August 14th, 2008-First Day of School

Today was my child's first day of kindergarten. Colvin is our third, and final child to go through this amazing experience. I have to say it is a bittersweet day. One one hand, it is the proudest day as a parent, knowing that what you have taught and shared in the past six years will now be put into the real world perspectives with educational, social, emotional, and physical experiences--some of which he may have already been exposed to, and many of which he has not. But on this day, I realize how very much he will be exposed to in the next few years of his career as a child in learning mode. It is humbling how much he knows as a six year old, and yet I am in awe of what he has at his fingertips with the 21st Century learning surrounding his academic future.

Looking back, I would have NEVER believed that the 21st Century skills (that are now at my childrens' beck and call) would be what they have become in the course of twenty years since my youth. (Yes, I am dating myself!) I wouldn't have guessed that my three beautiful children wouldn't know what a record player was, as I NEVER could have lived without one not so long ago! I wouldn't have guessed twenty years ago that I could take a phone with me wherever I went to keep in touch the those I love at any given second of any given day. I wouldn't have guessed that I could use something other than a typewriter to finish my two degrees, or compose my thoughts. And I definitely wouldn't have believed that I would be able to share parts of my life, my world, my soul with the click of a button! I am truly living in an amazing world of technology!

It used to be that parents knew it all--or at least I thought MY parents did. They have always been the smartest people in MY life--my mom and dad. When I became a parent, I realized even more how intelligent my parents are, and I so wished that I had all of their intellect in raising my own children. My parents were not weathly, but they were rich in so very many other ways. When they had me in their early 40's, they instilled in me a great value in education. I have internalized that value with great sincerity throughout my life, and I hope that I never take it for granted.

Today, my parents are in awe of their grandchildren, and all that my children have educationally. Much of what my kids have doesn't really matter to my parents. In fact, some of what my kids have make my parents shake their heads and wonder what will come next? Sometimes I think the same. We are so very, very lucky to have all that we do have in the 21st Century.

Just as times have changed in my life, and in my childrens' lives, times have changed--but not enough in the world of education. We have so many wonderful tools at our fingertips as educators, and yet many of us are not on the edge of our seats, wanting to take the risks in knowing just what might be within reach of our very own hands, or our very own minds. For some, it is scary to engage in technology, because our 21st Century children are further ahead in their thinking, skills, and knowledge base when it comes to technology. For others, it is difficult to step out of the ways we've been instructed throughout our higher education. These things seep in occasionally and often pull us back to what we once knew to be 'best practices'. I don't know what all of the answers are, in terms of 21st Century learning, and the bazillions of tools that are out there, but I do know that I sure can learn a great deal from the children of the 21st Century. What I need to accept is that they are brilliant as teachers, and I have so much I can learn from them, if I just let go of the previous practices. It's time to embrace the many wonderful ways of the 21st Century and become better human beings and teachers by allowing our students to teach us all that they know. This may never before happened in the history of mankind, but how simply amazing and powerful is it that our children know more than we do in many facets in the technological world we live in?

Congratulations Class of 2022! May your future endeavors be all that your parents wish for you!

Monday, August 4th, 2008

Today, Paula, Denise and I worked diligently on preparing a Writer's Workshop for Centura Elementary, which will take place in a couple of weeks.

We read the book Writing Workshop, by Ralph Fletcher and JoAnn Portalupi, which was a great resource! I would highly recommend this, if you are looking to increase writing scores, or increasing the awareness with your staff on Writer's Workshop. This book also offers close correlation to the Write Traits, so we will be able to draw many of those connections for the elementary staff.

In a nutshell, the book encourages a mini-lesson of 5-10 minutes with particular skills, with 15 minutes of writing for K-1, 20-30 for 2-3, and 45-60 for 4-6. After students complete their writing for the day, there is a 10-15 minute window of sharing time.

This is a great resource and a really fast read for teachers! Easy to use ideas, and the process is quite simple to follow.