allies, achievers, & risk takers

What a great time I had today in a fourth grade classroom.  The Classroom Book Club was introduced and the students enthusiastically shared some of the books they are reading independently.  It dawned on me that sometimes what we, the teachers, need to remember is that all we that we need to do is set up a structure with our students…..establish a safe community for them to take risks in….and then get out of the way!  Today it was “less talk from the adults….and more from the kids” when it comes to sharing  books they love.  Such a simple “aha”…..but one I am beginning to think we overlook so quickly when time is at a premium in the classroom.  Let our students have more “air time”….and support them in their excitement in reading what they want to. It was wonderful to be with them today….

Jan

It is true, Bill and I love being a part of a community that brings so much passion for their students.  Thank you all for your suggestions and ideas that will add to building a community of caring learners and adults  in our classrooms.  We are looking for ways to make our course interactive, so please forward any new books or media sources to us so that we can share.  There are some new great titles that I have seen over the summer.

Also…..I am so thankful for the teachers who have included me in their classrooms this fall.  It is hard and wonderful work that you all do….We are hoping that this class is an opportunity to rest, refresh and encourage you!

We look forward to our next class….it’s always so much fun for us…thank you all!

Jan

Jan and I are teaching in Wellesley again and facilitated our first session of the fall yesterday. What a great group! We always feel we take away as much as we share. We felt so comfortable and honored throughout the evening.  We also have heard from some Lexington friends and hope to get together for a reunion of sorts. We have so much fun teaching and making connections, we really feel we are creating  lifelong friendships and collaborations with our course-takers. Thank you all!

I should also mention that I am now a middle school guidance counselor at Wellesley Middle School. I love middle school, and guidance is just the best realm ever! I have met so many great colleagues, and the students and families have really welcomed me and treated me like a valued member of a very special community.

I miss my friends at the elementary level and I miss being a METCO faculty member, but I refuse to say goodbye. We will stay connected and you will always be special to me!

Bill

I couldn’t resist posting this link! Our favorite, Wonder, is on the list!
Bill and I continue to LOVE the energy and passion the Lexington teachers give to the Allies, Achievers an Risk Takers course each week. We can only imagine the magic they weave among their students!!! Our last class is next Wednesday…but the connections will continue….
Thank you, Lexington !!!!
Jan

What We’re Reading

Number 43: Spring 2013 [1]
11 January 2013
The latest in culturally aware literature and resources for teachers of all grades

The Teaching Tolerance staff reviews the latest in culturally aware literature and resources, offering the best picks for professional development and teachers of all grades.

Jan and I are thinking this is an absolutely amazing group with whom we are working! What a great day with the folks taking our course in Lexington.  Many of us talked about feeling validated, and Jan and I learned as much as we shared. We stayed long after others left to talk about how great we felt at the end of Session 1. The sense of community was palpable, and we cannot wait to share all that we have to share and experience all that our course takers have to offer. Thanks a million for just a great afternoon/evening! Bill and Jan

While I cannot stop thinking about the victims of last Monday, the seemingly unusual cooperation and camaraderie between different law enforcement agencies and community members was also striking. It does strengthen my resolve to hammer home the point that we all benefit when we come together and work together. Neil Diamond showing up at the red Sox game was a bonus!

As we return to school, we all know how important it is for kids to see that they don’t have to be at home to be cared for, nurtured, supported, and treasured whether the subject of the Marathon arises or not. I, for one, will try to stay positive.

Read Have You Filled a Bucket Today or Only One You tomorrow and base your day on the themes and context. How many times and in how many ways can you fill someone’s bucket? Building a true sense of community is not just a good idea. It is the foundation which gets all of us, children and adults, through both relatively minor and clearly complex hardships. Bill

In light of the spring testing that is going on…this seemed like good timing for me to read Bully, Patricia Polacco’s latest book.  It is one of the first picture books that deals with cyberbullying…and highlights the role of being an ally….in only the way this author can.  It is a natural for anyone who loved Thank You, Mr. Falker!  Let us know your thoughts!

Janis

Book Description

In talking to kids about bullying and ally behavior we have decided to use the terms advantage and disadvantage instead of power, since power to some children seems like a good thing to have and the opposite may seem to be something like weakness. 

So, in any given bullying situation, several people may have an advantage and for different reasons.  The bully’s advantage could be size, demeanor, popularity/friends, etc. Others with advantages could be bystanders and those with experience dealing with bullying, maybe a more outgoing personality, supports or friendship bases, the simple fact that they are not the victim in the moment, family support, etc. 

Those at a disadvantage could be victims who are particularly shy, introverts, maybe smaller than the bully, lack experience dealing with bullies, don’t have a strong support base of peers and/or family members, etc.  They could also be homeless or under the poverty level, lack a proper education, or be members of a group that has dealt with bias of some sort (gender, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any cultural group).

We are now talking about situations in which we may have an advantage and whether or not it is our responsibility to use that advantage to help those who are at a disadvantage (not whether it is a good idea, but our responsibility).  Again, we are talking about such constructs not just with bullying but with homelessness, poverty, education and some schools’ lack of resources. It is interesting to hear what kids think. Some totally feel it is our responsibility, and others do not see it that way.  Some kids have learned that people are in their respective situations solely because of poor choices and situations that they could have controlled or avoided. Sometimes people just need to work harder. What weighty conversations we are having!  The activities we have used have been really helpful, though, and we are now at a point where we are examining specific ways we can use our advantages to support those at, or with, a disadvantage.  Great stuff even if the road was a long one!