Five for Friday: A Little Work.. A Little Play

I've been off of school for one week... one week.. it has been a crazy crazy busy week!
I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs with 5 Random Thoughts.. a little work.. a little play.

But before I get into my 5 Random things for the week, I want to thank and give a shout out to my bloggy friend Erin from I'm Lovin Lit.  When she heard my computer hard drive crashed last week <sniff sniff> she helped me out with some clipart stuff... She is kind... She is wonderful.. she is creative...and I'm thankful.  Stop over and see her.. she is doing fabulous things with Interactive Notebooks for ELA.
I'm Lovin Lit

Now on to my 5 Random Things
Thanks Krista Wallden for the dice!
Professional Development:  Wowza!  I didn't have anything "scheduled" for school, but I'm working through Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess.  

I thought the first chapter was really interesting.  Burgess talks about finding your Passion for teaching. One thing that struck me was his use of the acronym PIRATE as a reminder of the what is important within the profession.  P (passion)  I (immersion)  R (rapport)  A (ask and Analyze) T (transformation) and E (enthusiasm).  He continues throughout the first chapter reminding me ( at least a veteran) that even if you don't have passion for everything you have to teach, you must ACT like you have passion for it.  A few years ago I took 2 summer courses.  The first was on Cognitive Coaching, and the second on Critical Thinking teaching methods.  What I remember was interesting about both courses was the reminder that what you put up on the walls of your classroom is NOT just for students.  When Burgess made the acronym, I knew it was the perfect thing for me to add to my classroom walls... NOT for my students but as a reminder to myself about what I need to be as a professional educator.  I'm placing these signs HIGH on the walls, as close to the ceiling as the fire marshall is going to allow... because they are for ME... so when I am in front of a group, or working, I remember that I must show passion if I want my students to HAVE passion.  I must IMMERSE myself in their culture, and see what their needs are.  I must gain RAPPORT to set a stage and tone for learning.  I must ASK and then teach ANALYSIS if I want my students to be critical readers, writers and mathematicians.  I must TRANSFORM my expectations, and be the change I want to see in my profession.  I must show ENTHUSIASM and not get sucked in by the energy vampires. 
I'm really interested in knowing what others are thinking about this book. If you have read it, or are reading it, leave me a comment below and let me know what has resonated with you.
Professional Development:  Take 2
I also just started reading a book called Minds on Mathematics:  Using Math Workshop to Develop Deep Understanding in Grades 4-8 by Wendy Ward Hoffer.
                                                 
I'm going to participate in a blog discussion about this.. first chapter goes up tomorrow.  What I'm really interested in learning through this book is how to use Math Workshop in a Middle School setting.  I have time constraints.  Like it or not, they are there.  I'm hoping this book will give me some insight into getting around this with all of the curriculum I teach in sixth grade.

Professional Development: Take 3
Have I bitten off more than I can chew? I hope not but I also signed up for Teacher's Write 2013.
My bloggy friend Shannon from I Run, Read, Teach shared this with me.  Basically it's an online Summer Writing Institute.  Several authors are running the program:  Kate Messner, Gae Polisner, and Jo Knowles.  Jen at Teach Mentor Texts is involved too.  We are given prompts, have a Q & A session with real authors, and even a feedback day.  What is so neat is that people are there for so many different reasons.  Some are writing novels and picture books.  Others want to improve their blog writing, or their writing with their students.  The institute just started this week.  As a big picture I'm a little overwhelmed, but the ladies running it are super cool, and I'm just taking baby steps.. RIGHT SHANNON!  Every week there is a Q &A with different authors, and also several blog posts from guest authors.  I know many of you have read, or are reading The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller and she is the guest post author this week.  I think her text may be my next PD read.

I can't make my summer vacation all work and no play.. that makes for a boring mom!
We have been spending some time this week at a friends camp.  No sleepovers, it's local.  But we did manage a great boat ride earlier this week.

and who can go to camp without eating S'mores.  Have you seen the GIGANTIC marshmallows that they have now?  They oozed out of the s'more... LOVE IT!

My family went to see Monster's University when it was raining this week.  Have you seen this movie?  So cute.. and funny..LOVED it!  Take your family and see this movie! It inspired me to purchase a little monster clipart for something I'm working on. 
Jessica is an awesome clipartist!

Have you had a busy week?  Link up with Doodle Bugs and share 5 random things for the week!
Don't forget about the Bloglovin switch-over.  Google Reader ends July1st.  I'm having a giveaway to help you get started.  You can go {HERE} to enter!
Thanks too to Amanda and Stacia at Collaboration Cuties for setting up the Bloglovin linky giveaway.. again.. AMAZING Bloggy Buddies!
Collaboration Cuties



2 comments

  1. I'm so glad I read about all your professional development this summer. I am purchasing Teach Like a Pirate today! You also have be interested in the writing workshop. I am going to check that our now!

    Jamie
    Sixth Grade Tales

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow - you've been busy!

    Sorry to hear your computer crashed! That stinks! :(

    I love your dice for counting the five for Friday - too cute!

    I'm planning to see Monsters University this week - it looks so fun!

    ~Jessica
    Joy in the Journey

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I will make every effort to respond back to you!

Back to Top