Thursday, August 4, 2016
Making My Way in K: A Box and a Dream: Thank you Kevin Honeycutt!
Making My Way in K: A Box and a Dream: Thank you Kevin Honeycutt!: This week, for STREAMing into Learning (my summer learning camp), my daughter wanted to learn about TVs. As I pondered how we could make a...
A Box and a Dream: Thank you Kevin Honeycutt!
This week, for STREAMing into Learning (my summer learning camp), my daughter wanted to learn about TVs.
As I pondered how we could make a TV (knowing full well an electronic version was out of the question) I had a vision pop into my head. Maybe we could make one with a box? What would it look like? I knew it wouldn't be a true version of a TV, but something akin, and then the A-Ha moment hit.
In February of this year I had the very good luck of being sponsored by the NCCE (Northwest Council for Computer Education) to attend their annual Pacific Northwest tech conference (it ROCKS by the way). While there I was able to hear keynote speaker Kevin Honeycutt talk. I was connected with Kevin on Twitter (the GREATEST place to find teacher PLNs) but I wasn't prepared for his awe inspiring presentation. Turns out Kevin is a man of many skills: speaking, teaching, creating, mentoring, writing, just to name a few. Seriously, Kevin makes you want to be a better person!
I was eagerly listening to Kevin when a picture popped up on the ginormous screen: it was of a box of some sort, that young, school age Kevin had turned into a TV-esque book report. I remember it had knobs, and rollers of some sort. He turned the roller and the book report rotated through the front of the box. Duplicating a live TV show of the book in question.
I was mesmerized.
I thought it was the coolest idea, so unique, so simple, yet so creative...
I thought Kevin was about to talk about creativity or thinking outside of the box (or with a box :).
Instead he spoke of how he struggled through school, how he created his book report design only to be told later that it wasn't the "right" way: the way the teacher wanted it.
I was deflated. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Teachers teaching to the middle in a my-way or the highway fashion, running over creativity in the process. I could see why it happens: a teacher assigns a project, it has a rubric, a project presented doesn't match the rubric. Now what?
At that point...when faced with what to do (Do I follow the "rules" and deem it inappropriate even though it met the same end goal?) I would always default to human, as in, I'm not omnipotent and I don't pretend to be. Rather than channeling Darth Maul, who is unable to get past following a prescribed set of instructions (i.e. the rubric, the rules) and declaring full compliance is mandatory (as in no room for creativity~ the master is all powerful), I choose to channel Obi-Wan, able to take in information (the rules, the rubric), think about it (the TV-esque book report), ponder it (Damn, that's creative!) and respond with a positive mindset (This isn't what I imagined, it's even better).
I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. I tend to believe that they are like me when it comes to teaching: they have an open mind, they differentiate, they acknowledge strengths and needs of students and provide appropriate instruction. They advocate for their students when needed, just as a parent would. When a student does something unexpectedly incredible they rejoice with full-on joy. When a student makes a mistake, as we all do, they respond with compassion and assistance. When a student does something disappointing (i.e. being unkind, or violent) they pause with sadness and then immediately begin to brainstorm ways to change the behavior to a positive. Most importantly, and in tandem, they reflect upon themselves and search for ways to grow. Knowing that, just like their students, they are never perfect, never finished, always a learner.
What I realized, from Kevin's extraordinary keynote (Did I mention how inspiring it was? EVERY school district should have Kevin present; I was THAT impressed.) is that these are not common traits amongst all teachers and that greatly saddens me. As a profession we need to be tasked to be listeners of our students, their lives, and their needs; this will help keep individuals from becoming invisible.
I use a new lens now... to look at teachers... one in which I am no longer naive. One in which I acknowledge that, as much as I'd like it to be true, not every teacher is flexible. Not every teacher is looking to grow from what their students can teach them. Not every teacher sees their self as merely another student in a different school (Life) from which to learn. And so as I finish dual summer learning camps, camps based on learning through nature & interest (project based), and reflect upon their incredible success to spark kids and teachers alike I hope to carry the torch forward. My only desire: to inspire flexibility and growth in others so that creativity is never stifled and students, all students, at all levels, feel successful.
