Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
An Outdated System
Last week I listened to the StartEdUp podcast hosted by Don Wettrick. Don teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana. Don had Dr. Brynn Winegard on the show and the topic was, Brain-Based Innovation. You can catch the entire podcast here.
As I listened to the show I continuously kept nodding my head. At one point, Don quotes Dr. John Medina the author of the book, Brain Rules. The quote states, "If you wanted to create an educational environment that was directly opposed to what the brain is good at doing, you probably would design something like a classroom."
BOOM! Drop the mic right there. Think about it, sitting in a seat for hours and taking in information is NOT ideal. Our brains crave activity, movement, and doing! So much of our educational system is rooted in poor methods.
Just last week I attended Bill Montgomery's NGSS training. The morning was fantastic! Bill turned teacher and had the entire room, moving, thinking, hypothesizing, collaborating and taking risks. I kid you not, by lunch time my head hurt. Bill had pushed my thinking all morning long!
The point is, WE can be the change. We have the power to reinvent how learning looks. What I do know is that the learning can get messy. When the teacher gives up power and control and allows for exploration, inquiry, and doing the learning can become unpredictable. This can feel scary, however, this is where amazing learning can occur.
I will leave you with two thoughts...
First, when you think of your classroom, are you the holder of knowledge? Are you the key to the classroom because you have all the information?
Two, take some time and listen to the podcast. It's 40 minutes, but if you truly lock into this show you will hear TRUE brain-based research.
I'm a believer that the 110 year old model of education is dead. The model we learned from as students is dying. We can be the change! If you ever want to brainstorm ideas or simply chat about shifting learning I hope you know I would love to dive into it!
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday, March 26th: KDG Story walk
Monday, March 26th: Fire Drill PM
Monday, March 26th: Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th: Spring Musical Practice AM
Tuesday, March 27th: Musical at CAC 7pm
Tuesday, March 27th: Jump Rope For Heart finale
Tuesday, March 27th: Admin Meeting 9am
Tuesday, March 27th: Colby Sharp Author visit grades 2-5 in Library
Grades 2-3 in Library from 1:15 - 2pm
Grades 4-5 in Library from 2:10 - 3pm
Wednesday, March 28th: Grades 3-5 assembly in gym (Western Tennis Team visits Warner)
Wednesday, March 28th: Dress as your favorite book character
Wednesday, March 28th: PLC Wednesday (Taking a closer look at student concerns and our new forms)
Thursday, March 29th: Last day for Mobile Maker Carts before transfer
Thursday, March 29th: Reading Month Assembly at 2:45 in the gym
Thursday, March 29th: Spring Break begins at 3:35!
* Observations continue this week
* Grades 3-5 mark your calendars to discuss M-Step on the Wednesday we return from Spring Break.
* Email me if you're interested in having me read to your class