Do You Hear What I Hear?

With the holiday weekend coming to a close, I am coming off an abundance of overindulgence! Isn’t it divine to have so many days to rest up, read and reflect? I spent my time catching up on blogs, reading great articles from the Choice Literacy website and delving deeper into the stack of books that is never far from my side. I have joined two book groups to start in the coming months (Anyone else reading Pathways to the Common Core or The Book Whisperer?). Despite the need to jump into these, I continue to find many other books, articles and posts that draw me in, leaving me mulling over things and making connections in entirely different ways.

My thoughts today centered on Language.  Choice Words had me recognizing the power of language within a classroom. I found myself thinking most specifically of the kind of language Celina and I work tirelessly to get imprinted into our students, a language of possibility, of thinking, of doing, of being.  In turn we look to hear this language among our students. What are the 5 essential components of our classroom language that you might hear? Read on:

1.      We continually speak about Growth Mindsets with our kids, and recognize it in ourselves, as a post or tweet can have us researching and reading into an entirely new arena.  It is no surprise for us to have a student talk about some tangent they came across in their reading, some metaphor they have developed from a discussion or some new topic that they can’t wait to find more about.  We recognize it and support it, encouraging that child to “go find it!” At the same time our students speak to each other with support and inspiration, often pointing out to us how another student’s find or growth was made evident.

2.      It is in our language to speak of trying and doing every day, kids often reply back to us the words from Sousa that started our school year: “The brain that does the work makes the most growth.” They know themselves as learners through extensive study of their learning styles, intelligences and preferences, and they know that so armed they are accountable and responsible to themselves as students.

3.      We also routinely remind them to use a resource, encouraging them to think about what they need to answer their own questions, to evaluate the sources around them for validity and usefulness, and that asking and seeking answers to their own questions will help them grow. We have helped them to create a personal resource in their Brain Books so that they can connect and reflect on a daily basis. At the same time we tell them, “We are not your resource!” Every time that we guide them into recognizing their own potential, rather than relying on others to tell them the answers, is a moment of empowerment.

4.      Talk! Talk! Talk! Whether a turn and talk moment, asking for student opinions, or sharing in a one-to-one conference, student voice is an essential component of the language within our classroom. Their voices lead us in new directions, embolden their classmates, and drive the essence of possibility within our classroom community. They learn from and teach each other, and we all grow through the variety of talk.

5.      Need It or Got It? Learning is a process of building blocks within our classroom. This has led to a language of recognizing that learning is a lifelong process of discovery, and that failure is not an end but a beginning. “I can’t do this” is not a part of our language, it has been replaced by “I need it” or “I need to set a goal in that”! Moving along the building blocks is not for the sake of covering a curriculum but rather the process of creating a solid foundation to grow from.

 

Our language also continues to evolve and grow as new learning occurs. The past few months have added perseverance, reason, passion, evidence, “prove it!”, wonder and countless other words to our lexicon. Our students talk project based learning like there is no substitute. They chant and dance their way through the CCSS Mathematical Practices like it is the only logical way to process through the words. They even belt out a little, “Hey I just met you, and this is crazy” to make a connection or get a laugh, and we do laugh.  That is another language element that we can never get enough of.

All this reflection had me processing too about language acquisition. The research often says that being immersed in a language is essential and that the brain is hard-wired to best learn language when children are young. Is this the language that students are hearing everywhere? Is this what they are hearing from an early age, a language that supports them in making growth, being independent thinkers and problem solvers? Are the actions and environments matching the words? Or are they hearing instead to listen, do what they are told, to follow directions to one right answer. I wondered what does that lead to? How does it translate into the future?  Then I found this quote:

“The limits of my language means the limits of my world.” by Ludwig Wittgenstein

My take-away: I am grateful to be in a classroom where I hear and speak a language that is out of this world.  ~Ann

My Mother, My Teacher

Image found at Photobucket

In light of Mother’s Day falling at the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, I found myself reflecting on my own amazing mother through a different lens this year.  As I celebrate her in my mind, I think of all she has taught me over the years.  For many of us our mothers were our first teachers, and mine did a fabulous job preparing me for the world in which I have anchored myself within. 

Partnership

Team teaching partnerships are something like a marriage.  You have to be patient and flexible, kind and appreciative, aware and cooperative in many different situations.  Plus add 50 kids, as opposed to the usual 2.5 per household, and you can really spice things up!  Yet as I reflect on the fact that we are nearly half way through our school year I am amazed at how EASY it has been to teach a 3-4-5 classroom this year thanks to my partnership with Celina.

An Honored Moment

My post, Student Learning Communities, has been cross-posted to The Whole Child Blog!
http://www.ascd.org/whole-child.aspx

Metaphorically Speaking

Given the extent of the standards and curriculum that we are expected to teach in a single grade, let alone a multiage, classroom it is easy to feel overwhelmed.  Especially when you take into account the varying needs of the students (as both Celina and I have posted previously) it could almost be considered an insurmountable task.  Yet the reality is that things will not slow down, so the one thing you can change is how you approach it.

Gratitude Post #2: Letter to My Friends

Dear Devri and Ann,
As I reflect over this holiday break, I continue to think of all the ways you 2 support me. Your friendship means the world to me, and I will forever be thankful for the way you unconditionally offer daily doses of love. I enjoy talking with you about any topic, feel grateful to walk down the path of motherhood together, and appreciate the genuine humor we share.

But truly, I want to thank you for the inspiration you provide me everyday. You are both amazing mothers, dedicated wives, loving daughters, insightful teachers, and thoughtful friends. You teach me how to: appreciate my children for their unique spirits, understand that it's the small things that count in my marriage, enjoy the conversations I have with my parents, see my students' truest potential, and respect the people in my life that offer me their friendship. Some of these lessons you probably never intended to teach me, but your grace and sincerity in situations (and stories) offer simple life-lessons... And I am always listening, ready to learn.

If I could give you both one gift--- one very special present that you could forever and always treasure--- it would be the ability for you to see the true leaders you are for the individuals you inspire on a daily basis. Sometimes your leadership occurs at home and other times at school, but please remember that your roles in both places are extremely important. You make a difference each and every day. Please look into your beautiful souls and value who you were born to be.

Thank you for accepting me for me. You help me stay positive, be myself, and keep my perspective about life. I will forever be thankful for the both of you.

Love,
Celina