Kevin--Thank you for inspiring me to do better, to be better, and to realize I can make a difference to so many. If you are ever this way, and enjoy towns with lots of cows, stop by and see us. And without further adieu, here are our Honeycutt inspired TVs. Rock On, Friend :)
As I pondered how we could make a TV (knowing full well an electronic version was out of the question) I had a vision pop into my head. Maybe we could make one with a box? What would it look like? I knew it wouldn't be a true version of a TV, but something akin, and then the A-Ha moment hit.
In February of this year I had the very good luck of being sponsored by the NCCE (Northwest Council for Computer Education) to attend their annual Pacific Northwest tech conference (it ROCKS by the way). While there I was able to hear keynote speaker Kevin Honeycutt talk. I was connected with Kevin on Twitter (the GREATEST place to find teacher PLNs) but I wasn't prepared for his awe inspiring presentation. Turns out Kevin is a man of many skills: speaking, teaching, creating, mentoring, writing, just to name a few. Seriously, Kevin makes you want to be a better person!
I was eagerly listening to Kevin when a picture popped up on the ginormous screen: it was of a box of some sort, that young, school age Kevin had turned into a TV-esque book report. I remember it had knobs, and rollers of some sort. He turned the roller and the book report rotated through the front of the box. Duplicating a live TV show of the book in question.
I was mesmerized.
I thought it was the coolest idea, so unique, so simple, yet so creative...
I thought Kevin was about to talk about creativity or thinking outside of the box (or with a box :).
Instead he spoke of how he struggled through school, how he created his book report design only to be told later that it wasn't the "right" way: the way the teacher wanted it.
I was deflated. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Teachers teaching to the middle in a my-way or the highway fashion, running over creativity in the process. I could see why it happens: a teacher assigns a project, it has a rubric, a project presented doesn't match the rubric. Now what?
At that point...when faced with what to do (Do I follow the "rules" and deem it inappropriate even though it met the same end goal?) I would always default to human, as in, I'm not omnipotent and I don't pretend to be. Rather than channeling Darth Maul, who is unable to get past following a prescribed set of instructions (i.e. the rubric, the rules) and declaring full compliance is mandatory (as in no room for creativity~ the master is all powerful), I choose to channel Obi-Wan, able to take in information (the rules, the rubric), think about it (the TV-esque book report), ponder it (Damn, that's creative!) and respond with a positive mindset (This isn't what I imagined, it's even better).
I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. I tend to believe that they are like me when it comes to teaching: they have an open mind, they differentiate, they acknowledge strengths and needs of students and provide appropriate instruction. They advocate for their students when needed, just as a parent would. When a student does something unexpectedly incredible they rejoice with full-on joy. When a student makes a mistake, as we all do, they respond with compassion and assistance. When a student does something disappointing (i.e. being unkind, or violent) they pause with sadness and then immediately begin to brainstorm ways to change the behavior to a positive. Most importantly, and in tandem, they reflect upon themselves and search for ways to grow. Knowing that, just like their students, they are never perfect, never finished, always a learner.
What I realized, from Kevin's extraordinary keynote (Did I mention how inspiring it was? EVERY school district should have Kevin present; I was THAT impressed.) is that these are not common traits amongst all teachers and that greatly saddens me. As a profession we need to be tasked to be listeners of our students, their lives, and their needs; this will help keep individuals from becoming invisible.
I use a new lens now... to look at teachers... one in which I am no longer naive. One in which I acknowledge that, as much as I'd like it to be true, not every teacher is flexible. Not every teacher is looking to grow from what their students can teach them. Not every teacher sees their self as merely another student in a different school (Life) from which to learn. And so as I finish dual summer learning camps, camps based on learning through nature & interest (project based), and reflect upon their incredible success to spark kids and teachers alike I hope to carry the torch forward. My only desire: to inspire flexibility and growth in others so that creativity is never stifled and students, all students, at all levels, feel successful.
Kevin--Thank you for inspiring me to do better, to be better, and to realize I can make a difference to so many. If you are ever this way, and enjoy towns with lots of cows, stop by and see us. And without further adieu, here are our Honeycutt inspired TVs. Rock On, Friend :)
Painting with our favorite colors.
The finished project. This one is called, "Me, Sierra, SiSi."
