDUpgGkaDrlOtdN6gnl7G4VRPgk_Ok_RWgZkmocU8kgpQ2KSJ103-lkjeFYIRQxWRGW0gLXTTIZkxeQaQekIGD3iWgxO6ke8NRpFl3ypK4XzrBgf_eqhGVwIIphdcVO-n6QxWczg9xlv-0y74492Pq8_Gl-mBov25z0QDV4twkG/w400-h300/FpmdeTRWAAE5kiZ.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instructional coaching helps teachers and their students achieve success. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An instructional coach is personalized and can lead to unexpected and exciting detours. By providing individualized support, coaches can help teachers by sharing new instructional strategies, promoting the latest tech tool, or discussing the teacher's ideas. Recently, I have had many conversations about differentiating instruction. Many students still suffer from pandemic learning and gaps in executive functioning skills. Problem-solving together, we can generate ideas to generate lessons more effective and engaging. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKWq15JCNF3UbX-jzk7dF_mlLL6Yhk26A3Ez-2nxUqQu7UXt2klWrsSDEeTmzPSKH8-TY482raPP6jFcEUnUSdPDEZcmQiWqnraNcJ_qBdKBxEtrkWHaZXrDDYAyHtN1eswnfJ1nt26ORYclZOdXJvowPG9Nc4mFNkcSI3ncozgPyRne-dJpUr4Yy/s2016/FZmdv09X0AAgrxY.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKWq15JCNF3UbX-jzk7dF_mlLL6Yhk26A3Ez-2nxUqQu7UXt2klWrsSDEeTmzPSKH8-TY482raPP6jFcEUnUSdPDEZcmQiWqnraNcJ_qBdKBxEtrkWHaZXrDDYAyHtN1eswnfJ1nt26ORYclZOdXJvowPG9Nc4mFNkcSI3ncozgPyRne-dJpUr4Yy/s320/FZmdv09X0AAgrxY.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Coaching involves fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A collaborative approach to learning helps teachers build strong relationships with their colleagues and create a supportive learning community. Instructional coaching experiences can be informal or formal, depending on the needs of the teachers. Professional development driven by teachers' needs and building/district goals should be provided and amplify the voices of quality teachers. Frequent communication and the exchange of ideas help to make coaching more effective as well. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKi9PxHdLD5G6bOMH_XtMZGSTCQG-6qoUM2a5_qEMUh7gaqxqeXPj1rcY1MK7JKBhnSpfejAuvqYeMVGKP3g11StgO5TGX-G4lGYubfECiM6i1H871G6cFO1-FgGYBZcpgMUtRlqEhSwBXd43ySZwDtCSa9SO8I2BfOAuwcaXA6yir65kdK9Rdnz6/s3024/IMG_7346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKi9PxHdLD5G6bOMH_XtMZGSTCQG-6qoUM2a5_qEMUh7gaqxqeXPj1rcY1MK7JKBhnSpfejAuvqYeMVGKP3g11StgO5TGX-G4lGYubfECiM6i1H871G6cFO1-FgGYBZcpgMUtRlqEhSwBXd43ySZwDtCSa9SO8I2BfOAuwcaXA6yir65kdK9Rdnz6/s320/IMG_7346.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like taking children on a road trip, instructional coaching may come with numerous surprises and discoveries. Learning is a continuous process that involves commitment and curiosity. Strong relationships and mutual respect foster those relationships and the connections that lead to student success. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t wait for the next opportunity to grow with colleagues post-spring break. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-57509726034947422072023-03-25T16:46:00.003-05:002023-03-25T18:07:44.346-05:00Where SEL Meets Academic Learning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PXF6WPea_zM9B14pCnXTtUnfDN8-EKJkv_qKQx0YsfXi-mH96oKLyYgna8rtkhYL4OYZIUoygzcnxa_ZEZoJh3HxfzNsane-1riXhgvJ9I8uk2IbsLh4PVg5TKj7kjU_JYe8VudZ4y3uM_-OOl_Xlyq97qNgmX9QhZqeqM-7-aiBSQ7q3x_RMujQ/s800/There's%20No%20Place%20Like...%20The%20Journey%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PXF6WPea_zM9B14pCnXTtUnfDN8-EKJkv_qKQx0YsfXi-mH96oKLyYgna8rtkhYL4OYZIUoygzcnxa_ZEZoJh3HxfzNsane-1riXhgvJ9I8uk2IbsLh4PVg5TKj7kjU_JYe8VudZ4y3uM_-OOl_Xlyq97qNgmX9QhZqeqM-7-aiBSQ7q3x_RMujQ/w640-h160/There's%20No%20Place%20Like...%20The%20Journey%20(1).png" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Nothing says happy spring break like a blanket of snow covering the yard. Classic Chicago weather. Still, the snow is beautiful and peaceful looking. As the school year starts to wind down, I am reminded to appreciate the time we are given and the students who will soon be crossing the football field at graduation. Time is our most precious commodity, and it's fleeting like the snow that will soon be melted. What my students will remember from their high school years are the relationships they built along the way. We are collectively rebuilding from COVID and the impact of shifting learning environments. Helping students develop skills to build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and manage their emotions is essential to the educational experience and significantly impacts academic learning. <br /><br />Social-emotional learning (SEL) must be a regular part of our teaching practices as it helps improve academic achievement, prepare students for post-secondary endeavors, and increase student resilience. According to CASEL, SEL helps students acquire knowledge, develop healthy identities, achieve goals, and build relationships. The CASEL framework is an evidence-based guideline that helps students cultivate skills and thrive academically and personally.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr-oFXHRG8TTZOBX69ig4CcewYdVk6HMBLznxqnXjhuMKtAvMeOkcryW5dsrBehsc52E3gY9DiHhKRmK9BNYciWU_BH9_awEeBAiP6qm4pVg99se9eYY10x_TvghLlNACCupvr-e7zSQP3eg8saeTK1cbfsEP8gqdwRs4cOxzFRajjGwuqGjVZ71D/s529/casel-wheel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr-oFXHRG8TTZOBX69ig4CcewYdVk6HMBLznxqnXjhuMKtAvMeOkcryW5dsrBehsc52E3gY9DiHhKRmK9BNYciWU_BH9_awEeBAiP6qm4pVg99se9eYY10x_TvghLlNACCupvr-e7zSQP3eg8saeTK1cbfsEP8gqdwRs4cOxzFRajjGwuqGjVZ71D/s320/casel-wheel.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />On the last day before spring break, I tore up the lesson plan and had students complete an impromptu speaking challenge. They were broken into two groups and took turns going head-to-head against a peer as they created one-minute speeches with only two minutes of preparation time. Before they spoke, their teammates gave them ideas for their speeches. With laughter and peer encouragement, my students spoke confidently and had fun applying skills we have worked on all semester in a low-stakes, informal setting. This experience reminded me of the importance of building SEL skills in students. Skill acquisition does not occur overnight.<br /><br />Getting students to this point takes regular practice and cooperative learning practices, communication skills, and self-awareness. How do we create spaces where students feel safe and confident to showcase their learning? How do we infuse SEL into learning?<div><b><br />Set clear expectations and establish learning goals.</b><br /><br />The best way to support student learning is to clearly define the goals and the purpose of the learning activities in the classroom. I start every day with learning targets, and most recently, I have worked to make sure the language I use with students is student-friendly. These targets are not just goals taken from state standards but practical goals phrased to help students understand the why. When students see the why behind a learning activity, it becomes more relevant to the classroom and their lives beyond the classroom. <br /><br />For example, yesterday's goal was: I can write and deliver an impromptu speech, practicing my ability to deliver a clear message to an audience in a professional setting. Students will think on their feet in professional settings often, and having this skill will make those communicative situations more effective and easier to produce.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHd9iRKuhtaxxNwJ4IRUGru01_YQIv4vaRKEI1avX-G3zUxwdnBwo-shBJkaxH0lWnQL5aBAFg0p3EBks682sca_66ZQM1VUvsxexRkB07zuJXqDcBZyyvEieyK9UcHsrbp9vbuTxL9w4zPKyMdv2UBEJUOxFG2dpOD1mF_w4nPuV-vxH-t4tuBSQ/s1884/Week-12-Speech-3-20-3-24-Google-Slides%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1884" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHd9iRKuhtaxxNwJ4IRUGru01_YQIv4vaRKEI1avX-G3zUxwdnBwo-shBJkaxH0lWnQL5aBAFg0p3EBks682sca_66ZQM1VUvsxexRkB07zuJXqDcBZyyvEieyK9UcHsrbp9vbuTxL9w4zPKyMdv2UBEJUOxFG2dpOD1mF_w4nPuV-vxH-t4tuBSQ/w640-h198/Week-12-Speech-3-20-3-24-Google-Slides%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><b>Provide students with opportunities to collaborate. </b><br /><br />Collaboration is one of the most sought-after skills by employers. It is also a skill that we all use with family and friends. Our society relies on the ability to work together. Giving students opportunities to work with diverse groups of people reflects real-world experiences. Group projects and activities that require collaboration also teach students to develop empathy and an understanding of others. Collaboration can be informal and short, and this skill can be formalized over an extended period. Frequent and diverse collaboration opportunities can encourage students to be ready to participate in society in many situations and foster stronger relationships.<br /><br /><b>Encourage and model active listening and effective communication.</b><br /><br />Along with collaboration, SEL-infused learning helps students to develop listening skills. Often, students think they are good listeners because most can hear. Hearing and listening are vastly different skills. We all have internal barriers to listening in various settings, whether from subconscious biases or minor distractions like phone notifications or the desire to speak. In my speech class, I model listening and provide formal opportunities to practice, which involve putting down the electronics and communicating with others. These small practices at the beginning of class or even in the middle of a lesson give students sentence starters to have authentic conversations and apply these skills in and out of the classroom.<br /><br /><b>Create a positive classroom culture and foster a sense of community.