To encourage dialogue and reflection about our roles in helping and supporting others, our question for the week is: How can we help others feel supported and learn? Be specific. Helping and Supporting Others (Week of 10/10/21) (This is an anonymous Google Form)
Blake's Guiding Lights
Our Students
Blake's Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Reflection
Our Essential Question: How can we cultivate and curate the progression of student learning and growth?
Our Mission: Blake Middle School believes in a living mission statement, based on the concept that our community seeks and respects knowledge, integrity, character, wisdom, and the willingness to adapt to a continually evolving world.
The most important attitude that can be formed is that of desire to go on learning. - John Dewey
You cannot teach today the same way you did yesterday to prepare students for tomorrow. - John Dewey
Hopefully the three-day weekend was enjoyed by all - I did my best to embrace our ‘No Homework Weekend’ by unplugging, resting, and trying to be present. I was (for the most part) successful with this effort!
Sampling of Responses from Last Week’s ‘Question of the Week’: What habits help you to become a better learner?
- Notetaking when I am learning a new activity or subject helps me a great deal. I am also very visual so it helps me to see someone model an activity first, and then, do it on my own.
- Routinely setting my space for learning; asking what is the purpose, the why
- Putting lessons into a fun way.
- Having quiet peers and a teacher who has a sense of fun
- work sheets
- going to bed early, doing homework, eating well, doing activities that I love, and socializing.
Relationships Are the Foundation of Everything We Do
by Fred Ende in ASCD
While there has been great flux in education lately, relationships—whether working in-person, virtually, or a mix of both—remain the cornerstone of effective teaching, learning, and leading.
1. Listening Makes All the Difference
2. Self-Reflection Leads to Stronger Relationships with Others
3. Be Real, Be Open, Be There
Relationships are never easy, but they are the primary ingredient to everything we do in education.
The Best Leaders Aren't Afraid to Ask for Help
by Peter Bregman in Harvard Business Review
As a leader who advocates vulnerability as a strength, I am surprised to realize that I have, somehow, bought into the notion that I need to be super-human and that any weakness diminishes my leadership. In fact, I see clearly now that it is precisely the opposite.
Will anyone ever be able to truly connect with you, really trust you, honestly give you their all, if you only reveal to them the parts of you that you think will impress them? How long do you think you can keep that up? How long before they become disillusioned?
The reality is that leaders who don’t need help have no one to lead. People feel good when they help. They are inspired when they are needed. They don’t think less of the people they help, they feel more connected.
You Are Not A Machine
by Laura McDonell
While last year was tougher in the sense that there were so many unknown things that brought about new fears. And, last year things, seemed to change often. There were a lot of things to learn, and the days were draining. There is something different about this year. Days feel overwhelming and it is only the beginning of the fourth week for some of us.
Stick With Hobbies
Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks
Focus on What Matters Most
Connect with Colleagues
Sleep
Caught-up is a Myth
Educators need a healthy outlet and stress reliever. It is a good thing to take time for yourself and participate in something that you enjoy. We can set a great example for students when we do not abandon everything besides our job. Identities outside school such as being a writer, athlete, hunter, photographer or, parent show students that they too can be involved in school as a student and be well-rounded as a college student and employee one day.
My goal is often to beat yesterday with energy, a new way of explaining things, or an opportunity to make a connection or build a relationship.
It is okay to be human. It is okay that each day looks different from the last one. It is okay that our best is different each day. Because we are human and not machines, we are not quickly replaceable. It is important to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional, health by not giving everything and utilizing various strategies to be effective throughout the day. Embracing the journey is about recognizing small wins along the way. Thriving each day includes hanging on to the things that separate us as people from machines that can do five times the work but miss out on the richness life has to offer.
These posts speak to the importance of the systems we put in place, both formally and informally, to support all of our learners and ourselves. These systems must be intentionally designed, articulated, implemented, and reviewed on a continuous basis. And, they must be flexible enough to allow our practices to meet the evolving needs and realities that present themselves. It is in the discussion of ‘the results we are designing to get’ that the important and critical conversations need to take place.
As always, let me know of any questions/concerns.
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Take care.
Nat