Walking on a tightrope

DO...

1. Get-up-and-Go (be determined and full of energy) 
2. Stop and celebrate [even little] Successes 
3. Look after myself (no school work after 6.00 pm)
4. Continue DOing [something] despite difficulties (stick-to-it-iveness) 
5. Do what I believe to be best for ALL my students as they are my number one priority 
6. In my role as Assistant Principal and ICT Lead, I will take the 'bad days' in stride and remember that I get to start fresh tomorrow 
7. Blog more regularly

I will DO more of what I like to regain my energy and to be successful.

For me, 2018 would be like walking on a tightrope... balancing and keeping my eyes to a fixed and un-moving point at the far end of the wire, not to say that I won't take my eyes of that point... but if I do loose my 'balance/focus' for any reason whatsoever, I will return my vision to 'that point/my goal' to regain my balance. And if I get tired walking on the rope, I will stop and take a minute to catch my breath again. If I fall, I will pick myself up and although falling hurts, I will remember that 'the show must go on' and the only thing that I can do to get myself back on the tightrope is to get focused on that point and continue on.

The un-moving point will be my DO 'one word' and if I persevere, not give up and hang in there, I will accomplish the almost impossible this year...

~ "Critics risk nothing. It's the creators who must face the vulnerability of failure with the possibility of success." - Justin Dillon ~

Possibilities, Options and a Course of Action

I contemplated my one word for this year, as there are so many things twirling around in my head. As I am certain that I would [also] like to 'stand firm' mentally and emotionally, no matter where opportunities / challenges lead, my word will be...
prudent (adj) 'acting with or showing care and thought for the future'

Nathan Lang, Ed.D. wrote "Best practices change and adapt, because we change and adapt. They aren't an excuse to keep doing what we've been doing." Therefore, I do not want to be/stay comfortable of what I achieved thus far. I am planning to examine new possibilities and to further innovate to empower my students. I will be ready for challenges / bumps in the road and am prepared to change things to suit different conditions. Having a 'learning partnership' between and among students and colleagues will [undoubtedly] play a crucial part in transforming outcomes.

Image credit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au

At uLearn16, Fullan explained that humans are innately wired to connect, create and to help humanity and stated that life and education can either amplify these innate characteristics or suppress and eradicate them. 'New Pedagogies for Deep Learning' (image above) emerged from his years of research and experience...

"The new pedagogies require students to create new knowledge and connect it to the world by using the power of digital tools" (Fullan & Longworthy, 2014)

My aim for this year is to keep Fullan's Six C's in mind:

"Character education — honesty, self-regulation and responsibility, hard work, perseverance, empathy for contributing to the safety and benefit of others, self-confidence, personal health and well-being, career and life skills.
Citizenship — global knowledge, sensitivity to and respect for other cultures, active involvement in addressing issues of human and environmental sustainability.
Communication — communicate effectively orally, in writing and with a variety of digital tools; listening skills.
Critical thinking and problem solving — think critically to design and manage
projects, solve problems, make effective decisions using a variety of digital tools and resources.
Collaboration — work in teams, learn from and contribute to the learning of others, social networking skills, empathy in working with diverse others.
Creativity and imagination — economic and social entrepreneurialism, considering and pursuing novel ideas, and leadership for action" (Fullan  & Longworthy, 2014. p.22)

How am I planning to accomplish my aim?
- Model good practice and continuous self-improvement.
- Respect and value diversity and continue to grow my awareness of our global interconnectedness
- Effectively using my PLN (Twitter, VLN, EduCampNZ, TeachMeetNZ) and colleagues to create productive working relationships by learning from others, asking questions to find out the thoughts of others and to reflect understanding. Communication is a two way street - we have to give as well as gather
- Using my knowledge to look at all angles to make the best possible choice, then test, revise and apply. Be open minded and always ask how something can be done better and apply what I learn to new situations
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in transparent ways
- Trust my efforts as a leader and learner and those of the team to achieve our goals

According to Zig Ziglar, F-E-A-R has two meanings: "Forget Everything and Run" or "Face Everything and Rise."
The choice is mine / yours...

