People That Fill Your Bucket

Watch this short clip from “Jerry Maguire”:

This short clip, says so much about us as educators as well as our students.  This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately.

My friend Katie Martin shares three tips on the “The Science of Happiness: 3 Practices That Changed My Perspective” (I encourage you to read the whole post) after attending a keynote by  Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. The point on “gratitude” especially resonated with me:

3) Show Gratitude

This last one is so simple and complex at the same time- maybe that’s just me though. In a way, it requires vulnerability to express gratitude. I have a framed quote in my office that says, “start each day with a grateful heart.” But, to be honest, I am not always as intentional as I could be about this practice on a day to day basis even though I am so grateful for all I have and really appreciate when people share their gratitude with me.

I do my best to show gratitude to those closest me (I could get better), but I know that I have been bad at showing appreciation for things in my life.  It is easy to get caught up in deficit thinking, but I have been trying to start my morning off with thinking about three things I am grateful for in my life. It has helped me start on a positive note even when I am having a tough day/week mentally and emotionally.

But one thing I am truly grateful for is that I have people in my life that I can contact and say, “Hey…I need a pep talk.”  And they never fail me. Sometimes I don’t listen to what they say, but I always realize that I am grateful that I can count on them for saying it.

Surround yourself with people that fill you up.  As I have grown older, I have realized that a small circle of those people in your life who are willing to have your back and fill you up, is much better than a large circle that has no interest in doing the same thing.

• May 20, 2018 Controlling the Solution
• September 8, 2016 The #InnovatorsMindset MOOC Starting Soon! #IMMOOC
• June 6, 2018 5 Ideas for Improving Professional Learning Experiences
• October 15, 2017 Thinking About Research, Innovation, Test-Scores, and Creativity
• October 18, 2018 3 Simple Questions To Shape Professional Learning

Source: George Couros

from Connected Principals http://bit.ly/2IEVNAO

People That Fill Your Bucket

Watch this short clip from “Jerry Maguire”:

This short clip, says so much about us as educators as well as our students.  This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately.

My friend Katie Martin shares three tips on the “The Science of Happiness: 3 Practices That Changed My Perspective” (I encourage you to read the whole post) after attending a keynote by  Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. The point on “gratitude” especially resonated with me:

3) Show Gratitude

This last one is so simple and complex at the same time- maybe that’s just me though. In a way, it requires vulnerability to express gratitude. I have a framed quote in my office that says, “start each day with a grateful heart.” But, to be honest, I am not always as intentional as I could be about this practice on a day to day basis even though I am so grateful for all I have and really appreciate when people share their gratitude with me.

I do my best to show gratitude to those closest me (I could get better), but I know that I have been bad at showing appreciation for things in my life.  It is easy to get caught up in deficit thinking, but I have been trying to start my morning off with thinking about three things I am grateful for in my life. It has helped me start on a positive note even when I am having a tough day/week mentally and emotionally.

But one thing I am truly grateful for is that I have people in my life that I can contact and say, “Hey…I need a pep talk.”  And they never fail me. Sometimes I don’t listen to what they say, but I always realize that I am grateful that I can count on them for saying it.

Surround yourself with people that fill you up.  As I have grown older, I have realized that a small circle of those people in your life who are willing to have your back and fill you up, is much better than a large circle that has no interest in doing the same thing.

• May 20, 2018 Controlling the Solution
• September 8, 2016 The #InnovatorsMindset MOOC Starting Soon! #IMMOOC
• June 6, 2018 5 Ideas for Improving Professional Learning Experiences
• October 15, 2017 Thinking About Research, Innovation, Test-Scores, and Creativity
• October 18, 2018 3 Simple Questions To Shape Professional Learning

from Connected Principals http://bit.ly/2IQ9hJ3

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning #InnovatorsMindsetUDL

The above image is a draft visual that is the basis of my next book, “The Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning” (working title) which connects “The Innovator’s Mindset” and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  I am blessed to have Katie Novak writing this book with me as her brilliance and expertise is something that I know so many people will benefit from in reading the book, as I have benefitted tremendously in writing alongside her.  She takes UDL and makes it extremely accessible for all educators while providing practical strategies for teachers that they can use, iterate, or hopefully, spark new ideas.  This book is focused on providing strategies for teachers through Katie’s amazing examples that she weaves throughout, but since we focus on learners, we hope to see administrators see the value of mirroring these opportunities in their community.