</b><br /><br />Frequent collaboration and the use of active listening both lead to a positive learning environment. Students know that they will be seen and heard in the classroom. What I love about teaching speech is that students have practiced building and maintaining positive relationships. They engage in self-disclosure and see the value in others - even those who may not be friends with them outside of the classroom. I love watching the teams of students cheer each other on and help the speakers generate ideas. The classroom is a safe space. Even though not everyone could produce a perfect impromptu speech, every student participated without hesitation. They knew they were safe to make mistakes, embrace failure, and learn from the experience. I hope they take these skills and use them to make every environment they find themselves in more positive places to be.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOJuwFY1itBbtNvhUaBa5OAH_86fjk6QTHiTc5n7TPb3nkuxdjKpDEcmgRAAXgOSHuze3e8PWhMv4ve-pnBHYUCqUmQjyg_Z1HAaag2Lxv5LB_nTd9D9tN0FdDdNBehE7cCDsRsUas6bI_p43A38qmpZUvXy-QcAbOTV3nRMoz3IqI_RTL6sNwKjR/s4032/IMG_5961.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOJuwFY1itBbtNvhUaBa5OAH_86fjk6QTHiTc5n7TPb3nkuxdjKpDEcmgRAAXgOSHuze3e8PWhMv4ve-pnBHYUCqUmQjyg_Z1HAaag2Lxv5LB_nTd9D9tN0FdDdNBehE7cCDsRsUas6bI_p43A38qmpZUvXy-QcAbOTV3nRMoz3IqI_RTL6sNwKjR/s320/IMG_5961.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><b>Offer students opportunities to reflect on their learning and emotions.</b><br /><br />A good classroom environment not only promotes collaboration and community; it also encourages self-reflection. Students should be asked to monitor their learning and growth. This skill needs to be intentionally developed. Whether at the end of a unit, after a summative, or at the end of a grading period, purposeful reflection can help students identify their strengths and areas for growth. I use an <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDwIa68mgTsO5n1Rz71XSnhb-7mhG_mtxBLD2QVUo3-kcE-Q/viewform?usp=sharing">SEL survey</a> with students regularly to encourage them to evaluate their student skills, share their strengths with me, and also give me feedback on how I can best support them. This dialogue fosters trust and strong relationships. It also encourages students to take ownership of their learning.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsfxn7x6Cm3pivgqJ7SsoOX0OAld-i8PVLC70HorRE3zmYPX3jgLX52hZehX8Xz9PkDBEH0RheHzjxFmSv8U6wbdg7XsmoLxMUBEi9Wg9tf0oQGfpO-8GYduu5t5QM1-mXXoAb4maj1U2XBxPVthjEPccN5rY1TyCVSRWUOIGBzB0vFLibSXPs-TI/s1152/98dac28c-9ad7-4029-a9b9-17170b4b1040.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsfxn7x6Cm3pivgqJ7SsoOX0OAld-i8PVLC70HorRE3zmYPX3jgLX52hZehX8Xz9PkDBEH0RheHzjxFmSv8U6wbdg7XsmoLxMUBEi9Wg9tf0oQGfpO-8GYduu5t5QM1-mXXoAb4maj1U2XBxPVthjEPccN5rY1TyCVSRWUOIGBzB0vFLibSXPs-TI/w432-h640/98dac28c-9ad7-4029-a9b9-17170b4b1040.png" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br />We have the opportunity to create positive and supportive learning environments for students, but they must be intentionally integrated. SEL is not simply asking students how they are feeling or saying hello at the beginning of class, although those are places to start. Like the beautiful snow covering the ground this spring break, SEL strategies should be infused into all we do. As we continue to navigate the challenges of the post-COVID world, SEL will become increasingly important for supporting students' mental health and well-being. Let's prioritize SEL in our classrooms and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in all aspects of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Works Cited</div><br />CASEL. “Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).” <i>CASEL: Advancing Social and Emotional Learning, CASE</i>:, 2023, https://casel.org/. Accessed 25 March 2023.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-74493654618491680702023-03-18T07:55:00.006-05:002023-03-18T10:35:50.980-05:00There's No Place Like... The Journey<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPWmym9IwSdOs3JBs8rm2c65GzUw7eDT-swtOi4rxxWbDQZEBj0kvAyc0Pr3t08jfykOF-nrngEi3-Gm7HmZxQcawDRWu3Hs8wJsJ3DIktf9UBryyKkP-foxPCmhS55jlA_327SV2ScDH5sXNV1f1DmgjkgH65tTkU6GM9FlnTnbggDxlZqqgNq1P/s800/There's%20No%20Place%20Like...%20The%20Journey.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPWmym9IwSdOs3JBs8rm2c65GzUw7eDT-swtOi4rxxWbDQZEBj0kvAyc0Pr3t08jfykOF-nrngEi3-Gm7HmZxQcawDRWu3Hs8wJsJ3DIktf9UBryyKkP-foxPCmhS55jlA_327SV2ScDH5sXNV1f1DmgjkgH65tTkU6GM9FlnTnbggDxlZqqgNq1P/w640-h160/There's%20No%20Place%20Like...%20The%20Journey.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Newton's first law of motion state that an object in motion stays in motion. I argue that that should be the law of efficiency instead of motion. Keep moving until the task is done. As we near spring break, efficiency and focus start to wane. My students are holding on as we travel down that golden brick road toward the magical place known as spring break. In my early years of teaching, I often saw the world in black and white. We were on target to accomplish all the goals I so meticulously crafted at the beginning of the school year, or we were wasting time, and an impending twister would swoop us and take us completely off course. We'd never reach our destination if we strayed off the path for a moment, right? *Cue dramatic special effects.*<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0OBtAMhqx0fAH2ca4ATiQUC16mvrmCacnWvM5QoEG4ES6a4PYXXXQfI4epmuf9jvqX5HraUM7EUR7sGPm1XEBVbB1e5s8EH1L7E1BgeRoeu-V1gsSb4lKOzUrQJjUTAuH2XnwMxa9X3Z2KO4U0Awpxn7R1TPfZUYBWZlVCc6MRr3zI6L6DT3fB27/s462/giphy%20(10).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="462" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0OBtAMhqx0fAH2ca4ATiQUC16mvrmCacnWvM5QoEG4ES6a4PYXXXQfI4epmuf9jvqX5HraUM7EUR7sGPm1XEBVbB1e5s8EH1L7E1BgeRoeu-V1gsSb4lKOzUrQJjUTAuH2XnwMxa9X3Z2KO4U0Awpxn7R1TPfZUYBWZlVCc6MRr3zI6L6DT3fB27/s320/giphy%20(10).gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br />While a decade or so of experience and three children later has taught me that efficiency and effective teaching is so nuanced. An array of strategies and approaches must be taken to see the full-color spectrum and the magic of learning. Moments of being sidetracked to discover a new idea or take a different path lead to incredible results far greater than checking an item off the list. Learning is about the journey - not the destination. Just as Dorothy discovers in The Wizard of Oz, what we learn along the way and who we learn it with has a far greater impact than reaching a mythical emerald city (or perfectly achieving goals). What we as educators can help our students realize is that they have the power within themselves to achieve greatness, but they have to believe it, too. <br /><br />Creating an effective student learning experience is like the characters Dorothy meets in Frank Baum's classic story. Truly gaining knowledge takes brains, heart, courage, and a touch of shenanigans along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCiJyBfGMwGMl7hQiSKhEuiPQJcz6u2bPTILwdIR2nkeUSZpKBayFKZrabYm7WiYenq1tXDMTlTA4R998ssSNWKy-UYj8iQJeQo4e7GUNpFl6uBdu0q9NrKoJ_JEmlVWdvBF8pljNHrXD9T9cflqoWL-qECG-nC37UVIlE8I8EEwIOy5Bp3MwgpoD/s1166/s-l1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1166" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCiJyBfGMwGMl7hQiSKhEuiPQJcz6u2bPTILwdIR2nkeUSZpKBayFKZrabYm7WiYenq1tXDMTlTA4R998ssSNWKy-UYj8iQJeQo4e7GUNpFl6uBdu0q9NrKoJ_JEmlVWdvBF8pljNHrXD9T9cflqoWL-qECG-nC37UVIlE8I8EEwIOy5Bp3MwgpoD/s320/s-l1600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-0937f81a-7fff-6abe-8466-44059c7e7e55"><br /><b>First and foremost, cultivating the best learning experiences for students takes brains.</b><br /><br />Okay, I am the first to self-deprecate and poke fun at myself for needing to have the "perfect" lesson plans three months ahead of schedule. I am a person who needs a plan. Sidenote: Yes, I'm even the person who schedules "fun" with my family, but seriously… anyone who knows Team Sukow knows we are constantly laughing. Scheduled fun is more exciting than it sounds!<br /><br />Like the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, we would only know which direction to go with careful thought into the overall curriculum. Having an intended path helps guide the experience. A clear path gives us something to strive for and work toward and helps students recognize the bigger picture. Learning targets feel tedious to craft but are essential in planning a course's day-to-day and overall scope and sequence. The best-laid plans, however, include contingencies, options, and flexibility. The Scarecrow constantly loses his stuffing, but he's ready to put himself back together at any time.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HQiqGjutlx_SmIde_dUUIXgyXRcBomSj2jl5u2RbcfWo5Tde7SXb2Bgpkqhf7kr28vQGLETi--w800lJEAT5tr5DteEik2fnE34M79BtkYE_yvd8YvvmWT6QuVF9NsMCX0le4F8NSCWyhSZk1HauIOM0v8CG235FKQi64MQMGm7nwOTZUUlMbxLz/s539/1f083e05e97305c9b167069f23ea2507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HQiqGjutlx_SmIde_dUUIXgyXRcBomSj2jl5u2RbcfWo5Tde7SXb2Bgpkqhf7kr28vQGLETi--w800lJEAT5tr5DteEik2fnE34M79BtkYE_yvd8YvvmWT6QuVF9NsMCX0le4F8NSCWyhSZk1HauIOM0v8CG235FKQi64MQMGm7nwOTZUUlMbxLz/s320/1f083e05e97305c9b167069f23ea2507.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /><b>As we create the overall framework and direction of a lesson, we need to remember that relationships come first.<br /></b><br />When Dorothy and the Scarecrow walk along, they immediately bond and learn to rely on each other as they encounter surprises on the yellow brick road. When meeting the Tin Man, our protagonists immediately act to help their new friend. They demonstrate heart and show there is always time to build relationships, even when an end goal is set. When the Tin Man first is reanimated, however, he is rusty and has a harsh perspective of the world in which he has been frozen. <br /><br />As teachers, we all have our moments of frustration. So do our students. SEL is such a critical part of the learning process. From learning executive functioning skills (or learning to walk again as the Tin Man literally) to being vulnerable and sharing our life experiences as we learn, our emotions are the invests that help our students to be not only ready to learn but also ready to venture out of the academic forest into the emerald beyond known as the real world.