Portfolio Day: March 2018

Tomorrow is Portfolio Day. We'll work with students to update their showcase portfolio with examples of signature learning events from all subject areas. Students will also add their reflections--most of all we'll focus on the fact that to know our selves well and to set some goals based on our hopes and dreams helps us to develop and grow in ways that matter.

Keep Pushing Forward

There are moments of exasperation, fatigue, disappointment, questioning, and frustration in all parts of life, however, we have to just keep pushing forward with the best of who we are and the the best of what we know is right and good.

We can't sell our souls or conform when we know it's not right, and we have to stand up for what we believe in. Sometimes in the short run, doing what you know to be right and good can be seen as a hindrance or obstacle to the achievement and good work you seek; that's why it can be tempting at times to stay silent, go along, and not stand up to issues that you feel are important and need to be dealt with.

However, in the long run, it's best to stand up, speak up, and do what is right and good even if it may mean a short term loss or detour. In the end, I'm convinced it's what's right and good that matters, and standing up for that is essential.  Onward.

A Million Paths to Betterment: Choose a Few

Everywhere I look I see opportunity for betterment, but you can't champion on all paths. You have to choose a few to invest your time and energy into. This is critical to the good work possible.

Do What You Can: Tremendous Opportunity for Betterment

I've advocated for change and development in many areas of school life. In some of those areas, there has been change, and in others there has not been change. As I look out at the landscape this morning, I realize that it's in my best interest and the interests of the students I serve to focus in on those areas where I can do good work rather than the areas where I've met great struggle and lack of support.

To do that means I will focus on the following areas:

• Building a strong class/grade-level community with the wonderful fifth grade learning community of students, families, and educators.
• Focusing in on standards-based science and math education with a number of good materials and a focus on developing greater project/problem based learning, environmental education, computational thinking, and interdisciplinary study.
• Continuing to work on uplifting our efforts to forward a culturally proficient program that helps every child to succeed with confidence and access to the tools, time, and teachers they need.
• Learning on my own and with others so that I can continue to develop the program.
• A healthy routine so that I can maximize the energy I need to teach well.

This ability to focus in on the work that matters to the students I teach is essential at this bend in the road. As for my work outside of the school system, I'll work on reading, research, and writing to forward policy and activity that best supports children and communities. There is great potential for betterment everywhere we look, and I want to contribute to those kinds of efforts in my daily work and work outside of school too. Onward. 

Today's Teaching and Learning: March 2018

There's a good foot of the snow which will spell a delightful lunch recess. I'll need to dress for the weather because when the snow is that deep it means I may be running through the snow to lift a child up or check on a problem.

We'll spend the morning take a short computation assessment so that we can report timely data to parents during next week's conferences. Later students will rotate to study science. Students working with me will test a number of materials to determine their properties. Students will enjoy this study. Later they'll read about matter and property.

Later  students will work on their research in library. It will be a good day.