Opening Minds ... #CyberPD ... Part Deux

Reading chapters 4-6 gave me a lot to think about but also, it gave me a lot to do. I found myself creating projects in my head as I learned, so I figured for my blog I would share a few of my very simple ideas implement my new learning because we all know it’s one thing to read the books and write the blogs ... now we must carry this forward into action.

As I read chapter four, I mentally created a project to help me change my language. Everywhere I take notes or meet with students I’m going to make myself a “Feedforward” Cheat Sheet. Small [an index card?] and to the point, with reminders, questions, sentence starters and anything that will keep me focused on providing process feedback. In essence, it will be like tying a string around my finger.

Project two includes me taking “Read Aloud” off my schedule and out of my vocabulary. Those small few sentences on page 56-57 were a light bulb moment for me. That time has never been just about me reading aloud, it is so much more than that. “Thinking Together with Books” is exactly what we’re doing, so why aren’t we calling it that. The focus is on the book and students’ thoughts and wonderings, so the time should be rightly named. (Anyone else with me to start a new movement?!)

And finally ... simply “thank you.” I can think of so many times when I could have replaced “great job” or “good work” with a simple, thank you. I loved reading about the young reader who was so proud of himself for pointing to each word and grinned from the simple response of “thank you.”

Of course I have a whole list of quotes that I wanted to remember from these chapters. My evernote, post-its and highlighters got a workout. I’m loving reading everyone’s thoughts. Thanks Cathy, Jill & Laura for being such great hosts! :)

Opening Minds ... #CyberPD

Last year I stalked along as my good friend, Laura Komos, jumped fearlessly into blogging. I kept myself at a safe distance, enjoying her writing and learning as a read hers and other’s thoughts. Although she repeatedly told me to jump into #CyberPD last summer, after a year of National Boards anything that even had the letters PD in it made me want to run screaming. A year later, after spending much of the last 4 months brainstorming and chatting, I’ve jumped in (almost) fearlessly with a new blog and now my first #CyberPD post ... um, almost a week late!

Opening Minds, Peter Johnson, Chapters 1-3

One thing I’ve come to realize as I stare at my blinking curser is that I’m not good at this blogging thing ... yet!

One of the most eye opening experiences is seeing one of my first graders play teacher or read aloud to a friend and you hear yourself in everything they say. That scenario has always been my reminder of how important my words are in the classroom. Not to mention when I saw a child put their hands on their hips, cock their head and say “REALLY!?” when they weren’t pleased with a friend. It’s a powerful responsibility we have to create the environment and community within the walls of our classroom. But as my last job taught me, our reach must also extend outside of the classroom.

Much of the beginning of this book reminded me of conferences with parents of former struggling students. As I met with them, I found myself prepping them for what I was about to share. I front-loaded the conversation with the skills that their child had acquired and the gains that had already made. And then I began to coach them as I shared the things their child was currently struggling with. I learned quickly that in order for my words in the classroom to be of value, the feelings and meaning behind them had to be carried through at home as well. I would be fighting and uphill battle if the language wasn’t consistent. I wish this book had been out back then so I could share some of Johnson’s words with my parents, especially when he shares “Learning takes time and effort, so trying hard is valued.”

These first three chapters have gotten me excited for the fourth chapter regarding feedback. It has been a goal of mine to provided consistent and meaningful feedback to my students. And sometimes that can be a struggle. Often, “Great job!” just flies out of your mouth and your brain is onto the next thought before you realize you need to stop and return to that child to provide real feedback, not just generic praise.

Looking forward to sharing more as I continue to read. And maybe this next post will be on time! :)

Summer Learning...

Technically I still have THREE WEEKS left of school, but my Summer PD Plan and To Do List have already grown to epic lengths! I can't really call my reading list a "book stack" this year, since it seems like everything I own is either in bags or boxes. Some of these books I've already started in preparation for professional development with my new district, some are packed in my carry-on bag for my upcoming trip back to Utah/for my 20-hour drive west (obviously, for when I'm not the one driving!) and some are packed in boxes ready to be moved.

(Summer "Book Stack" Slide Show - sorry it doesn't show in mobile view!)
(Picasa link to book covers - Amazon links at the end of the post)

This list has been narrowed down (surprising I know, since there is still 11 books on it) from a greater list I've been gathering on GoodReads. I had a lot to think about as I was trying to select books that would be my priority this summer. I wanted to be sure to read about the Common Core since my new district will be implementing it. Laura added quite a few books to my "to read" list at IRA this May and she slyly slipped some of them into my pile as I shopped! There are the few books that I've been meaning to read for a while and some that I was excited to learn about through other blogs and twitter posts. I wanted to center my reading and learning around new ideas and things to try in my new classroom.

Most of my To Do List involves working in my new classroom. I've been carefully selecting what's most important and essential as I pack my current classroom. Moving across the country has provided a great opportunity for really questioning the supplies, materials and books that have gathered in my classroom over the last 7 years. Some of my things will have to be left behind and donated to my old school as I just cannot take everything. My new room is smaller and much different than my current classroom. Most of my time will be devoted to turning an empty space into a learning community.

I've also started many new technology projects that I am looking forward to devoting more time to. (One being this blog!) I am excitedly working on a professional website as well as a classroom website. Having a classroom website will be a big change for me because in my current classroom most students do not have internet access as home.

Oh I almost forgot ... I will also be taking a distance learning class from Utah State University to satisfy a missing requirement to get my Utah Reading Endorsements 1 & 2. The class is called, "Teaching Effective Writing." I'm excited for the format of the class, it is 4 hours a day for two weeks. I really like the idea of having a graduate class all at once instead of spread over eight/ten weeks. The two required texts for the class are: Best Practices in Writing Instruction (Solving Problems in the Teaching of Literacy) and Teaching Writing: Balancing Process and Product (6th Edition). I never like being told what to read - but these look like pretty good choices!

Phew - I'm tired just looking at this list! I cannot wait to be sitting out on the deck with a book and my computer, enjoying my new view as I learn this summer. I'm still working on convincing Laura that she needs to join me in the west for a bit this summer, hoping this photo will help! (Although, it looks like I need an updated picture since there's snow in this one!)

View from the deck.

Summer 2012 Book List with Amazon Links:
Of Primary Importance: What's Essential in Teaching Young Writers
Math Exchanges: Guiding Young Mathematicians in Small Group Meetings
Talk About Understanding: Rethinking Classroom Talk to Enhance Comprehension
Beyond Leveled Books, Second Edition
Opening Minds: Using Language to Change Lives
Choice Words
Real Revision: Authors' Strategies to Share with Student Writers
Teaching with Intention
Pathways to the Common Core: Accelerating Achievement
Comprehension Going Forward: Where We Are and What's Next
Conferring: The Keystone of Reader's Workshop

Preparing for an Adventure

I have to say it out loud to believe it sometimes ... "I'm finishing my seventh year teaching first grade on the south side of Chicago." Sometimes I can't believe it's been this long and sometimes it feels like it's still my very first year. However, when I see past students I'm reminded not only of how much they have grown, but also about how much I have. I'm still a few weeks away from closing one chapter and beginning another, but in my usual obsessive way I've been planning, organizing and obsessing about this for months. I wanted to start this blog to record not only my transition but also my growth. I hope to make it a place where I can have conversations about my learning and invite others to join me. So thank you for visiting and reading my first post, I hope to talk to you again soon!

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seeming secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life and in change there is power." -Alan Cohen