Thank you for all of your hard work and positive attitudes while working today. If I wasn't thankful for this team before, I sure am today! Y'all have it going on!!! I am so proud of the leadership you exude with your peers in the district. The dark days of winter can easily bring the blues. Persevere- knowing you make a difference to our kids EVERY SINGLE DAY--- rain or shine!
I have enjoyed visiting your classrooms the last few weeks. Please remember that the expectation is that a visitor should be greeted in every classroom. I am not seeing this, especially in K-2. Please go over this every day in morning meeting so your kids know what to do when an adult walks into your classroom. I know I am behind on writing up walkthroughs. I am going to catch up on that this week and I want to meet with everyone for maybe 15 minutes to go over your glows and grows to move us forward. I will send calendar invites. As you plan your lessons, make sure you are incorporating differentiation for you high kids. We have to grow them too.
Please remember to work on your Important Book page with your kiddos. Use a copy sheet of paper so they will all be the same size. Students should illustrate their page. You should as well.
We will talk more about Open House with whatever meeting we have this week.
The Strategic Planning Team is working on our 3-5 year plan. One of the sections is teacher retention. Your response question for today is: What will keep you at STEM for this time frame, and/or what has kept you at other schools for long periods of time. Please be specific. Blog by Friday, Feburary 23 by 4 p.m.
Coming up this week:
Monday: A.M - Planning at Carver --- P.M. Planning on campus
Tuesday: Regular Day
Wednesday: Regular Day
Thursday: Principal's Meeting 10:00-12 p.m.
Friday: Kona Ice - schedule will be emailed
Thank you for being awesome every day! Please let me know what I can do for you!
SK loves ROCKETS
Monday, February 19, 2018
Sunday, February 4, 2018
The Important Book and Open House - March 1st
The date for Open House has been set for March 1st. I would like us to create a KGJ Important Book. Each student and teacher will write and illustrate a page to hang on the tag strips outside your rooms for Open House. I would also like this to be an Open House with a twist - more of a student led showcase. For instance, I want some 3rd and 5th graders positioned in the cafeteria to talk about the solar system they created, and more things along that line. With Black History Month here, maybe students can provide a Living Museum of African Americans who have made contributions to STEM fields. Those are just some ideas. We can share and nail down what we can do this week. If you are unfamiliar with The Important Book watch the YouTube read aloud below.
Here is a page from the book and example of a student page from another school. Ms. Teeters offered to create a template for the younger kids to do. I would like 3-5 write or type a page without a template.
Here is mine that I will hang up outside my office:
The important thing about KGJ STEM Academy is that we are
different.
We have morning meetings.
Design challenges are everywhere,
and student ambassadors greet visitors.
Our school has a STEM lab where lots of great technology is
happening.
Students at KGJ rock math and science,
Yes, we teach reading.
But the important thing about KGJ STEM Academy is that we
are different.
#ExploretheWHY
For your response this week, I want you to share your page to our Important Book. This will be due by Friday, Feb.9th at 4 p.m. Please make sure you are meeting this expectation.
Week at a glance:
Wednesday - Iteam Meeting with Mrs. Newton over everything you never knew Aware could do for you.
Principal's Meeting @ Crockett from 9-12 p.m.
Thursday - 4:00-5:00 - Garden Meeting with community volunteer - anyone is welcome to join us to lead the charge.
Update webpages - lesson plans due
Campus Testing Coordinator Meeting 8:30-11:30 a.m. @ WMAB
Friday - Strategic Planning 3:45 - 4:45p.m. Anyone is welcome to join.
Blog response is due by 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Longest Short Week in the History of EVER!
A couple of weeks ago, Tonya and I were talking and I mentioned that the only other time I had the flu was when I changed schools and didn't get a flu shot. She reminded me that I had changed schools this year AND I didn't get a flu shot. I knocked on wood..... It didn't work!!! Seriously, I was feeling rough, y'all! I really only worked 2 full days last week and felt like it was an eternity and Friday would never get here. I am happy to report, that while I am still coughing, I feel so much better. Thanks to everyone for the extra TLC last week. I'm pretty mush done with January. I am planning to restart my year and 2018 will officially begin February 1st! :)
I was working this weekend on some things and realized we have 10 weeks before our first round of STARR testing. Where has this school year gone? There are still so many miles to go. I know we will get there as we move into the spring more focused than ever. Depending on your mindset, will determine how you will approach the remainder of the year. We have been in a 3 week series on mindset at church. Today was talking about toxic mindsets and how when we allow negativity to brew in our mind, our actions and emotions can't help but mimic those thoughts. My pastor said that research shows that if you regularly worry about getting Alzheimer's, you have a 68% chance of getting it. What does that tell you? Your thoughts become actions! I fight negative thoughts as we all do. Keep fighting that fight! We can't ever allow negativity to win. Our jobs are much too important. The dark days of winter can be dreary. Find ways to lift your spirits and those around you. We ALL get by with a little help from our friends--- you sang with me, didn't you?
