Vision

My Vision for my classroom and school:

*Learning by Exploring self, school, environment and community

*Effectively integrating science and social studies into the curriculum

*Outdoor science lab

*Hands-on learning

*Meaningful projects and a joy for learning

*Real life experiences that motivate children to be successful

*Lifeskills and the Eight Keys incorporated into every part of the day

*Effective collaboration K-5

*Field Trips!!!

Tiffany and I had a wonderful Friday, where our 4th grade students at EES spent the entire afternoon engaged in learning.  Tiffany had groups  observing their Journey North tulip test garden, Ms Corrnett had groups weeding the South side of EES, and Tiffany's mother and I had groups observing seeds and planting a variety of seeds. (Wildflowers, Zinnias, Sunflowers) It was a wonderful day and the kids took pride in their work and what they planted.  They also all marked with popsicle sticks where they planted, so we can observe the growth.  It was a fantastic way to end a beautiful Friday!  My vision is for learning to break out of the walls of each classroom and into the outdoors and  our community!

Breaking Free- Book Study

I am currently reading Breaking Free from myths about teaching and learning, by Allison Zmuda.
It has some powerful points.  Some favorites I have so far, I will quote directly,
"School curricula should be governed by powerful inquiries that serve as the conceptual spine of the discipline concentrating focus and organizing new information around a handful of big ideas.  Student achievement should be motivated and measured by authentic tasks that require substantive problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration."  I really like how this author describes 21st century learning and "Authentic tasks."  Also our need to re-instill the "childlike fearlessness" students possess when they are young and exploring the unknown. This book suggests many of the big ideas of the change Tiffany and I are working toward in our building; teaching authentic tasks, collaboration, and creating life long learners.

HB2140

Read to Succeed:
After reading through Angela's blog, I also read through House Bill 2140, which was recently updated.  One change to the Read to Succeed proposal is the option of retaining students in 1st grade rather than 3rd grade.   It did appear after reading through this bill that ultimately the parents have a decision in the retention as well as the teachers and principals.  I am curious to what the teacher created portfolio to support a child moving to 2nd grade would look like.  Once again, after reading through a house bill I feel very confused!  I can not imagine having to listen to the presentation of House Bills and politics on a regular basis.  It does feel there is a disconnect in Senate to what really goes on in our classrooms and our schools!  How could a Bill such as HB2140 continue?  We know that our students learn at different paces and in different ways.  Here is a link to the House Bill along with the changes.
HB2140 

Now, back to  enjoying the sunshine!  My daughters found new bug cages from the Easter bunny and are currently filling them full of rolly pollies!  They are very interested in the world around them!  "Mama, where do tree's come from?"  "Where does sand come from?" The joy of learning and discovery is so exciting! :)

Innovative School Bill

This is very interesting to me and I agree the changes could be exciting if our school becomes an innovative district!  I have always been open to any changes in our schools that ultimately benefit our kids!

Changing Paradigms

 Sir Ken Robinson's speech "Changing Paradigms,"made many powerful points on our current educational system.    He spoke about how our schools have taught for economic utility and how we have a school curriculum that teaches what we feel are useful subjects. (Reading, Math) He also spoke of connecting people with their talents, which I see so important!  Also, that people do their best when they do the thing they love!  I agreed strongly with this and also the need for teaching Divergent Thinkers.  I thought the information he gave on Kindergarten students was also very powerful!  I look at my own 5 year old and think of how imaginative and creative she is!  How do we continue to ignite that love of learning and to drive her curiosity of the world around her?  When does it change for students?  Is it the push we have for teaching what we feel are important subjects?  What can we do to teach students to drive forward?  The information on ADHD was also very interesting and the map he showed.  Kids are intensely stimulated in the world around them.  I constantly am trying to figure out ways to engage my struggling readers when they do not want to sit and read.  (Brain Breaks and Movement!)  So, lets find ways to reach our creative minds and "Get a move on!"
Here is a link for this video.

I also found myself trying to read what RSA stood for as I was watching the video.  (Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts)

Life and Learning (PBL/ ITI)

The question Susan Kovalik asks is, "Where are the dioramas, the science projects that demand in-depth thinking and investigating, the field studies that build understanding in the natural world that surrounds us, and a sense of what to do with math and reading and writing outside of school that would enhance your own life?"
link
Ginger Lewman writes two powerful articles about Learning By Doing and the power of PBL!
Link

Susan Kovalik

The Center for Effective Learning link
Here is a page of many outstanding articles by Susan Kovalik.  I will be reading her articles and all about Integrated Thematic Instruction for many days to come.  A very interesting article titled, "Literacy Establishes Crucial Link to Society." discusses the need for our students to become active members of our community and society in order to truly become literate.  You will have to scroll down to read this article.  

I was also very interested in reading about the Nine-Brain-Compatible Elements that Influence Learning, identified by Susan Kovalik

1. Absence of Threat, nurturing reflective thinking
2. Meaningful Content
3. Enriched Environment
4. Movement to enhance learning
5. Choices
6. Adequate time
7. Collaboration
8. Immediate feedback
9. Mastery (application)    Link about the 9