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd6mguRxsGgI_IYmpQivQ_ME9KCiDxmC2qmratycaIC6tmzVUs4FdrkVGM_66Q97MHzPrxQlx5ZYkgx1wgzyJE0J9olEt3GZ0wlow2JjXuGs1AXqSH1ycSuu3IPLL38GrXa6dth7CbIltn68Z6hi012lJThpyxQWWUrNkGIyj28er_Kpxnn-jqUto/s667/799437762-baa22924a44bacbc302fabecff82d2f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd6mguRxsGgI_IYmpQivQ_ME9KCiDxmC2qmratycaIC6tmzVUs4FdrkVGM_66Q97MHzPrxQlx5ZYkgx1wgzyJE0J9olEt3GZ0wlow2JjXuGs1AXqSH1ycSuu3IPLL38GrXa6dth7CbIltn68Z6hi012lJThpyxQWWUrNkGIyj28er_Kpxnn-jqUto/s320/799437762-baa22924a44bacbc302fabecff82d2f7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><b>Preparing students for the real world also takes great courage, as our world and what our students will face constantly evolves. <br /></b><br />Change is the only constant in life. In a world with ever-evolving technology still reeling from post-pandemic effects, we must bravely face the obstacles we are still dodging as educators. Students still have gaps in skills or are out of practice from specific expectations they once had. Families moved, faced hardships, and countless political and social issues came to light that may have been overlooked before. The weight of our world is still heavy, but we can face our challenges. We can accomplish much despite our fears, just as the Lion realized.<br /><br />The courage to have difficult conversations does not occur in a vacuum, though. The Lion had friends who helped him reflect and see the bigger picture. They journeyed with him on his quest. Again, learning is not black and white. Academic skills are more than memorizing facts or checking off an SEL goal. These skills work together to get to the end of the journey.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdc7nbOayiX6qKVa1NYDipTcopQQbPIuHdBBUh_7aWT5lRrRxCqSjucKlhN2DHb3ZPji0tjRg0mFLu2XtqjTkFwapdeEzEWincuD7VWeikb0KyxQANrwtewPvUHlRUEhTre4NYUwgeVgZ-E5upChOgVVSLC1cKufyueG1RWw3gcObTC0QGY6-89FiK/s3500/thewizardofoz1939.852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="3500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdc7nbOayiX6qKVa1NYDipTcopQQbPIuHdBBUh_7aWT5lRrRxCqSjucKlhN2DHb3ZPji0tjRg0mFLu2XtqjTkFwapdeEzEWincuD7VWeikb0KyxQANrwtewPvUHlRUEhTre4NYUwgeVgZ-E5upChOgVVSLC1cKufyueG1RWw3gcObTC0QGY6-89FiK/s320/thewizardofoz1939.852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Just as for Dorothy, who was able to defeat the Wicked Witch and leave Oz, we too can reach our goals with students, but it is essential to remember that it's not about getting to the end of the story. Authentic learning is about bravely taking those bends in the road, finding joy in both the joyful and challenging times, and working together to create the best learning environment - a home away from home. <p></p></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-33042943661902218642023-03-11T14:06:00.012-06:002023-03-31T16:19:02.196-05:00 Let the Wild Rumpus Start: Lessons from a Wild School Year and a Little Boy Named Jordan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa_UPRQQGCBamUdHIzip5mkgrkUhJeoEO5I5swcjXp9beFE_vpNXVx9fz80ywOiMIhdr0llrevC5hd4FuQWNgtE7Z0XNkUXs7Jt75RLh0Vu4VohNkwbHuaagiwC8WE4zSo6hRVSjUyclTUH_vzFPl-tSBKVK8y_xHgrf_eHCJIPxAhe6R-CsGV6Bj/s800/Let%20the%20Wild%20Rumpus%20Start%20Lessons%20from%20a%20Wild%20School%20Year%20and%20a%20Little%20Boy%20Named%20Jordan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa_UPRQQGCBamUdHIzip5mkgrkUhJeoEO5I5swcjXp9beFE_vpNXVx9fz80ywOiMIhdr0llrevC5hd4FuQWNgtE7Z0XNkUXs7Jt75RLh0Vu4VohNkwbHuaagiwC8WE4zSo6hRVSjUyclTUH_vzFPl-tSBKVK8y_xHgrf_eHCJIPxAhe6R-CsGV6Bj/w640-h160/Let%20the%20Wild%20Rumpus%20Start%20Lessons%20from%20a%20Wild%20School%20Year%20and%20a%20Little%20Boy%20Named%20Jordan.png" width="640" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br />A teacher's life is measured in bells, grading periods, and seasons. As a speech coach, my professional life is defined by my in-season and not in-season paces. My 204-day season ended. Cue the feeling of lightness and the creative energy flowing back into typing fingers. I've recently entered my first "free" weeks of the 2022-2023 school year. Speech team starts the first full week of August and ends the third Sunday of February. No longer having to rush between picking up my three littles from the bus while coaching 30ish of the best wild things around, I took a deep breath and felt a new sense of calm before being jolted back into the roaring world of Cystic Fibrosis. <br /><br />Jordan started feeling fatigued and had no appetite at the end of February. These past two weeks have kicked me into high alert. CF impacts all organs and can impair the digestive system. Without pancreatic enzyme supplements - Creon - Jordan cannot absorb his food and, more importantly, does not have the fuel to function properly. My heart has been heavy worrying about his health and watching for signs that the bowel obstruction needs more intense medical intervention. As a teacher and instructional coach, I navigate rocky waters with joy and a more focused approach. I could be called home at any moment, so I am compelled to have all of my organizational systems in place in case I need to be absent.<br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 278px; overflow: hidden; width: 263px;"><img height="352.5240963855422" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nmEEadZL7mpH0ZMptqQ_tVLu1D9spwiN28b6JXUjsM_AifrJoO7OWHc9yz1pMnA8RLTEs46JAN2eZsaaROSh67Z4oZoVl3t0CDrgQXFJgQh2gAH9yTcMovFwG_gncVbIZ0jTDUZtbuymNSyjk4KS0mQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -74.5241px;" width="263" /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Parenting a child with health concerns has helped me to pause and reflect on how I can better empathize with my students and colleagues, especially as we approach spring break. Transitioning out of the winter months into spring is a difficult time for all. From season shifting and staffing changes to restless students - we are all navigating and fighting our own battles. I realize that whatever beasts we face, we have the power to guide the narrative. No matter how dark the jungle gets, we can find the positives and shine a light on the lessons our students and colleagues must face. Inspired by my precocious son, who is braver than anyone I've ever met, I reread Maurice Sendak’s <i>Where The Wild Things Are</i>. We all have a little curiosity in us, and our perspectives can sometimes make our challenges feel insurmountable. But again, we can shift the story to gain powerful insights. <br /><br /><b>When change happens, we should approach it with curiosity. </b><br /><br />Just like Max in the book, curiosity can lead to adventure. So often, when changes occur in the school system or even in the curriculum, we become consumed by negativity or resistance, but changes can bring new insights and perspectives. They can shift the landscape of what we learn or how we might learn it. Working with high school students, I have noticed more senioritis as we approached a challenging, research-based unit. The skills they learn in this unit involve:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Critically analyzing sources.</li><li>Finding and applying information.</li><li>Engaging audiences - all skills that will help them pursue higher education and be more active citizens in the world.</li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instead of dismissing their complaints about "how much work they had" for this particular unit, I worked with them to shift their outlook. Getting excited or asking them to seek out topics that sparked their curiosity made an arduous task more approachable and ultimately left them saying, "Huh, that was <i>actually</i> fun."<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="206" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/jlhu83tPPNSJWHing43nmptBzIkNt-aunMRIKd6mYRe4UayRY9iF-b1lY4AG8bSikqvTzCYtIpRNncivjOdkNM_9Nze6vwNtq-GvrJAw0Kngax6RvQhkxn0VjHcAO0tt2B4JRGSBH4dnmvFhWkS-JcA" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space: pre;" width="310" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>In addition to sparking curiosity about change, we need to create spaces where people want to belong.</b><br /><br />Even in the most ideal places, morale is still low. Navigating a post-COVID world has brought shifts in student behavior, new social-emotional needs of both students and staff, and gaps in knowledge/executive functioning skills. To produce the best environments for kids, we need to ensure staff feels supported and safe to fail. Teachers must feel appreciated and seen, especially as we redefine "normal." Even though there are fewer mitigation procedures to deal with and COVID is not impacting us daily, the effects of pandemic learning and the fatigue that was brought on because of it will be felt for years to come. When teachers feel valued and are given space to cope with their challenges - whatever they may be - they can create the best learning experiences and opportunities for students.