Majority Doesn't Necessarily Rule

We have consensus groups in my classroom. I love them. More today than ever....

1) Students do a short review assignment on their own. No help from me or classmates. 
2) Next, I form groups of two or three. They must reach consensus on answers. I witness lots of automatic peer teaching, communication, and critical thinking. 
3) We summarize and orally evaluate how we did as groups and with the assignment. 

Today we had an interesting second grade situation where one group of three all had wrong answers to begin with, but after discussion reached consensus with the correct answer.  I loved it! 

But then something even more amazing happened.... One group shared how their group of three had two people with the wrong answer and one with the right answer at first, but all ended up with the correct answer. They took the time to listen even though in "seven year old world" majority rules. 

I was in awe at the conclusion that came from our discussion...something much more important than math... "Just because more people think it's right, doesn't mean it is. Sometimes people just need to listen."

     

Life on a Chair

My life can now be summed up in a chair.

It sounds strange, but the main events, my core beliefs, and advice I'd want to leave behind to my children and students are now on a wooden chair. This has been one of my summer projects.  Take a look:

The chair is covered with encouraging and
inspirational words and phrases like:
Be yourself, Create, Explore, Laugh, Play,
Appreciate, Imagine, Choose Joy,
Inspire, Ask Questions, and many more.

"Everyone has a story to share...and deserves a happy ending."

"You have the power to say that this is not
how the story will end."

Each circle represents a school that I attended or have taught in
from my kindergarten year in 1975 until the present.  Whew! There
is only one rung in the chair left, so I guess I won't be
changing schools much more. :)

The back of the chair includes things a bit more
personal. Here you can see the birth dates of my children, other
significant dates, and my Etch-a-Sketch.  

I have a sunset with five clouds. These represent the five
students I've had in class over the years that have died. 

"The greatest of these is Love"

I love this. It was inspired by having to paint and repaint and
REPAINT a big goof on another part of the chair.

I love playing Scrabble! 

I'll use it as an Author's Chair or for our Show Time (a fun story telling time) in my classroom. It will surely be a conversation piece at times that may lead to deep discussions about things that are truly important.

I had another one I used for about ten years.  It was similar in style and design but it didn't have any words on it.  My daughter and her friend helped me paint it when she was in first grade.  After having to glue it back together for about a year, I retired it to storage. I'm hoping that all the coats of polyurethane on this one will help it last until I am the one that gets to be retired. :)

A Lesson from the Etch-a-Sketch

   Years ago, I was sick and spent a couple weeks in a hospital. When the little cart came by with magazines and books to borrow, I was drawn to the Etch-a-Sketch on the bottom shelf and asked if I could borrow that instead. I hadn't picked up one since childhood, but I spent many, many hours over the next few days getting the hang of it again and finding an artistic challenge within that red box.

   I found I got an immense amount of satisfaction out of making those baby steps go up and then back down. Once I figured out the up/down and left/right with the knobs, I automatically started trying harder things, like circles and my name in cursive. I had to stop to smile, giggle a bit, then grunt in frustration, and stop to shake the crazy thing a bunch of times along the way.  But I was one of the weird people that stuck with it. Within days, the shapes became realistic pictures. I'd sit back and stare for a moment, find every flaw and place I should have improved it, but I eventually became brave enough to share. I soon had nurses and other patients looking over my shoulder offering advice :) and asking what was my next one going to be like.

   Over the next couple years, I tried to go from simple to more complex drawings and illustrations. I studied the artwork of Etch's great George Vlosich III and others to gain hints to the craft.  I improved and sold a few. I donated a couple in charity auctions. I gave many away to friends and one year every student in my class got one if they just brought an Etch-a-Sketch in with a picture they wanted on it.  I found myself very busy on weekends doing sketches of their pet dogs, school mascots, and even Hannah Montana. I don't get the toy out much any more unless it's for some overdue relaxation or a special gift. I always have one close by, though.