The book is separated into parts based on the visual above.  Part 1 is on the first two circles. Those four areas are meant to “set the stage” for learners.  “Relationships” is listed in the middle because without a focus on it, the other three strands will not be as effective.

Part 2 is focused on “The 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset” (new visual below) and the UDL principles, and their connection to one another.  If part 1 is “setting the stage,” part 2 is about student’s “putting on the production.”

And in Part 3, we discuss some of the opportunities we have to lead from where we are and how important it is that we not only focus on the “whole student” but the “whole educator” as well.

We also discuss “Innovative Teaching and Learning” is not focused on only doing the “latest and greatest” for our students. It is about finding new and better ways to serve our learners, whether through a traditional practice or a new idea.

The book will be out soon, and I look forward to sharing more information as the release date gets closer.  I just wanted the opportunity to share the visuals out with the world.  Feedback is appreciated.

• April 18, 2019 “Tell me what you need to ensure that every student in your class can learn.”
• April 9, 2019 What do you do with what you know?
• March 7, 2019 The Wisdom of Those Closest To Students
• April 11, 2019 3 Important Questions Regarding “Success” in Schools
• March 26, 2019 Why Teachers Love Teaching (As Shared by Teachers)

Source: George Couros

from Connected Principals http://bit.ly/2PmrgYU

The Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning #InnovatorsMindsetUDL

The above image is a draft visual that is the basis of my next book, “The Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning” (working title) which connects “The Innovator’s Mindset” and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  I am blessed to have Katie Novak writing this book with me as her brilliance and expertise is something that I know so many people will benefit from in reading the book, as I have benefitted tremendously in writing alongside her.  She takes UDL and makes it extremely accessible for all educators while providing practical strategies for teachers that they can use, iterate, or hopefully, spark new ideas.  This book is focused on providing strategies for teachers through Katie’s amazing examples that she weaves throughout, but since we focus on learners, we hope to see administrators see the value of mirroring these opportunities in their community.

The book is separated into parts based on the visual above.  Part 1 is on the first two circles. Those four areas are meant to “set the stage” for learners.  “Relationships” is listed in the middle because without a focus on it, the other three strands will not be as effective.

Part 2 is focused on “The 8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset” (new visual below) and the UDL principles, and their connection to one another.  If part 1 is “setting the stage,” part 2 is about student’s “putting on the production.”

And in Part 3, we discuss some of the opportunities we have to lead from where we are and how important it is that we not only focus on the “whole student” but the “whole educator” as well.

We also discuss “Innovative Teaching and Learning” is not focused on only doing the “latest and greatest” for our students. It is about finding new and better ways to serve our learners, whether through a traditional practice or a new idea.

The book will be out soon, and I look forward to sharing more information as the release date gets closer.  I just wanted the opportunity to share the visuals out with the world.  Feedback is appreciated.

• April 18, 2019 “Tell me what you need to ensure that every student in your class can learn.”
• April 9, 2019 What do you do with what you know?
• March 7, 2019 The Wisdom of Those Closest To Students
• April 11, 2019 3 Important Questions Regarding “Success” in Schools
• March 26, 2019 Why Teachers Love Teaching (As Shared by Teachers)

from Connected Principals http://bit.ly/2GyFOli

Students staring at blank walls? 5 classroom displays for Secondary Schools

One of the key differences that exist between learning environments in primary school classrooms and those in many secondary schools is the use of the classroom display space. Too often secondary school classrooms can be uninspiring places to walk into, so spare a thought for the students who have to put up with it. To those educators, who have made a significant effort to provide a classroom environment that makes a student want to walk in the room, thank you!

Classroom displays do not always have to be about displaying the work of our students. In fact, some of the best classroom displays that I have seen are purely functional and there to support explicit instruction, which enhances learning. Classroom displays can be reference points for what we want students to look for and incorporate into their learning. Here are 5 ways to do just that:

Academic vocabulary displays

Every teacher is a language teacher, yet some are lot better at it than others. Classroom displays with key topic vocabulary, question command terms and sentence starters / writing builders can make for fantastic displays. They can be an essential point of reference for both the teacher and the student in both discussion, reading and writing engagements. For second or additional language learners such displays are a must in a classroom, though we should not neglect opportunities to support language development of native speakers.

Quotes for inspiration or reflection

Having quotes of famous posted around a room can be referred to in challenging times, in moments of celebrating success / accomplishment, or even linked to a learning task. Over the years, I have seen some excellent classroom displays that support a book that is being read, with key quotes for students to reflect, discuss and incorporate into their work.

