Attending nErDcampMI, participating in reading Reading in the Wild CyberPD and being part of a group that is reading Linda Reif's Read, Write, Teach, is helping to turn my summer into the summer of new discoveries! When you add collaboration with colleagues close by, my discoveries are spilling over my brain.
nErDcampMI gave me new joy and enthusiasm to keep on discovering new ideas, new books, new strategies, and new colleagues in the cyber world. By attending wonderful sessions, I discovered that it is okay to discard methods that are not working. Donalyn Miller even gave us permission to discard read alouds--or any book for that matter--that is not working. How true! After all, I am not wearing the pair of pants that no longer fit (use your own judgment to determine if they are now too loose or too tight, or they somehow just became too short). I mean, there comes a point when I will even use my old "holy" tights to mop up the dust from my wood floors before I throw them away. If I decide to throw away or return other items, why not books?
Participating in the CyberPD for Reading in the Wild, is giving me the chance to read other educators' opinions and discoveries. I am part of the conversation even if I am sitting at home. I am part of something that is hopefully bringing a change to my classroom this coming year. It also did not hurt that at nErDcampMI I heard Donalyn speak live!!! I now completely understand what so many educators and nerdy book club members have talked about for a long time.
Reading my group's comments and discoveries found in Linda Reif's book Read, Write, Teach is also producing more new discoveries. At first I was a bit skeptical on how this book would benefit me, ELL teacher who focuses on secondary students, but the margins in the book are no longer as empty as they were when the book first arrived on my doorstep. Ideas are swimming in my head even if I don't get to the pool. Reading has led me to search further ideas on Pinterest, blogs, twitter and yes, even on my own bookshelves.
Discoveries are good! I am starting to feel more energized. New ideas no longer feel like a crowd is gathering in my brain; now the new ideas are welcome guests that I am happy to serve and entertain.
What new things have you discovered this summer?
I am inspired by your post, Jaana! I heard Donalyn speak at All Write in Indiana in June and agree that she is just wonderful! This summer, I am spending more time focusing on my writing. This is a new discovery for me, one which I am greatly enjoying!
ReplyDelete~Jennifer
Sweet Writing Life
Jennifer, I have been wanting to go to All Write for a few years. Sadly, it has never worked. So glad you are spending time in writing. I find writing to be relaxing and rejuvenating!
DeleteI can still recall the moment my husband spoke up at a team meeting for my then second grader. He said, "Something needs to change here. You keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results!" The principal and staff had a stunned expression, as if my husband had three heads!
ReplyDeleteThnks for sharing these titles, I need to add to my reading list.
Thanks for stopping by Amy! I am learning much, but more than that, I am getting new ideas and meeting new educators via social media! Definitely great summer PD!
DeleteI knew some teachers who taught the same way for 20 plus years. How sad. The world changes and we as teachers need to change with it otherwise how can we best prepare our students to face the future? Learning and trying new things is what kept me energized and enjoying my teaching years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! Learning is never done!
DeleteThis is the best way to enter a new year! It's always reaffirming to know that others are thinking along the same lines you are. You sound energized!
ReplyDeleteElsie, I think I am getting my energy back! Being with other excited educators is contagious!
DeleteI'm envious that you got to be at nErDcampMI, Jaana, but guess All-Write made up for that because I also got to be with Donalyn too. She's fabulous at presenting isn't she? And so happy to read both books with both groups. My challenge is how much to share with staff, or even how to do it? Thanks for reminding me that this is 'discovery' time!
ReplyDeleteLinda, you are so write in questioning on how much to share with staff. I am excited, but I think I also have to be purposeful, and maybe even targeted (if that is a word), when sharing with staff. I think that at the end of the summer, I will need to write down priorities of what I feel that I MUST share, and what are the other things that can wait for a more opportune time.
DeleteWOW you have done a lot this summer, already. I just started reading Linda Rief's book last night, maybe we could have some sort of virtual book group when I get done - hopefully in about a week?!
ReplyDeleteAnita, send a request to Tara Smith as we already have virtual book group going! We started it last week. Conversations are good!
DeleteThis is one of the great things about the summer, isn't it, Jaana? I feel we have so much more time to books like Donalyn's and Linda's and really think about/talk about what we learn. Yes, my head is swimming with ideas, too - and those margins have filled up with notes.
ReplyDeleteTara, you are right! It is hard for me to read books like these during the school year when so many other things are happening. I feel that I have had time to digest and make plans for teh upcoming school year. Maybe now I can do some actual swimming!
DeleteOh those two books are on my list. I just started Read, Write, Teach. I had wanted to do the Cyber PD with Reading in the Wild, but time got away from me. Sounds like you've had so many learning opportunities!! :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, reading these two books at the same time is pretty interesting. At times the topics and ideas overlap! I am constantly asking myself which way would be better for my students. Let me know what you think about the book!
DeleteI have been teaching for many (x10:) years and am thrilled to be working my way to best practices! I am often inspired by the young professionals who I am able to connect with through technology. For the last 3 years my summer PD has sent me in too many directions though. It really helped me to connect face to face at All Write this year. Two weeks from today the new First graders will arrive. I can NOT wait to get started!
ReplyDeleteWhat? Two weeks from now and you start school already??? I am still in summer mode. All Write is always on my calendar....perhaps next year I will be able to go (as it really is only a driving distance away).
DeleteI am enjoying all 3 PD opportunities too! The conversations we've been having have been so stimulating, so much more so than the PD our school has brought in the last few years! I've really enjoyed learning alongside everyone! And I feel like after listening to Donalyn, I can hear her voice as I read her book now :) P.S. Loved the pants analogy. Surely they've gotten too short (oh, to grow a couple of inches taller...)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I can hear Donalyn's voice too! At times when I am reading her book, I feel like I heard those exact words at nErDcampMI! And, yes, I am sure all this PD has made me taller!
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