No surprise I am anti-exams. Exams don't give us a clear picture of student understanding. They don't prepare students for 21st century careers. They cause anxiety for our students. They encourage low level thinking and regurgitation. They don't encourage collaboration or creativity. Last night #whereissasha blew up on social media. The teacher in me knew … Continue reading #whereissasha Our Exam Crazed System – #BLOG365 Day 124
Hygge: The Educator’s Version -#BLOG365 Day 123
Hygge has been floating around lately and was recently named the 2016 Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year. According to Oxford hygge is: Southern Living explained it in their article Here's What 'Hygge' Means- And Why You Should Try It In essence, hygge is taking pleasure in the small things: time with friends, hot chocolate, getting … Continue reading Hygge: The Educator’s Version -#BLOG365 Day 123
Museum Monday: Salesman Samples- #BLOG365 Day 122 #sschat #objectbasedlearning
One of my favorite units at the museum school was a unit called "Everything Changes." The interdisciplinary unit covered changes over time. During this unit we often had the students create object timelines: a telephone through time, children's games over time, etc. Years and objects were combined to create visual timelines of how everyday objects … Continue reading Museum Monday: Salesman Samples- #BLOG365 Day 122 #sschat #objectbasedlearning
I Thought I Lived in Florida… – #BLOG365 Day 121
So...I thought I lived in Florida. The 24 degree weather is convincing me otherwise. I do realize we are the only state not covered in snow at this moment. Listen, below 40 is cold for us Floridians. Below 70 and I am in a sweater or jacket. So when Jack Frost hits you over the … Continue reading I Thought I Lived in Florida… – #BLOG365 Day 121
A Problem Party – #BLOG365 Day 120
I have been reading The Unstoppable Writing Teacher by Colleen Cruz. In the first chapter she writes about anticipating and solving problems in the classroom. She suggests "that you celebrate once you find the problem you will attack first." Yes, it's true, problems are opportunities. Wallowing in them doesn't help us. Attacking them, studying them, … Continue reading A Problem Party – #BLOG365 Day 120
Best Intentions – #BLOG365 Day 119
Yesterday I had the best of intentions. As I sat down for dinner I told my son, "I still need to blog today. I'll do it after your voice lessons." I watched a little television. I flipped through a few catalogs that came in the mail. I washed dishes and fixed coffee for the … Continue reading Best Intentions – #BLOG365 Day 119
Teacher as Pivot Point-#BLOG365 Day 118 #edchat #IMMOOC
One of my son's favorite words is pivot. He heard it a lot during the election cycle and now uses it anytime he notices someone divert or spins from one topic of conversation to another. He is quick to point out the pivots of our family and friends and there were plenty to hear … Continue reading Teacher as Pivot Point-#BLOG365 Day 118 #edchat #IMMOOC
Museum Monday: Ephemera in the Classroom -#BLOG365 Day 117 #sschat #objectbasedlearning
I have been on an ephemera kick lately. I guess that happens when you are a teacher at heart and always on the lookout for teaching tools. Or maybe it is because my house is filling up with furniture and I have to start looking for smaller items to satisfy my antiquing addiction. Truthfully, I … Continue reading Museum Monday: Ephemera in the Classroom -#BLOG365 Day 117 #sschat #objectbasedlearning
Beginnings- #BLOG365 Day 116
I thought about doing a Year in Review blog post (it's actually sitting in my drafts section). But, decided against it. For me the new year is an opportunity to take note of beginnings, beginnings that have been a part of the last year, the ones that will continue on in 2017, and the beginnings … Continue reading Beginnings- #BLOG365 Day 116
Iterations- #BLOG365 Day 116
Iteration is one of my all time favorite words. I latched onto it while in grad school as we discussed exhibitions and the iterative process of museum design. But, I quickly recognized moments of iteration throughout my life. So, when I read this blog post, 13 Things Crucial for Your Success [In Any Field] by … Continue reading Iterations- #BLOG365 Day 116
Jill Cross 