Mind Set

In my quest to read as many professional books to help expand my knowledge, I was introduced to a book called Mind Set by Carol Dweck. Although I haven't had a chance to read the entire book (it is on my "to get" list), I did read a powerful article summarizing her points.

Basically, after years of research on what makes people successful, she maintains that there are two "mind sets". The first being a fixed mind and the second being a growth mind.

The fixed mind set represents those learners that always get it and the answers come easily without much struggle. The growth mind set learners are the ones that work hard at things...struggle a bit even...put forth effort. Carol Dweck found that the growth mind set learners are the ones that succeed...they savor the struggle and become stronger because of it. The fixed mind set group is not able to get past failure or struggle and might just give up.

I was so intrigued by this research as there is so much more (which is why it is on my "to get" list). The more I thought about it, the more connections I was making to my role as a reading consultant...a parent of 2 boys...a wife too!!!

How we praise our kids is something to think about...do we say...great job...you're so smart! Or do we say...wow...I bet you worked hard and put some effort into that (and maybe it wasn't so easy)? Do we provide work that is easy because it is easy to teach or do we differentiate to find areas where effort is needed?

I am really looking forward to exploring more "Mind Set"...and making sure I keep a growth mind set in all of my roles!! It is definitely worth the read!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Keep...

Keep reading
Keep learning
Keep questioning
Keep thinking
Keep challenging
Keep sharing
Keep going
Keep writing
Keep pushing on
Keep working
Keep connecting
Keep building
...for the kids sake!!!!

Rolling Up My Sleeves

Now that the MEAP is over and life has settled into more of a routine, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with kids. Lately, that has been the part that I have been craving. I miss working with kids and seeing light bulbs light up all over the place. I miss that great discussion that sends chills up my spine because they "get it".

As I build relationships with staff, students and parents, I look forward to the work. The work that supports students to make them more confident...the work that gives them wings to discover new ideas and have powerful conversations...the work that encourages them to go forth and do great things.

Whether I am taking small groups or "pushing" in to support students learning, this is the most meaningful work! I love it!

Happy Reading!

The Stakes Are High

Ready...Set...MEAP? Just as I was on a roll...the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) was delivered to my room and things went halt for some time. With increasing pressure to perform and meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress...which is in turn tied in to school funding), the three day testing becomes high stakes. As the building testing coordinator, I am feeling the heat for sure!

This summer as I was wrapping my brain around how to get kids ready for the test, my mentor and close friend Jeri, recommended that I read A Teacher's Guide to Standardized Reading Tests by Lucy Calkins. This book connected all the dots (so to speak) for me! The gist is to look at the hight stakes testing as a genre. Just like we teach them to read fiction vs. non-fiction or fairy tales. It encourages teachers to teach about the test... not to the test. By building stamina, being knowledgeable about the test and providing stategies for taking the test, kids have more power! Knowing what the kids are getting into so there are no surprises along the way. That's what we want...we want children to succeed!

So as the MEAP falls upon us next week, I am encouraged that the kids seem ready...they have the knowledge and the power...so, on your mark, get set....MEAP!!

Quotable

I found this quote...for lack of some time I thought I would just post it...it really got me thinking about our job!

"The only way to help kids become generous, responsible people and lifelong learners is to work with them to solve problems and make decisions. But that takes time. It also takes care, skill, and in some cases, courage because we have to reconsider the validity of our requests. We need to begin by thinking hard about what we're asking kids to do: Who benefits from our requests? Is there another way?" -----Alfie Kohn

Happy Reading!!

What is on the menu?

Well...after 4 weeks of meeting new faces, adjusting to the layout of the new building (who would have thought that would take awhile) and gearing up for the MEAP test (AYP pressure there), I am trying to brainstorm how to best help my fellow teachers. I decided there were a lot of choices...like going out to eat and browsing through the menu. It only made sense then to offer a menu of choices...so here is the menu. Like all fabulous restaurants, it is subject to change and feedback to the chef is always welcome! Happy reading...

Menu of Ways I Can Help

Appetizers
· Finding materials
· Gathering books
· Discussions to brainstorm ideas

Main Course
· Teach side by side with you
· Plan with you
· Teach whole group with you
· One of us teach/Other assess students and their learning
· Divide the class into groups and teach the same concept
· Differentiate the concepts for groups
· Conference with students during Reader's Workshop
· Work with students having difficulty

Dessert
· Try to find ways to fund books and ideas
· Lend an ear for support
· Have a good laugh

And We're Off...

Wow...what a whirlwind these last two weeks of school! I was most excited by meeting with each grade level of teachers! What talent and energy each person brings to the team! I can't wait to share my love of literacy with them as well as learn more from each of them. I am really excited to work with my new friends! Students at the school are so lucky to have such warm and committed teachers. Every morning as the students arrive, teachers are out in the halls greeting them and shaking hands. Smiles on the kids faces prove that they feel welcome to come and learn!!!

I am excited to continue to get to know the teachers and students! What a great start!