Sierra took pride in that hers is vertical rather than horizontal.
D's finished project is titled, "9 Little Monkeys."
It includes tree branches to propel the paper forward for viewing.
A hole in the back allows for highlight via flashlight.
Pride is evident. :)
Friday, July 22, 2016
STREAMing into Learning: Perfumy Goodness
We just finished our 4th class at my Summer Learning Camp aptly called, STREAMing into Learning. STREAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. Educators may recall the term STEM, which is still widely use, for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Then someone said, Why not art? And I started to hear not only STEM but STEAM. Well, not to be left out, reading finally joined the acronym to create STREAM. Now, from what I hear, it's all in. And I like it that way. I do. I think a good teacher meshes all of it anyway.
I started this camp to help scaffold my unwilling learner (my daughter) into learning. I made it in a way I would want to learn: hands on learning, nature centered, student driven. And its been a hit, not only for my daughter, but for the kiddos involved.
The first week (two days) we identified trees, plants, and flowers. Dissected a Shasta Daisy, explored a terrarium filled with millipedes, pill bugs, and earth worms. Painted water color scenes of what we saw. Built a robotic bug and talked A LOT because by sharing we learn :)
At the end of our second day (first week), I asked the kiddos what they were interested in doing the following week. They, amazingly, all at once said Potions! And thus the ideas for Chemistry week started.
Now we have ended with two days of authentic learning, and project based discovery. What I had was high engagement and knowledge retention. They don't forget as they are in charge (mostly! ;)
I don't know about you, but I get BORED with the same thing...I like to think outside the box, explore topics of interest, go PLACES, spend time learning about what interests ME, not what someone tells me I need to know. And do it in a calming atmosphere. Nature does it for me, it might not for you, and that's OK as long as we can both get what we need via DIFFERENTIATION.
For those not familiar with the "D" word, it equates to each person getting what they need, but at their level. We want everyone to soar. Sadly, differentiation is not used to it's full potential. Folks still talk about teaching to the middle. Which equates to leaving out the high kids as they already know it, and leaving the most struggling learners to sink or float. Yet, there are new ways of thinking, new bridges to adventure, if we are willing to take the time to stop and check them out. Kinda like pulling alongside the road and checking out something interesting while knowing nothing about it. There is beauty to be found by trying.
I get change can be hard, but keeping the brain in motion is good. Same ol' Same ol' = Your Brain Not Exercising. As teachers we should model what we want our students to do. If we want our kids to learn, we need to become learners.
I started this camp to help scaffold my unwilling learner (my daughter) into learning. I made it in a way I would want to learn: hands on learning, nature centered, student driven. And its been a hit, not only for my daughter, but for the kiddos involved.
The first week (two days) we identified trees, plants, and flowers. Dissected a Shasta Daisy, explored a terrarium filled with millipedes, pill bugs, and earth worms. Painted water color scenes of what we saw. Built a robotic bug and talked A LOT because by sharing we learn :)
At the end of our second day (first week), I asked the kiddos what they were interested in doing the following week. They, amazingly, all at once said Potions! And thus the ideas for Chemistry week started.
Now we have ended with two days of authentic learning, and project based discovery. What I had was high engagement and knowledge retention. They don't forget as they are in charge (mostly! ;)
I don't know about you, but I get BORED with the same thing...I like to think outside the box, explore topics of interest, go PLACES, spend time learning about what interests ME, not what someone tells me I need to know. And do it in a calming atmosphere. Nature does it for me, it might not for you, and that's OK as long as we can both get what we need via DIFFERENTIATION.
For those not familiar with the "D" word, it equates to each person getting what they need, but at their level. We want everyone to soar. Sadly, differentiation is not used to it's full potential. Folks still talk about teaching to the middle. Which equates to leaving out the high kids as they already know it, and leaving the most struggling learners to sink or float. Yet, there are new ways of thinking, new bridges to adventure, if we are willing to take the time to stop and check them out. Kinda like pulling alongside the road and checking out something interesting while knowing nothing about it. There is beauty to be found by trying.
I get change can be hard, but keeping the brain in motion is good. Same ol' Same ol' = Your Brain Not Exercising. As teachers we should model what we want our students to do. If we want our kids to learn, we need to become learners.
