Week 11- Questions part two

Detailed description of, and reflections on the actual lesson you did with students. How did it go? What did you learn? What would you do differently? WHY did it work or not work? Be your own inner annoying child. Record your questions with your response. Compare and contrast with your pre-thinking. * For those of you with non-traditional classrooms, contact me with thoughts on alternatives.

 The actual lesson went as it would with the thoughts of who I was questioning in mind... great with some and others not playing along with me. My first and second class seem to enjoy it the most, but by the time Thursday came around, they were not on board. I had them standing in a circle (yeah truth circle) to see each other, and I also said that I would be joining in the questioning as well- Chapter 5 made a point that didn't stick enough with me- But then last week Karen reminded me that we have to show our students that we are willing to be vulnerable with them (Thank you Karen J  ). As I prompted the questions I noticed exactly what every teacher hopes for- many started looking around the room and connecting with others based on what they had in common. I also noticed the typically eye rolling at some questions or at their peers responses. But if I was going to build this sense of community for our Hero unit- we would need to see how each other feel.  Here are my questions and the observations I took- as well as a few added questions that came as we worked:

1.      How many of you enjoy school? As the week went on, less hands were raised (Map testing)

2.      How many of you enjoy spending time with your friends? All hands went up on this one and lots of giggles.

3.      New Question- How many of you like getting to meet new people? About 50% of the class seemed to like this idea.

4.      How many of you think school is hard? Some hands went up and this is the one where they were looking around to see others and judging one another as they answered.

5.      How many of you think MAP testing is hard? Again with their judgments- only about 1/3 of the class would raise their hands- but many of them were commenting that “it’s not hard, I just don’t like it”

6.      New Question- We did the thumb gage on this one. Show me by thumbs- Up you like MAP Testing (1 or 2 in each class). Thumbs to the middle- MAP testing is okay (6-8 in the beginning of the week). Thumbs down- you don’t like MAP testing (this portion got bigger as the week went on).

7.      How many of you are worried about middle school next year? Most raised their hand for this one- and those who didn’t simply showed the answer on their face and their peers recognized they were all a little nervous.

8.      How many of you want to take art/choir/band/drama next year?  J Almost all raised their hands- many smiled at me and said they were taking art!

9.      How many of you like living in our community of Blue Springs? Almost all

10.  How many of you like the neighborhood you live in? Only 1-2 didn’t raise their hands for this one and many were connecting with those who lived in their neighborhood.

11.  How many of you can think of something you would like to change about Blue Springs? This question I allowed to settle- asked the kids not to answer until I said to. Many did raise their hands-but with comments like we need a candy store or toy store.

12.  How many of you think there are problems in Blue Springs? I also made them wait to answer this one- and I posed this thought after day 1 “Not just we don’t have the store I want, but for example we don’t have a cross walk for me to safely walk across 7 hwy (small town hwy but we don’t have this for our neighborhood)-As they thought(aloud to help them generate ideas) more heads were nodding- when we took our vote about 80% raised their hands.

13.  How many of you think that YOU could help with solutions to make your community better? This one was sad (and why I wanted to develop this unit to begin with)Only about 50-60% of each class thought they could do something to help.

14.  How many of you think would like to help your community to be a better place? Almost all hands went up for this- and immediately they started talking about ways to make some of those changes- usually involving money.

15.  How many of you can think of a hero? All raised their hands- most were saying names of movie heroes.

16.  How many of you can think of a hero from Blue Springs? They had to think about this one and only about 30% were raising their hands.

Overall it went pretty well, but I wonder what it would have been like if I could have done this: Give each student a clicker and they get to anonymously vote and their responses would show on the board immediately in the form of a graph. Would this have allowed them to be more honest sometimes? Of would this have taken away the connections and empathy that seemed to develop in our lesson? Next time I would like to try this with a class and see if it makes a difference. I learned that it is really hard for my kids to be vulnerable with one another at this age- they are really starting to outwardly judge on another and make more decisions based on the ideas and opinions of their peers. The part that did work was being able to make that connection- maybe not for everyone, but there were many who were able to make a connection with someone else on an answer and seemed genuinely surprised by it- Image if I did this all the time- would they be more willing to be honest almost from a truth circle kind of idea, or would it wear off and they would get sick of doing it this way?

 

 

Week 10- Questions, questions, questions!

