Practice
If you’re teaching students to write narratives, you won’t want to miss the recent Big Fresh about planning stories. I’ve written an opening essay about the importance of story in helping people overcome trauma (with a story about my son Jordan), and the free-for-all section is chock-full of strategies to help students plan strong stories. If you’re a member of Choice Literacy, you’ll love the new resources to support students writing stories.
Energy
Ever since I heard about the new Bain research study revealing the attributes of inspiring leaders, being centered has been on my mind. We live in a world of distractions, and it’s difficult to focus. The more I commit to being “present where my feet are,” the more energy I find. Check out this article from Psychology Today about the importance of being present.
Reflection
Considering the above quote from Simon Sinked, reflect on the following questions.
- Do you believe this is true?
- If so, how will you live in your classroom/school this week?
Kindness
Recently, I received this feedback from a participant in a workshop I led at a middle school about writing in content areas.
I really appreciated that Ruth got people’s attention by softly and repeatedly breaking in. No “chimes” or demeaning finger holding for attention.
I was reminded that kindness and humanity matter. When I was in my first weeks as a new seventh-grade teacher, I remember a mentor encouraging me to develop a system to get students’ attention. He went through a variety of options: chimes, rain sticks, a call and repeat, a clap with a special rhythm.
I thought about his ideas, and although they sounded creative, I decided to go my own route. I simply said to students:
“There will be times when you’re talking or doing other things as learners and I’ll need to interrupt your learning to say something to the whole group. When that happens, I’ll just say, ‘May I have your attention?’ When you hear those words, will you stop learning, and look at me?”
I didn’t realize how much this simple procedure for regaining the attention of a whole group is part of my core beliefs about learning, as well as treating others with dignity and respect.
Sign-Up
It’s not too early to begin thinking about your professional learning for this school year. Events are open to everyone.
Our new workshop for elementary teachers is RETHINKING THE CLASSROOM LIBRARY. You will find it offered on different dates in different locations.
October 30 | East Noble
November 15 | MSD Steuben
December 11 | School City of Mishawaka
January 28 | Wawasee
Rethinking the Classroom Library
October 30 | East Noble
This day will help you feel more confident in how to use the classroom library as a resource to help readers grow in all five pillars of the science of reading.
Click here or on the image for more information and to register.
Rethinking the Classroom Library
November 15 | MSD Steuben
This day will help you feel more confident in how to use the classroom library as a resource to help readers grow in all five pillars of the science of reading.
Click here or on the image for more information and to register.
FREE TO ALL!
You won’t want to miss being part of a supportive and inspiring network just for instructional coaches. Meet virtually once a month to keep your professional goals fresh and stay accountable for your next steps as a coach.
Click here or on the image for more information and to register.
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