And with that I created my first quote using Word Swag :)
Happy Adventures!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
All Aboard the Grumpy Train!
Maybe it's the late night working on my National Boards
Or the amount of times I heard, "No. I don't want to" yesterday
It could be my swollen, painful ankle caused by nothing
Or the amount of time I've wasted this week trying to solve my own problems
Possibly it's the inability to find my tribe
Or maybe, just maybe, it's because the goat ate the tiny tree seedlings I was growing....
But I definitely have a one way ticket on the Grumpy Train today.
I realized it when I work up at 530 yet failed to get out of the bed until 630.
It happens.
I'm usually a positive person. I espouse the good of Mindfulness and zest for life on most days.
But today, today I'm grumpy.
How do you get over your grumpy days?
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Earth Day in K: Pre & Post
Disclosure:
As usual, school starts too soon in the morning for me (How about a 9:00-3:30 schedule? Research would back me on this...) and I never finished my blog post...so here is a PRE and POST Earth Day rambling because it's just that good.
April 22, 6:30am:
I'm sitting here in my pj's all excited over Earth Day. I love Earth Day!! I bet there is some eye rolling and some realizations occurring right now ("I thought she was a little crazy") but on Earth Day I am happy that I am a teacher of kinders because I can get as goofy as I wanna be and no one will be anything but excited.
This is the day I drag in my personal recycle box with things in it, that are really being recycled, and we sort, and we ponder, and we discuss. Then I get out my "magic," blue, cloth (of course) bag with all the fantasmic things I have found over the years that make my enviromental heart happy--like the first paper straw I encountered (at Sea World, no less), and the first biodegradable plastic bag I got (from M&M world in Las Vegas) and we "oooohhhh" and "aaaahhhh" together. Yes, in many ways I am easy to please. Slap that "compostable" label on something and my heart glows like ET.
See...I am truly a proponent of kindness...in all forms. Because expressing and modeling the importance of kindness and empathy is what will make our world better.
Kindness comes from within and isn't meant to be only relegated to people. I teach my students that kindness should be to all things: people, animals, and the environment. And I also throw in a clause: real or inanimate, it doesn't matter. To the kiddo who just threw the toy baby down because, "it's not real," I say, "Doesn't matter: We treat all things with kindness." Because what we do in jest can actually desensitize us later in life.
So, Dear Follower on Twitter whose name I have lost, but promised to blog about kindness: kindness comes through every avenue possibly throughout the year (Bucket filling, Christmas, Valentines, Earth Day...) & is achieved through extensive modeling & reinforcing activities.
Today, we will pick up litter and beautiful our school grounds for the joy it brings us. The kinders don't know it will bring them joy. Matter of fact, if I polled parents last night about the last time their kiddo bothered to pick up litter or trash, I'd likely have gotten a bunch of "can't remember" or "never happened"'s. YET, I promise you, after we discuss why it is so important, the impact the litter has on the environment and wildlife around us, those kids will be picking up trash with a gleam in their eye, a proud smile, and ultimate LOVE for the world. The reason: Because I took the time to model it. Because I showed them why it matters.
So, to those teachers who don't bother to notice, or celebrate, Earth Day: You're missing out. You're missing out on authentic learning. You're missing out on creating passion and excitement. You're missing out on connecting kids to nature--even if it's for a brief moment of cleaning and noticing the amount of bugs found (that we will not smash :).
April 23: 10:24pm
Wow...Earth Day in K was GREAT.
We explored that recycle bin & all it's used items. The kids fought, and literally teared up, because, "I didn't get to sort anything... everyone grabbed it all." Yes, that is them complaining over not getting to handle used, potentially germy (albeit rinsed) glass, newspaper, and cardboard.
When I asked who recycles, at home, or at the transfer station, I got a scant reply of maybe 5 hands. Most kiddos had no clue about recycling and were awestruck to find out there is no "AWAY" as in, "Throw it away." That "away" is actually a hole in the ground in somebody's backyard and while not entirely avoidable, we need to do everything we can to keep items out of the hole.