<br /><br />I have cultivated a supportive work culture by creating targeted professional development. This professional development revolves around topics that work in any classroom. More importantly, it is led by outstanding teachers across the building. Giving teachers a voice, celebrating their excellence, and helping them believe in their excellent work has helped spark conversation and encourage people to get involved. My fantastic colleague Cori and I have also started a podcast to amplify the voices of great teachers across our district. These small acts of lifting teacher-leaders boost morale, celebrate excellence, and unite teachers on the most critical cause in education - elevating our students. <br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 240px; overflow: hidden; width: 210px;"><img height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/joeHcKQKTSmtl7w4JpDd6kSRcu0hS_zT_uwdThsBXkaCpqkowzwr5qfVS4cXebaiAhvSIko-so7yDlOctxTKrJC8vQIHdcPQkwxtXF5zIUfRlm5QP_y6cnSaWek8H2mJz-9ADdvrXkSAGNTbt8F8NX4" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="210" /></span></span></p><br /><b><br />We can let the wild rumpus start when we feel safe and have a strong sense of belonging. </b><br /><br />No matter what comes our way - whether it be a global pandemic, a shift in learning management systems, ransomware, or challenging students - we can embrace change when we feel like we belong. Teachers need to be supported, they need to be recognized, and they need to be allowed to be authentic. Everyone comes to the table with unique strengths, talents, and passions. When school leaders can see the best quality in each person and use those qualities to create a dynamic team, we all benefit. Education is a journey and not a destination. Even if imminent threats are not filling our newsfeeds or causing us to quarantine, the challenges will still arise. The path may become overgrown and dark at times - even when we least expect it- but our teachers can navigate any adventure when we have support. <br /><br />These systems involve morale committees, frequent and clear communication, and transparency. They involve weekly emails to bullet point and highlight key changes or needs and necessitate an open-door policy. As a coach, it means that when someone says, "Do you have a second..." I am available and ready to support them. If I cannot at that moment, I set a specific time and make myself available if something is absolutely needed. It also means that I anticipate the bumps and turns in the narrative before they occur so that teachers feel safe, valued, and ready to be their best selves for their students. I know I must be ready to take action and lead in any wild condition. <br /><br />I need to find time to be still and reflect. My son is early to rise and loves being silly in the morning. Holding a wiggly Jordan whose body is trying to regulate itself has forced me to laugh. Sometimes, life just stinks (literally). More challenges are inevitable. I wonder if it will involve students, staff, computers crashing, or bowel obstructions that force us to journey to Lutheran General. Whatever the challenge is, I will find a way to let my imagination run wild, have hope, and roll with whatever adventure comes next. <br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 230px; overflow: hidden; width: 230px;"><img height="230" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zr_KscevhzOL8Ymz0bwFf84YifLOxxpAmfJx6aLvhafl71p5-MT634gGcXUeh97mBJk1FyI2Oyco-WTV7nMsoecgaa5_UIirZ38IQz54iA09wfazBHJNurC4yRxlCf0IeJhmaTIovFxDYwx_Ax0wkVI" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="230" /></span></span></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-22847127403592345572023-02-10T06:29:00.002-06:002023-03-25T19:04:06.691-05:00Game On: Leveling Up The LMS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9nwMHzoDoQbr4cq_F28o0PuqDOdPMlOCXdGOYEe5bCLaKuhq4RUQ0BAyXuOz0hUC4S_ruxVv7lzwCKU-yl3Ly5SHOs4MRzqjfUJT2EvqM06tgFt8wMQC0PHloy0WgkfvFhIq42GkanIjqTo5QH-X3TqW-RnDkKPGkhEcu-fJsZXcJ2MotNrGeyro/s800/District%2026.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9nwMHzoDoQbr4cq_F28o0PuqDOdPMlOCXdGOYEe5bCLaKuhq4RUQ0BAyXuOz0hUC4S_ruxVv7lzwCKU-yl3Ly5SHOs4MRzqjfUJT2EvqM06tgFt8wMQC0PHloy0WgkfvFhIq42GkanIjqTo5QH-X3TqW-RnDkKPGkhEcu-fJsZXcJ2MotNrGeyro/w640-h160/District%2026.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">My children have been playing old-school N64 recently. Our upstairs office has a small TV my son uses to play video games while doing his CF lung treatments. The only purpose of this TV (which also has an attached VHS player) is to play Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, or the occasional multiplayer round of Golden Eye. He looks forward to his treatments and tries to recruit the whole family to join in on the "fun" of treatment time. Playing games with my children brings great nostalgia and joy to what could be a dreaded and mundane task. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I've relearned these games' controller functions and tricks, I've also started thinking about their design. I have been impressed with the intuitive nature of these games and the storytelling embedded with levels. The linear nature of these games is in stark contrast to more modern video games, with open worlds and quests to complete before entering the boss level (not unlike Zelda: Ocarina of Time - truly, a game ahead of its time). What amazes me about the design of these now-classic video games is how well my children receive them. Their graphics are outdated, and perhaps some of the skills needed to succeed in these realms are less complex than today's games. Mario Kart isn't terribly difficult to play, but the variables infused into the races keep my children on their toes. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I shoot my red shells at Wario, I find myself thinking about how we might provide our students with more intuitive learning management systems that genuinely world-build our curriculum for our students in an engaging manner. When designing our courses for students, it is essential to consider how we might draw our students into our content through the design of our LMS. As we set out to world-build our course, what do we need to consider:</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our LMS pages should be intuitive. </strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What'd we do on Friday? </em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This common question plagues our Mondays. When students return to school, they often claim to forget the previous day, and when students are absent, they might as well be Nintendo cartridges needing to be blown on and restarted. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I use a weekly model in which students can find the date and access the agenda for the week. I break down the learning in my classroom into smaller chunks, which keeps students focused and allows them to look ahead (but not too far ahead that they feel overwhelmed). I began using this organization system during the pandemic and have stayed with it because it creates habits in students. The consistency is easy to follow and gives a rhythm to the course. All work for each week is due on Saturday at 11:59 PM (besides speeches and work that is presented in class). The consistent dates help students to plan ahead, self-pace to an extent, and understand what to access and when. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBj6Vtxv3MhC9Pe6UFrhnfafgMTr-KDTkKPqfYt26UXWA21RuAB1-B4jz1GciY7aAGYhzr5RAR94foDye0-qwNBu88tNs6Ze4D6LigGXZr8CKvPQEGOWYaarks2jWkMwFSr3Xf1qTxG_f1weSA8UR3XaITyiLb-OfxijeqnJT75NrVpfotd_wXhmX/s2255/EN606G-DC-SPEECH-SSUKOW-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2255" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBj6Vtxv3MhC9Pe6UFrhnfafgMTr-KDTkKPqfYt26UXWA21RuAB1-B4jz1GciY7aAGYhzr5RAR94foDye0-qwNBu88tNs6Ze4D6LigGXZr8CKvPQEGOWYaarks2jWkMwFSr3Xf1qTxG_f1weSA8UR3XaITyiLb-OfxijeqnJT75NrVpfotd_wXhmX/w400-h230/EN606G-DC-SPEECH-SSUKOW-23.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our LMSs should be aesthetically pleasing. </strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When I started with Canvas, I was certainly overwhelmed by the possibilities. I needed structure. I needed to create a pathway for my students that allowed them to progress from week to week. Then I realized that my students wanted to click. The act of clicking on a website leads them to learning experiences. If I wanted them to click on important information, it had to be easy to find and access. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I then fell in love with Canva. This platform made designing buttons and banners easy. Small touches to enhance my homepage, assignments, and resources have gone a long way to making my Canvas course lively and inviting. These buttons are an extension of my personality and teaching style, subtly communicating a message to my students and drawing them in even further. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkEEP-MnlzWmKsSF4SjqMudKPeSrX6gv5OgD1M_BnII8KZiELgWoM0PlO3VaHBTWDAgOCFegcJm3UPSmD0ODpf2OQQ-vUV8vVMDPfAJHdIisL2sdQl33bQdOHooCn0nOiX0msR-erkng1VQVsrP0WtN5p5t6GP5UDphEqHB8aCzf1STJRxJiJB5d8/s2255/Week-2-Homepage-EN606G-DC-SPEECH-SSUKOW-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2255" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkEEP-MnlzWmKsSF4SjqMudKPeSrX6gv5OgD1M_BnII8KZiELgWoM0PlO3VaHBTWDAgOCFegcJm3UPSmD0ODpf2OQQ-vUV8vVMDPfAJHdIisL2sdQl33bQdOHooCn0nOiX0msR-erkng1VQVsrP0WtN5p5t6GP5UDphEqHB8aCzf1STJRxJiJB5d8/w400-h230/Week-2-Homepage-EN606G-DC-SPEECH-SSUKOW-23.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We need to tell a story with our LMSs. </strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Whether our courses use technology a little or nearly every day, we must ensure that our course designs tell a story. What we craft should communicate clear messages about what is important, what needs to be done, and, most importantly, how students might continue to grow as learners. Our LMSs communicate what we are doing and where we are going and should also showcase what we value. Through careful design and using videos, audio, mindmaps, and other visuals, we can help our students access learning material. We can also challenge them to see the value and recognize how the information they are learning today can level up their experiences tomorrow. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">An LMS is an opportunity to draw our students into our world. These platforms can help students to navigate course content and also learn to tell their own stories. Through the careful design of an LMS, they can better understand who they are as students, what they know, and what they still need to learn. We must help them develop those metacognitive skills, and our course design can do just that. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnv_GW7NI0CPdY8wLXtZ8RU9Z6VKWoSKiPSSD1eBUgOPrj5N7-leuvpFgxgiprpQ-kEpmGiZBivikf8G0UOXm_mqX3PmDmwvfqz7IHN-O14LdZs6wNfK9nSkqj72K6nlAM-vQDCRZvx0UXj5-VDyXwBYXDia35w5pKi74jqG7LwHvTr3iJTjRgv3_/s2255/Summer-Camp-2022-Blended-and-Beyond%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2117" data-original-width="2255" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnv_GW7NI0CPdY8wLXtZ8RU9Z6VKWoSKiPSSD1eBUgOPrj5N7-leuvpFgxgiprpQ-kEpmGiZBivikf8G0UOXm_mqX3PmDmwvfqz7IHN-O14LdZs6wNfK9nSkqj72K6nlAM-vQDCRZvx0UXj5-VDyXwBYXDia35w5pKi74jqG7LwHvTr3iJTjRgv3_/w400-h375/Summer-Camp-2022-Blended-and-Beyond%20(1).png" width="400" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have loved watching my own children take on the world of N64. Watching them and observing my students interacting with screens and platforms, I realize that strong design motivates them to beat the computer-automated Bowser across train tracks and also take on the learning experience. Let's all level up so our students can see just how fun it is to cross the finish line of learning. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-10157630143837881692023-01-07T05:44:00.004-06:002023-08-25T06:54:43.922-05:00Station Creation: What to Consider When Planning A Station Rotation Lesson<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm8T-yb7hgxixUWoE4ReiuyvdMV7KLPp_XJZbH-P1YPasegyiO8Ppmh4ntwg82u6NAlE0sdoXxblgxUHv9zZy6JsrunOcrRSvKKXzxMsu49VgXCcf0zYIg7CYicGsVLLTP19PfNeWmYWAcO4hVjzd0ZxgbID4BjEFq5LYz1y8wKbh6eit-BCutDP6/s800/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm8T-yb7hgxixUWoE4ReiuyvdMV7KLPp_XJZbH-P1YPasegyiO8Ppmh4ntwg82u6NAlE0sdoXxblgxUHv9zZy6JsrunOcrRSvKKXzxMsu49VgXCcf0zYIg7CYicGsVLLTP19PfNeWmYWAcO4hVjzd0ZxgbID4BjEFq5LYz1y8wKbh6eit-BCutDP6/w640-h160/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">The jingle bells jangled, the snow came and melted, and just like that, the holidays are over. This year, the dates on which Christmas and New Year's fell caused many schools to have different breaks. Many of my friends and family members are teachers in multiple districts. Unfortunately, everyone has had a different break, which has made the coordinating celebrations a little more hectic than usual. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Once the calendar turns to January 1st, I am ready to pack up the Christmas decor and prepare for a new semester at school. Presents that lingered under the tree must find their place. Organizing gifts and ensuring every new household item has a place is a little stressful. I am innately a minimalist, but with three imaginative and artistic small children, I know I must make concessions and embrace the creative clutter. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In my classroom, I prefer a minimalist setting that allows for flexible movement and organized chaos. I enjoy the busyness of working with people and the learning process, which is why I started using station rotation lessons.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Beginning to plan for and implement station rotation in a classroom is overwhelming at the high school level. Station rotation is not linear and does not necessarily have a traditional pattern, which might look like: 1. Class bell-ringer, 2. Mini-lesson, 3. Practice/application and exit slip. The when/how of learning looks different and relies on students driving their instruction. How do we ensure students have the knowledge needed to practice and apply what they've learned? How do we measure mastery in a station-based lesson? These feelings are as overwhelming as getting started for the holidays and imagining what present to buy for whom. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For more info, see the amazing Catlin Tucker's <a href="https://catlintucker.com/2021/10/station-rotation-model/">post</a>. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Identify learning goals.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">First and foremost, start with the end in mind. I have a couple of <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cb-53kDH3OzRyTL_vWn6BWDMmH4hQGyJo6mM282sUcg/template/preview">templates</a> that I use when creating personalized learning paths that might help someone getting started in the process. Backward planning is essential when creating a station rotation. Having clear goals helps to drive the creation of the overall lesson. Once instructors know what students want to accomplish, the pacing and content can be explored and designed further. If the goal is to learn or acquire new knowledge, a lesson may look completely different than if the goal is to review or demonstrate mastery. Strong learning objectives can also unite the lesson and help each station connect to the overall goal. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccx4xK8VsOzUIeQIuUg4MHbluRhR6ggOlBYUlFGypn_6S4raxkUCHV-hTCCnHj2Y46frFwmb3OHeFFK5FqotdFYoQu5uSSGlQzl7Zx2rGKfgCEGZ-Gv7CV0CqoVgmVeOkjlIDhbazBQuaOScbzBJy9lgJCkjLsnNEh5wbHBpc4BdGdfM09RcrEY5z/s1044/Personalized-Learning-Planning-Document-Google-Docs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccx4xK8VsOzUIeQIuUg4MHbluRhR6ggOlBYUlFGypn_6S4raxkUCHV-hTCCnHj2Y46frFwmb3OHeFFK5FqotdFYoQu5uSSGlQzl7Zx2rGKfgCEGZ-Gv7CV0CqoVgmVeOkjlIDhbazBQuaOScbzBJy9lgJCkjLsnNEh5wbHBpc4BdGdfM09RcrEY5z/s320/Personalized-Learning-Planning-Document-Google-Docs.png" width="294" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Determine the size of the groups and the number of stations.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Classroom size and group dynamics significantly impact how one designs a station rotation lesson. I like using a chart or organizer to plan my stations, which also helps me keep the end goal in mind. Some elements to consider include:</span></p><ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Class size.</span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Space/resources available.</span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Time of the lesson (two to three periods).</span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The size of the groups that will most appropriately fit the activities and tasks being asked of my students.</span></li><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The strengths and dynamics of the group. </span></li></ul><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If the course is a blended course, space, and pace may be more flexible and should be considered in the design of the overall learning experience. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I typically have 24-28 high school students in a relatively small classroom, which often drives my instructional design. For me, I like to have students in groups of four to five, which makes groups of six to seven. With approximately six groups, I will allocate 10-15 minutes per station. This lesson will take at least two class periods with some buffer time to finalize learning artifacts, review, and debrief as a class. Once I establish the number of stations and the pacing of a station rotation, I try to keep those stations consistent in subsequent lessons to help establish classroom protocols, norms, and expectations. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another caveat to consider is who will pick the groups and how those groups will be selected. Are students grouped to diversify the groups, picked to work with peers they work well with, or based on their proficiency with a specific skillset? Group selection should be purposeful and align with the overall goals of the lesson. Based on specific stations or tasks, it might be helpful to have groups of students working together for a particular purpose. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Choose the activities for each station.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I always start with planning a teacher-led station for station rotation. I want to work with my students and want that small group time to discuss, assess, and reflect with my students. The activities should support the overarching goal of the lesson. When creating station rotation, my most significant reminder to colleagues is that a station rotation lesson is NOT starting from the ground up. Teachers should use what they already have and adapt to give students more small group time and focus on the learning tasks presented. If a teacher uses a Kahoot to review a skill, the Kahoot becomes a station. If a teacher had initially planned individual writing/reflecting time in a linear lesson, that becomes a station. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So what might those stations look like? I have too many thoughts to keep writing here. Stay tuned for the next entry. Overall, it's important to remember that this learning model is incredibly flexible and can look different in every classroom. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Stations are typically not linear, so considering the background knowledge and skills students need before beginning the station is essential. If they must know a skill or information to work through the stations, consider completing a mini-lesson with students before the stations begin. Also, consider creating a brief video recording to support student learning, review directions, or guide students as they move through the stations. Personalizing each station and using audio/video can make a teacher's guidance present even if the teacher is working with another group of students. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a new year, and while I believe it is always a great time to set a goal or resolution (not just January 1), it could be time to try a new strategy or even just reimagine what classroom learning might look like with stations! </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo8GTsr-b8OYwRfx_RNojmlLMCR4A59ImOuRPnItetdkUCTpKBYp0TuwACZ3Rcf_fWS3htbU24j4FWSvZpvResnLlCoc9nepfzzFD17_3MCKkaBRULXa62z-61pWNWUTQ7carHfh3FfPNwIK7GD4Qa79r7JS6SqvBTGcZIzldh0NjckHENoI3vRnT/s2048/FlZL4ZmWYAAPOrm.