   Some days, as I work and dream of the future of my school and community,  I feel like I'm back to those first sketching days again.  I'm taking my baby steps and figuring out which directions to go. I see that the path isn't going where I think it should and I have to stop, shake it and start all over again. Then there are times when the picture becomes a bit clearer, and I keep going. Something exciting develops. I sit back, evaluate, and sometimes become brave enough to share a bit of the vision with those close to me.

   I find it incredibly exciting when they want to know what is coming next and they want to help describe what the final picture may look like.

Breaking the Paper Clip Mold

For years I think I've had it all wrong.

I'm always looking for a better paper clip.  When it comes to ideas to help the students in my classroom and school, I'm in constant search of ways to make things better.  My philosophy, like so many in education, has been to take a look at what "successful schools and teachers" are doing, then tweak it to make it work for my students and school. How can I make their ideas, projects, or programs work here?  I love what I see in their book, on the screen and at the conference and want to try it myself.

That doesn't sound bad, now does it?  Isn't that one thing good teachers do?

Sure it is.  But I'm finding it is backward thinking for me.  It's a bit like clothes shopping without knowing what  your are shopping for and then buying something without trying it on first.  I need to know what I'm needing.  And just because it looks great on the mannequin, doesn't mean that is the way it will fit on you, too.

I spend much of my time away from school still thinking about school.  I find myself watching tv with my phone or laptop scrolling through education articles, educational ideas on Pinterest, Twitter posts from my favorite educational leaders, or reading blogs.  All of these are fine and  I don't plan on changing that, but my paradigm must change.  I am realizing that the journey to our success isn't going to be found "out there" in need to be found and purchased.  It's here, right now, within the creative teachers, staff and community volunteers we have.  We are the ones that know our students and community.  We know their needs.  We only need to be given the permission to try new things.

I know this is a big challenge for our school culture, structure, and perhaps a nightmare for leadership. It would be balancing what works with what could be, and designing something all your own.  But perhaps, we will find ourselves at the metaphorical customer service exchange line a little less often returning something we didn't really need or didn't fit but bought into just because it looked cool. I think it's time for me to break away from the paper clip mold.

Great Things Happen Here!

My father died 7 years ago. He was a teacher and coach most of his adult life. He taught many years at the same school where I now teach.

Last night was a special night as my father was inducted into the Humansville High School Hall of Fame. My mother accepted his award. 

Great people come from this small town. They grow up and do amazing things. The stories of lives lived of the other four on this stage blew me away. It made me even prouder that my dad, six years after his death, was recognized among them. 

Humansville folks... be proud of where you come from. You have a unique and powerful history. You have displayed strength over and over throughout your 140 year history. Great people surround you and things are happening daily. They are not often recognized. But your kids are watching. And they believe the best is yet to come.

Advice for College...From 2nd Graders (And Future College Students!)

We were blessed to have an amazing high school student help us in our classroom this year.  She came only one hour each day but made a huge impact on the students in my room.  I watched their eyes light up as she entered the room. I swear she had a way of saying hello to each and everyone of  them with eye contact alone.  The children begged to work in her small groups each day.  They told her stories and shared their work.  She knew how to celebrate their little successes.
They listened closely when she talked about her plans after graduation. College. Moving away. A new job.
Watching her dream made us all dream a little more.
And about things many hadn't before.

We had a graduation party for her.  We made a few silly gifts and bought a cake.

We also made her this video and turned it into a book for her.
http://animoto.com/play/rJK3oLLtx1dqvClIwTYIQw



Advice for college...She doesn't need to hear it.  She will do amazing.
But perhaps it will help to know she has a couple dozen second graders that will be watching her and cheering her on as her dreams come true.

A Letter From The Past

My daughter is a senior.
The most amazing letter came in the mail today for her today.

"Dear Taylor, 2013... Congratulations Graduate!"
"From Taylor, 2007.. a sixth grade writing assignment."

Mrs. Littrell, the 6th grade teacher left this district soon after my daughter's 6th grade year.
We left this district after my daughter's sophomore year.
How touching for her to go through the trouble to find us and make sure my daughter got this letter.