This week as I come to your classrooms I will be looking for:
1) Was I greeted by your classroom ambassador?
2) How are you reaching the needs of ALL of your students? (I.E. - RtI, small groups, guided reading etc..)
3) Products & Objectives
Your product is not your activity. Your product should be something quick that you can assess to ensure your students mastered the objective for that day so you, as the teacher, know if you need to adjust your lesson plans for the following day. We will be working on products/objectives in each PLC, so please make sure your have your next PA ready to discuss.
For your reflection this week, I want you to think about how your students are exploring the WHY. Share what your students learned and where they have struggles if any or awesome discoveries. Please blog by Friday, January 26th at 4 p.m.
This week at a glance:
**RenStar should be complete. Please let Tonya and I know if you have students still needing to test.
**As soon as you have completed Rigby - put them into Aware. Email me when this has been completed.
**I believe Kinder is the only one doing IStation to help with Rigby levels.
Monday, January 22 - Lunch & Learn with Kayci (Tech) - in the lounge during your lunch
Tuesday, January 23 - K-2 PLC
Wednesday, January 24- I'm at admin for the A.M; no iTeam meeting this afternoon - this one is moved to Monday, January 29th.
Thursday, January 25 - Aaron Adel Day at KGJ - she will be here around 8:30; 3-5 PLC
Friday, January 26 - 504 Documentation Due, PAYDAY; Fuel Store (schedule to follow)
**Also, please take a minute during morning meeting this week to talk about cafeteria behavior. Tonya and/or I cannot always be in there, though we try. Please remind students they should always be examples of Rocket behavior.** Thank you for your help with this!
Have an AWESOME week--- SK loves ROCKETS!
I was working this weekend on some things and realized we have 10 weeks before our first round of STARR testing. Where has this school year gone? There are still so many miles to go. I know we will get there as we move into the spring more focused than ever. Depending on your mindset, will determine how you will approach the remainder of the year. We have been in a 3 week series on mindset at church. Today was talking about toxic mindsets and how when we allow negativity to brew in our mind, our actions and emotions can't help but mimic those thoughts. My pastor said that research shows that if you regularly worry about getting Alzheimer's, you have a 68% chance of getting it. What does that tell you? Your thoughts become actions! I fight negative thoughts as we all do. Keep fighting that fight! We can't ever allow negativity to win. Our jobs are much too important. The dark days of winter can be dreary. Find ways to lift your spirits and those around you. We ALL get by with a little help from our friends--- you sang with me, didn't you?
This week as I come to your classrooms I will be looking for:
1) Was I greeted by your classroom ambassador?
2) How are you reaching the needs of ALL of your students? (I.E. - RtI, small groups, guided reading etc..)
3) Products & Objectives
Your product is not your activity. Your product should be something quick that you can assess to ensure your students mastered the objective for that day so you, as the teacher, know if you need to adjust your lesson plans for the following day. We will be working on products/objectives in each PLC, so please make sure your have your next PA ready to discuss.
For your reflection this week, I want you to think about how your students are exploring the WHY. Share what your students learned and where they have struggles if any or awesome discoveries. Please blog by Friday, January 26th at 4 p.m.
This week at a glance:
**RenStar should be complete. Please let Tonya and I know if you have students still needing to test.
**As soon as you have completed Rigby - put them into Aware. Email me when this has been completed.
**I believe Kinder is the only one doing IStation to help with Rigby levels.
Monday, January 22 - Lunch & Learn with Kayci (Tech) - in the lounge during your lunch
Tuesday, January 23 - K-2 PLC
Wednesday, January 24- I'm at admin for the A.M; no iTeam meeting this afternoon - this one is moved to Monday, January 29th.
