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.