We watched the old version of the Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, eyes glued to the screen, wheels turning as they espouse what is happening to the beautiful valley as the movie progresses. We talk about the link to clear cutting practices in the 70s and how trees were not always replanted. What happened to the wildlife there? What happened to the air there? What happened to the soil?
Why is it that we really don't need a Thneed? What is important in life?
Such serious talk in K, but I would argue so necessary...if they never hear WHY it matters, it won't matter to them.
As I took out a box of rubber gloves and a bag of plastic bags, the room grew quiet. "Everyone will get a glove to handle trash (enter discussion of germs) and a bag to hold it." As I called up each kiddo, they wiggled with excitement. As the door to the classroom opened upon the playground: they broke out with reckless abandon. It was as if it was an Easter egg hunt, and yet the excitement was for trash.
Kids roved in each direction, their excitement unable to be contained, I settled myself with the knowledge that all gates were locked.
The melee continued for 10 minutes. I could barely gather them up for a photo...As a good teacher, I worried that the classrooms with windows open might be distracted by the noise...but then I saw the smiles, the joy in helping, the eagerness to make the world better and I let go of my worry.
For today...today was not about us...today was about the world.
As usual, school starts too soon in the morning for me (How about a 9:00-3:30 schedule? Research would back me on this...) and I never finished my blog post...so here is a PRE and POST Earth Day rambling because it's just that good.
April 22, 6:30am:
I'm sitting here in my pj's all excited over Earth Day. I love Earth Day!! I bet there is some eye rolling and some realizations occurring right now ("I thought she was a little crazy") but on Earth Day I am happy that I am a teacher of kinders because I can get as goofy as I wanna be and no one will be anything but excited.
This is the day I drag in my personal recycle box with things in it, that are really being recycled, and we sort, and we ponder, and we discuss. Then I get out my "magic," blue, cloth (of course) bag with all the fantasmic things I have found over the years that make my enviromental heart happy--like the first paper straw I encountered (at Sea World, no less), and the first biodegradable plastic bag I got (from M&M world in Las Vegas) and we "oooohhhh" and "aaaahhhh" together. Yes, in many ways I am easy to please. Slap that "compostable" label on something and my heart glows like ET.
See...I am truly a proponent of kindness...in all forms. Because expressing and modeling the importance of kindness and empathy is what will make our world better.
Kindness comes from within and isn't meant to be only relegated to people. I teach my students that kindness should be to all things: people, animals, and the environment. And I also throw in a clause: real or inanimate, it doesn't matter. To the kiddo who just threw the toy baby down because, "it's not real," I say, "Doesn't matter: We treat all things with kindness." Because what we do in jest can actually desensitize us later in life.
So, Dear Follower on Twitter whose name I have lost, but promised to blog about kindness: kindness comes through every avenue possibly throughout the year (Bucket filling, Christmas, Valentines, Earth Day...) & is achieved through extensive modeling & reinforcing activities.
Today, we will pick up litter and beautiful our school grounds for the joy it brings us. The kinders don't know it will bring them joy. Matter of fact, if I polled parents last night about the last time their kiddo bothered to pick up litter or trash, I'd likely have gotten a bunch of "can't remember" or "never happened"'s. YET, I promise you, after we discuss why it is so important, the impact the litter has on the environment and wildlife around us, those kids will be picking up trash with a gleam in their eye, a proud smile, and ultimate LOVE for the world. The reason: Because I took the time to model it. Because I showed them why it matters.
So, to those teachers who don't bother to notice, or celebrate, Earth Day: You're missing out. You're missing out on authentic learning. You're missing out on creating passion and excitement. You're missing out on connecting kids to nature--even if it's for a brief moment of cleaning and noticing the amount of bugs found (that we will not smash :).
April 23: 10:24pm
Wow...Earth Day in K was GREAT.
We explored that recycle bin & all it's used items. The kids fought, and literally teared up, because, "I didn't get to sort anything... everyone grabbed it all." Yes, that is them complaining over not getting to handle used, potentially germy (albeit rinsed) glass, newspaper, and cardboard.
When I asked who recycles, at home, or at the transfer station, I got a scant reply of maybe 5 hands. Most kiddos had no clue about recycling and were awestruck to find out there is no "AWAY" as in, "Throw it away." That "away" is actually a hole in the ground in somebody's backyard and while not entirely avoidable, we need to do everything we can to keep items out of the hole.
