Authentic Learning
Snow Day Joy
Children have built in radar when it comes to snow. Just the mention of that frosty “S-word” seems to create an energetic burst to bodies and brains. Actually, I have to admit that I am still filled with joy when I hear the words “snow day” too. So, let’s channel that flurry of excitement…
Read MoreIt Starts With Wanting to Know More
“Look at the map. Which is bigger in area, Greenland or Australia? Ah, Greenland you say. I traced the outline of Greenland and Australia and cut them out. Let’s look. How can we compare? Right. One way is to put one country on top of the other. You see Greenland is indeed larger. Now check…
Read MoreCurious Like George
When you were a kid, did you read the stories of Curious George? This timeless little monkey embodies the curiosity children possess. You probably know George, but do you know the story of his creators – H.A. and Margaret Rey? Hans Agusto Rey and Margaret Waldstein worked together on a variety of…
Read MoreWired for Curiosity
“Being curious is an essential part of human consciousness, a joyful feature of a life well lived. But as recent research evidence shows, fostering curiosity holds a power that goes beyond merely feeling good. In fact, curiosity may be critical to student success in school.” – Wendy L. Ostroff Children are hard wired to…
Read MoreGive Them a Purpose
My youngest child has developed a love for horses. This love has grown exponentially over the last few years and honestly, as a busy mom, I have provided the minimum amount of support for this hobby. Despite this, I am becoming a barn mom. Because she is young and inexperienced, I have stayed at the…
Read MoreEmbrace the Mess
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end!” – Robin Sharma I am living proof that learning is messy. While rushing through my Saturday morning chores, I hurriedly threw the laundry into the machine. There were just a couple more towels than usual – and I didn’t want…
Read MoreConfessions of an Old Teacher
When I was a kid I idolized my teachers. I thought they knew everything and I wanted to be one of those people who would lovingly impart knowledge to the masses. I wanted to be an educator. Diploma in hand and great aspirations in mind, I set out to teach. I was going to…
Read MoreTurning the Table
“I’ve taught you everything I am to teach you this year. I’ve taught you new content and strategies to use to understand that content. Now it’s time for you to choose what you would like to learn more about and use what I’ve taught you this year.” How does this sound to you? Interested? Here’s…
Read MoreFeedback – The Language of Growth
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” – Ken Blanchard Years of research show that feedback is one of the most powerful influences on achievement. Daily we strive to provide quality feedback to our students, but we also must take the time to provide quality feedback to our colleagues. Feedback is the language of growth. It is…
Read MoreNew Avenues to Better Teaching
This month ERG has focused on Instructional Leadership and Peer Coaching. In one of our recent newsletters it was noted that ” Leadership in education is about learning – and not just the empowerment of student learning. As instructional leaders, teachers assume a wide range of roles to support the learning needs of students –…
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