Thursday, January 25 - Aaron Adel Day at KGJ - she will be here around 8:30; 3-5 PLC
Friday, January 26 - 504 Documentation Due, PAYDAY; Fuel Store (schedule to follow)
**Also, please take a minute during morning meeting this week to talk about cafeteria behavior. Tonya and/or I cannot always be in there, though we try. Please remind students they should always be examples of Rocket behavior.** Thank you for your help with this!
Have an AWESOME week--- SK loves ROCKETS!
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Happy 2018!
We are about to embark on our first full week of 2018. The beginning of a new year is so full of possibilities and hope. Yet, as the months and weeks pass by, typically that passion of January has faded, and we just fall back into the same habits as before. I take that to heart as I started Weight Watchers this past week. I want to do well on this program and get some of these unwanted pounds off! However, wanting it is not enough. I have to do the work. I have to do the planning. When I'm not constantly preparing and thinking ahead, I am going to make poor .choices. That is exactly what happened this week. I didn't plan well, so my choices were poor. (WHY IS SWEET TEA AND DR. PEPPER so good and yet so bad???) Discipline is hard in anything we do. I went to the grocery store - with a list- and came home and prepped for lunches and snacks for the week. Seriously, I have a point here..... when the dark days of winter come and we are longing for another break, will you still have an innovative mindset, or will you go back to the old ways of skill and drill because that is what you know and don't have to think about? I want to challenge you as you lesson plan each week to think about the question I have asked though the Innovator's Mindset book - "Would you want to be a student in your classroom?"
************Chapter 5 - Lead, Learn, Innovate **********************
Several things struck me in this chapter. One thing the author talked about is how he dedicated time in the classroom just seeing how his decisions impacted the classroom. He talked about how a colleague shadowing a 10th grader and was expected to do everything that 10th grader did. Could you imagine? After going through the day, lectures, tests, etc... he asked the student is she didn't show up one day, did she think anyone would miss her mind, ideas, and voice? She laughed and said NO! He then asked the question, "Can you imagine going to a place every day where you felt your voice didn't matter?" Just let that sit for a minute. How I hope that YOU never feel that way at KGJ, but I equally hope that none of our students ever leave our doors feeling that way. What are you doing as an leader of innovation to ensure that doesn't happen?
Walk through focus this week: DIFFERENTIATION
Our goal is that every student make at least one full year's growth this year. I believe that we teach to the highest level of the standards, but we also have to meet students where they are and move them to where we want them to be. How are you planning your lessons to meet ALL the needs of your students? In this week's response post, share a differentiation activity you have used. It doesn't have to be what you are doing this week - just something you have used. I look forward to seeing all of your students learning and succeeding. Please respond NO LATER than 4 p.m. on Friday.
Next week's focus: Intervention/RtI
WEEK AT A GLANCE:
**I will start meeting with everyone this week to discuss your T-TESS goals and how you are doing and what you need to complete your goal. I have sent calendar invites for those.
Monday - Monday Morning Meeting - UIL Awards (other 9 week awards will be given at next Monday Morning Meeting).
Tuesday - K-2 PLCs; Testing Coordinator Meeting for me 1:30-4 - Data Digs Due by 3 p.m.
Wednesday - Iteam Meeting in STEM lab as soon as students are gone; RENSTAR 360 testing window open through 17th.(Please let Tonya and/or I know if you need assistance); Grade Level RtI meetings in conference room.
Thursday - 3-5 PLCs; Website updates & Lesson plans due today; Report Cards Go Home
Friday - Principal Meeting 9-12 for me; Blog response due by 4.
Stay positive this week and as always --- BE AWESOME!
************Chapter 5 - Lead, Learn, Innovate **********************
Several things struck me in this chapter. One thing the author talked about is how he dedicated time in the classroom just seeing how his decisions impacted the classroom. He talked about how a colleague shadowing a 10th grader and was expected to do everything that 10th grader did. Could you imagine? After going through the day, lectures, tests, etc... he asked the student is she didn't show up one day, did she think anyone would miss her mind, ideas, and voice? She laughed and said NO! He then asked the question, "Can you imagine going to a place every day where you felt your voice didn't matter?" Just let that sit for a minute. How I hope that YOU never feel that way at KGJ, but I equally hope that none of our students ever leave our doors feeling that way. What are you doing as an leader of innovation to ensure that doesn't happen?
