Finding Joy in Learning

I recently attended the first annual Deming Institute Education Conference in Seattle.  The conference centered on quality learning systems.  I found myself having several "aha" moments where much of what I have learned throughout my career resonated in the information shared by the speakers.  It was as if everything came together in a sort of common sense way, reminding me of why I chose education as a career in the first place.  David Langford, internationally renowned expert in quality learning and leadership, posed some poignant questions as did Alfie Kohn, also a lecturer and writer.  I was happy to have my sometimes status quo thinking shaken up a bit and the fire for student learning environments stoked!

Just as people have a right to joy in their work, students have a right to joy in their learning.  In order for there to be joy, let the learning be meaningful!  Langford spoke of elements of intrinsic motivation.  What motivates students?  Control of their learning, cooperation, support, meaning and challenge top the list!  If the work is not meaningful and challenging, students are not motivated.  Plain and simple.  When students are motivated and challenged, they are also likely to take responsibility for their learning.  Students will even go so far as to set their own goals!  Wow....who would have thought?  An additional query posed by a speaker....when kids have more say in their learning, will cheating go away?  When teachers are not just covering the curriculum, but discovering ideas, are students more engaged?  Let's teach kids to solve problems together, immersed in the "doing" and not simply receiving information.  This is common sense stuff.  We seem to get caught up in the weeds sometimes and we forget about letting discovery and inquiry lead the way.

I feel recharged and ready to support teachers as we continue to build a quality learning system in our district. I am surrounded by excellent teachers and eager students - the perfect ingredients for success!

Helping Kids Succeed

Busy is the way of life here at Martensdale-St. Marys Elementary!  We often use the word “busy” to describe how our day, week or month may be going.  The definition, “actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime; not at leisure; full of or characterized by activity” certainly describes us and our students.  Today marks our 35th day of school and we are without a doubt, actively engaged in our work!

I have had multiple opportunities to be in classrooms and have been impressed with the level of engagement of the students.  One particular day last week I observed a teacher using the Barton Reading and Spelling System with a small group of students.  This is a system of research-based reading instruction, based on Orton Gillingham, and best practices for students with dyslexia.  According to Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia, the essentials of an effective early intervention program are systematic and direct instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, sight words, vocabulary and concepts and reading comprehension strategies.  Practice in applying all of these skills coupled with fluency training and enriched language experiences is powerful!  And proven.  Providing evidence-based programming for struggling readers that is systematic and explicit is a must.  While there are many programs out there and they are constantly changing, the instructional principles remain the same.  We have a committed staff here, willing to do whatever it takes to get this job done. 
 

The following is something that was shared with me.  Great reminders!

Helping Children Succeed  By Leah Davies,  M.Ed.
 

All children have basic needs that, if met, will facilitate success in school.

Every child needs AT LEAST ONE ADULT who is a positive role model.
Educators and other professionals can nurture this by demonstrating concern for each student, and/or by encouraging a parent, relative, or other pro-social adult to become involved in the child’s life.


Every child needs TO FEEL ACCEPTED.
Educators and other professionals can advance this by treating each child fairly and by appreciating his/her uniqueness. Provide opportunities for a child’s culture, exceptionality, or other differentiating characteristics to be acknowledged and valued.



Every child needs RECOGNITION.
Educators and other professionals can promote this by taking time to discover each child’s strengths and help him/her build on them. Furnish opportunities for children to develop skills and talents. Recognize and celebrate small accomplishments such as: running fast, getting a high grade, drawing well, playing ball, singing a song, controlling ones temper, or acting in a play. Acknowledge all successes. Share accomplishments with a parent in person, via phone, or through notes.


Every child needs A SENSE OF BELONGING.
Educators and other professionals can foster this by building a community in which everyone contributes and feels a part. Cultivate cooperation rather than competition and compassion rather than thoughtlessness. Work closely within the school and/or community to support meaningful opportunities for children to share their time, talents, and goods with others.
 

Every child needs TO FEEL SAFE AND SECURE.
Educators and other professionals can help a child feel protected by providing a structured, predictable environment that is free from harassment. Realize that for a child to thrive, adults in his/her life must be responsive to their needs. If abuse is present in the home, take the steps necessary to protect the child.

