You Fill My Heart With Joy

I believe that every day is a new beginning.  I love that moment when I open the door and greet my students with some welcoming words and a big smile.  It's a great way to start the day together.

But how could I make it even better?

During periods of frustration it is easy to forget that there are positive attributes in every child.  The class had needed a lot of redirecting lately and I wanted them to see that I recognize all the wonderful things about them, too.

I got out a pad of sticky notes and took a few moments to record one positive attribute about each child.  I am pleased to say that it really wasn't that difficult.

The fun began when I opened the door.  Along with their daily entry task, each student found a note on their desk.  It was amusing to watch them help each other read them.  It was a little noisier and chaotic than usual but in a purposeful and positive way.

What I didn't expect were the notes I found on my desk later that day.  Some students had taken it upon themselves to reciprocate and left some inspirational messages on my desk for me.  So what if "heart" was spelled "Heather."  I couldn't have been more honoured or proud.

The day still had challenges.  How boring would it be if kit didn't, but I had enough positivity in me that it couldn't break me.  Not even when my struggling student cam through the door (late) with a LARGE cup of sugary coffee and Mom was late picking him up again.  Colleagues commented but I managed to disengage from the conversations before I made unprofessional comments or lost my positivity.

No one is perfect, and I am at the beginning of my journey in reflective practice so mistakes are expected.

I did want to talk to MT's mom.  I met the kids at the office as they were about to head out to the playground.  I asked them to wait because I wanted to talk to their mom.  Another adult was their and said she would watch them on the playground.  I repeated that I wanted to talk to their mother.  The middle daughter asked why.  I explained that I was concerned that she and her younger brother had been left waiting for over half an hour the day before and wanted to talk to her mother about it.  I did not bad mouth the mother but even that was perhaps too much information to share particularly with another adult in ear shot.  Next time I would simply say, I just want to talk to her.  The adult again said that shew would watch the kids as they would be going over to her place later anyway.  I caved.  I should have said, "Thank you, but I insist that they wait here."   The fact that I was going to be late for yet another meeting because of this family did factor into my decision.  I needed to leave and couldn't wait much longer anyway.

I could have strode back to my room, muttering under my breath about how the mopther was late AGAIN picking up her children but I didn't.  When colleagues commented on the situation I simpoly acknowledged their observations and said I was going to confront the mother about it.  I diodn't say, "Yup.  She did it again.  Can you beleive it?  What is she doing having another kid?"  Again, she is doing her best.  Would I like better for the kids?  Yes.  Is criticizing the mother the way to get it?  Not likely.  I am going to build on the bond we have been building and offer her whatever supports I can.  Hopefully pride will not stand in the way of her accepting some support.

What would my note to her say?  You love your children very much.  Never give up.


 

My Journey of Reflective Practice Begins....

Spring has sprung.
The grass has riz.
I wonder where
the class I knew is....

Just before spring break I recognized that both my students and I were in desperate need of a break.  Their behaviour was rapidly going downhill and my patience was wearing thin.

I decided to become more pro-active rather than reactive.  These little six and seven year-olds deserved my best.  By golly, that's what they were going to get.

This meant I had to unpack some emotional baggage.  I was becoming increasingly frustrated with what I was witnessing in many families.  I didn't understand decisions they were making.

Then it hit me.  I was looking at their lifestyle through a lens tinted with the values that I grew up with and still reside within me.  I needed to change that lens, at least when judging or interacting with these families.  My values are an important part of who I am, but they are not their values.  I had to respect that.  There would still be moments of frustration, and that is what this blog, my reflection journal, is for.  It will be a place to examine the events of the day.  What went well?  What was frustrating?  How did I deal with that frustration?  What are some things I could try next time?

One student I have been struggling with had a bad day.  He did not engage with the literacy support teacher and spoke to her in a loud voice using negative talk.  He left the room without letting an adult know and took items from the snack tray without permission.  I followed him and reminded him that he needed to ask before leaving the room or taking items from the snack tray.  His behaviour was not okay.  I was frustrated mostly by his rudeness to another adult who was trying so hard to work with him.

A plan was made.  Hall passes were created.  When he needs to leave (or an adult thinks he needs to leave) he takes a pass and can take a short walk.  Expectations were discussed with him.  This would be implemented on a trial basis.  I admit that before I reached this breaking point I would have been reluctant to let a grade one wander the halls.  In fact, I confess to uncharitable thoughts towards teachers who let there students do so.  Now, I was willing to try anything.  He wasn't doing work in class anyway, so the reality was he wasn't going to miss much anyway.  This was the first shift in  my thinking.  I moved from "He is capable so he will do this work before I grant him any privileges" to "He will not demonstrate his potential until he is ready to and disciplinary measures won't change that."

As the plan wasn't going to be introduced until the next day, the remainder of the day was chaos.  He disappeared from another class, resulting in a search by another adult.  After school his mother (pregnant with her fourth child.....seventh in the blended family) was over 30 minutes late.  He had been instructed by his big sister to remain on the playground to wait for their mother while she was in an after school playground.  Instead he wandered thew halls, shouting and kicking his backpack until he was eventually ushered out.