Walk through focus this week: DIFFERENTIATION
Our goal is that every student make at least one full year's growth this year. I believe that we teach to the highest level of the standards, but we also have to meet students where they are and move them to where we want them to be. How are you planning your lessons to meet ALL the needs of your students? In this week's response post, share a differentiation activity you have used. It doesn't have to be what you are doing this week - just something you have used. I look forward to seeing all of your students learning and succeeding. Please respond NO LATER than 4 p.m. on Friday.
Next week's focus: Intervention/RtI
WEEK AT A GLANCE:
**I will start meeting with everyone this week to discuss your T-TESS goals and how you are doing and what you need to complete your goal. I have sent calendar invites for those.
Monday - Monday Morning Meeting - UIL Awards (other 9 week awards will be given at next Monday Morning Meeting).
Tuesday - K-2 PLCs; Testing Coordinator Meeting for me 1:30-4 - Data Digs Due by 3 p.m.
Wednesday - Iteam Meeting in STEM lab as soon as students are gone; RENSTAR 360 testing window open through 17th.(Please let Tonya and/or I know if you need assistance); Grade Level RtI meetings in conference room.
Thursday - 3-5 PLCs; Website updates & Lesson plans due today; Report Cards Go Home
Friday - Principal Meeting 9-12 for me; Blog response due by 4.
Stay positive this week and as always --- BE AWESOME!
Sunday, December 3, 2017
It's DECEMBER, Y'all!
Seriously, can you believe we are in December? It really is hard to believe. It's been almost a year for me since this journey began for me when I was name principal of our school. What a ride! It hasn't come without its bumps and bruises, but isn't that what growing and learning is all about?
As, I continue giving highlights of the Innovator's Mindset, I do hope that at some point, you, too will read this book cover to cover. I promise it will inspire you. What I am giving at points that speak to me. You may get totally different ideas to share and I hope you will!
*****************Innovator's Mindset - Chapter 4*********************
Part II Laying the Groundwork
Chapter 4: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships
Just by the nature of my "blueness", I am a relational being. I do not struggle with forming relationships or building culture to those around me. However, using that superpower to push my goals and vision for the campus is key!
George Couros noted that his principal taught him a lesson early in his career as an administrator. The principal greeted students every day. Therefore, staff members stood outside their classrooms, connecting with students in hallways and creating relationships with kids and one another. Hmmm... sound like a familiar place? This has always been important to me and I believe it has become important to you as you see the benefits for your classroom and our students at large. This was just an affirmation that, yes, we are doing what's right for kids from the minute they walk into our doors.
Just about EVERY SINGLE DAY, I have a parent gush over how much this school means to them. There are stories of kids hating school before and they can't wait to get to KGJ now. Parents say how they feel they are being heard and listened to as partners in their kids' education. There is just an overall attitude of gratitude from our parents. This didn't happen by accident. It was purposeful on each and every one of our parts. Continue that mission!!
An eye opener for me as I read on was posing the question to why we have blanket PD for staff members? Of course as we start out, we are all more or less on the same page, just learning how to be innovative and learning to think differently. We all have questions to better our students. While, as a leader, I ask you to seek ways to reach every child where they are. That should be my goal as your leader and reaching our campus goals. I have said from the beginning that I want our iTeam meetings to be more "make and take" and less "sit and get". This is where I want to focus on for 2018 and beyond. The goal is that this style will create regular opportunities for human interaction that help build relationships and spur innovation.
I love this message he added at the end of this chapter to drive home his point, "Fifty years ago, relationships were the most important think in our schools, and fifty years from now, it will be no different! YES! YES!! and YES!!!
The question I would ask you to respond to this week is: What would you like to learn? We all have areas we want to learn and grow and I want to be in tune to what directions you want to go to make your classroom as innovative as possible!
*********************WEEK AT A GLANCE*********************
Monday, Dec 4th - Classroom 12 days of Christmas begins
Tuesday, Dec 5th -(60 days until my birthday- holla!) STAFF 12 days of Christmas begins, KONA ICE from 1-3 p.m. (schedule to come in email), Gingerbread night from 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec 6th - Principal's Meeting 9-12, I'll be off campus.
Thursday, Dec 7th - T-PESS orientation for me from 1-3. I will be off campus but back after. - Lesson Plans due
Friday, Dec 8th - Fuel Store (schedule to come in email), 3/4 grade Master's Tournament 1-3 p.m. - BLOG response due
**Keep your instruction strong to help with student discipline issues as we move into the weeks before our winter break**
Thanks for being awesome! I'm thankful for each of you and the relationships you build with our school community!
