intothewildfire:

This is so great! Watch the video!

terraffirmative:

Caine’s Creativity: revisited.

I saw this video recently, and remembered the buzz surrounding it when it was first released. It is a critical reminder to start with the why in mind, to remember a child’s imaginative capacity, and that the love of learning exists within us all. We just have to seek out or create the environment for discovery and release.

If your interest is peaked, here’s a link to get you flowing in your own discoveries. If you teach or work with children, the self work is necessary first. Enjoy the blessings that come your way today…they will.

http://www.accidentalcreative.com/inspiration/three-invaluable-lessons-from-caines-arcade

Mary Ann Hoberman recites some of her children’s poems

I found this video over at The Teacher’s Lounge. The post says this about the video:

Suzy Ghosh, the teacher here, has two roads before her as her class begins to get out of control. She can spend two minutes lecturing, or she can spend two minutes asking intentional questions that cause students to take ownership and reflect about their behavior. And, as evidenced in the video, it seems that her intentional coaching change the course of her classroom activity.

So, teaching-friends, next time you catch yourself about to launch into a speech-tirade, try this method instead:

1. Identify the problem. {Either by asking or pointing out the issue.}

2. Ask students the dangers of the problem.

3. Ask students to come up with solutions.

4. Coach the implementation of their answers.

And then, see what happens. Chances are it will be a two-minutes spent in classroom management that might be even more effective than the lecture– and it’ll give your voice a break, to boot.

I love the idea of throwing the problem at the students and having them suggest solutions. It empowers them to be better without any seemingly pointless rules enforced by the teacher. I will be trying this after spring break. 

kicksandgiggles:

I… um… I’m just going to post this here. 

nationalgeographicmagazine:

The First Grader: The Story

In a small, remote, mountaintop primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80s, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance at the education so long denied—even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-old children.

Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane Obinchu (Naomie Harris) supports his struggle to gain admission, and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man.

Full of vitality and humor, the film explores the remarkable relationships Maruge builds with classmates some 80 years his junior. Through Maruge’s journey, we are taken back to the shocking untold story of British colonial rule 50 years earlier, when Maruge fought for the freedom of his country and eventually ended up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps.

The First Grader is a heartwarming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.

Looks like a tear-jerker!

(Source: National Geographic, via theteachersdesk-deactivated2013)

from-student-to-teacher:

This is my favorite educator of all time. His theories and approaches to education are revolutionary. I highly suggest you watch this.

thelavinagency:

Rafe Esquith — one of America’s most famous teachers discusses his use of Lawrence Kohlberg’s 6 levels of moral development with his students. By challenging his children to understand the motivation behind their own behaviour, Esquith is able to achieve a remarkable level of discipline that is based solely on the children’s respect for themselves, and one another.

I read his book Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire, and I as soon as I read this section, I knew this was perfect for the way I view life. In my ideal world, people do things because of their personal code of ethics, not for superficial reasons. I see teaching these levels of moral development as a way to emphasize critical thinking and self-reflection.

(via life-and-light)

kicksandgiggles:

kquizzo:

missmisha:

adiemtocarpe:

iamlittlei:

lhuddles:

American Teacher

I want to see this when it comes out (soon).

Yes please! Show the world what we do.

“I feel like I give everything that I have, and it’s never enough.”

Accurate.

Watched it and cried the whole time..

Oh my goodness. Must see. So many lines from just this trailer resonated with me.

Need to see this.

txrhonda:

gjmueller:

My Favorite No

Leah Alcala gives her students a warm-up problem at the beginning of every class, which they solve on index cards. She quickly sorts through them, and from the wrong answers chooses her “favorite no.” She and her kids then analyze what’s right about the solution before delving in to what the writer doesn’t understand that led them to answer incorrectly.

I want to try this index card check up during my next lesson!

Wrong answers should not be penalized, but rather one should learn from them.

teachertoolbox:

The Dot 

Great story book to introduce drawing and painting to young artists. 

schoolforkidswhocantreadgood:

I cried a little bit watching this video. It fills me with energy and inspiration.

For future reference, if I ever teach kindergarten!