We watched the old version of the Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, eyes glued to the screen, wheels turning as they espouse what is happening to the beautiful valley as the movie progresses. We talk about the link to clear cutting practices in the 70s and how trees were not always replanted. What happened to the wildlife there? What happened to the air there? What happened to the soil?
Why is it that we really don't need a Thneed? What is important in life?
Such serious talk in K, but I would argue so necessary...if they never hear WHY it matters, it won't matter to them.
As I took out a box of rubber gloves and a bag of plastic bags, the room grew quiet. "Everyone will get a glove to handle trash (enter discussion of germs) and a bag to hold it." As I called up each kiddo, they wiggled with excitement. As the door to the classroom opened upon the playground: they broke out with reckless abandon. It was as if it was an Easter egg hunt, and yet the excitement was for trash.
Kids roved in each direction, their excitement unable to be contained, I settled myself with the knowledge that all gates were locked.
The melee continued for 10 minutes. I could barely gather them up for a photo...As a good teacher, I worried that the classrooms with windows open might be distracted by the noise...but then I saw the smiles, the joy in helping, the eagerness to make the world better and I let go of my worry.
For today...today was not about us...today was about the world.
 |
| Earth Day 2016! |
Monday, March 21, 2016
The NCCE Conference: How to Know You Don't Travel Enough
I'm so lucky to be writing you from the 26th floor of the Sheraton in Seattle! I am attending my second #NCCE conference. Last year it was in Portland, Oregon. I made some great new friends and learned a lot, so I planned to go again as soon as it ended!
It's a good thing...because it is completely apparent that I do not travel enough to keep my big city schema up to date! Here are 6 ways I know.
1. When I entered the elevator, and pushed the button for my floor, it wouldn't work. The next guy that came in slid his room key into a slot and then pushed the button. Oh, is that how that works.
2. I didn't realize the hotel had more than one tower and therefore more than one set of elevators. Whoops!
3. When I talked to my daughter, I said I was at the "motel" as in Motel 6. LOL Big difference between a motel and a hotel!
3. Every time I left the conference center, I went any direction besides the right one.
4. I was blown away by everything in Leslie Fisher's sessions. Apparently, I have been living under a rock.
5. I suggested we go to Target so we could watch the escalator for carts.
6. At the conference center I got in an elevator and panicked when floor 4 was not an option. I still don't know where that elevator was going. I stuck to stairs...
Thank you NCCE for another EPIC conference!
I met several new friends, meet several Twitter friends in real time, had an awesome team bonding during the scavenger hunt, and broadened my knowledge base on Seesaw, Twitter, Evernote, and Augmented Reality. I came home way cooler.
See you in Portland next year! Maybe I can work again answering questions I didn't know the answers for (it was actually a lot of fun!).
It's a good thing...because it is completely apparent that I do not travel enough to keep my big city schema up to date! Here are 6 ways I know.
1. When I entered the elevator, and pushed the button for my floor, it wouldn't work. The next guy that came in slid his room key into a slot and then pushed the button. Oh, is that how that works.
2. I didn't realize the hotel had more than one tower and therefore more than one set of elevators. Whoops!
3. When I talked to my daughter, I said I was at the "motel" as in Motel 6. LOL Big difference between a motel and a hotel!
3. Every time I left the conference center, I went any direction besides the right one.
4. I was blown away by everything in Leslie Fisher's sessions. Apparently, I have been living under a rock.
5. I suggested we go to Target so we could watch the escalator for carts.
6. At the conference center I got in an elevator and panicked when floor 4 was not an option. I still don't know where that elevator was going. I stuck to stairs...
Thank you NCCE for another EPIC conference!
I met several new friends, meet several Twitter friends in real time, had an awesome team bonding during the scavenger hunt, and broadened my knowledge base on Seesaw, Twitter, Evernote, and Augmented Reality. I came home way cooler.
See you in Portland next year! Maybe I can work again answering questions I didn't know the answers for (it was actually a lot of fun!).
*Disclaimer: Yes, I was having too much fun at the conference to finish the blog post. It's just about a month late. :)
I LOVE STUDENT TEACHERS: The Myths, The Truths, and The Legacy.
