Revisiting transformation & teaching practice

As Term 2 is about to conclude, I feel that I should reflect once more on my teaching practice.

I have made my students the focus, placed them in the centre and built on prior knowledge. I made a huge effort to individualize (but not personalize) the learning for each student.

Last year, during eFellow Master class sessions, we had numerous discussions about transformation. Therefore, I have revisited my reading on the 'Keys to transformation', a blog post by Derek.

Reflection time:
Have I used 'the three keys to unlock transformation potential'?

Firstly - My students were provided with choices and they had the ability to act on those choices. However, I feel that I should guide my students [even] more when making good and appropriate choices and assist them to act on them in their learning.

Secondly - In using my class wiki for several years now, I believe I found a way of embracing the wide range of contexts in which learning occurs. I acknowledge that learning is not confined to the classroom's four walls and students have an individual learning plan which they can access anytime, anywhere.

Thirdly - I feel that knowledge building is supported through the SOLO Inquiry model and Learning Buddy (Tuakana/Teina) system I use in class. My students also have the opportunity to interact and make connections with other students and classes through the weekly KidsedChatNZ twitter chat.

Next steps:

- Personalize the learning experience for all students (using progressions in 'kid-speak')
- To recognise my students as active participants at all levels of their learning.

~ "Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow." - William Pollard ~

Reading - not a challenge at home anymore

In collaboration with a colleague, I have [again] presented the Reading Together Programme to parents. A highlight for students were when the mobile library to came to our school as they now have their own library cards.

What I like about this programme is that families/whānau are involved and supported on how to help their child's reading at home more effectively. I feel that with offering this programme we not only improve the relationship between home and school, but we are helping our students to become keen and competent readers. 

One of the feedback highlights was when a parent said that her involvement in this programme [with her child] motivated her to become a reader herself again!

The overall outcome was extremely successful as improvement in reading levels of students whose parent's attended was evident.

~ "A book is a dream that you hold in your hand." - Neil Gaiman ~

Modern Learning Practice - edchatNZ

"What great timing" I thought, seeing this week's edchatNZ topic, as this has been discussed at last weekend's Educamp in Hawkes Bay.

Due to me facilitating a blogging session on the Saturday, I was unable to attend the session around Modern Learning Practice and I was rightly exited to learn more.

My eFellowship inquiry last year, focused on Modern Learning Pedagogy and when following the chat, it was clear that many educators are starting to focus more on this.

However, I think that [at times] too many emphasis are being placed on the 'environments' rather than the practice.  

In my opinion, UDL (Universal Design for Learning) could be incorporated into this context. I am looking forward to learning more in due course. 

My Storify:

~ "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm Z

Sharing and Learning at EduCampHB

I thoroughly enjoyed my road trip to this year's EducampHB.  One of the highlights was meeting many of the people in my PLN. I cherish this moments where I have a chance to have a 'real life' conversation with them.  The learning conversations and ideas shared were endless.

Meet and greet opportunity

Contributing to the Smackdown presentation
on Blogging and TeachMeetNZ

One of the sessions that people choose to learn more about was around blogging.  I was happy to facilitate the session and answered questions around this wonderful tool 

My Storify of the day:

~ "Creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change" - Barbara Januszkiewicz ~

'Mentoring and Coaching: The relationships that make a difference'

After having PD around coaching and mentoring earlier this year, I really enjoyed reading the discussion around this topic.

If you want to learn more about effective 'Mentoring and Coaching, this Storify by Rob McTaggard would be worthwhile to have a look at.

~ "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give" - Winston Churchill ~

TeachMeetNZ - Celebration

I have been involved in #TeachMeetNZ since 2013, either by presenting or as part of the support team... and I am still in awe of the host, Sonya.  Her ability to bring this all together with fabulous educators to share their learning by way of this PL&D platform is just mind blowing.  I feel so honoured to be part of it.  Thank you Sonya! 

The best part [for me] is that there is always something new to learn at each and everyone one of these sessions!

Today I've learnt about itunesU, through Nick's presentation. This is something I would really like to explore. James talked about student voice in the wider world. With his presentation he confirmed my view on the importance of blogging with students, to make learning visible and connect beyond the classroom. Then the wonderful 'App smashing' by Steve , which I have used with my Year 1 students before.
Thanks Caroline for sharing with us about the effectiveness of Daily 5. It reminded me that I really need to get this up and running in my class environment again, now that the 5 year old's are more settled at school! Ben, it was great to hear how you are still as passionate about 3D printing as during our #eFellows14 master classes! I still wear my eFellow14 charm (you made for all of us, using the 3D printer) with pride. I really enjoyed listening to Ritu sharing her personal learning journey over the bridge for boys engagement and achievement. I agree that we have to have high expectations for our boys, but so do [I think] we need to have for ourselves and all of our learners. There was also a strong message about independent learning coming through from Ritu, which I really liked.

By just listening to all the presenters, I realize that there is so much more for me to accomplish... and there are many more ways to assist my students to reflect on and think critically about their learning! I can and have to select other technologies and resources that will be effective and address the needs of individual students. My journey is ongoing...

What a privilege to have been part of today's #TeachMeetNZ - who is [by the way] approximately two years old! It was great catching up with Kathy and Monika again too!

The presentation of the stunning line up of educators:

My Storify:

A little memento from Sonya:

~ "The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." - Anthony Robbins ~

Reflection on Term 1, 2015

This has been an extremely busy and exciting term, in which I was involved in three great PL&D sessions at school, making valuable connections with students and parents, setting up my teaching inquiry on writing, being involved in the organising of Educamp Rotorua and the two termly Connected Rotorua events. I have also been heavily involved in discussions about the setting up of our new school website and established our school's Facebook page.

However, something that I missed was my regular participation in twitter chats. Things were just too busy [for me] many days and I felt exhausted by the time I got home. I really do need to get this work-life balance sorted...!

One of the highlights was when I was able to be part of our school's 80th Reunion on Saturday, 21 March. People came from afar and relived many memories, which many of them shared with me during short, mingled chats. Needless to say, that I am extremely proud to be associated with our school.

This term our staff took part in the yearly indoor bowls and as a rookie I really enjoyed this experience. It was also about building relationships with some teachers from other schools and one time I was able to caught up with a tutor from the 'Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Training Series' that I attended back in 2011!

Some feedback from a parent... 

This is why I teach, to make a difference in student's lives, to try and give them the best learning opportunities possible. Working long hours is nothing, if it is going to benefit my students.

I have also learned and grew so much as a leader (my first term as Assistant Principal) and have chosen to stay positive among adversity.  

After being accepted into the National Aspiring Principals Programme 2015, I choose to withdraw (due to some personal reasons). 

It was necessary to re-evaluate my goals, knowing what is happening for me now and what do I want to achieve. This was no easy decision, but I contemplated and came to the conclusion that I can still learn and grow where I am at the moment. Being part of a positive and supportive management team, is something to not underestimate.

I can't wait to see what challenges next term will bring...

~ "Teaching:  You laugh, you cry and you work harder than you ever thought you could.  Some days you're trying to change the world and some days you're just trying to make it through the day. Your wallet is empty, your heart is full, and your mind is packed with memories of kids who have changed your life. Just another day in the classroom" - Anonymous ~