Chapter 2- Adventure

"Life is too short to not take risks and to live with a daring heart and passionate spirit.... There are limits to what adults can and should do when adding adventures to a child's life." So, the question is really HOW? Clark mentions several options to incorporate a sense of adventure without ever leaving the campus. 

 - outside teaching (science lab)

-  food mentioned in a social studies lesson or reading story

-  dress up (see Mandy for ideas ;))

-  scavenger hunts (measure around the room, location of vowels on signs in building...)

-  dramatic read aloud (background music, stand on the tables, make crazy noises)

-  involved learning/ "spark" (Project based learning, readers theater)

"Experiencing new adventure reveals strength within ourselves that we might never have realized was there."

For our feedback on this chapter, please think WAY outside of the box. I know it might feel crazy or even out of reach but set a Long Term Goal of an adventure you'd like to 

a) personally take and 

b) an adventure you want to pursue for your students.

 Bucket List type things here....

Chapter 1 Enthusiasm

"There are numerous techniques to get kids to perform, but none is more effective than simply being enthusiastic yourself. When you show that you really care about something and that it means a lot to you, even the most challenging of individuals will tend to get on board and help achieve the goal you have in mind" (Clark, 21).

Reflect on that statement. Please give your thoughts on either
a) How you have seen enthusiasm transform a kid/class (your own or someone else's)
 OR
b) How will you commit to being more enthusiastic as we face the rest of the year?

Chapter 1 Assigned

Please read Chapter One before Wednesday, February 17th. I will post another Q&A opportunity based on that chapter on the above date. I am going to try to run each chapter the same way. Reading due on Wednesday and responses due on that Friday.

Reading due/response
Ch.1> 2/17 - - 2/18
Ch.2> 2/23- - 2/26
Ch.3> 3/2 - -  3/5
Ch.4> 3/9 - - 3/11
Ch.5> 3/16-  3/18
**Spring Break**
Resume on Wed 3/30 with Chapter 6.

Introduction

Read the introduction...

Who was your favorite ELEMENTARY teacher & why?

My favorite was Mrs. Parnell. She told me that I was the best reader she ever had. She let me narrate every single play we did. She also let me stand on the table to read and I thought that was super cool. I'm sure she told every student they were her best reader, but I truly felt she believed in me.

Essential 11

Yesterday, I began my Kindle version of our book and I think we are going to love it. We have 10 paperbacks coming (both 4th grade teachers, Ms. Parnell & MC Williams + additional).

 Kindle download is super easy. IF you do not have an Amazon account, go to Amazon and start an account with your SCHOOL EMAIL. Then, open the app on your school iPad. They will sync and any book you buy will automatically download.

Grab the CC from Ms. Deb today and go ahead and download the book. Let me know when you're set. As soon as the paperbacks get here, we will be ready to go.
xo
Leigh

Beginning Book Study

We will be engaging the book, Essential 11 by Ron Clark in an effort to study better ways to improve our teaching practices.
I am excited about leading this blog-based book study and hope we can learn not only from the text, but also one another.

Things to remember....
1) I am flawed and will make grammatical mistakes. No judgement! :)
2) If you get behind, it is okay. No judgement!
3) Do your best to hit the reading targets.
4) Comment! Comment! Comment! Add your thoughts whenever you feel... not just at designated times.
5) Make plans to meet at least twice throughout the study.
6) Have fun and be yourself. Remember: No judgement!

We will be purchasing books, asap. 

Please comment and state your preference: Paperback or Kindle edition

Slideshow from TLIM Symposium in AL

Another free slideshow by Smilebox

Thank you for these awesome ideas from TLIM schools! All photos are courtesy of other Leader In Me Schools in the North Alabama area.