For the record, I teach 6th grade geography. I say this to provide perspective before I delve into what my first lesson of the school year looks like. 6th graders are a unique bunch. They crack me up and infuriate me at the same time. On the verge of adolescence, chomping at the bit to get […]
Read more "The first lesson"Reflecting on reflections I know what you’re going to say. “Well, duh! Of course they should!”, you might snipe sarcastically in my direction. I would agree with you wholeheartedly, too. The one and only #mschat tackled the role, place and need for reflecting in teaching. It’s a subject near and dear to my heart and […]
Read more "Should teachers reflect on their practice?"I’ll be honest with you. I love to read esoteric stuff online. One of my favorite ways to waste time online is actually getting lost down what I call the “Wikipedia Wormhole”. I’m sure you know what I mean. You might have heard it called other things over the years such as, “The Wikipedia Time Suck”, […]
Read more "Let’s go down “The Wikipedia Wormhole”"The Undead Writing Edition. I went to a Zombies vs. Humans nerf battle back in October. I’m not proud of it…well, actually it was pretty darn amazing. It was my first one in truth and probably not my last. While alone in the woods contemplating my next move as one of the last surviving humans, […]
Read more "How to avoid writing like a zombie!"Back in the swing of all things PBL. Feeling good after yesterday’s post so I’m writing on a sunday night to keep the creative juices flowing. The more I write, the more I’m convinced that students should have a blog portfolio as part of their graduation requirements. Starting in first grade and then following them […]
Read more "What needs to be modeled for students to begin a #PBL lesson?"After a wedding weekend/boys weekend away I find myself desperately wanting to write. I’ve been doing these blog posts in earnest since the beginning of November and have come to appreciate just how much they mean to me, both intellectually and emotionally. I have this self-realization when writing that I’m doing something worthwhile about my […]
Read more "What makes PBL different from doing projects?"I’ve been enjoying this series of reflections from #mschat from last week and today’s question is no different. How do teachers keep students engaged in learning over the course of a snow/cold day cancellation? I have a few thoughts on it and I’m inclined to take an contrarian position today than most of the participants […]
Read more "How do you engage your students in learning on a snow/cold day?"Well, this question I was not expecting in the #mschat from last week. To be honest I can’t seem to find any difference between coming to work and being professional as a banker or a teacher. As @mrgranito said perfectly: “Uh…suck it up! We’re the professionals here!” I’m speaking from a perspective of someone who […]
Read more "How do teachers maintain HIGH professionalism and energy during the winter?"It’ been over a week since I’ve written anything. I took the holidays as a time for some personal reflection on my blogging and where I am in life. Now that the year has begun I’m ready for some great things this year. I was contemplating writing an obligatory New Year’s Resolutions post but honestly […]
Read more "Welcome back!"Wow, here we are. Reflection number four of seven for this topic of celebrations in learning. I’ll was traveling for the past few days so unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend last week’s #mschat and thankfully it was postponed for holiday celebrations… fancy that! As with the week before, by this point in the chat […]
Read more "What do we do with students who don’t earn a celebration?"
peter spiegel 