As, I continue giving highlights of the Innovator's Mindset, I do hope that at some point, you, too will read this book cover to cover. I promise it will inspire you. What I am giving at points that speak to me. You may get totally different ideas to share and I hope you will!
*****************Innovator's Mindset - Chapter 4*********************
Part II Laying the Groundwork
Chapter 4: Relationships, Relationships, Relationships
Just by the nature of my "blueness", I am a relational being. I do not struggle with forming relationships or building culture to those around me. However, using that superpower to push my goals and vision for the campus is key!
George Couros noted that his principal taught him a lesson early in his career as an administrator. The principal greeted students every day. Therefore, staff members stood outside their classrooms, connecting with students in hallways and creating relationships with kids and one another. Hmmm... sound like a familiar place? This has always been important to me and I believe it has become important to you as you see the benefits for your classroom and our students at large. This was just an affirmation that, yes, we are doing what's right for kids from the minute they walk into our doors.
Just about EVERY SINGLE DAY, I have a parent gush over how much this school means to them. There are stories of kids hating school before and they can't wait to get to KGJ now. Parents say how they feel they are being heard and listened to as partners in their kids' education. There is just an overall attitude of gratitude from our parents. This didn't happen by accident. It was purposeful on each and every one of our parts. Continue that mission!!
An eye opener for me as I read on was posing the question to why we have blanket PD for staff members? Of course as we start out, we are all more or less on the same page, just learning how to be innovative and learning to think differently. We all have questions to better our students. While, as a leader, I ask you to seek ways to reach every child where they are. That should be my goal as your leader and reaching our campus goals. I have said from the beginning that I want our iTeam meetings to be more "make and take" and less "sit and get". This is where I want to focus on for 2018 and beyond. The goal is that this style will create regular opportunities for human interaction that help build relationships and spur innovation.
I love this message he added at the end of this chapter to drive home his point, "Fifty years ago, relationships were the most important think in our schools, and fifty years from now, it will be no different! YES! YES!! and YES!!!
The question I would ask you to respond to this week is: What would you like to learn? We all have areas we want to learn and grow and I want to be in tune to what directions you want to go to make your classroom as innovative as possible!
*********************WEEK AT A GLANCE*********************
Monday, Dec 4th - Classroom 12 days of Christmas begins
Tuesday, Dec 5th -(60 days until my birthday- holla!) STAFF 12 days of Christmas begins, KONA ICE from 1-3 p.m. (schedule to come in email), Gingerbread night from 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec 6th - Principal's Meeting 9-12, I'll be off campus.
Thursday, Dec 7th - T-PESS orientation for me from 1-3. I will be off campus but back after. - Lesson Plans due
Friday, Dec 8th - Fuel Store (schedule to come in email), 3/4 grade Master's Tournament 1-3 p.m. - BLOG response due
**Keep your instruction strong to help with student discipline issues as we move into the weeks before our winter break**
Thanks for being awesome! I'm thankful for each of you and the relationships you build with our school community!
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Gotta LOVE a Break!
Hey Staff! I know many of you feel the same, but this break was a much needed time to rest and recoup. I feel like I made some major dents in my home "to do" list and napped as much as I wanted. :) Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (next to my birthday - which, yes, is a holiday). I love having a big meal and fellowship with family. As y'all know, my mom is in Hawaii with my middle sister and it was the very first time I had not spent a holiday with her. Since my dad passed away, my oldest sister always makes our holidays special and this one was no different. My prayer all week was that you felt the same love from your family and loved ones.
I'm getting back on track with THE INNOVATOR'S MINDSET cliff notes according to SK. Seriously, y'all, it's a POWERFUL book. The exerts I'm giving you are great but only scratch the surface. For any educator, but especially for us, it is a MUST read. I know Samantha is reading it, please let me know when you read it. Maybe Christmas break? ;)
Chapter 3: Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset
***Disclaimer--- this one will be long --- grab a cup of coffee or your beverage of choice and settle in*** :)
I loved this chapter (did I say that with the first two chapters as well?). It starts out talking about a teacher who had been out of the classroom for 3 years with her children and came back. Can you imagine being out of the classroom and walking back in today? She pulled out the overhead and transparencies because that's what she knew. She began a lesson on mitosis and realized how boring it was. She quickly learned that the methods she had previously used to teach were not meeting the students of today. I think we would quickly agree with that. The author - then principal- encouraged her to get on Twitter and find other science educators using the hashtag #scichat. Then he showed her a video called "Twitter in 60 seconds" to give her a quick overview. Please watch --- it will be important as we continue in this post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQn_eCg6Mk
After watching the video, the teacher showed it to her students and ask if they could do this for mitosis. She had no expertise on how to accomplish this but she knew her students did. As a result, she learned the technical side while the students learned a deeper level of learning of mitosis. Here is a finished product (please watch - Mitosis in 60 seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBETq75EFE
We will come back to this concept throughout this post.
