Best Parts of my Day

This #blogamonth topic was easy for me.  What small part of my day am I grateful for did not take me long to think about.  Fortunately, I have two.  The first happens at work first thing in the morning, when I am greeted each day by students who are happy to be at school early in the library and spend this time to make, create, tinker, and explore new ideas.  The second time I am grateful for happens right after work when I arrive home to greet another set of happy kids - my own!

Both times are fleeting parts of my day.  The first moment lasts for only a half hour, but it is my favorite half hour of my work day.  I have written blogs on how #marvelousmornings inspires me each and every day.  I am in constant awe of the creativity and ingenuity of the kids who frequent the library each day.  They are often excited to try new things, they love to problem solve, and do not care when something doesn't work out right the first time.  This is my 3rd year running the maker morning program in the library, and while I get up super early to be at school early for these kids, it is worth every minute of my time and energy.  These moments, and kids, are precious to me. 

My second favorite part of the day lasts for only a few seconds.  It happens when my school day is done and occurs at the exact time of 2:37pm when the bus from the elementary school pulls up in front of my house, and my kids get off the bus, run right to me, and embrace me in a hug.  This last about a second, before my kids are off running to play with friends, being shlepped around on errands, asking for screen time, or we head to activities.  But I am incredibly thankful for that moment each and every day. 

Although sometimes I forget, it is good to be reminded of  how lucky I am to both start and end my work day with happy, smiling kids! 

Creating Connections

A colleague of mine once told me (and the students she taught) that the "smartest people know where to look", and this has become a mantra of mine.  When asked the question, what does it mean to you to be a connected educator?  This mantra is at the heart of it.  I know where to look when I need inspiration, feedback, or answers to difficult questions.  And it's not Google I look to...it's my people, my PLN, my network of like-minded educators.

Whatever the reason you have for connecting with others, the important thing is that you make these connections.  I truly believe that it is integral for educators to have a network of people with whom they share their ideas, to learn from each other, and in the end to reflect and maybe gain insight about how to improve.  Without these connections, a teacher is an island all by themselves.  Without these connections, in my opinion, an educator will not be able to grow.

I love meeting up with my CFG group, the members of AATE, librarians from other Jewish Day Schools in Atlanta, my team at work.  I love chatting with people I have met on Twitter.  I love being able to sustain relationships online with people I meet at conferences and workshops.  I love taking online courses that can help my teaching practices.  I find that each interaction with any one of these groups helps me grow.  Every connection I make gives me the inspiration I need not only to grow, but
to thrive in this every-changing world. 

A New Year, A New Beginning

This month's #blogamonth topic is to talk about one thing that is different than it was a year ago. Wow!  When I really think about it, I more than one thing to write about, which means this new year is going to be different, and amazing.

My beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl

Proud Mama

First off, to get a little personal, I am now the mother of a daughter who became a Bat Mitzvah.  That is definitely new.  We planned for this event for years, and while it was one of the best days of my life, now it is over.  And I look forward to a different future with my daughter, full of more amazing moments like the one we shared just last Saturday.

Professionally, things are different as well.  In a physical sense, we moved the library's makerspace to a different part of the Media Center and it has been quite successful.  Looking deeper, by moving this space, it has caused more attention, and teachers are becoming more and more interested in utilizing the space, and me!  I went to a workshop this summer that was designed to explore "Ethical Creativity" in Jewish Day Schools.  Throughout the week there I learned about design thinking, tinkering, explored my Jewish identity, and discussed how to spark creativity in our learners.  All of these experiences have changed my outlook on my position and has helped me integrate some or all of these ideas into my work at The Epstein School.

Busy morning in the Makerspace

Innovative and beautiful!