Reference:

Fullan, M., Longworthy, M. (January 2014). A Rich Seam: How New Pedagogies Find Deep Learning. Retrieved from http://www.michaelfullan.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3897.Rich_Seam_web.pdf 

~ "Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." - Og Mandino ~

A year in reflection

This year I had again choose one word to focus on... 'Fierce' the word that gave me the possibility of doing things deliberately this year.

 

Highlights (accomplishments, best memories)

• Completing my Post Grad Study in Applied Practice (Digital and Collaborative Learning). I did not find this to always be easy, especially while full-time teaching, but what a positive journey this experience was overall.
• Sharing my skills and knowledge with colleagues in the district as part of my role as Learning Facilitator at Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru (NPeW). Two post to demonstrate: Supporting Junior school teachers as Learning Facilitator and Supporting change as Learning Facilitator.
• I have been kinder to myself and therefore was able to finally work towards achieving a work-life balance

Game changers (unexpected events that shifted my priorities)

• I have been fierce in re-connecting with myself, knowing who I am and what I am capable of. Therefore, I voiced my perceptions 'bravely' on numerous occasions when necessary and appropriate

Things I focused on (what I put the most of my time into)

• Trying to understand that not everyone is ready for change and that I see things differently than my colleagues
• As a leader, to trust and allow a positive space for people to grow and develop their skills, to focus on strengths not weaknesses 

Things I forgot (didn't get around too)

• Partake in as many twitter chats as I would have like to and connecting with my Twitter PLN on a regular basis

Reflection

At times it was [still] easy to forget that reaction is human... no matter how good the intentions. I will need to keep this in mind, as 2017 will surely bring [many] challenges of its own. I will be in a position of leading / supporting change in many purposeful ways. Most importantly, I will be a learner myself.

~ “The first rule of learning is that people learn what they need to learn, not what someone else thinks they should learn” - Peter M Senge: The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organisation ~

Ready or Not...

Fierce... one word that gives me the possibility of doing things deliberately this year. I will be fierce in re-connecting with myself as well as connecting with who I am becoming.

The best part is that I can take a bit advantage of my chosen word, as it enables me to also include and focus on words like:   

Stronger,  by taking on opportunities and not let fear holding me back

Braver, in the choices I make

Kinder, to myself to ensure I am the best I can be

Unstoppable, in doing things in a thoughtful and proactive way

I guess it [sometimes] could be easy to forget that reaction is human... Therefore, I think it is important to realise/remember that although one have good intentions, we are actually [a bit] 'imperfect'. But with some fierceness behind me, who knows what this year might bring...

Quotes to ponder:

• "Even the nicest people have their limits. Don't try to reach that point because the nicest people are also the scariest when they've had enough" - Anonymous
• "Be afraid of the quiet ones, they are the ones who actually think" - Anonymous

~ "If your goal does not scare and excite you at the same time, the goal is probably too small." - Bob Proctor ~

End of year reflection (2015)

I have started this year with many new challenges, therefore my chosen word for this year was 'Open'. 

Looking back at my half year reflection, whilst reflecting on a year that moved forward with some speed I now realised that there were many days that I [unconsciously] had to 'sink or swam'.

I had high hopes and some pretty big expectations for this year... Was it all smooth sailing? Of course not! In spite of some challenges and some minor disappointments, I believe that I was always true to myself whilst learning and experiencing many things.

Highlights:

• The satisfaction of sharing my skills and knowledge with colleagues and the support I was able to provide where and when required
• Seeing and experiencing how my five and 6 year old students developed into confident learners, supported by our Teacher Inquiry
• Becoming part of the Voyager Cross-School Collaborative Inquiry and Wisdom Programme for leaders
• Enrolling in a Post Grad study on Applied Practice (Digital and Collaborative Learning)
• Started working as Learning Facilitator at Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru (NPeW)

Reflection:

A real value was having the opportunity to grow my own practice, to question and to make mistakes.

