Dear Blake Families:
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone is enjoying a restful and relaxing vacation with family and friends. We have had a nice time thus far and are looking forward to the extended time we have on the other end of New Year's Day. With plenty of time to read and reflect and to continue a 'tradition' from last year, I am sending along this New Year's note, highlighting a few 'end-of-year' posts that I have enjoyed and thought you may as well.
Top 10 Most Viewed EdWeek Stories of 2014
by The Editors at Education Week
Best and Worst of Education News of 2014 - A Teacher's List
by Valerie Strauss (@valeriestrauss) in The Washington Post
Strauss's post references a post by educator and blogger Larry Ferlazzo (@larryferlazzo). Although I may not agree with his list, it is certainly thought-provoking and brings up items worthy of discussion.
Nine Education Predictions for 2015
by Valerie Strauss (@valeriestrauss) in The Washington Post
Similar to the post above, Strauss's post is a reference to Ferlazzo's predictions for 2015. I particularly liked # 9 - Bill Ivey's quote:
“Each and every school day will bring tens of thousands of reasons to celebrate in schools across the country.”
14 of the Best Media Literacy Resources for 2014
post by the Edudemic Staff in Edudemic
As we continue to find meaningful and thoughtful ways to integrate technology into the curriculum for our students, this post highlights some wonderful resources for increasing media literacy. The focus of the post by staff to have students become active users of media, rather than victims, is inspiring: "Today’s young people are growing up in a world that is saturated by the media. The inability to sift through media messages and get to the heart of a matter can prove crippling. Use the above resources to craft lessons that help your students become users of media and not victims of it."
To My 13-Year-Old, An iPhone Contract From Your Mom, With Love
by Janell Burley Hoffman
I have shared this post for the last two years, and I believe it is worth reading, sharing, rereading, and resharing over and over. It has wonderful implications for all of us (parents, educators, aunts/uncles, family members, friends) who have a sincere and vested interest in the care, growth, development, and education of our students and children. I love # 13 - 'You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You and I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.'
I will be sending along a more comprehensive blog update on 1/6/15 when we return - for now, however, relax and rejuvenate!
Take care.
Nat