Academic honesty displays

With a cut and paste environment, teacher support for and encouragement of academic honesty is vital. Displays should aim to promote academic honesty rather than be punitive in nature. Speak to your school librarian for ideas and, perhaps, even adopt a whole school approach to this important aspect of student learning.

Assessment displays

Classroom displays that support assessment tasks, whether it be an assessment rubric, step-by-step guides and annotated exemplars of work. These can be fantastic ‘go to’ resources for the teacher to emphasize and make clear expectations for the student.

Values and character development displays

School mission, vision and values displays, particularly the latter. To build culture in a school and for everyone to live the values, then they must be present, explicitly modeled, taught and reflected upon through learning. Images to support values can make fantastic displays.

In summing up, classroom displays, if planned well, can be amazing tools for teachable moments, as well as providing interest to students, fellow educators and prospective parents and students, who may be thinking about join your school community.

Most of all, if you see it and reminded of it, then you will most likely remember to apply it. That can only strengthen learning.

Connect with me @richard_bruford

Originally posted on the Ed Leader blog

from Connected Principals http://bit.ly/2veoN9s

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

I read this novel a week ago and discussed it with my book group last Tuesday. Even time away from it, and our group discussion, doesn't help my "meh" opinion about this thriller. 

Some readers absolutely do not like to read novels where they can't find a character likable, and that certainly was the case for a few of my fellow book group members. I prefer to like characters; but I've also found that disliking one or more (or in this case, all) of the characters can make for an interesting read. Or not. I was really hoping this would be a good thriller, but it was full of holes, characters that didn't learn a darn thing from previous screw ups, and left a very unsatisfying ending. 

Four women are brought together after many years apart when a body is unearthed on a beach near the English seaside village of Salten. Seventeen years before, the women, then young teens, had become fast friends while attending boarding school. Kate, Thea, Fatima, and Freya had a game-the 'lying game' they played on their fellow classmates, villagers, and anyone they could fool. They had rules, too: tell a lie, stick to your story, don't get caught, never lie to each other, and know when to stop lying. Some lies were pretty innocent, but others were damaging. The girls quickly gained a reputation around school that they were distrustful and mean. Kate's father, Ambrose, was a beloved art teacher at the school, and her stepbrother Luc attended a school for boys in a nearby village. Living at the Mill, a rundown building next to the water, Kate often had the girls sneak out of school at night and come to the Mill to hang out, swim, and spend time. Her father, Ambrose, was delighted to have Kate's friends there, and they in turn adored him. Freya, who narrates the story, is deeply in crush with Luc. All seems well...

Until one night Kate insists the girls come to the Mill. Ambrose is dead; a suicide note is left behind. What to do? Kate is only fifteen, and she can't take the risk of being sent to a foster home. She'll be sixteen in just a few months...

Well. The actions the girls take that night come back to haunt them, and as the reader, you're pulled along while they try to figure out just what to do all these years later. Do they keep lying? And who knows what they've lied about?

So. Sounds good, right? Well, as I said before, with the exception of Fatima, the main characters aren't very likable. Even Freya, who is a new mom, is unlikeable. They're all kind of pathetic. Fatima is the only one who has actually moved on the best-she's a happily married mother and doctor, and has returned to her faith. She's the most solid of the ladies. Kate is a mess; still living in the Mill--which is slowly falling into the sea and seems to be held together by spit and a wish. Thea is a drunk, never eats and smokes like a chimney. None of them have learned their lesson regarding lying and the toll it takes. 

I'll not tell you more of the plot. Even though it's pretty thin, it does have a few twists (you'll figure out the major twist all on your own) that will have you hoping maybe, just maybe, there is a chance the women will learn something from this whole disaster! I was disappointed in the end...Freya...ugh. 

I've read two Ruth Ware novels, and been disappointed by both. Thin plots, not so surprising thrillers. I feel that with some effort, they could have been good, meaty reads, but fell short. Do I expect too much? I don't think so. I have another Ruth Ware novel at home, and I'm going to give it a try sometime this year. We'll have to see if it breaks free of the ho-hum thrillers I've already read. 

Rating: 3/6 for a thriller that wasn't much of one at all. Some plot devices just fell flat, the characters weren't memorable, and the only interesting thing about the whole dang story was the decrepit Mill that was slowly falling into the sea. 

Available in paperback, large print, audio, and ebook. 

from Bookalicious Babe Book Reviews http://bit.ly/2DqpMrF