So did I accomplish all that I sought? 

Truthfully, I think no matter how prepared one might be, things don't always turn out as planned. I almost reached one of my goals of 'working towards achieving a work-life balance'. This year however was not all about the outcome, but rather the journey that got me there.

Where to next?

All in all 2015 has been great, but I would still hope to discover the way of having a better work-life balance in 2016 as I will be involved in leading many purposeful experiences as well as being a learner myself.

~ "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you greater than any obstacle." - Christian D Larson ~

My education question/ challenge/ wondering... (an EdblogNZ challenge - Wk 2)

Buzzwords in education... 

We had/have: '21st Century Learning', 'Future Focus', 'Modern Learning Environment', 'Modern Learning Pedagogy' and were more recently introduced to the [new] buzzword 'Innovative Learning Environment'

Does all these words not describe what we (as educators) are already doing.

Educators are aware that there is a new meaning for 'knowledge' and that students should be actively involved in their learning, rather than being passive recipients of information. Is this not why we give our students agency? 

I am aware of the differences in 'Personalised' and 'Individualised' learning, but does it really matter which one is being used in a learning environment?

It is my perception only, that everything I do should be about my learners. I believe that a teacher who knows his/her students well, know how to integrate learning that will benefit a students' individual needs. I certainly want my students to achieve success by making learning enjoyable and meaningful.

Do we need to refer to these buzzwords at all?

~ "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." 

- Benjamin Franklin ~

Half year reflection

At the start of the year there was a buzz on twitter about choosing one word for the year to focus on. I really liked the idea as I have my own opinion around Goals or Resolutions (as can be seen in my blog post in 2014).

The word I chose was 'open' and I listed numerous points to 'guide' me throughout the year.

Reflection:

• experiences that I would normally stay clear from -> (I got involved in the Excel Rotorua initiative and am part of the pedagogy development team. Huge challenge ahead!)
• transformation, by renewing my mind with new knowledge/learning -> (I am continuing my reading and wrote a reflection on 'Revisiting transformation & teaching practice') 
• accept new challenges and [maybe] changes -> (A project in progress...)
• develop and advance in my position as a leader -> (Started this journey in a whole school PL&D Workshop)
• have a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset 
• be mindful about little things to appreciate every day  
• work towards achieving a work-life balance -> (Argghh! Why do I still struggle with this one?!)
• the fact that 'not perfect' is o.k. - making mistakes is how we learn -> (Hard for a 'perfectionist', but I believe I am getting better at this)

~ Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Winston Churchill ~

Focus on being Open

My 'one word' to focus on in 2015 is Open

Open [as I see it] is an outlook and an attitude.  To be open can be an action or re-action, thus allowing me to act with an open mind or re-act with an open mind.  

Therefor I choose this word to enable me to be open to:

• experiences that I would normally stay clear from
• transformation, by renewing my mind with new knowledge/learning
• accept new challenges and [maybe] changes
• develop and advance in my position as a leader
• have a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset
• be mindful about little things to appreciate every day
• work towards achieving a work-life balance
• the fact that 'not perfect' is o.k. - making mistakes is how we learn

~ "Open your eyes to the beauty around you. Open your mind to the wonders of life. Open your heart to those who love you and always be true to yourself." - Donna Davis   

"WALT" or not?

What is the use of the WALT (We Are Learning To)?

The need to have this displayed or introduced before every lesson is very evident in some schools.  When I came across this picture in 2013, I just had to re-tweet it on Twitter.  I would have never imagined that (almost after a year I've posted it) my post would still attract some feedback!

What is your view on using the WALT?

~ "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us to new paths" - Walt Disney ~

The meaning of Collaboration

I have been thinking about collaboration and what it really means [a lot] recently.