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1612" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAo8GTsr-b8OYwRfx_RNojmlLMCR4A59ImOuRPnItetdkUCTpKBYp0TuwACZ3Rcf_fWS3htbU24j4FWSvZpvResnLlCoc9nepfzzFD17_3MCKkaBRULXa62z-61pWNWUTQ7carHfh3FfPNwIK7GD4Qa79r7JS6SqvBTGcZIzldh0NjckHENoI3vRnT/w396-h503/FlZL4ZmWYAAPOrm.jpeg" width="396" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-59549780420380170692022-12-29T20:05:00.008-06:002022-12-31T07:34:55.474-06:00Getting Started with Station Rotation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMFmpf26jh9y-7zg9piOhzh__Q8BVxp7ywoUc88uIhPSs73MezrSS41-lXFDUm8MG9HuZ-iwOE7w0QMa3Ajt81XgOxiF5PCIU22ld5cM2_yKAI5f4JHtkbrkYrpVfBa54JYe02xeTVSMVkUNtxgqr9xo4TSaeQluOvdFO-o8y366NAJkkA6ZTJmbO/s800/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMFmpf26jh9y-7zg9piOhzh__Q8BVxp7ywoUc88uIhPSs73MezrSS41-lXFDUm8MG9HuZ-iwOE7w0QMa3Ajt81XgOxiF5PCIU22ld5cM2_yKAI5f4JHtkbrkYrpVfBa54JYe02xeTVSMVkUNtxgqr9xo4TSaeQluOvdFO-o8y366NAJkkA6ZTJmbO/w640-h160/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">As a high school speech teacher, I believe in the benefits of a noisy classroom. Not only do I struggle to sit still myself, but I think my students (Mostly seniors and larger than me) also have difficulty with prolonged periods of sitting at desks. When we moved online due to COVID-19, I tried to incorporate physical or mental movement to allow for brain breaks, increased concentration, and a release of extra energy for deeper learning. As we returned to in-person classrooms, I wanted to continue using these shorter bursts of learning that allow students to acquire knowledge, practice, and demonstrate mastery in various ways.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">To do this, I started sharing templates and ideas with colleagues who were also seeking ways to engage students in multiple modalities (online, in-person, whole group, individual, etc.). Through all of the changes related to COVID-19, I realized that I was creating stations for my students. These stations empower students to drive their learning, accommodate different learning styles, and allow me to spend more time with individual students.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">Through collaboration with other teachers in my school, I learned more about how stations can enhance classroom learning and how they can be adapted to fit the needs of the students, the lesson, the content, and the context of the learning situation. Stations are flexible and allow teachers to create unique experiences for students and adapt to meet the goals of a particular lesson.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">When I started using stations, I felt overwhelmed and thought they would take a lot of time to develop. However, after working through a few mini-station lessons with students, I realized that stations were often just a reimagination of activities and experiences I had already created in the past. I also realized that I needed to train and prepare my students for this learning experience. To help students stay on track and reflect on their learning, I use an accountability sheet (typically digital). This sheet encourages students to evaluate their learning and collect or create artifacts of their learning. These sheets can be used to study for a summative assessment or to support writing an essay later in the unit. The accountability sheets also allow me to assess the effectiveness of the learning experience.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">I plan to further explore in 2023:</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">1. Station creation, </span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">2. Keeping students accountable during stations, </span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">3. And turning stations into playlists.</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">So, why might teachers consider using station rotation in 2023? Station rotation allows for differentiated instruction because activities can be tailored to meet students' needs, abilities, and interests. It also allows for flexible pacing and the opportunity for students to revisit activities or experiences as needed. Stations may include student choice, which leads to even more differentiation.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">In addition, station rotation increases engagement because students have multiple activities to complete and a limited amount of time to do so. This can help keep them focused and interested in the various learning experiences they are completing. Station rotation also increases opportunities for collaboration because students are often placed in small groups and asked to work together on tasks. This helps foster teamwork and interpersonal skills.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;">Finally, station rotation is flexible for both teachers and students. Teachers can craft activities that meet the needs of their students and assess student learning in real time. Students may have flexibility over their pace and place of learning and the opportunity to revisit formative assessments or activities as needed. Station rotation can also be a fun and engaging way for students to learn, leading to increased motivation and retention of information. Overall, station rotation is a useful strategy for teachers looking to engage their students in various learning activities and experiences.</span></div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Want to learn more about station rotation? Check out this station rotation PD resource:</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="299" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQc_jrnmk3p1K7BMHfT7tXxStaY4MsbG3CvBI3unUcmKVR3XdVtFldNXgzIhumJh2Thiyfg6Gr5gEqr/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-86242812429927815042022-12-26T00:00:00.000-06:002022-12-26T08:52:58.479-06:00Becoming Canvas Certified<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4TfYreezKinznmunt_yQnwiEMTIN5W4nJx0OWQMuzLZpjhCT5Uyw8dLf0Z52HUKfvkyU2jEoYRtePPhQXbAlPb9ARqDoGoxoK1hshvlx2o0sQuBftN56lnOE2EeHnCp4ljoG-naOCJRyUsYnqBYuL6A7BPGXXqYM-W8Jtk2FI6DMzGGct3EsPSGc/s800/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4TfYreezKinznmunt_yQnwiEMTIN5W4nJx0OWQMuzLZpjhCT5Uyw8dLf0Z52HUKfvkyU2jEoYRtePPhQXbAlPb9ARqDoGoxoK1hshvlx2o0sQuBftN56lnOE2EeHnCp4ljoG-naOCJRyUsYnqBYuL6A7BPGXXqYM-W8Jtk2FI6DMzGGct3EsPSGc/w640-h160/Holiday%20Baking%20the%20%E2%80%9CJ%20Way%E2%80%9D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My district planned to slowly roll out our new learning management system before the pandemic. Six months later, when the pandemic forced us all to move to online learning, they decided to break the dam, let the waters loose, and dive right into the deep end of the Canvas pool. While the subsequent year was overwhelming and left many teachers feeling like they were barely keeping their heads above water, it was the right decision. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-482d23b8-7fff-b384-770a-aefc035adbdf"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the school’s instructional coach, I worked non-stop as I often supported extremely panicked teachers trying to get instruction to remote students during one of the most challenging years of our lives. Ultimately, this experience led to empowered teachers who know Canvas better than they ever could have imagined, progressed our district’s mission, and allowed students to have more access to education from anywhere and at any time. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To hone my skills even further, the instructional coaches in my district decided to take the Core 1: Foundational Frameworks Course in 2021. While I was familiar with Canvas, taking a course from the student perspective broadened my understanding of the user experience. One of us decided to continue and complete the six-course series to become a <a href="https://learn-cce.catalog.instructure.com/">Canvas Certified Educator</a>. I paused, overwhelmed with pandemic teaching, but returned to the experience after she finished and won a free course package. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a student and seeking new experiences can always help us grow. Would I recommend this certification for teacher-leaders using Canvas? Yes. Even if you’re familiar with Canvas, the experience can come with unexpected lessons. It took about five months to complete all of the courses, as I took one course at a time, but I found the workload manageable and appropriately paced. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuTm1GjhQO4zRwL7c_Tp1Guq0ra3v2wdB43qcKN8QnNePWgiq8imL17HMKdtZl_f35jK0VvW4CB168MpiAwtkZ_lhKvJ1auIs86TDPSxX3DBoAgEyRoz-xPGqTE-T1cQWmgXsGzJB4_yv1LYQE0KNG90Mq3FuO_8k7S2Ju2t1An93O9uW6aQHmpfi/s400/Canvas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuTm1GjhQO4zRwL7c_Tp1Guq0ra3v2wdB43qcKN8QnNePWgiq8imL17HMKdtZl_f35jK0VvW4CB168MpiAwtkZ_lhKvJ1auIs86TDPSxX3DBoAgEyRoz-xPGqTE-T1cQWmgXsGzJB4_yv1LYQE0KNG90Mq3FuO_8k7S2Ju2t1An93O9uW6aQHmpfi/w189-h189/Canvas.png" width="189" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A person taking these courses may gain valuable insight into our students’ experiences by being a student in the process.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Student view is a helpful feature in Canvas, but it can be limited. Being an actual student allowed me to practice submitting assignments, viewing feedback, and working through a module. I noticed what I liked and would have liked from a course, noted the design features, and observed how the timing of discussions/feedback impacted my learning. During the experience, I also noticed embedded features, including audio and video. I appreciated how these resources affected my learning and started adjusting my courses to improve the student experience. Being a student challenges us to reflect, and I truly appreciated this aspect of taking these courses. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exploring and navigating a Canvas course can help us to build more aesthetic and intuitively designed courses. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aesthetics impact how much time people spend on a page. The tl;dr of it all can turn students off from using resources. Also, students might shut down or become frustrated if something is hard to find or if there are too many ways to access an assignment. Creating a consistent look and flow to the course homepage, modules, and assignments improves accessibility. Using tools like Canva to beautify or enhance the aesthetics can make pages seem more professional and polished. The better the layout, the more engagement will occur. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjjMi1oWZp839ZdWm2iKuQ58Q7yFEtZ706dtP-u-HiKDfWhyg8oaIRvTfgb8Afu7mVnLBE-dUZAQmJiCbbYxlku-RZVMI9ESq903OhYKLLXQArhwf0kIFfHQrmzVV89YqB8TfOqz3fjhMmrWRnH4A9VWjoQIjZDT-pcLyaF76tzN_Z-lq4D9Uze6q/s2255/Summer-Camp-2022-Blended-and-Beyond.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2255" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjjMi1oWZp839ZdWm2iKuQ58Q7yFEtZ706dtP-u-HiKDfWhyg8oaIRvTfgb8Afu7mVnLBE-dUZAQmJiCbbYxlku-RZVMI9ESq903OhYKLLXQArhwf0kIFfHQrmzVV89YqB8TfOqz3fjhMmrWRnH4A9VWjoQIjZDT-pcLyaF76tzN_Z-lq4D9Uze6q/w414-h238/Summer-Camp-2022-Blended-and-Beyond.png" width="414" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking of engagement, using resources embedded in Canvas pages can spark new ideas about how we might create richer resources for our students. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love embedding a Padlet or a Google Slide into Canvas. Creating rich embedded resources that students can explore, reference, and read makes the learning experience more accessible. While taking these courses, I found new ways to share resources with students. Genially is a tool that I had not used before these courses. I appreciated how cleanly it was embedded in the page. I also learned how to create tabs in Canvas, which will take my course design to a new level. I am still working on this feature and exploring how I might use it to share my daily agenda slides, and this feature would only have been on my radar if I had taken these courses. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I learned a lot about Canvas from these courses, I was also able to explore instructional design theories beyond a single tech tool. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to learning more about the LMS, I gained perspective on various instructional strategies. Participating in a self-paced course may encourage Canvas-certified educators to explore blended learning strategies and instructional practices that may not have been used before. I had a choice and voice in what I learned and what I produced to demonstrate mastery. I was able to explore mastery pathways and work at my own pace, and I was able to connect with others asynchronously through Canvas discussions. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re looking to hone your Canvas skills and are in a teacher-leader position, this certification may be the right fit for you. While, at times, I felt a little isolated working at my own pace, I truly enjoyed the self-reflection process. I also appreciated the aesthetics and course design, which helped me create two Canvas courses for workshops that I led last summer. We can learn from every experience; if you’re seeking to become better acquainted with what might be with Canvas, check out the Canvas Certified Educator courses. </span></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLmMbjEiDVG1DUpi2vjx1C9dgrBGA9l0bN" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-38315403176166131212022-12-22T06:19:00.004-06:002022-12-22T06:20:34.719-06:00Amplifying and Celebrating Every Teacher's Voice <p> <span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"We rise by lifting others."</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-be7461f1-7fff-7917-cf0f-82bf42f458fd"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtahuHEANg_lUFq8IGdR5aO2QId2jZYcTHZSQg_SMYwZ49tEvqVf3r9BWuFI1niwZjdf3h3npP1QUyvKyWjGu6qFXfnKPVpLHDYa939dc627B86kBmBIu4qqQGIOA-duypXF_Wpq8v0pEueowXLml0myFi6SWVOIz0Bl93BQEE-JUYadyOEiq7FvCH/s225/images%20(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtahuHEANg_lUFq8IGdR5aO2QId2jZYcTHZSQg_SMYwZ49tEvqVf3r9BWuFI1niwZjdf3h3npP1QUyvKyWjGu6qFXfnKPVpLHDYa939dc627B86kBmBIu4qqQGIOA-duypXF_Wpq8v0pEueowXLml0myFi6SWVOIz0Bl93BQEE-JUYadyOEiq7FvCH/s1600/images%20(3).png" width="225" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This quote attributed to Robert Ingersoll reminds me that the best leaders know how to empower others to be leaders themselves. We are stronger when we use our strengths to improve a school, organization, or community. One of my goals this school year is to find new ways to amplify and spotlight my colleagues. I teach in a building that is incredibly high achieving and equally humble. From academics to athletics, teachers are leading students to success. While these successes seem easily achieved, they come from hard work, hours of overtime, and a constant desire to learn/grow from our teachers. I am in awe of my colleagues and want to find ways to empower them and make them feel as deeply appreciated as they deserve to feel. I am in awe of the teaching and learning I am surrounded by each day and am excited to see that continue to grow in 2023. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do we showcase the humblest of teachers? Give them a platform. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, with the help of my fantastic assistant principal, I have encouraged a sit-and-snack series that features different teachers who typically do not volunteer or want to be in the limelight. Using blended learning as the core of the six topics that will occur throughout the school year, I have worked with division leaders to find people to feature and encourage them to take on the leadership roles they deserve to experience. So far, we have held three of the six sessions and will continue them next semester. We have covered the following:</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blended Learning within the Walls</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Station Rotation</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choice Grids and Playlists</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We will continue to explore facets of blended learning with:</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Formative Assessments</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Side-By-Side Grading</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Flipped Classroom </span></p></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_N30wcuuqJWcl5l4j00dlbjMXH74P5_gMIy3jsJRCo5kqhgdR8KvgZEeFdbJLjtKyykVS_QqwyntiyHFXrcb6pBaJnX-dfMt3sjyllf_xQLmFEQQ7iOmj4AlaxcZ4IIkPPAZKq3oC2taMaMDgUDt1IXvBlmnwzo37IHgHJxbmjVDE_X8gmff3Brf/s2000/Sit%20and%20Snack%20Menu%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1414" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_N30wcuuqJWcl5l4j00dlbjMXH74P5_gMIy3jsJRCo5kqhgdR8KvgZEeFdbJLjtKyykVS_QqwyntiyHFXrcb6pBaJnX-dfMt3sjyllf_xQLmFEQQ7iOmj4AlaxcZ4IIkPPAZKq3oC2taMaMDgUDt1IXvBlmnwzo37IHgHJxbmjVDE_X8gmff3Brf/w221-h314/Sit%20and%20Snack%20Menu%20(1).png" width="221" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBP_bC0ET-zg9k4O0tZrm1RMFKnd2uPBHqXQFOCNK7b4wNHU5HDTeJDP0tGnIHcG-OdWPqmf7epUAthGje4ouzZp_361SX_KWK6iWxykqOqH_6huY6bY-qqhvl7I1mXXx1hcIJxIKRK7FupDk6om3Jim3PnNXlnYCKBI1Pki_OXUmy5A_P5aiXoFv/s2000/Choice%20Grids%20and%20Playlists.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBP_bC0ET-zg9k4O0tZrm1RMFKnd2uPBHqXQFOCNK7b4wNHU5HDTeJDP0tGnIHcG-OdWPqmf7epUAthGje4ouzZp_361SX_KWK6iWxykqOqH_6huY6bY-qqhvl7I1mXXx1hcIJxIKRK7FupDk6om3Jim3PnNXlnYCKBI1Pki_OXUmy5A_P5aiXoFv/w245-h317/Choice%20Grids%20and%20Playlists.png" width="245" /></a><br /><br /></div></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teachers from the world language, science, social science, and English departments have shared out strategies and ideas that work in their classrooms. Next semester, we will feature special education, math, English, and social science again. Having different departments share reminds us that impactful instructional strategies can work in any discipline. We can inspire and share regardless of the disciplines we teach. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After our station rotation sit-and-snack, I had three teachers already trying the strategy in their classrooms the next day. From English discussions about <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> to Intro to Business, learning about investments, teachers moved desks, grouped kids up, and stole my number card holders to denote the station numbers. (Note: I prefer the tall ones often seen at weddings. </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TC3VWPN/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07TC3VWPN&pd_rd_w=VTfdI&content-id=amzn1.sym.dd2c6db7-6626-466d-bf04-9570e69a7df0&pf_rd_p=dd2c6db7-6626-466d-bf04-9570e69a7df0&pf_rd_r=EZEWS874PW1HJNHSBXYF&pd_rd_wg=fjdH2&pd_rd_r=2ae2672a-04cc-411f-87fd-d14c8d1e3bb0&s=home-garden&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOVQwTUxJTFdQNE5VJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTgyMDkxMVRXOEZHR0w3QjBHUSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDQxMjU1MjIwVE1RVTVFUzMwUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amazon</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has a ton of choices!). The application of the strategies and ideas shared at each of the first three sit-and-snacks has been immediate and interdisciplinary, which is exciting to see. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHZ7qt2ZGp3oiFIPftM8cBAPllue5LTAObJFiz5x6Jo_j8VJIUP87KOQZwWHc9wV6MABi3UzfxRRq4pKfXOo4Ncp3xp9vMmepEqcsJcF-TztPLySTIzsjIHAA84tBkI1Gp8tOjQY2e8r3H-wh2fEQT_lgxrQAnH1dxzUip9sYiz6CXTEiz8lsMq67/s2048/FhuTTNsWYAEdppn%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHZ7qt2ZGp3oiFIPftM8cBAPllue5LTAObJFiz5x6Jo_j8VJIUP87KOQZwWHc9wV6MABi3UzfxRRq4pKfXOo4Ncp3xp9vMmepEqcsJcF-TztPLySTIzsjIHAA84tBkI1Gp8tOjQY2e8r3H-wh2fEQT_lgxrQAnH1dxzUip9sYiz6CXTEiz8lsMq67/s320/FhuTTNsWYAEdppn%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to our sit-and-snack series, I have found quieter ways to celebrate people. