Time for Words?

In her book Active Literacy, Heidi Hayes Jacobs cites research that "35% of all test errors are reading errors." She specifically links that research to gaps in vocabulary.

To prep for final projects and exams, many teachers are using some time in June for summarization and reflection. Consider focusing on vocabulary. For example, Robert Marzano recommends this simple strategy called "Connect 2." 

1. Develop a list of subject-specific vocabulary.
2. Place students in pairs or small groups.
3. Engage students to choose two vocabulary words from the list and discuss how those two terms are related, then write about those words using a format such as this:  _____________ and ____________ are connected because _____________________.
5. Repeat this process with two more words and so on.

It's a simple strategy, isn't it? Yet, if you've ever tried this, it truly requires thinking and absolutely encourages deeper understanding of words and concepts.

There's a joke about words that goes "at least taste your words before you spit them out." No matter the subject or grade level, students need time to taste, savour, and internalize words. The research says that taking time for this totally pays off.

Who's Yours?

You are pretty special. Believe it.

Every kid has a champion right? A vigorous supporter? Someone in their corner, cheering? We certainly hope so. On his blog, Stony Plain Alberta principal George Couros posed these thoughts...

"Doesn’t every adult need a champion as well? I guess they don’t need a champion, but wouldn’t it make what we do that much better? Does it not make a difference when you know that the people you work with value and promote the great work that you do?"

We totally agree; all adults should have champions too. That's why we think you should consider these two essential questions:
1. Who are you a champion for?
2. Who's your champion?

10000 Ways that Don't Work?

Source

Formative assessment provides time for trial and error and thus encourages students to takes risks to achieve more. Even though it's time consuming in our classrooms, just imagine what the world would be like without it. Think about Thomas Edison. What if he hadn't been allowed to redo, rethink, and revise his work. What if he hadn't persevered? It's a "dark" thought, isn't it?

Scientists estimate that Edison's light bulb wastes 95% of the energy it creates. If so, I guess one could say his bulb still doesn't work perfectly and yet look at how it has dramatically changed our lives and the world.

Maybe there's another Thomas Edison in your classroom right now. Hmmm. Maybe finding 10,000 ways that don't work is actually pretty darn good work.