I have opinions about bringing another child in the world when you can't adequately feed or otherwise care for existing children but I managed to keep these thoughts to myself.  I did wait for the mother and reinforced how important it was to pick her children up on time.  She said she had a plan and I simply pointed out that it hadn't worked so maybe other arrangements needed to be made.

I reminded myself that this mother is doing the best that she can.  She is overwhelmed.  Yes, that situation is of her own making but, again,  I am looking at her life choices through my lens.  All I can do is find ways to support her (and retain what little of my own sanity that is left) so that these children have the best chance possible to become productive, happy citizens as adults.  

Tomorrow is a new day


 

Interview with a Practicing Online Educator

When the opportunity to attend a conference in Vegas arose I jumped at it.  Who wouldn't?  A chance to ride the Manhattan Express; take in the view from the top of the Stratosphere; attend a performance of Cirque du Soleil; and participate in professional development.  It was too good to be true.

What I wasn't expecting was the chance to chat with a practitioner in my field of focus for my graduate studies.  I am new to the world of online teaching and learning and overwhelmed by the wealth of resources and educational theories that exist.  When I had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with someone currently working in the field of online education I felt an adrenaline rush not all that different from when I did the loop-the-loop on the roller coaster at New York, New York.

I constructed some questions that addressed the current areas of study in the course I was taking and equipped myself with a pen and notebook (roaming charges precluded me using my smartphone as a recording device) and waited for an opportune moment to get an exclusive.   I imagined this must have been what Lois Lane felt like interviewing Superman.  I was excited and nervous all at once.

The first question I posed was whether or not she felt there was a difference between online and face-to-face teaching and learning.  My expert addressed the benefits she experienced as an educator, such as the convenience of being able to work where and when she opted, thus freeing her to be more available for her family.  I agree that is a benefit for both teachers and students but it didn't really answer my question.  What I really wanted to know was how the planning process differed.  What considerations must an educator take into account in order to move from a face-to-face teaching environment to an online or blended environment?  Lesson number one for this fledgling journalist....construct your questions carefully.

Next I asked if her teaching was influenced by any particular learner theories.  My response was a vaguely puzzled expression.  I clarified by asking if she applied more of a bahviourist, constructivist or connectivist approach.  I could see the neuropathways lighting up as she recalled some of her earlier formal studies.  She cited all of them as shaping her program.  Lesson number two for this inexperienced interviewer - don't assume prior knowledge.

My third question addressed learning styles.  I wanted to know if she felt that online education was better suited to one style of learner than another.  While she acknowledge that it is possible for all learners to be successful, kinesthetic and visual learners likely struggle more.  Lesson number three - include icebreakers at the beginning of an interview because the subject will likely need time to feel comfortable and get into the right mindset.  My subject seemed much more at ease now and her answers were more thoughtful and confident.

Finally I asked about the challenges posed by introducing online or blended models of instruction in primary classrooms.  She agreed that this was challenging.  She directed me towards a tool called Zoom.  I was pleased to have a tangible takeaway from the interview; something I could go and explore and maybe utilize in my own practice.

My quasi-ambush interview may not have been peppered with "aha" moments but it was by no means a disaster.  I realized that while I had not previously given much conscious thought to which learning theories influenced my practice, I was not alone.  I could move forward in my ongoing quest to become a more effective teacher and stop beating myself up.  I also realized that I made the right choice in pursuing teaching rather than journalism.  I will leave that to Lois Lane.

Grow dendrites, grow....

The thing that I like best about pursuing my post graduate studies is being introduced to new things.  Along with the expected professional reading I have also had the opportunity to play around with Wordle, infographs, SmartArt and google docs.  These are probably familiar to many of you but to me, they were new tools to complement my learning.  Some took lots of trial and even more error to master but in the end I was rewarded with a sense of satisfaction at having mastered something new and even had a little fun.

Brain research tells us that to keep our neurons healthy we must exercise our brain by challenging ourselves to learn new things.  I am proud to say that my brain is tired but likely healthier for being pushed harder than it has in a while.

So take my advice.  Challenge yourself.  Keep those neurons healthy.  You'll thank yourself later.

Squirrel!

     I admit it.  I am a fan of animated movies.  Among my favourites is the Pixar classic "Up."  I am particularly partial to the dog, Dug, who is easily distracted by anything that moves, especially squirrels.

     Now that I have begun my post-graduate studies I don't expected that I will have much time to indulge my fondness for animated movies.  But the characters, like Dug, are always with me.

     Yesterday I sat down at my shiny new laptop/tablet to begin my assigned readings.  I armed myself with a beverage and snacks and made myself comfortable on the couch.  The television was off.  I had created an ideal, distraction free environment for studying.

   Or so I thought.