When searching for a definition, I found the following:

Webster: To work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor

Wikipedia: Collaboration refers abstractly to all processes wherein people work together.

I recently came across a post by Cheryl Doig on Collaboration matters, which gave me a lot of insight into some of the things I have been wondering about.

So what did I take away from my reading?

• Collaboration can change everything. 
• Collaboration is a critical skill for educators and students.

Goal:

• To push myself to be the best I can be by collaborating even more with my PLN and with colleagues.

'The 9 Types of Collaborators' Which type are you?

~ "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" - Helen Keller ~

I am still learning

The first term of 2014 has gone by very quickly, but it was one in which I've learned and experienced many things. 

I have started the beginning of this term with high hopes and with many things to accomplish.  I had to finalize my plan on the  purpose and process of my eFellow14 inquiry, setting up and managing our new iPad Air's & supporting colleagues in doing this, starting my training as a Reading Recovery Teacher, Maths PD, SOLO Inquiry PD, iPad apps PD, Co-organising @kidsedchatnz & #ConnectedRotorua as well as EduCampRotorua.  As if this was not enough, I put my hand up to organize our first EduIgnite evening in Rotorua.

I guess I can say it has been somewhat of a roller-coaster... and that there were days that I was exhausted, but I cherished every moment.

After our first eFellow master class, I was able to plan the purpose and process of my inquiry and I am now in the exciting stage of investigating it further.

I enjoyed the new teaching approach my Reading Recovery training is taking me into.  I can already see the value of this, and has even started using some of it within my own classroom.  One challenge though, is to keep on top of all the recordings and paperwork, but I am confident that this will get easier with time, as my skills as a Reading Recovery Teacher continues to develop.

This term also saw me as part of a 'shared teaching model' (due to my Reading Recovery responsibilities), which was very new to me.  To manage planning efficiently, I've decided to set up a Google Site.  Needless to say, that this was one of the best decisions I have made at the start of this year.  Everything is organised - just the way I like it!

With three terms to go, I am looking forward to other new opportunities that are coming my way.  I know I will have fun, because I love my job, I love to teach and I love to learn.

~ "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you.  If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you! - Anonymous ~

Adjusting the pace and approach - connect to learners' interests & experiences

Ever since attending the It's a Learners' World: Mapping a New Landscape Conference in 2013, I have been interested in how I could adjust the pace and approach to connect to my learners' interests and experiences by using personalised learning.

As I felt that this was a concept worth looking into, I followed #azedchat (Arizona Educator Chat) on Student choice and Personalised learning with great excitement to see what other educators think and do. Visiting Stonefields School and Hobsonville Point Secondary School during our first #eFellow14 master class was of great significance. I also received fantastic help and insight from Sarah, the principal at Stonefields School.

Needless to say, that I am hooked now and when Annemarie asked me by the end of our EduIgnite Rotorua session if I am going to participate in our own New Zealand #edchatnz tonight - with the topic Personalised Learning - I was all for it. I did not hesitate to learn more and to share what I have learned so far.

Great ideas and learning are always evident in this chat and I have learned a lot from following/being involved in #edchatnz every fortnight.

~ "Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them." - Orison Swett Marden ~

Educating life long learners

This video makes some interesting points and shows just why it is vital to educate life-long learners.

My opinion:

It is my believe that students succeed in their learning in a supportive and caring environment, where they feel secure enough to learn, explore, challenge, test, discover and engage.  Building a good relationship with my learners also contribute towards building their confidence and skills to ensure their learning is successful, enjoyable, meaningful and lifelong.

My aim this year?

To motivate my learners to be active, engaged and connected learners for life, whilst getting them to use and apply the NZC Key Competencies and any other resources available to them.

How will I do this?