Tribes Training

Besides the new makerspace, we have implemented TRIBES throughout the entire school, which is a program that helps build community and inclusion.  I love how this program creates a common language among all the kids and teachers, and truly strives to create a respectful, inclusive environment.  Most classes, I start off with a quick community circle, which I did quite often as a classroom teacher, but never thought to do as a specialist.  It hones in the lesson, gets the kids in a good frame of mind, and we have an opportunity to learn about each other.  Win Win for everyone involved!

Seesaw!

We also started using Seesaw as a reflection and learning tool in the Media Center.  Students will learn a library skill and then record their thoughts in Seesaw.  It is an incredibly powerful tool for students to think about their learning, and then be able to share it.  I am learning how to best manage it with younger students, but so far so good!

It is so important that a new school year bring new enthusiasm and excitement (from both teachers AND students).  The best way to accomplish this is to DO NEW THINGS, or else we fall into that rut and the excitement and enthusiasm dwindle.  Teachers always ask, why should we reinvent the wheel each year, and then find themselves doing the same old each year because it's easy.  Well, I ask, why WOULDN'T you reinvent the wheel if you thought you could make one that could take you somewhere faster and possibly farther??

How Might We?

How Might We?  This is the question at the forefront of my mind these days.  A friend tells me she is deciding how to decorate a study area for the kids, I think...How might we redesign this space?  I notice that San Fransisco is WAY more environmentally conscious than Atlanta, and I think...How might we reduce our waste better where I live?   My children are complaining they are bored, and I think...How might we find something fun to do?

Not only am I looking at my life through a "How Might We?" lens, I also began thinking about everything we teach at a Jewish Day School, and how we can incorporate the design thinking process into our already existing curriculum.  First and foremost I am thinking of the question, How Might We Repair the World?  Tikun Olam is at the heart of Judaism.  Often times we think about repairing the world in a physical sense, but the How Might We question opens this idea up to how we treat each other, and how we interact with the world on a daily basis.  By involving students in the design thinking process, and having them interview others about how they would like to see the world as a better place, I can only imagine what they might come up with to the question of "How might we repair the world?"

Here's a few more to think about...
How might we build a 21st century tabernacle?
How might we design a Hanukkiah for a friend, family member, ourselves?
How might we restructure the way kids say Birkat Hamazon after lunch?
How might we hang our favorite fruit in the Sukkah?

Before I attended The Ethical Creativity Institute, I had been exposed to the design thinking process, but now that I attended several workshops on the subject, I see the bigger picture.  I see how we can use Design Thinking as a tool, both at school, and in our everyday lives, to help us solve problems and help us understand how to relate to real people with real problems.   I also see how you can take curriculum you are already teaching, and create an experience that gets everybody thinking.

Now I am thinking...How might we get everyone to see problems as opportunities for invention?

Ethical Creativity Institute

This summer I had an amazing experience attending The Ethical Creativity Institute.  This Institute is the brainchild of these inspiring educators: Nicholas Cole-Farrel, Sandee Bisson and Dan Glass from the Brandeis School in San Fransisco, and a perfect example of what can happen when like-minded innovators get together to plan a week of learning, making and introspection for Jewish educators. Throughout the week several presenters, including Ellen Deutscher, Leslie Roffman, founder of the Little School, and Ariel Raz from the d.School, came to the Institute to share their wisdom on topics of empathy and design thinking. We participated in text studies with community rabbis on the subject of Judaism and creativity, as well as discussing our own Jewish identity.  We were given many opportunities to explore our own creative side.  We tinkered with circuits with the owners of The Wonderful Idea Co.  We went on field trips to the Contemporary Jewish Museum and visited the Jewish Studio Project.  We collaborated with others on ideas for programs and curriculum in our individual schools. We shared many a meal, during which discussions were had and personal connections were made.

Here are my take aways from the Institute:

1. What is Ethical Creativity?  

We discussed a lot about how we are the ones defining this intricate idea.  As a group we brainstormed what it meant to us and after looking at my notes here is my definition: Ethical Creativity is the idea of using empathy and human centered design to spark creative thinking and learning, within the framework of Judaic ethics and values.  At the very heart of Ethical Creativity is empathy, which allows us to make space for new ideas.  