George Couros states there are 8 characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset.
1. Empathetic - I have asked this question before - Would you want to be a learner in your own classroom? For example this teacher realized that using what she always knew (the transparency) did not allow the STUDENTS to interact with the content in a meaningful way. He goes on to state that she shifted her tole and became the ---- wait for this--- ARCHITECT OF THE EXPERIENCE! Oh MYLANTA! Just let that sit with you for a second. Wouldn't that just be one of the best compliments as an educator?
2. Problem Finders/Solvers - We (education in general) have created an environment that pose problems to students with step by step solutions that they must follow. He says, "The world is not step-by-step or linear; it's complex and often requires a messy solution." Seriously, can't we just use that piece of wisdom in all areas of our lives? We often do a great job in creating better problem-solvers instead of problem finders. When writing about students learning how to effectively learn, he states that when we stop simply telling students HOW to learn, and, rather, act as a guide on the side, we can support them in a way that encourages them to find their own solutions.
3. Risk Takers - Taking a risk is just part of innovation. It is a necessity. The teacher took a risk - knowing she wasn't technically savvy- but doing it the "old" way -- was it teaching students to gain a deep knowledge about concepts and how to apply them --- this is KEY! OR did they simply learn to regurgitate information? He went on to talk about Apple and how they started by making great computers. The company took a risk to create the iPhone. We can see that worked out well. Then things like the App Store, iPad and Apple Watch came to be. Success begats success? I would venture to guess the first prototypes of all of these things aren't what we have access to today. You must guess, there were many trials and errors and even with success they look to see how they can make it better. You must ALWAYS ask yourself, "Is there a better way to teach this lesson to meet the needs of these learners?"
4. Networked - Networking is crucial. Steven Anderson was quoted to say, "Alone we are smart, together we are brilliant." Isn't that so true. I am continually bouncing ideas off of Tonya before I roll things out. She gives great input and things are so much better because there are thought out together. When you plan, don't you feel the same when you talk to your partner teacher? I feel that way when I visit with you during PLC or planning times. Innovation (and enjoyment) flourishes when teachers collaborate to learn and practice new strategies. Isolation is often the enemy of innovation. Is that not an awesome and true quote --- (those are G.Couros' words - not mine!)
5. Observant- I love what he says that sometimes the most valuable thing you get from the network isn't an idea but the inspiration or courage to try something new. It's just looking around and paying attention to find the best way to get our message across to our students.
6. Creators - The Center for Accelerated Learning notes: "Learning is creation, not consumption" As with the mitosis lesson, creating something helped students make a personal connection to the information. In that environment a culture of creation was fostered vs consumption. Consider how much deeper learning could be if creation was a non-negotiable in the learning for both us and our students. How can we create this environment on a regular basis? I know each of you create in your rooms. Always ask yourself, "Is it meaningful? Is it allowing a deeper understanding, and is it creating a culture of problem finders."
8. Reflective - There is no success unless we reflect on the process. We must looked at what worked, what didn't and what might need changed. How might your lessons be impacted if you took 10 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what happened that day and to it will impact the next steps - whatever that may be?
He ends this chapter with this: Innovation is not about changing everything; sometimes you only need to change on thing. That experience can lead to new and better learning opportunities.
There is a "Mantra of an innovative educator" that I will type up and laminate. I would like you to post it wherever you will see it as you are creating your lesson plans and read it before you plan each week.
Make a difference, my friends. Take risks. Try new things. Be the Architect of Experience in your classrooms.
Please comment with a "take away" from chapter 3. How does this change your planning moving forward? Please comment before you leave the building on Friday, December 1st.
Tuesday - PLCs K-2
Wednesday - Retake pics and Santa pics beginning at 9:30 - schedule coming. I have a testing coordinator meeting from 1:30 - 3:30. This will be a planning day since we were out this week. I will be back to plan with my peeps! ;)
Thursday - 3-5 PLCs - Lesson plans due tonight. I have Legal Update Training from 9:30-11:30 and then a T-PESS (principal's appraisal) training from 1-3. 2nd Grade RtI (Tonya can facilitate and we can continue after school if need be).