1.  Educate learners on how to make choices, how to think and learn

2.  Encourage learners to be critical thinkers and to use their ideas/thoughts to learn both independently and collaboratively

3.  Value each learner for what they do well

4.  Let learners know they matter

~ The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery - Mark Van Doren ~

Permission to make mistakes

Why are we so afraid to make a mistake? Is it the fear of being criticized or people's reactions to our blunders? Sometimes, we experience how other people responding negatively to our mistakes, and that lead to us thinking of mistakes as something bad.

But is making mistakes really that bad? I guess not. 

I have the tendency in beating myself up every time after making a mistake, and I have to remind myself to look at it as that I have just had the opportunity to learn something.  Do I find this easy? Definitely not! 

As a perfectionist I find this really, really hard. I need to remind myself constantly that I am human and in the end, I think it is more productive to recognize  mistakes as positive experiences.  (I am working on this!)

Last year I introduced the acronym F.A.I.L. to my 5 year old learners.  It worked a treat, as I have observed how using this was helping them to grow in confidence.  They even reminded me at times; "It's o.k., you are allowed to make a mistake. It's your First Attempt In Learning!"

Therefore, I will definitely use that acronym with my learners again this year - to support them, but most importantly, to help me to show them I am a learner as well and I am not afraid to try and to fail.

I also like the following from, Greg, a Principal in Canada who shared this:

Wouldn't it be nice if this is shared with all colleagues and students in your school?  I am almost certain that a lot more could/would be accomplished, if teachers and students alike know that it is acceptable to make mistakes.

So go on, try something new this year, make a mistake!  I know I will!

~"Those who don't jump will never fly" - Almashat ~

Goals or Resolutions

At this time of year, most people are making or have been making resolutions for the New Year. Many of us will have high hopes or firm decisions as to what we would like to achieve this year.

Personally, I don't think it really matters if you call them goals or resolutions, as both can help you get you to where you would like to go. What matters is your willingness to follow through.  

Some good questions to ask yourself:

WHAT do I really want to do?

WHY do I really want to do this?

HOW am I going to accomplish this?

WHEN will I accomplish this?

WHERE will this take me in my personal/professional learning journey?

I have learned to be making use of short-term as well as long-term goals. This really helps, as I have been able to celebrate even the small, every day achievements.  My eyes were not just focused on an 'end-result.' I was able to stay afloat.

One thing is certain though, all will not be plain sailing and I need to acknowledge that teaching could be stressful at times, things could happen and there will be trial and error.

One message that came through via uLearn13 was 'You have to teach... and fail... and then learn... and teach'.  A great affirmative, isn't it?

~ "Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm" - Winston Churchill ~

No goals or resolutions yet?  You can always make use of this (from El Paso Library) by trying to 'choose a one word resolution and use that word(s) by thinking of three simple ways you can utilize it in different ares of your life:  at work, at school, at home, or in a hobby perhaps'.

Image from: El Paso Public library Dorris van Doren Branch

~  Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy. All the best for the year ahead!  ~

Teacher Burnout

Before I knew it, Term 4's EduIgnite was upon me!

As presenting does not come naturally to me, I had to dig deep to gather courage in getting a presentation ready.

I made the decision to base my presentation around 'Teacher Burnout' as I had experienced the feeling of this once in my life as a teacher. While finding myself on the edge of self-doubt, I was emotionally exhausted and I found school pressures and stresses unavoidable.

I felt fortunate that I was able to re-ignite my spark for teaching by collaborating with other professionals in my PLN.  I had to remind myself that I am an enabler and not a magician and most of all, I had to think positive!

I came to the conclusion that it is crucial that we positively support fellow teachers and walk with them while letting them genuinely feel that they are appreciated.  This, in my opinion, might reduce the burnout in so many teachers.

Reporting - a never ending job

The Ministry of Education requires schools to report in writing to parents, families and whānau at least twice a year about a students progress and achievement in reading, writing and maths, in relation to National Standards.  Schools can report in a variety of ways through formal reports, student portfolios, e-portfolios and workbooks.