2. What is does it mean to be creative?  

It is a process just like any other kind of learning or teaching.  This was HUGE for me.  This week I learned that while an idea might be sparked, going through a creative process to produce a piece of art/writing/music etc., only enhances the creative output.

3. What is design thinking? 

Design thinking is the process that incorporates human thinking into your design for a problem you are trying to solve.  It allows you to see "problems as opportunities".  It asks the questions "How Might We?" and then gives us a tool to figure out a solution to whatever the problem is.

Another huge takeaway from the Institute are the connections I made.  The cohort of teachers I met are ones that I will keep in touch with to collaborate with, share ideas, ask questions of, and reach out to in order to continue the important and fabulous work we have only just begun.  

Marvelous Mornings Year 2 Continued - Organic Innovation

So as the school year is winding down, I am reflecting on what goals I have accomplished this year, especially those I had set for myself concerning the makerspace I have set up for Marvelous Mornings each day.  I revisited the last blog post I wrote about this at the beginning of this year and saw that I had just begun taking the Art of Tinkering course, looking for inspiration, and here's the update.

We built some scribbling machines.  I ordered motors and batteries, and special rubber bands and kids used these to create machines that would draw.  They were cool, but here's what was REALLY cool...

With those motors and batteries and rubber bands, the kids started building other things - creations of their own minds.  They put these pieces together to create fans, they have tried to make numerous objects fly, and one student has been working on a project that he believes he will be able to propel in water once it is done.  Each day they arrive and tinker, and with each day I can see the potential of giving students the opportunities for open-ended projects of their mind's own creation, given the tools I have put in front of them.


From this experience, I learned that some of the best ideas grow organically (and sometimes not so good ones grow too, but it was still an original idea).  A school-wide pajama day prompted the spontaneous making of pillows.  A donation of samples from a carpet store inspired a jewelry making session that lasted for weeks!  Today a student started making something that looked to me like a kaleidoscope.  So we wondered what we needed in order to really do this, looked it up, grabbed some mylar from the art teacher and BOOM! we were making kaleidoscopes.

I follow all the great leaders in #makered.  I buy and read the books, I download the project templates.  But I can truly see the beauty in an open-ended makerspace experience.  

Learning is often organic and is most meaningful when you are passionate about it. 

Making and tinkering can be the same.

From my experience, and upon reflection, I have found that often times the most innovative ideas that my kids are passionate about have come about organically, and while they might be able to find these ideas in a book, or online, the spark came from their own mind.

 And that has made all the difference in the Marvelous Mornings makerspace!

Strengths Based Teaching and Learning #IMMOOC Reflection Week 4

The idea of a strengths-based model really resonated with me this week.

"If we are going to empower our students, we must help them find what they love and create learning experiences that encourage them to develop their strengths"

So often we see teachers focused on working with students on what they are NOT good at.  But what if we focused MORE on what they ARE good at?  Or better yet, what if used their strengths to help strengthen those weaknesses? 

"We only get better when we find those who truly elevate us" 

Don't we want to be that teacher?  The one who elevates the students?  The one who motivates them to want to learn more, or do better?  I know I do.  My greatest joy in teaching comes from students who I have engaged in learning, and then empowered to look deeper into a subject they find interesting, or when I match a kid to the right book in the library.  These are the dream moments.

"Look for mentors who will push you to come up with better and brighter ideas"

When it comes to me, I am constantly looking to grow and learn.  Just as we look for our student's strengths, it is important to think about our own and follow leaders that celebrate these strengths and use them.  I have had the experience of both and I can tell you that mentors who push me to use my strengths, get the better me!  And in the end, my students get the best teacher I can be, and isn't that what it's all about?

Lifelong Learning - #IMMOOC Reflection Week 3

Learning can happen anywhere, anytime.

I always like to think of myself as a lifelong learner and this is true for many reasons.

