Guideposts

So, I’ve been thinking about how to be the best person and teacher. I’ve been thinking about what I want for myself and my students and who to turn to for inspiration. So far, I’ve got three stories/tidbits that are going to serve as my guideposts for the year: “Excellence is transformative.” I read Ron [...]

Game On!

So, I’ve been thinking about the great conversation I had with my class yesterday. It was the kind of conversation we don’t usually have until a lot later in the year. I’ve been thinking about why it went so well. First let me tell you what my definition of “going well” is. In 5th grade [...]

My Version of Identity Day Update 1

So, I’ve been thinking about my class version of George Couros’ “Identity Day.” I heard him describe it at part of the Reform Symposium. (Catch the archived version here.) Let me give a little background. I showed this video as a start to our conversation about ourselves. The video is a book trailer for Daniel [...]

New Seating Arrangement Update 1

So, I’ve been thinking about how my new furniture is working out. One of my big plans for this year was to make my room more flexible in terms of seating arrangements. I wrote about it here. Well, let me give you the update you’ve been waiting for. The good: I love having our regular [...]

Packing for Back to School

So, I’ve been thinking about getting ready for school. We had our first half day on Wednesday, but with the holiday on Thursday, we didn’t have a real, full day until Friday. (I am happy to report no one bailed after that first 1/2 day.) I’ve done the standard getting ready stuff: arranged the room, [...]

Having an Impact

So, I’ve been thinking about how to effect change beyond my classroom. I can’t say that I’ve found any answers. I’m pretty sure I’ve bothered some folks and very sure that more people have heard about a few things I’m working on than care about said things. But today (ok, I didn’t finish this right [...]