Every child needs SOME CONTROL over his/her environment. Educators and other professionals can further this by sharing power with students, thus demonstrating adult interest and respect. Provide opportunities for students to make decisions regarding rules and activities.

Every child needs SOCIAL INTERACTION SKILLS. Educators and other professionals can help children develop these by role playing and by encouraging friendships with peers through group work. Supply cross-age interaction during school. For example, have older students present programs, tutor, or lead discussions with younger children. Offer a variety of activities, organizations, clubs, and/or interest groups that foster social competence.

Every child needs TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY for his/her behavior. Educators and other professionals can foster responsible choices by holding students accountable for the decisions they make. Teach decision-making skills through discussion, role playing, and by providing opportunities for children to use problem-solving skills.

 

What a great start!

I cannot say enough about the first two weeks of our school year.  The dedication of the staff is second to none.  It is with awe that I have observed the seamless transitions our students have experienced moving from one grade to the next.  New routines were quickly established and the students are settling in beautifully!

I could not pass up the opportunity to snap a "First Day of School" picture as I begin my journey at MStM.  Taking a photo by this historic bell seems pretty appropriate!  Ringing in a great year!

As we begin this year, we are focusing on individual professional development plans for teachers and working to provide personalized learning based on these plans.  This approach just makes sense!  As a teacher, I spent years in professional development sessions that were basically a one size fits all approach.  I see in our future targeted learning for teachers in multiple areas, including literacy and math strategies, classroom climate and differentiated instruction.

I am eager to be in classrooms and see the learning!  The dust will never settle around here.  There is way too much to learn and be able to do!

Go Blue Devils!

Anticipation

Anticipation - noun.  1.  the act of anticipating or the state of being anticipated.
2.  realization in advance.   3. expectation or hope.

In May, we anticipate summer vacations, family gatherings, barbecues, sporting events, time at the lake, and a multitude of other activities to relax and perhaps recharge. Hopefully, whatever happenings have been on the schedule, we have all had a chance to play at least a little bit!

While the feelings of excitement to begin the school year are daily on my mind, at the same time, I will soon gain a son-in-law.  My oldest daughter and her beau will tie the knot in under two weeks.  The expectations, hopes, and anticipation for this event have long been in the making.  This couple is thoughtful, kind, level-headed and wise beyond their years.  They are the kind of "kids" every parent and school hopes to nurture along the way and be proud of when they grow up and become great members of their communities.

Anticipating a beautiful wedding with family and friends very soon and looking forward to a fantastic school year to follow!

The Energy Bus

I am settling into my new surroundings...now just need the kids and teachers!  I had the opportunity to attend a new Elementary Principal's Institute this week.  What great people I will be among as I begin this journey.  One principal shared the following with us:

10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life
1.  You're the driver of the bus.
2.  Desire, vision and focus move your bus in the right direction.
3.  Fuel your ride with positive energy.
4.  Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead.
5.  Don't waste your energy on those who don't get on your bus.
6.  Post a sign that says "No Energy Vampires Allowed" on your bus.
7.  Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.
8.  Love your passengers.
9.  Drive with purpose.
10. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy!
www.TheEnergyBus.com 

I am thinking these are great rules for life outside of the school building as well.

Here's to "back to school" right around the corner!

Thus it begins...

I am beginning a new journey soon and thus, have decided to create a blog.  I have accepted a position as elementary principal and I cannot wait!  Being where the action is….with students and teachers, is truly what fills my bucket!  My career as an educator has blossomed and grown over the years and for this, I am extremely thankful.  My greatest hope is to continue making a difference in the lives of those around me.  Education is big business…being a part of "growing" kids to their full potential is full of rewards and challenges.

I got to thinking about blogging as an administrator and something that permeated  throughout the process was the fact that being a mom to three wonderful (now adult) children has really shaped who I have become as an educator.  Each of my children presented different learning styles.  What stands out the most to me, is the need to meet each and every child at the door.  Differentiation.  Period.  It is quite wonderful that the opportunity to provide different paths to learning for students continues to grow!

So, in my humble attempt to simply provide food for thought, my personal goal is to share the most happy moments in my path as an Elementary Principal!

It's summertime!  But I will be transitioning to my new role and look so forward to sharing.