I Will Be the Wild Card
6/3/2018
I have been struggling with my reading lately. So much to read, so little time - and when I do have time, it is frequently later in the evening when I’m frequently not either in the mood or holding the level of energy I need for focused reading. After all, I am reading for the sole purpose of bettering my craft - I need to be able to concentrate, think carefully, and use the new information to develop future plans. Falling asleep as I read is not a good plan.....
And then I discovered Audible.
OK, so I knew about Audible, had utilized the free account - I think that I had a subscription at one point - but I really hadn’t used it to good purpose. Well, I now am hooked. I just wish more books were available on it!
My first dabble was with Hacking Assessment by Starr Sackstein. Hooked. I finally got to listen to the book, take in the wonderful suggestions and tips, and add to my thinking for next year. Owning the hard copy meant that I could go back during those tired evenings, look for the parts that had been so influential during commute time, flag and highlight, make a note for future reference as I prepare for my next school year. I had a system!
Side note - if this works well for me, how about my students? Listen then read. Pay attention, then go back and make notes. Yes. Covering so many learning types!
So, moving on. I am now listening to The Wild Card by Hope and Wade King. When I originally bought the book, I could never quite get into it. With hindsight, I have no idea WHY I struggled. Everything they talk about fits into my visions for what I am continually trying to accomplish! Combine their engagement and empowerment of learning with Joy Kirr’s student ownership of learning, and you basically have my goals for atmosphere and teaching covered. Add in Joy’s grading practices, and “Boom”, my ultimate teaching goals are all covered!
Some things immediately shaping in my mind:
Attention chant: here’s another way to bring the room number into play (in lieu of Mrs Bryson’s room) - I’m thinking of something like, “Hey, Room triple one three!” with the expectation of the response, “No fear, we’re here!” Out of my comfort zone for sure, but I love the power and energy of the group response! Plus, how much better than, “Shhhhh,” or the ringing of my little bell!
When playing games: keeping everyone playing - no more allowing the strongest student carrying a team. I love the idea of everyone answering on whiteboards and teams only getting a point if they are all right.
Being brave: I’ve often contemplated songs for learning, but typically lose courage. Hey, the costumes are tough enough! But comma rules, capitalization....and what can I do about Text Structures?
Room transformations or special touches for the toughest content: I started these this year. The kids love them! I want to keep introducing books with them, but what else can I do? I definitely want to start the year with a WELCOME! theme. Hey, could I do something with legos or blocks for structures? Could we do something with the desks or room set up?
Starting with ENERGY: I sort of do this already with greeting at the door, music playing, and warm up to do....but I need to amp it up. I bring urgency and energy, then bring it down with the interruption of daily ‘housekeeping’ and ‘I can’ statements.
🤔 Think options - keeping energy high with called out greeting (standard, “Good morning”, or a created chant?).
🤔Think of a different way to introduce topics and keep things organized so that I don’t lose the energy.
Bringing ME into things: They talk about bringing your passions into your teaching, and reflecting yourself into your room design. I already have Dr Who inspiring us all, and had planned on my Mrs. B corner with some Mixtiles and personal treasures....but what else can I do? Horses....maybe gardening. They talk about a teacher who did fantastic things with her love of gardening, but it didn’t speak to me. Maybe I just need to think of ways to bring the outside in, because that is really my passion. Whether hill walking in New Zealand, galloping Sunny cross country, hiking with the dogs, or fiddling in my yard, it’s all about the outside and nature. See? Writing and reflecting always brings me answers 😮. Roots. Vocabulary. That’s a straightforward flower connection right there!
It’s a strong start, but I feel that there are so many more elements to grow, so much more to do, so may more ideas and ways to improve my kids' learning. As I work with my collaborative planning team to consider our calendar, these ideas will keep muddling around in my mind. Thoughts taking root and plans beginning to blossom.
I keep thinking about that one kid - the one whose end-of-year reflection slammed me and helped me to to more to help me soul search and reflect on my teaching than all the praise and love recieved from the others. As I plan moving forward, HE is going to be the face and expression that I consider. He will be my check point. When I let the front down, it was him who was there. When I let the consistency fizzle, it was his class. When I lost patience and let it show, it was when he was in the room. He saw the worst of me, and he pointed it out to me. I think that I will be forever grateful.