Engagement

What does an engaging classroom look like?

I came across this quote this week and it is something that I strongly believe as an educator.

“If you truly want to engage kids, you have to pull back on control and create the conditions in which they can tap into their own inner motivations.”

            Daniel Pink 

How do we know the difference between compliant and engaged?  A compliant classroom is one where each student is following the verbal or written directions, looking at the speaker, doing the same tasks as each of their classmates.  An engaged classroom looks a bit different.  

I challenge you to rethink the way students demonstrate their learning in your classroom.  Each child can be held accountable using the same objective, but how they demonstrate their knowledge can be different.  Below are three critical features of an engaged classroom.  They all have to do with the students having a say in how they demonstrate what they have learned.

Personal Response-Students have the opportunity to share their own opinions and feelings.  They are able to share and demonstrate their learnings that may be different from another students.

Choice- Students are given the opportunity to choose how they will demonstrate their learning. Teachers can play on the student's multiple intelligences and special talents.  Not every product needs to be the same as long as the same objective is being met.  One student can display their learning making an iMovie while another is creating a brochure.  One group may choose to act out their learnings and another might create a song.

Sense of Audience-Students are demonstrating their learning for an audience bigger than their teacher.  They know the assignment will be presented to the class, taught to another students, or even shared on the class website.  They take a more serious approach to the expectation of having their work displayed and shared for others to review.

Clear/Modeled Expectations-Do the students understand the objective?  Even with personal response, choice, and sense of audience, if students truly understand what is being asked of them, they can meet or even surpass the objective.  Having a checklist or a rubric, in which the teacher creates with the students, helps students define the task at hand and the expectations of how they will meet the objective (no matter how they choose to demonstrate their learning).

When students are given these opportunities their creativity and passions run wild.  They are much more independent in the learning and it allows the teacher to have a deeper perspective of the strengths and areas of improvement  of their student.  Take a moment to try one of these engaging qualities in your classroom.  You will not be disappointed in the outcome!

A Surprise Around Every Corner

What an incredible start to the school year! As I walk the halls and into classrooms I am finding the students are bubbling with excitement to be at school every day.  98% and 99% attendance rates are truly something to celebrate!

I've been thinking a lot about the little surprises that have come our way in the last week.  That's the best part of education.  Each day is a new adventure.  Some days are truly more exhausting than others, but it is the adventure that strives us to give our very best.

You can not always predict or prevent certain surprises.  However, what I am most proud of and impressed with is how our teams rally around each other for support and guidance.  It is crucially important to recognize the strengths in our colleagues and seek them out in times of need.  Not only does that show humility, but it also allows us to learn from one another.

What is also amazing is how truly complex certain students can be.  Our students are coming to us with a variety of experiences and backgrounds.  It is our responsibility to recognize the whole child and do whatever it takes to get that student to succeed.  I challenge all of us to think about policies and procedures that we have in our classrooms; are they in the best interest of each and every child in our classroom?  If the policy isn't working for some, why is that?

 Every child is different.  One size and policy doesn't fit all.  We have to take into account the needs and strengths of the child.  Of course, approximately 80% of students will fit into the majority of polices (in ideal situations).  However, we know that there are always those few that it doesn't work for.  It is always easy to recognize what the child can't do and what polices they do not comply with.  It should be easier for us to recognize strengths and determine how we are going to help them succeed.

As we continue to get to know our students, I challenge you to continue to peel the layers back on each and every one of our children and be creative and flexible with their educational path.  There is not one single path for all.

First day back!

Share my ideas!

Piper's Positive Polly

The glass in my eyes in always half full.  There are always positives that come out of negative situations.  More importantly, not only are there positive effects, there are learning experiences.  There are always key take aways from any situation.

Here is a list of my learning experiences from this week.

1. Difficult situations call for remaining level headed and calm.  Reacting to a situation emotionally may cause the situation to become more complex.

2. You can't solve everyone's problems.  Sometimes, it is necessary to coach others in finding their own answers to their situations.

3.  Just as we want our students to be independent, we also want our parents to be independent.  Consider what measures need to be taken in order to help our community gain independence.

4. The day is enjoyable when you focus on things that you can control and change to make a difference.  Dwelling on what you can't drains you.

5. Set high goals and expectations for yourself.   Reflect and be mindful of the steps that are necessary to achieve those goals.  Never settle for adequate or satisfactory achievement.

6.  There is always an opportunity to learn.  Take the time each day to ask yourself, "What did I learn today?".  "How can I apply what I learned to tomorrow?".

Is your glass half empty or half full when you start your day?

Inspiring beginning

As I sat in the multipurpose room at HMS looking at all of our new teachers and staff members, I couldn't help but think about one of my favorite quotes by William Arthur Ward.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

We all experienced this moment during our first year; this moment of excitement and anxiety rolled into one.  Excited to meet the students; anxiety over new curriculum; excited to try new strategies; anxiety about whether or not we would have an impact on our students' lives.  The list can go on and on.

What inspires you?  What keeps you motivated every year to be the very best educator?

I cannot help but be inspired by all the new staff that I saw today.  The passion and enthusiasm in the room was contagious.  It is the fire and passion that this week brings that can spread like wildfire.   That's what inspires me.  

The idea that each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of every student in our building is thrilling.  I have realized in the last several years that it truly is the little things that matter to our students and our communities.  Our students need us to show up every day with a smile on our face; giving not 100%, but giving 150%.  I know that I am inspired to start this school year with some amazing new additions to Piper School.  I am looking forward to watching them grow and challenge themselves to build strong relationships with each and every student they come into contact with.  I am also excited to continue to support the current staff members on their journey to make every day a memorable one for their students.  

This year is going to be a successful one at Piper as I continue to remind myself of the positive energy that was felt in the room today.  May it continue to spread throughout our staff and ignite the flames in all of our students to be inspired to learn something new and challenge themselves each and every day.