Friday; 1st Quarter Masters/Distinguished Tournament with 3rd & 4th Grade - 1-3 p.m. will send list - Blog comment due before you leave.
Please remember to keep up with your 504/RtI/Intervention documentation.
Thanks for ALL you do! I know it's a lot and I am here for you! Let me know what I can do!
SK loves Rockets!
I'm getting back on track with THE INNOVATOR'S MINDSET cliff notes according to SK. Seriously, y'all, it's a POWERFUL book. The exerts I'm giving you are great but only scratch the surface. For any educator, but especially for us, it is a MUST read. I know Samantha is reading it, please let me know when you read it. Maybe Christmas break? ;)
Chapter 3: Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset
***Disclaimer--- this one will be long --- grab a cup of coffee or your beverage of choice and settle in*** :)
I loved this chapter (did I say that with the first two chapters as well?). It starts out talking about a teacher who had been out of the classroom for 3 years with her children and came back. Can you imagine being out of the classroom and walking back in today? She pulled out the overhead and transparencies because that's what she knew. She began a lesson on mitosis and realized how boring it was. She quickly learned that the methods she had previously used to teach were not meeting the students of today. I think we would quickly agree with that. The author - then principal- encouraged her to get on Twitter and find other science educators using the hashtag #scichat. Then he showed her a video called "Twitter in 60 seconds" to give her a quick overview. Please watch --- it will be important as we continue in this post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQn_eCg6Mk
After watching the video, the teacher showed it to her students and ask if they could do this for mitosis. She had no expertise on how to accomplish this but she knew her students did. As a result, she learned the technical side while the students learned a deeper level of learning of mitosis. Here is a finished product (please watch - Mitosis in 60 seconds)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBETq75EFE
We will come back to this concept throughout this post.
George Couros states there are 8 characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset.
1. Empathetic - I have asked this question before - Would you want to be a learner in your own classroom? For example this teacher realized that using what she always knew (the transparency) did not allow the STUDENTS to interact with the content in a meaningful way. He goes on to state that she shifted her tole and became the ---- wait for this--- ARCHITECT OF THE EXPERIENCE! Oh MYLANTA! Just let that sit with you for a second. Wouldn't that just be one of the best compliments as an educator?
2. Problem Finders/Solvers - We (education in general) have created an environment that pose problems to students with step by step solutions that they must follow. He says, "The world is not step-by-step or linear; it's complex and often requires a messy solution." Seriously, can't we just use that piece of wisdom in all areas of our lives? We often do a great job in creating better problem-solvers instead of problem finders. When writing about students learning how to effectively learn, he states that when we stop simply telling students HOW to learn, and, rather, act as a guide on the side, we can support them in a way that encourages them to find their own solutions.
3. Risk Takers - Taking a risk is just part of innovation. It is a necessity. The teacher took a risk - knowing she wasn't technically savvy- but doing it the "old" way -- was it teaching students to gain a deep knowledge about concepts and how to apply them --- this is KEY! OR did they simply learn to regurgitate information? He went on to talk about Apple and how they started by making great computers. The company took a risk to create the iPhone. We can see that worked out well. Then things like the App Store, iPad and Apple Watch came to be. Success begats success? I would venture to guess the first prototypes of all of these things aren't what we have access to today. You must guess, there were many trials and errors and even with success they look to see how they can make it better. You must ALWAYS ask yourself, "Is there a better way to teach this lesson to meet the needs of these learners?"
4. Networked - Networking is crucial. Steven Anderson was quoted to say, "Alone we are smart, together we are brilliant." Isn't that so true. I am continually bouncing ideas off of Tonya before I roll things out. She gives great input and things are so much better because there are thought out together. When you plan, don't you feel the same when you talk to your partner teacher? I feel that way when I visit with you during PLC or planning times. Innovation (and enjoyment) flourishes when teachers collaborate to learn and practice new strategies. Isolation is often the enemy of innovation. Is that not an awesome and true quote --- (those are G.Couros' words - not mine!)
5. Observant- I love what he says that sometimes the most valuable thing you get from the network isn't an idea but the inspiration or courage to try something new. It's just looking around and paying attention to find the best way to get our message across to our students.
