What do Molasses and Burning Hair Have to Do With Teaching?

 Both are in the titles of two excellent books that I read this summer.  The first is The End of Molasses Classes, Ron Clark’s latest book about the philosophy and methods used at the Ron Clark Academy.  The second is Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire, Rafe Esquith’s narrative about how he reaches and teaches his fifth graders in one of Los Angeles’ toughest areas. 

The books are written by educational “Rock Stars” who have undeniable passion and talent for teaching children.  Each offers some basics of how they successfully reach their students, even when others have said “those kids can’t learn.”  Clark and Esquith do their best to inspire all of us to find our inner “Rock Star” and bring it to our classrooms.  It sure got me rethinking how I can add even more to my lessons and class environment to make sure my students are not only engaged, but really fired-up about learning.  

The authors are quick to point out that this kind of teaching is not for the lazy, the faint-of-heart, or the shy type.  You have to be willing to put yourself out there for the kids, and also to put in the time that it takes to make lessons and learning extra special.  For those of us who have responsibilities and family commitments outside of school, don’t worry!  You may not be able to do it all, but just pick a few of your favorite new strategies to try.  The kids will love it, and you’ll get charged back up too!  After all, aren’t the kids why we teach?

So don’t be afraid, just pick up either or both of the books.  Read on, maybe even get a partner or two at school to join you, and then just jump right in!  Truly-all you have to lose is a bit of dignity and any hint of a “boring molasses class”!

Happy Teaching!

Karen

Summer Learning Inspires Big Changes!

What an amazing summer of learning I have had!  I just finished the second semester of a doctoral program in Teaching and Learning.  Much of what I learned challenged my previous assumptions or understandings about learning.  At times, the conversations in class became uncomfortable as we pushed each other to explain or defend our current practices or the reasons behind them.  That is the mark of powerful learning!

Even though my courses focused on learning and cognition, the deeper message that I took away was how to apply these methods and theories to my students who are really struggling-my ELLs.  The information presented in my courses through discussion and readings (Love the work of Luis Moll!) gave me a new perspective on understanding and working with English Language Learners.  I had always thought that I needed to work to compensate for their lack of exposure or background in traditional experiences and vocabulary.  What a small view of the world I had!  After lots of reading, I realized that these learners come to school with so much valuable knowledge about the world.  Their knowledge just happens to be different than what is common in our schools today.  The takeaway here is to discover their "Funds of Knowledge" and then build upon them to create relevant, meaningful learning!  So, I'll definitely be busy collaborating with my ESL teachers, but boy am I excited!

The other huge "AHA!" was attending my first NBCT Conference- Reboot! Teaching Transformed!  It  So many influential voices in education together in one place for one purpose-to continue to improve teaching and learning for our students.  I was inspired by the technology theme, so inspired that I've created a Twitter account, created a KidBlog for my students, and started a professional blog as well.  Whew!  That's a lot of innovation for only 8 weeks of summer break!  I've always enjoyed using technology myself and with my students in the classroom, but these new outlets will push my students and I to the next level.

It's exciting and a little bit scary!  Wish me luck!
Karen