When the new tech comes out that allows your thoughts to be sent to paper, or document, without stopping other chores, tasks, and minutiae (ie vacuuming) I will be the first one to sign up.
I get so many great ideas for my blog that I want to write down, but other things take constant priority. And if you are like me...at the end of a long day...last thing I want is to do some heavy thinking.
It is spring break here (can I get an amen?) and while my "To Do" list is still TOO long, I have a little less rushing around and consequently, decided the last fleeting thought for my blog deserved recognition.
I'm not sure about your week before spring break, but mine was a killer. I have a student teacher and so I was having these beautiful dreams of finaling finding the actual top of my desk, you know before all the paper piles started in September. I know it's there, but it has become akin to an archaeological dig.
However, Monday came and Monday went. Tuesday came and Tuesday went. You get the drift.
In kindergarten we describe our problems as big problems or little problems and there was an abundance of big problems. Ones I had to jump right in and solve, try to solve, find someone to help me solve them, etc.
And each day I would say..."Today, today is that day I am getting X done." And yet "today" never came. My days were full of problems clear up to 3pm on Friday. And, here is what gets me, there were TWO adults in the class! Two teachers for the love of all things holy. Typically, there is one, who must survive...amidst the chaos...on her (or his) own.
Which gets me to the point of this blog...I LOVE STUDENT TEACHERS.
When you teach K you love anyone with a heartbeat that can help out in your class, because you realize two arms, two ears, and one mouth is not enough. You know what I'm sayin?
And in weeks like this last one I realize why student teachers are the bomb.
1. You actually see things that happen when you are usually too busy teaching. Like Billy glueing pencils to his chair and Blaire tripping kids on purpose. (Names have been changed to protect the guilty) I then get to bring up these topics with my St Ts and we laugh about how little we are able to see, when we really do think we see everything.
2. You get more done. I was serious and kidding about my desk. I didn't get done nearly what I hoped to have done, but when you are finally able to go through and pitch the mimeograph copies in files that have lived there since someone so graciously gifted them to you, you jump for joy (not really as I'd hurt something, but I do in my mind).
3. You leave a legacy. This week I had the privilege of watching two former St Ts on Facebook, posting pics of things they did with their classes, things I did with them when they co-taught in my class, and it hit me...I made a difference. I helped grow another teacher. They planted the seed. I watered and tended the sprout and seedling and watched it bloom into a sunflower, radiating promise and belief in the profession. Their students enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day, as we enjoy celebrating it in my class. They made art and traps (STEM people, STEM!!) just like us and what I saw was kids loving learning, and Ts loving teaching. It made my heart happy.
The Myths: I hear people say they don't want student teachers. They say it's too much work (really? because they are the ones who have to create a portfolio, not you). They say they had a bad one (it happens--which is why I am a proponent of meeting the St T ahead of time and seeing if your personalities match). If you feel you and your padawan are sympatico the more likely you are to enjoy the experience. But, no matter what, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
The Truths: I am on my 4th student teacher and each has brought me great joy. My first was interviewed by my principle. It was a great match. Both Amber and I had been "non-traditional" students (code word for old). She did a great community outreach that netted us plants from the garden club. We put them in the much neglected planters outside our school. Our legacy lives on in them. My second, Amy, I was allowed to interview and she brought her wonderful skill of art to the class. She reminded me of the joy in homemade cards and in the eternal joy she brought to every event. We started a list of funny kid sayings that year. My third was Jo. She was a former TESL practicum who asked to student teach with me. I was honored. She was all over everything but had to learn the art of being a teacher not a friend (everyone does- we jokingly call it "getting mean" as that's how student teachers feel). She taught our class (and me) about football. She shared the love of the Patriots in tandem with the class majority love of the Seahawks and the kids were the winners. And now there is Meagan...she came to me under different circumstances, but the result has been the same: learning for her, learning for me, and a friend for life.
When we help others grow in the profession, it in turn helps us grow...and so just like every year, I am about ready to remind my principal, "Now remember, I'd REALLY love a year long student in the fall...."
From my class...
From Aimee's
From Jo's
I am creating a legacy...
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