6. Creators - The Center for Accelerated Learning notes: "Learning is creation, not consumption" As with the mitosis lesson, creating something helped students make a personal connection to the information. In that environment a culture of creation was fostered vs consumption. Consider how much deeper learning could be if creation was a non-negotiable in the learning for both us and our students. How can we create this environment on a regular basis? I know each of you create in your rooms. Always ask yourself, "Is it meaningful? Is it allowing a deeper understanding, and is it creating a culture of problem finders."
7. Resilient - Anything new and different can be scary. We are all on that path. We have felt this a lot this year. We are going to face adversity. How are you leading by example for your students the response? GC states that the school environment is the perfect place to challenge and encourage them to stretch their thinking; and it's a safe place for them to try, fail, and try again. As teachers, it is hard for us to back off and allow students to struggle in the process of success. We want to swoop in and save them from this but we are doing more harm than good. Allow them to stretch their wings - even when it's hard. They, and you, will be better for it. It's a fine balance to know when to step in and when to step aside.
8. Reflective - There is no success unless we reflect on the process. We must looked at what worked, what didn't and what might need changed. How might your lessons be impacted if you took 10 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what happened that day and to it will impact the next steps - whatever that may be?
He ends this chapter with this: Innovation is not about changing everything; sometimes you only need to change on thing. That experience can lead to new and better learning opportunities.
There is a "Mantra of an innovative educator" that I will type up and laminate. I would like you to post it wherever you will see it as you are creating your lesson plans and read it before you plan each week.
Make a difference, my friends. Take risks. Try new things. Be the Architect of Experience in your classrooms.
Please comment with a "take away" from chapter 3. How does this change your planning moving forward? Please comment before you leave the building on Friday, December 1st.
*****************THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE*************************
Monday - 1st Quarter 5th Grade Masters/Distinguished Tournament with Ms. Kluttz 1-3 p.m
(I will send a list on Sunday when I'm at the school)Tuesday - PLCs K-2
Wednesday - Retake pics and Santa pics beginning at 9:30 - schedule coming. I have a testing coordinator meeting from 1:30 - 3:30. This will be a planning day since we were out this week. I will be back to plan with my peeps! ;)
Thursday - 3-5 PLCs - Lesson plans due tonight. I have Legal Update Training from 9:30-11:30 and then a T-PESS (principal's appraisal) training from 1-3. 2nd Grade RtI (Tonya can facilitate and we can continue after school if need be).
Friday; 1st Quarter Masters/Distinguished Tournament with 3rd & 4th Grade - 1-3 p.m. will send list - Blog comment due before you leave.
Please remember to keep up with your 504/RtI/Intervention documentation.
Thanks for ALL you do! I know it's a lot and I am here for you! Let me know what I can do!
SK loves Rockets!
Sunday, November 12, 2017
5 More Days Until Thanksgiving Break!!! YOU CAN DO IT!
On Sunday I went to the JFK museum, which I had never been to. I don't know how that happened either. There was a movie of his speech that was used in Hidden Figures as well.
"We choose to go to the moon," the president said. "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too."
In the movie Kevin Costner is speaking to Congress and says:
"Whoever gets there first makes the rules. That's been true for every civilization." We have to touch the stars if only to ensure our own survival.
We aren't at STEM because it's easy. We are here because it's hard and we were all ready for a change/challenge. We are making the rules for our school to reach for the stars. We are the trailblazers in a new possible era of GISD - school of choice. We are here first. I know it's been a whirlwind but we are better in many ways for it. We have surely not arrived but we are finding our way. Keep experiencing "firsts" both inside and outside of our walls no matter how great or small. What we do every day matters but most of all YOU MATTER!! Choose joy this week. We all have many things to be thankful for. Make your list of 10 things you are grateful for and keep it close. When you feel tired and restless or getting in a bad mood, take it out and read it. It is proven that you can't be negative and grateful at the same time. Feel free to share your list as a response or just let me know you read this post so I know you are keeping plugged in each week. Please respond before you leave for break on Friday!
******************WEEK AT A GLANCE**********************
Monday & Tuesday Regular Schedule
Wednesday - K- 2 - 4 Thanksgiving Feast (1-3-5- "Fun Lunch" in room)
Thursday - 1 -3 -5 Thanksgiving Feast (K-2-4 "Fun Lunch in room)
Friday - 5th Grade Fossil Dig, Dr. Liggins Visit from 8:30-10:30, Lunch provided by Admin
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