Teachers, do this.  I know I will. Forever more.

Trash or Treasure

"Trash or Treasure"...Those are three words I end many days with in my classroom.  It signifies a time of reflection...When we share the times of the good and the bad in our day and what will make tomorrow better.
   Most days I want them walking out the door focusing on our "treasures."  These are the moments in our day they enjoyed, found academic success, or were positive interactions with our classmates and friends.  These are comments in which I hope they remember when someone asks "How was school today?"  or "Did you learn anything?"
   I am sometimes amazed at what they find as "treasured."  It may not be the fun game in math.  Or the interactive lesson I was hoping to wow them with.  Sometimes it is found in the minutes I twirled the rope on the playground at recess or giggles from a silly story I told in Social Studies or just sitting next to me in lunch.  
   The "trash" sharing gets interesting.  We had to lay ground rules at the beginning of the year.
1)We can't say other student names.
2)We have to focus on us.
3)OR We can share about Mrs. Price.  
   That last one is tough, but I like it.  It is like having a teacher evaluation every day.  They are so honest.  I've learned a lot from my students.  I've learned things like fairness and consistency are equivalent and they'd prefer more consequences as long as it is fair.   I've learned that they pick up on tension, tiredness, and lack of preparation. They also don't appreciate boring lessons. They would rather do more if they can learn more. They even pick up a tone in my voice that expresses my attitude.
    I always end our Trash or Treasure Time with, "But what should we do with our trash?"
   They respond, "Throw it away or recycle it into something useful!"
    Yep, even after 20 years of teaching, I have lessons to learn...lessons that 8 year olds can teach me.
And luckily, many of the moments they consider "trash" can be recycled and created into something much better tomorrow.

Leading In A Blizzard

   I've been an Iditarod fan for years. I have shared my love of the race with my classes each year.  People that know me personally think it is strange.  I detest cold weather and I really don't like dogs.  Yet each year I pick mushers and sled dog teams for my class to follow, get to know, and cheer on as they race 1,000 miles across the Alaskan wilderness.
   There are so many stories to share with them.  New stories emerge daily. Stories from years ago in which I know the happy endings are my favorites to share with young students, though. We have been able to find the 7 Habits of Leaders in the tales of team training, treatment of the dogs, volunteer preparation, village hospitality, and the many heroic moments on the trail.
   One of my favorites I like to share is about Martin Buser.  He is a four time Iditarod champion and has completed 29 of the races.  In 1991, Martin had left the White Mountain check point, when he got caught in an awful blizzard. White Mountain, a small village located on the Bering Sea, is one of the last check points before reaching the Nome, the finish line.  Many mushers that had left White Mountain turned around and went back to wait out the blizzard.
   The winds were fierce. Martin said that visibility was only the length of the dog team.  The only trail markers he could see from his sled, were the ones that were next to the team.  The team was wanting to go with the direction of the wind instead of stay on the trail.  It became apparent that instead of following in his sled, Martin was going to need to take the lead.
   Martin went to the front of the team, left only one lead dog on the line, and took the tug line himself and began to pull, constantly making sure they stayed on the trail.  Slowly they made their way to the next village check point, which is ironically called Safety. :)
   I love that story.
  At this point in my life, I am not "leading the pack."  I am part of the team.   But this story encourages me.  It reminds me that when you have those moments in which the leaders you are counting on seem to be losing sight of the trail, wanting to go in the direction of the wind,  you just have to hop down and head to the front for a bit...take up the extra tug line...keep your eye on the trail set before you... and help lead them to Safety.

Do Construction Workers Count Floor Tiles?