1. I love to learn!

2. I believe I can learn from anyone - especially kids.

3. I am pretty positive I don't know EVERYTHING
4. I like to be challenged and questioned to push my thinking.

For all of these reasons it is my belief that learning can happen ANWHERE, ANYTIME!  I learn about my students through casual conversations about their weekend or hobbies.  I learn about my colleagues in the same way.  I learn about myself by reflecting on my practices and in questioning what or how I am teaching.  I learn and grow with other educators by taking online classes like the one on the Innovator's Mindset.  I learn from books I read or listen to.  In the makerspace, I learn about innovative ways to build or create things that I never dreamed were possible.

I always joke - well, you learn somethiong new everyday!  But it really is not a joke.  We can in fact learn something new each day.  And we should be empowering our students to do the same.  It can be something you learn about another person, or you can gain new knowledge about a subject you are interested in.  And this learning can happen literally anywhere.

Learning does not need to be confined within classroom walls.  This is the kind of innovative thinking that is needed in order to learn - anywhere, anytime!

Challenging Perceived Norms - #IMMOOC Reflection Week 3

Learning is Challenging Perceived Norms

This is true for students - but for teachers as well.  Today I was reminded that not all teachers we work with in our school communities are on the same page.  Just because something was done one way, for many years, does not make it the right way, even if this is the perceived norm.  

So, I LEARNED something about myself today.  Maybe it's something I have always known, but it was solidified in reflecting on how excited I get about new ideas and activities, and how strongly I feel about student voice and choice. I am always looking for new ways to teach the same old stuff.  I love empowering kids to be engaged in their own learning and helping those around them. I highly regard student opinions and take into consideration what they are interested in learning.  When students challenge me or a concept (in a good, respectful way of course), I feel challenged and know that they are truly learning because they are questioning.  

I learned today that challenging those who perceive this as "not the norm" is an innovative way of thinking.  That those who are saying "it's always been done this way", need to be challenged as this is no longer the perceived norm.  And this is exactly where I want to be!

Said NO IMMOOC'er Anywhere!

Learning is Social - #IMMOOC Week 3 Reflection

School vs. Learning

For these "short" blog posts this week for the #IMMOOC I will focus on aspects of the info graphic above of School vs. Learning by @gcouros.  

School = often isolates
Learning = often social

 In my current position I teach in the library, where historically people think you must be quiet.  Why is this the case?  I am not entirely sure.  But this seems to be the norm (as my kids and I are often shushed in our local public library).  I am happy to say that after about 5 years in this setting, we have changed the mindset in our school that the 21st century library is very different and that when there is noise it usually means that learning is actually occurring!

This noise is not just noise.  There are heated discussions amongst kids and teachers about books.  There are kids tinkering in the makerspace.    Teachers are working with small groups in a variety of spaces.  The TV monitor is showing videos on specific authors or illustrators.  Music is being played in the background.  Furniture is being moved around.  Games are being played.  All of this "noise" indicates some kind of learning and sharing happening.

In all my years as a classroom teacher, my classroom was very rarely silent.  The same now goes for the library (unless it is empty - and this is very rare).   How can students be learning from each other in complete silence?  How can sharing be occurring?  And in that respect, how can there be any growth?  Silence can occur when you are actually isolated, alone at home, where you are reflecting and processing information you have absorbed during your time with other students and teachers.  

Schools ARE social places by nature.  So let's not squelch this in our classrooms or libraries - embrace the noise and use it!

Embrace the noise!

Innovate INSIDE the Box - #IMMOOC Week 2 Reflection

Innovation is often thought of as "thinking outside the box".  But what is the box?  Why do I need to think OUTSIDE of it?  Is it better outside?  What if the inside of the box contains amazing, rich content, but just needs to be tweaked.  If I look outside for something new I may change the concept completely, instead of presenting something in a different way.  Maybe what teachers need to do is to think about the INSIDE of this box in order to be able to look at things at a new and different way

This idea of "Innovating Inside the Box" has really resonated with me this week.  While it is important to think of new and exciting lessons and concepts to share, it is also important to think about how to work within the structure you have and make it new and different. 

