What do we steal from our students?

I have just returned from 'The Inspired Impact ;Developing the whole Child' conference convened by Ross Kennedy of College Street Normal school in Palmerston North attended by 1400 educators.It was ironic that many local schools were noticeable by their absence - their loss entirely.I had the opportunity to have a keynote to share my views along with creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson, inquiry learning expert Kate Murdock and Helen Baxter, an example of where we all, well our students, might be going.I was in good company .All speakers were helping teachers re imagine schools for a 'creative age'; or 'a second Renaissance'. Schools for 'Generation why'? Actually Sir Ken had had a heart attack and couldn't' make it at the last minute giving...

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Posted in: Big Picture,change,Creative Schools,Creative teaching Educationalists,inquiry learning,Integrated Learning,Personalized Learning,project based learning,teaching and learning

Beginning the school year - 'keeping the end in mind'.

If you want a book to inspire you to become aware of the possibilities of your environment this is the book for you.Ideal for any adult wanting to expand their awareness but for teachers a most valuable classroom resource. Full of practical ideas to use with your class to help them retain ( or regain) their natural curiosity. Very creatively and visually presented. A fun book. Not written by a curriculum consultant which makes it even more valuable.Check link for more info.Business philosopher Stephen Covey, in his book 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People', writes that it is important to ' keep the end in mind'. It is too easy to get bogged down in the present just trying to get through and in the process lose sight of the 'end in...

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Posted in: Action Plans and Lessons,Ministry NZCurric,Personalized Learning,teaching and learning

Beginning the school year - some activities

My previous blog had ideas about beginning teaching and some links to articles with ideas to to think about. This blog just adds a few more.Teaching is one profession where there is no shallow end. From day one you are presented with up to thirty plus young individuals for you to shape into a learning community; and every class community will be different. Even experienced teachers have second thoughts about starting a new class as at the end of the year they will have left students who have learnt to work with each other and their teacher.Developing this learning community is the real challenge for any teacher. Good schools will provide structures, organisations and curriculum guidance to assist but it always worth having ideas up your sleeve.First...

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Posted in: Action Plans and Lessons,inquiry learning,teaching and learning

Beginning teaching - or starting a new year

Robert Fried is worth reading. Another of his books is called the 'Passionate Teacher'. In his book the 'Game of School' he writes about how students learn to play the game of school to get along. I remember one of his anecdotes was about a grade one student coming home and being asked by his anxious mother what he had learnt during the day? He told his mum he learnt that their were two kind of kids. Good ones who did as the teacher asked of them and bad kids who didn't. Conformists and non conformists. Kids learn quick.Fried's book outlines several groups of students from those who work to please the teacher, those who work because they love learning , and others who get their satisfaction by confronting teachers, and those who try to remain...

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Posted in: Action Plans and Lessons,Creative teaching,teaching and learning

Something old but still worth thinking about! And read John Edward's poem as well

Late in January there is going to be a major conference - 'The Inspired Impact Conference; Developing the whole child'. It is about challenging traditional curriculum delivery methods to prepare a place for creativity in classrooms. The conference has at its aim 'to delve deeply into learning and creativity'.All I can say it is about time.Creativity has been at risk the past decades as literacy and numeracy imperatives have all but eaten up all the school day. And with the National Standards it can only get worse. There is more compliance and formulaic 'best practice' conformity in our schools than creativity. All too often when you visit classrooms you see clone like art work.Teachers need to have the courage to ensure all children develop...

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Posted in: Creative teaching,Creativity,national standards,teaching and learning