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Writing cards is one of my favorite pastimes. People often chuckle and tell me that these cards (and often little gifts of appreciation) are unnecessary, but I beg to differ. The energy and gratitude that goes into a card or token of appreciation carry with a person. It gives them the energy and drive to keep going forward. In a time when burnout and anxiety are rampant, these small acts put good into the world and can build a culture of kindness, compassion, and care. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrate on a larger platform.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/teach-in-ten/embed" width="400px"></iframe><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></div><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The final way I have started to give a platform to others is through a podcast that my friend Cori and I started this semester. </span><a href="https://teachinten.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teach in Ten</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a podcast that amplifies our district's great teachers and instructional strategies (Listen to our </span><a href="https://teachinten.com/podcast-feed" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pilot and episode one</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). So far, we have interviewed five individuals from all of the buildings in the district. Using this experience to connect and communicate with others, we want to continue celebrating great teaching while encouraging others to continue to share their excellent work. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amplifying teachers' voices can have several benefits. We hope this podcast can help create community among colleagues across a larger suburban district. Teachers often become silos, focused on our classrooms and to-do lists. Short messages and sharing sessions can bring people together, spark conversation, and remind us how vital collaboration is. </span><a href="https://englishandspeechteacher.blogspot.com/2022/12/its-all-in-timing.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's all in the timing </span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and the way the message is presented. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By sharing their stories and insights, we can showcase their excellent work and give others a platform to keep those conversations going. Sometimes people need a little extra encouragement to get started in that sharing. We become better when we lift up and celebrate others. I cannot wait to find new ways to amplify and celebrate my colleagues in 2023. </span></p><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1988377753162661349.post-5294655712095236782022-12-18T18:47:00.008-06:002022-12-18T19:07:14.829-06:00Spreading Coaching Cheer at the End of the Semester<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Lh749uXZJVuXa6VLakJK7W6rxKti82HJJ3B6rj70RrUoicWZfKWF0VGqmnOURJJY9QtaYWW68JfzorED_XMZeFWNEAxDD8Y4kwim1QkxIX9ZXT4F3XYMnFRiQusfaRSHXHnTNzC91bo6fK5hzsw-2sPqzvBeDRj_E16zQFoxHP8dL_hkomvo2y5/s800/White%20Green%20Creative%20Playful%20Christmas%20Collection%20Presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5Lh749uXZJVuXa6VLakJK7W6rxKti82HJJ3B6rj70RrUoicWZfKWF0VGqmnOURJJY9QtaYWW68JfzorED_XMZeFWNEAxDD8Y4kwim1QkxIX9ZXT4F3XYMnFRiQusfaRSHXHnTNzC91bo6fK5hzsw-2sPqzvBeDRj_E16zQFoxHP8dL_hkomvo2y5/w640-h160/White%20Green%20Creative%20Playful%20Christmas%20Collection%20Presentation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am going on five years of being an instructional coach. During that time, educational technology significantly shifted. Because of the pandemic, teachers adopted new technologies and teaching approaches out of necessity. Many of these teachers might not have ever considered making shifts in their practices but did so to reach students in the room and on Zoom. Also, my district adopted a new learning management system during this time. While this adoption was initially going to be a slow roll-out, COVID changed our plan overnight. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-727bc217-7fff-49bf-dbc4-45900cc4d76d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent the final day of the semester sitting by a "roaring fire." In the large faculty commons area, I sat all nestled with cheer in hopes that my colleagues' gradebooks and Canvas close-outs would soon smoothly appear. I projected the fire (and wished the office was warmer) and invited colleagues to stop by to finalize whatever they still had to do. Luckily, I was given only a few challenging problems to solve. What I enjoyed most was chatting with colleagues as they walked by, laughing with division leaders as we tried to tie up the semester with a neat bow, and celebrating the fantastic work of my friends. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do we get to an ending like the one I had for fall 2022? Build strong relationships. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. To build relationships, instructional coaches must be available. </b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all have full plates. This year, our students' needs and our to-do lists have pulled us in many directions. Instructional coaches must appear available regardless of how long the to-do list is. Whether that be hosting drop-in times, walking through the halls at the right moment, or attending meetings - coaches need to be seen and accessible. Visibility promotes trust and more engagement, which ultimately increases the usefulness of any coach. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv0AkZKjeQac2-a__-mP1X8ux8-CJR9CCB4IuEUUJaDeuwG93yG3UA45bg8ZowSUtg-KXjnPX6aPZWjFToTYbN4ZNY_CMG4_bvvIQ8Ssw-7xCxkzamf_vG9wL2JvpYrnswtKgARNiz_bIZx6HpxbVQ59aujRjeYRMVxPNIpHSPoqhY-f81kiiZEcRL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="1614" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv0AkZKjeQac2-a__-mP1X8ux8-CJR9CCB4IuEUUJaDeuwG93yG3UA45bg8ZowSUtg-KXjnPX6aPZWjFToTYbN4ZNY_CMG4_bvvIQ8Ssw-7xCxkzamf_vG9wL2JvpYrnswtKgARNiz_bIZx6HpxbVQ59aujRjeYRMVxPNIpHSPoqhY-f81kiiZEcRL=w585-h128" width="585" /></a></span></div></span></blockquote><span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. In addition to availability, communication can build trust. </b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good communication is key to building strong relationships. Coaches should be clear and concise in their communication and listen actively to the needs and concerns of teachers. This semester, I have often reflected on when to communicate and what to share. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teachers need to be ready and receptive to hearing certain messages. For example, around Thanksgiving, teachers want to start thinking about wrapping up the semester. One-pagers about summative assessments and formative reviews are more powerful in November than they are in mid-September. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bulleted lists, tl;dr statements, and catching one-minute videos are far more palatable than two-page emails, too. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCEspLBlfWYHWDvcFGacgwpARhHFijJLdDKRPHLShVDXdHlf6cx2uOvZyuKqf8XYVDBa80D7JwfqNrBsry0RFvUyI0mENVLdTjxsBeWqF_IqotjJOTyhRY5g23LYxHlfHIpxRxMaOOsGEZDNlM6Wx2lkQceuPX-vWXRVAYVI1vnsKp_5yB8CYtgxm/s1080/Christmas%20To%20Do%20List%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCEspLBlfWYHWDvcFGacgwpARhHFijJLdDKRPHLShVDXdHlf6cx2uOvZyuKqf8XYVDBa80D7JwfqNrBsry0RFvUyI0mENVLdTjxsBeWqF_IqotjJOTyhRY5g23LYxHlfHIpxRxMaOOsGEZDNlM6Wx2lkQceuPX-vWXRVAYVI1vnsKp_5yB8CYtgxm/s320/Christmas%20To%20Do%20List%20Instagram%20Post.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. Along with short messages carefully timed, effective coaches anticipate problems or challenges before they arrive.</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recognizing that teachers should check their grade syncing from the LMS to are gradebook of record is critical in December. Publishing short reminders and helpful tips two weeks BEFORE the end of the semester made the last day before the break a whole lot calmer and brighter. Sending out information about a vital tech update or instructional strategy, knowing that significant summatives are looming, can encourage teachers to use resources. Leaning into recency bias can help teachers to use tips at the right time! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>
</b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><b style="font-size: 11pt;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="299" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQuaQUmH2_WP0k-EbVLo7qYxQU0bcgWgljrra79NS14szm2wyYR9Kpeh43cFs3XHFHa__y64NMWXx95/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="480"></iframe></b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><b style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></b></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> 4. Regardless of the message or strategy being shared, instructional coaches know how to make every teacher feel seen, valued, and celebrated. </b></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">People want to feel heard and valued. Sometimes the best coaching sessions start with casual conversations about a person's day or even a little venting, which opens the door to what is being shared. When people feel safe sharing their feelings, they are far more likely to want to collaborate and connect professionally. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The biggest lesson I've learned as an instructional coach, which I was reminded of on the final day of the semester, is that a good coach recognizes every person's strength and celebrates her colleagues. Troubleshooting a tech tool, brainstorming a new teaching strategy, and preparing for a new semester are all secondary to our shared connections. Laughter, sharing stories, and reflecting together are far more important and forge relationships that create a robust and collaborative school community. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sitting around a digital fire with friends is the best way to end the semester. </span></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0Tkc4hHQYLY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0