For example, I have noticed that I have students who each day linger in the library's makerspace when the bell rings in order to continuing tinkering or creating.  They are not in any rush to get to class.  Given the confines of a tight schedule, it is difficult to let them stay, regardless of my availability, and how much I would like them to.  These students are rushed off to class by their teachers (and me for fear of getting in trouble by their teachers). What if the project they were working on in the makerspace was part of their curriculum in the classroom? What if the school's schedule allowed students to begin their morning learning in different ways or in being part of a community like the makerspace offers?  What if I had the buy-in from teachers that this was beneficial for these students. What if teachers were doing these kinds of activities in their classrooms? What if....

I could go on all day with what if!  My ultimate vision, my ultimate "What if", is what if we changed the overall experience of how a student begins their day at my school, While I love that students don't want to leave the library in the mornings, I realize it is in their best interests to get to class.   So, maybe what needs to change is what's happening INSIDE the classroom or throughout the school once the bell rings.  Then maybe these reluctant kids may be rushing to get to "class", instead of stalling for time with me.  

When looking at the diagram of characteristics of the innovator's mindset I am drawn to two of them to help me get this grand idea I have rolling.  The first is "networked".  They always say it's not what you know, it's who you know.  In this instance, to foster the type of change I am talking about, it will be beneficial to connect with teachers who are ready to be innovative.  It will be important to connect with administrators who have the ability to encourage innovation through schedule changes throughout the school. 

The other characteristic is  "creator".  I am fabulous with ideas!  But I see on the diagram that what is also needed in order to create change, to foster innovation, one needs action, and only this will then lead to fruition.  Otherwise, it's just a great idea I have in my head. This is an area I am going to focus on.  Because I really would like to see this vision I have to "innovate inside the box" become reality.  

#IMOOC Week One Reflection

"Change is an opportunity to do something amazing."  This is at the heart of an innovator's mindset. The world around is changing all the time.  Literally, EVERY day is a NEW day, different from the one before.  Technology is constantly changing, both the tools and our access to it.  Our students are changing in front of our eyes.  They physically grow for one thing.  And for another, their views and opinions can change at the drop of a hat.  More importantly, what they KNOW can change, because they are constantly learning about the world around them and the technology tools they are using to navigate it.

So what is innovation?  While it is in part changing your thinking, switching up your teaching, doing something new and exciting to hook kids and get them excited about learning, it shouldn't be different just for the sake of being different.  As George Couros states: "Different for the sake of different can be a waste of time and may even leave us worse off than where we started."  So, at the true heart of innovation is meaningful change.  Change that has a purpose.  Change that is thought out in order to achieve a goal.  If the change is just a substitution for something old, then it is probably not truly innovative, because it is not a means to an end. The end result should be more creative thinking and learning.

In my own context, I have embraced change over the last few years.  Each morning students are welcome to come to the Media Center before school starts..  A few years ago, students in this scenario could be found staring into screens, playing video games on the computers.  But today you will find students working in the library's makerspace tinkering, researching, exploring, collaborating. This change did not happen overnight and it happened because I saw an opportunity.   There were students who showed a huge interest in starting their day with creative thinking, and there was an opportunity for change.   Just as it was advised in tonight's #IMMOOC discussion, I didn't wait for permission to begin this innovation, I just did it.    Which leads us right back to that fact that change can lead to amazing ideas.

I am continually looking for new ways to engage these learners first thing in the morning, and to continue to spread the idea that this can be done in the classrooms as well.  I am excited to learn about "LAUNCH" and incorporate design thinking principles into the marvelous mornings in the Media Center, and to model this for teachers.

