I planned for a Banner Day today. Yes, that is asking for possible disappointment, but I took some recent lessons learned and threw choice, collaboration and creativity into my classroom blender. The early returns show average or better results. I expected the sound of trumpets. Maybe a harp.
Moving on. I did a lot more teacher talk than I planned to in my lead-in to a high-tech, high-touch, right-brain, left-brain lesson. Would a pre-recorded screencastify video have been better? I spoke about embracing complexity. I talked about the future being now and how they would have an authentic audience. All meant to motivate. It may catch fire. They may create content that inspires. They may find a mission. A passion. A burning question. I just do not know...for now.
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| "March Madness" Padlet of creative options... |
I recently saw George Couros speak at Discovery Education's Powerful Practices conference in San Francisco. He is the author of The Innovator's Mindset. His presentation hit all the buttons. All of 'em. There was laughter, handkerchiefs, knowing head nods in that room of educators in San Francisco. His views on innovation, leadership and education never strayed outside of his guiding mantra of "what is best for kids." The challenge is real. The customer has to come to our shop, but they aren't necessarily buying.
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| burner phone |
Do you know people who have planned burner lessons, activities, or days? I do. Me. I think I am not alone. As Forrest Gump did not say, but should have, "teachin' is hard."
I am shooting for that Banner Day again tomorrow. It is what we do.
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| *Cue the harp |
I'm literally laughing out loud at the burner concept after just watching Homeland. Bad connection! Anyways, I can't speak to how your day went compared to your other days but the fact that you approached it with the banner mindset is so important. As far as teachers go, as a principal I always push back (at least in my head) on other principals who talk about getting "buy-in". I don't know why it doesn't sit well with me but if it's really worth doing in schools, should we have to be selling it. Should we have to be so convincing? Or should the product/lesson/class be so amazing that we don't need "buy-in."
ReplyDeleteGreat point. A really great product sells itself. Day #2 of my four day choice, collaboration and creativity challenge was a banner day. Discipline issues-- there were none. Questions, research, teamwork seemed to be picking up steam.
DeleteBARTER idea> can you come over and hear a class report on their findings? We will come to your "schoolhouse" and return the favor... flagpole ceremony? Teambuilding extravaganza? Mentoring moment from our students to yours?
Thanks for the comments.
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ReplyDeleteI'm down! Give me a couple dates. I would be honored to come over.
ReplyDelete