Shake Up Learning - 21st Century Change

I just finished Chapter 1 of Kasey Bell's new book Shake Up Learning Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic and had so many thoughts that I easily filled the reflection pages.

I am guilty of having that factory mindset in the classroom.  I can't count how often I've said (let alone thought), "I learned it this way, and it was good enough for me." After reading this chapter, I see the problem with that.  First, not everyone learns like I do.  School always just "clicked" for me--I was good at it. I wasn't often challenged to do critical, deep thinking, and this has been to my detriment.  As an adult, I struggle with critical and creative thinking.  I'm awesome at recreating something, but I don't have a lot of originality. This bothers me a lot at this stage in my life (when I hear people talk politics, world news, etc.)  I don't want my students to have this problem, especially in the age of "alternative facts" and an endless sea of information the internet. 

The second problem with my factory mindset stems from the fact that we didn't have all of these cool gadgets and unlimited access when I was a kid.  I remember in high school (in the mid-80's), I took a class on word processing and was absolutely floored! I LOVED it! I remember being in college and using floppy discs.  I had so much fun making that turtle travel around the screen.  I actually still have one in my attic that has this really cool (and innovative at the time) fireworks display that I proudly created from scratch. If I could access this, would I still think that it was high tech? Probably not, but that began my love of what "the future" would look like.

In her book, Kasey Bell refers to Back to the Future 2 and how they imagined the world in 2015.  Since the first film came out when I was 15, and I lived 2015 as I was teaching in my 40's I went CRAY-CRAY using the movies in class. We talked about how things are so different today than when I was a kid.

So, then why is it my instinct to teach the same way that I was taught?  In my professional development, I'm learning that this is normal. But, I need to work hard to break that habit.

As technology got better and better, I tried to keep up as much as I could. You should see my VCR, DVD, and Blu-ray collection--now I'm starting a decent digital library.  I can't imagine being without the 21st-century conveniences.

My goal in reading this book is to get inspiration and tools to change the type of teacher that I am.  I want my students to get excited about learning like my bio-statistician brother and I did (and still do).  I want them to be like sponges and using the tools available to them, have the initiative to seek out and learn new things. I don't want to be the most excited person in my classroom anymore.

If you're interested in learning more about the book, click HERE.  I'm excited to start Chapter 2!

Engaging Kids

It's not a secret that I've been struggling with being innovative in my more "difficult" classes.  I've been following Caitlin Tucker on Twitter (@Caitlin_Tucker) for a while now and am inspired by so many of her ideas.

On this snow day, I've been digging into some blog posts that I've been saving and came across her post "Kids Will Be Kids: 8 Easy Strategies for Engaging Kids". I think I found some strategies that will work with my super active kiddos.  With our current novel, I'm excited to try #2 - Tea Party.  Getting the kids moving out of their seats, talking to each other, sharing different quotes just might be a refreshing change for them (and for me).

Compliance vs. Engagement vs. Empowerment

I'll say it. I am that teacher who does like a compliant group.  Every year, there is that "one" class.  You know the one I'm talking about... the numbers don't have to be large, but there are some large personalities. Attitudes, defiance, disruptions, giggles, shouting across the room abound...


I know how to plan lessons where the students: own the learning, take risks, stay focused for at least 15 minutes. But there is always that "one" class that doesn't fall in line. (Well, this year, I have two of those classes.)  When I introduce lessons to those classes, all hell breaks loose. Struggling with the compliance that is needed to teach a lesson and wanting to show the kids what they could accomplish if they would just step out of their own way... Baby steps, I guess...

Be the Spark

In The Innovative Mindset, George Couros said "Our job, sometimes, is simply to be the spark, help build confidence, and then get out of the way." (pg. 78) This sentence really stood out to me.

When I find something that interests me, I tend to jump in with both feet. Sometimes, I get a little too enthusiastic and might scare others away.  But, at this stage in my life, being an empty-nester, I am lucky enough to have the time to dedicate to my new "obsessions".  Right now, this is learning how to most effectively integrate technology into the classroom.  If I can share my passion with my peers and ignite a spark in them, then all the better.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

“Trying things that push us out of our comfort zone…” (pg 58). Ugh! Who wants that? That feeling of knots in my stomach and breaking out into a sweat…. no thank you!

About 5 years ago, I had an experience where I had to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” At first, I resisted; I dug in my heels and tried to stay with what I knew.  However, when I pushed myself to be uncomfortable… and just feel it… and flow with it… and continue on, it made all the difference.

When I tell you that “get comfortable being uncomfortable” was my daily mantra, I’m not exaggerating.  It was on post-it notes all around the house and on my desk at school.  It took a good year of resistance, but I was pushed, and I pushed myself. The improvement in my life was remarkable.

I learned that being comfortable kept me from growing and learning. I was stuck in bad habits and old routines.  When I let myself be uncomfortable sooo many doors were opened -- ones that I couldn’t have imagined before.  Now, I need to push myself do that more in the classroom. I want to be psyched to go to work each and every day! I KNOW that I need to be more innovative. Having a cute classroom with “fun” activities isn’t enough. I need to learn to actually create lessons (not repackage what’s already out there) with an innovative mind. 

I want to learn how to 1) be more innovative with the knowledge that I already have and 2) inspire the kids to be more creative so that they LOVE learning.

The Innovator's Mindset - Week 1

After watching the YouTube interview with Jo Boaler and reading the introduction, I started thinking about a few things.  Most prominently, the comment in the video that you "can't make the kids feel free if the teachers don't feel free to be creative with their subject matter..." 

I wonder how we can create a balance that works for the kids, as well as the teachers. The scripted programs that we have been forced to use frustrate me. Same thing, different package, more money spent. Using a scripted program (Reading Edge, ARC) totally takes away ALL creativity and autonomy.  How can I be an innovative teacher when I'm told exactly what I need to do?  I feel as if I am put in the position of following the script & not being innovative, or breaking the rules and being innovative and creative to best serve my students. Honestly, I opt for the latter, but try to find a balance between the two -- follow the "idea" of the script, but in my own way, letting the kids' needs guide me.

I love that we are being given technology and the support to use them in a fun and engaging way!! I'm inspired to look at all of my old lesson plans and make them better. It keeps the boredom at bay too!

We are teaching kids who are experiencing things that I never, ever imagined - incarcerated parents, homelessness, being given adult responsibilities such as watching little ones at home (at the expense of going to school), exposure to addiction, etc.  How can using a scripted program get these kids interested in learning?

We need to find what serves them... what engages them... what interests them... to be better and strive for better.