Book Club

About two and half years ago I moved into a neighborhood in the suburbs of Atlanta in order to give my kids the kind of childhood one dreams of.  Friends they can walk to for playdates, swim team in the summer, amazing schools, nature trails right in the neighborhood, no worries about kids playing outside for hours on end!

What I didn't realize moving in was that there were also opportunities for adults to socialize outside the realm of their kids.  Parties at the clubhouse, tennis and BOOK CLUB!!  All my adult life I have tried to find a book club.  You see one in movies, hear about them from friends, and of course read about them in books!  For years, I never had the time, the resources (namely lots of people to talk about books with).  Sure, my best friends and I traded books we've read, share kindle accounts, and give each other recommendations.  But when we all get together we talk about books but also lots of other stuff!  So, I was so grateful when I moved into my house in the suburbs and heard that there was a neighborhood sponsored book club!!

At first, I didn't go, mainly because I couldn't find time to read the books (I just moved remember??). Or I tried to read the novel and couldn't get through it and I vow NOT TO FINISH BOOKS I DON"T LIKE.  Big waste of time in my world!

Then finally!  I finished and enjoyed one of the books.  It was The Orphan Train by Kristina Baker Kline.  Totally not a book I would have chosen on my own, and not my favorite genre.  But I was able to finish it - hurray!  And I didn't totally hate it!  Bonus! This meant I could attend my first book club meeting in good conscience.

I had a great time, met lovely women (and one man - which has since grown to 2 men!), had real adult conversations and have been attending once a month, give or take, ever since.  In fact, I even give input on book choices now (Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and Where'd you go Bernadette by Maria Semple). Secretly, I do this just to make sure some of the books I REALLY like to read are in there.

In between books that I chose or agreed with the choice, there's at least one book I actually loved (The Martian by Andy Weir) and others that I liked and felt like regardless of my love for the book, we had good discussions (Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.  And a few I didn't finish, as hard as I tried (A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman by The Magicians by Lev Grossman).

Oh yeah, there's the one I watched the movie of because I couldn't even get past the first page (Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier),  Full disclosure, I let book club members know I did this, and couldn't believe I was the only one!

Total aside...and probably a whole topic for another blog...but I also started listening to books on my commute and love when the author reads their own work (celebrity memoirs, self-help books etc.) Recently, I was listening to Gretchen's Rubin's Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of our Everyday Lives, and I realize now that in order to create a reading habit, I had to be held accountable - thank you book club!!! Now back to my blog on book club...

I will NOT finish books I don't like is kinda my mantra (thank you Austin Kleon.).  But book club at least gets me to try them.  And that has made all the difference!

One Word

This blog a month challenge didn't come easy for me.  I do not have a "go to" video that I use for either personal inspiration or for educating children.  I have a lot of quotes and sayings, but not a specific video or movie that I know well enough or used often enough to write about.  So, when asked to blog about one I thought about what speaker has inspired me and I looked to Jon Gordon.

A few years ago my principal introduced us to Jon Gordon and the Energy Bus, as well as his notion of picking "one word" for ourselves.  Jon Gordon's positive thinking was inspirational to me then and immediately I got on the bus!  While I always thought of myself as a positive thinker, I now had a vehicle to discuss it and help create a culture of positivity in his name.

Over the last few years, I continued to stay on the bus, and also have picked one word for myself, regardless of whether or not we did this as a team.  In looking for inspiration for this blog, I revisited Jon Gordon's speeches and am reminded about the power of his words and ideas.

My word for this year is FOCUS.  In my position at work, I wear multiple hats and I have decided that for me to be most successful,  I need to FOCUS in on certain aspects in order to be really good at what I do.  At home, I have a house full of kids and need to FOCUS on what is most important, which is the time we get to spend together and not worrying about all the little stressful day to day things (which is what I usually tend to focus on).

Jon Gordon's inspirational videos can be used with adults AND kids, and I am glad I have revisited them for inspiration to FOCUS on my one word this year!