Teachers normally spend a lot of time to link all assessment data, anecdotal notes and OTJ's to do a report justice.  I love to reflect and inquire where my students are at and how they have progressed through the year, no matter how small that progress might be.

And while during this time, I sometimes felt that life was passing me by, it was fantastic to see and being able to report in a formal way about the improvement of my students.  I am so proud of them all, their hard work and perseverance during this year.

I can only see it as a privilege to have been able to be part of my 5 year old students' learning journey and I am looking forward to hearing some great things about them in the future.  

Feeling lucky

I have always considered myself lucky to be involved in the KidsedchatNZ twitter with my class, as I have experienced the positive benefits of being involved first hand with my students. 

Read more in this Education Review Magazine article:

http://www.educationreview.co.nz/ict-and-procurement/november-2013/10-twitter-tips-for-teachers/#.UnR91nBmiSp

In recent months, kidsedchatnz got a lot of recognition by being nominated as a finalist in the Interface Awards for 2013 and from mentions during the ULearn13 conference.

I am now in the fortunate position of being part of the Super 7 team as one of the co-organisers.

http://kidsedchatnz.blogspot.co.nz/2013/11/the-changing-face-of-kidsedchatnz.html

I am looking forward to this new challenge as well as for the opportunity to be collaborating with all. May kidsedchatnz long continue.

'Don't take it personally' - Really?

I have had the opportunity to work in a capacity as a leader alongside others as well as under some leaders and many times I have heard these words..."Don't take it personally"

I always wondered what the rationale behind this was and often wondered if people uttering these words think it gives them carte blanche to say whatever they like, not considering the feelings of others.

I think leaders often forget that how they communicate their thoughts will have a huge impact on a person.

The saying "people will forget what you said but never how you made them feel" is so true, but sometimes people also remember what you've said, because of the way in which it was said.

I have recently read a post by Les McKeown (President & CEO of Predictable Success) on things a great leader should never say and I quote the following from him:

“Don’t take it personally”

Really? You're talking to, let me check...yes, a person, about them, their work, their livelihood, their ideas, their sense of competence, their choices, their discretionary effort, their life's work, and you're telling them not to take it personally?

How about you give every person who works for you a free pass for a week to make whatever comments they like to your face about what you say, do, or suggest, in whatever terms they wish, so long as they preface it with "Don't take this personally...".

If you don't think the act of working with others is in any way 'personal', perhaps you might be better thinking of a career as, I don't know, a beekeeper, perhaps? They really don't take things personally.

I can't but agree with this statement and think it is vital to always show respect and courtesy to all those we have the privilege to be working with.  Only then will one have a strong team who are willing to put their trust in you.

Student Choice - Why & How?

I like having a say in the choices I make...  

I know how hard it can be if their is no choice and one just have to follow 'instructions', especially if you disagree that this is the right option for you.

Yes, each of us must deal with situations in which we have no choice, for instance we have to obey the law, which by the way is a good thing to do.

Having a choice, however is good and students make choices all day long, and by offering choice we are not simply giving them complete control in the classroom or the curriculum.  We are just providing them with appropriate options, helping them to make and accept their choices. That way we are developing confident, independent life long learners.

Why choice?

• Allowing a certain degree of choice in learning activities can help manage student behavior in class
• By giving them choice in learning activities, student engagement can increase and therefore boost attention span
• Learning choices will give students a sense of knowing that their voice matter

How?

Create a menu of options for students to select from, but ensure that direct suggestions are given to that student who is hesitant to make a choice.  

Some examples might be:

• Choose where they want to sit in the classroom
• Make a choice from at least two learning activities
• Select a learning buddy with whom the can collaborate

Lastly, make sure students know what is expected of them and this will lay the foundation for student choice to be integrated seamlessly into the classroom.

Further Reading:
"Developing Responsible and Autonomous Learners: A Key to Motivating Students"