   This week my kids worked on arrays. We colored graph paper, made stickers charts, used geoboards, and found examples of real objects in our classroom   It was fairly typical 2nd grade fun.
   As we went on a search around our room, my kiddos realized that our cement block walls, ceiling tiles and the tile section of our classroom floor could also be considered large arrays.  Real world math problems began....
   The question was soon raised, "Do construction workers count floor tiles?"  We decided to take our paper, pencils, and clipboards into the hallway to find out. I took them into our intermediate hall and within minutes we decided that using math was a much better way.  It would take over 1,350 tiles for us to tile just that one hallway! I asked if anyone wanted to double check by counting them one-by-one.  They said they didn't need to. "We did the math." :)
   One student asked how much each one costs.  He knew that our bathroom had a cracked one and wondered if it would get fixed.  Another boy stated that sometimes it is hard to fix just one, so they may have to fix the whole bathroom. Apparently the girl's bathroom has some issues, as well.  Would you believe we had a ten minute conversation about floor tiles? I kept trying to go back to arrays and multiplication number sentences, but more important lessons were being learned--about respect for property and others, the value of hard work, and the benefits of working together.
   I love this class.  They notice things.  They recognize needs.  They want things better. They don't just want things better for themselves, but also for the people they care about.
   They will graduate in 10 years.  The colleges, careers, and families they enter will be darn lucky to have them.  I don't question it at all.  Ten years.... I did the math.

We Have A Dream...A Field of Dreams

   I started discussing Martin Luther King, Jr. with our second grade classes over two weeks ago.  We don't get to have Social Studies each day so I started earlier than usual.  I introduced the concept of segregation with a shoestring vs. non-shoestring activity I always use.  We read stories and had lessons about his life, his impact, how things have changed, and sadly, how some things are still unfair at times. Like many elementary teachers, I planned on discussing our dreams, but this year it went a bit further.
  We took a closer look at MLK as a child.  We took a long look at the famous picture of him as a boy and how he had stated "someday I am going to turn this world upside down."  The students made the connection on their own with that statement and our Seven Habits.  They saw how he was thinking like a leader way back then.
  We talked about how real leaders see things that others don't.  They observe, study, discuss, and then take actions to make changes.
   Our conversation deepened, "We see things every day that need to change. What things do you notice? That make you feel uncomfortable?  That you wish were different?"
  "...the kids that got shot at school..." a student stated.
  "...the commercials with the hungry kids..."
  "...the people from the hurricane..."
   Wow. I realized these kiddos were quickly going deeper than I thought they would. But I wanted to bring it closer to home and make a connection they could relate to.
  "What about here? At our school? What are things you wish were different?  Things you notice that you wish other people would too?"   I was thinking they might talk about the pieces of trash we find on the playground or paper towels we pick up when someone before us has somehow "missed" a rather large opening.
  But one student instantly stated, "Our baseball field."
  "Tell me what you mean."
  "Well," she began. "Our dugouts need to be fixed and painted.  We need some new fences.  Our bleachers are falling apart...." Then students started interrupting her with things they noticed, too.
   I was amazed.  It was January.  Most of the students hadn't been to the field since summer league ended in July.  It isn't even next to the elementary building, but they had noticed and remembered details. I was proud of them and told them so.  I tried my best to connect it back to MLK and fairness between schools and trying to make a difference.  I'm not sure that happened, but good things did.

  We listed some things we knew were facts on our Promethean Board:
 *We have a dream...a better baseball field
 *Observe, Study, Discuss, Action 
 *Improvements take time, energy, money, and leadership.
 *Kids can be leaders.  Kids can make a difference.
 *Leaders discuss.  Non-leaders complain.

  We spent some time last week looking at some pictures of  high school baseball fields from the computer. Many of the students have never been on a baseball or softball field away from our small town.  Most will never go to a college or MLB field to see how grand they can be.  Our dreams started to grow and we took a few minutes to write and draw.

    I'm not sure what will happen, but I have a feeling by the time this 2nd grade class is in 9th grade, they will be playing on a pretty nice small town baseball field.  They are already dreaming about it!

I love the orange and black dugouts.  The
kids actually offered to paint them during
recess. :) :) :)

"I want a water fountain for our baseball field and I
want a telephone for our baseball field. I want a new
dugout and steel bleachers."