     Within five minutes I was squinting at the computer screen and immediately decided I needed an extra pair of glasses so I had a pair at home and at work.  Half an hour later I had successfully ordered a pretty purple pair online, scheduled for delivery in two days. (squirrel)

    I refocused myself on the assigned reading.  It was quite engaging but before long that beverage I mentioned having at my work station had found its way through me and I needed a bathroom break. I was back in front of my screen before long, trying my best to absorb the wisdom being transferred to me via today's most recent technology. (squirrel)

     And then my dog needed to go out.  He is old and his bladder isn't what it used to be so I obligingly escorted him out to the yard so that he could do his business.  My legs had needed a stretch anyway so it was all for the best. (squirrel)

     As I sat truly entranced by the evolution of educational technology I was reminded of the website I had created for my class some six years ago.  I had put a lot of effort into it and it had been very useful.  The parents had liked the links to educational websites that I had included.  I decided that it was time I tried to find the URL of that website and see if the links still worked.  There were likely some links that were obsolete and new links that should be added.  Before I procrastinated and neglected this important task I toggled to another window and successfully found the site and tested some of the links.  (squirrel)

     Satisfied that once tech support got back to me with my password so I could edit the site and use it as a valuable tool in teaching program again, I toggled back to the screen with my assigned reading.  It wasn't a heavy assignment but it was taking longer than I imagined to get through the first pages.

     Proud that I had avoided distractions such as music and television and phone calls I continued to scroll through the pages.  I continued to make connections with the content of the articles.  There were references to blogs and I was reminded about the blog I had begun years ago and suddenly abandoned.  I wondered if I could find it.  After all, I had successfully found my old website so there was a good chance I could find my blog as well. (squirrel)

     As luck would have it, I was on a roll.  My blog was still active!  I quickly created a short entry, reinspired to record my experiences and thoughts for posterity.  Brimming with satisfaction I returned to my reading.  I made a mental note to reserve more time for my readings in the future as they were proving to be more time-consuming than I had anticipated.

     Finally I came to the last paragraph.  Done!  Week One's readings were complete.  I was proud of myself for my dedication and ability to avoid distractions.   It hadn't been easy.  Other people might have been tempted to raid the fridge to procrastinate.  Others might have picked up the phone and reconnected with a long lost friend.  Some  might have felt the urge to plug in some upbeat music and take a dance break.  Not me.  I had been focused.

     I can hardly wait until next week.

     Hey, did anyone else just see that squirrel?

Signed,
 Dug

   









   

Every long journey starts with a single step

     Last spring, after participating in two online courses, I decided to pursue my dream of working on my Masters degree.  I carefully considered the many options available and eventually decided to enroll in an Online Learning and Teaching program.  As the material; would almost exclusively be delivered online I tested my commitment to the process by registering for a couple not for credit online courses on a subject that interested me.  I was excited!  I completed one course in two weeks and another in three.  (I am still working on another...)  The platform seemed to suit me.  Armed with a new $1300 device and a great deal of enthusiasm I was prepared to begin my post graduate studies.
   
After months of anticipation the first online session was about to begin.  I had practiced accessing the university website that contained the course material and discussion boards and felt prepared for the big day. I was taking that first step forward.
   
 Then came the proverbial two steps back.
 
   I typed the URL given to the students by the professor into my web browser more than twenty minutes prior to the session and....nothing.  I tried downloading the required java updates.....nothing.  I tried accessing the site on a different device....nothing.  Frustration grew.  Frustration turned into anger.  Anger turned into tears.  My enthusiasm had waned, replaced by despair.  If this was the world of online learning, I was convinced it wasn't for me.

     It is not within me, however, to quit.  Taking several deep breaths (and a sip of the sugary, caffeinated soda I had given up eight months ago) I decided to try one last time on my old laptop.  I crossed my fingers.  I crossed my toes.  I probably even crossed my eyes.

     And......success!

    With a few additional clicks I was live on the interactive site, viewing the professor's slide show and listening to her explain how the first week would unfold.  I felt the tension dissipate from my being and a sense of relief washed over me.  I could do this!

    What did I learn from this experience?

     First,  life-long learning requires passion and genuine interest in a topic.

     Second,  persistence is a virtue that will reap rewards in the end.

     And finally, along with "My dog ate my homework" I will now always accept "I experienced technical difficulties" as a legitimate excuse when my students hand in assignments late.

Life Is NOT a Box of Chocolates

I hate to contradict the profound words of wisdom given to Forest Gump by his revered mother, but life is NOT like a box of chocolates. No. It is more like a game of Poker.

Life deals everybody a different hand. Some are better than others. Too often people focus on the cards in their hand. They lose sight of the reigning principle of Poker.

At the end of the game it isn't always the person with the best hand that walks away with the pot. Frequently it's the best bluffer, the person who convinces others that they have the winning hand.

So believe in your hand. Truly believe in it. And convince others that you believe in it. That is the key to success. That's how you walk away a winner.