Chapter 3- Loving the Questions
The questioning chapter- The first thing I appreciated about this chapter was the different ideas/thought processes that it helped me to develop when thinking about the idea of questions. I think at times we are all guilty of wanting to take the easy road so we either give a student the answer, or we give them the juicy questions, Rather than allowing them to come to those questions and answers on their own. Combining this chapter and some ideas I got at Nationals, I planned a whole unit for my 5th graders. My gears have been turning for weeks, but I've just now been able to get the progress recorded here.
"Imagine how it would be if your students' interests and burning questions determined the vector of teaching and learning in your classroom and if your job as teacher were primarily to create a curricula that grew out of the questions arising in the learners who joined you each day." (Stuchul & Uhl P53) This statement hit home because we kept toying with this idea of heroes/super heroes while my student teacher was with me, and many students overheard and became very excited. So I decided let’s run with this thing they are so energetic about and make it meaningful- We are going out with a bang!  I also feel like this statement will be driving a lot of my curriculum next year- and this idea of questioning and exploration lines right up with our new standards :) They also talk about the idea of trusting our students in have this natural curiosity, and to be deep thinkers (This paid off more than I could possibly have imagined- see week 11 & 12).
"A well framed question can unlock mystery." (Stuchul & Uhl P56) This is a great reminder for me personally. I think of those times when someone has posed just the right question and it totally sent my brain wondering in a great way. Creating really deep questions and answering them is not my forte, in fact that is why I have a tendency to shy away from this idea sometimes. But this chapter helped me to bring more light to my own insecurities as well as abilities- and to know that they are developing.
I love this idea of questions to create community (reminds me of the scene in Freedom Writers when she is creating this sense of community and empathy with her questions!) This is what I used for my lesson. 
2. Pre thinking on lesson with “why questioning” Share a roughly outlined lesson plan, add a descriptive narrative. It might be interesting to interview yourself with why questions (record it) and transcribe it…. However you accomplish this, make sure you're reflecting deeply on the process.
My pre-thinking for my lesson was generated from this idea that I wanted my students to really think deeply about this idea of a hero- knowing they would be challenging each other, I knew we needed to create a sense of community and respect for one another. Please keep in mind these are 5^th graders during MAP testing, spring fever, full moon, hormones are setting in, and it’s a class combined with another ¼ of a class- so they are together for specials class- but not during teamwork/brainstorming in the classroom.
Questions that I originally wanted to pose:

1.      How many of you enjoy school?

2.      How many of you enjoy spending time with your friends?

3.      How many of you think school is hard?

4.      How many of you think MAP testing is hard?

5.      How many of you are worried about middle school next year?

6.      How many of you want to take art/choir/band/drama next year?  J

7.      How many of you like living in our community of Blue Springs?

8.      How many of you like the neighborhood you live in?

9.      How many of you can think of something you would like to change about Blue Springs?

10.  How many of you think there are problems in Blue Springs?

11.  How many of you think would like to help your community to be a better place?

12.  How many of you think that you could help with solutions to make your community better?

13.  How many of you can think of a hero?

14.  How many of you can think of a hero from Blue Springs?

Knowing that their answers would guide me, I brought this list to school and we played our question game!  
Questions for Amy- my question doesn’t relate to the class- but it relates to you and how you teach, so answer if you want.
            I prompt this question because I am always remembering watching you explore those oil paint sticks last year- I was mesmerized watching you jump in with no fear, worry, and no preplan, just raw discovery. You are extremely comfortable with letting go and allowing things to happen in your art and your thought process. And from what I’ve seen with your students, big and small J you work really hard to promote this questioning exploring environment. In that environment there are a lot of unknowns. So: How as a teacher do you become more comfortable with the unknown for our students and their work And how do you help them become more comfortable with this?

Week 9

1. Consider the word “teacher” We, as does the public, have many ideas surrounding this title. Imagine dropping the title “teacher”…. What lies beyond the title?

What lies beyond the title of "teacher?"  Well at first when I dropped the title, a lot of other titles came to mind like: parent, care giver, facilitator, inspirer. But when consider the title is gone, we still have the same job, but can we then do it without the judgments that seem to come with this label, like those labels talked about in the book. I can help to engage my kids in creative learning, helping them get past what everyone else says about them and their art so that as one of my fifth graders expressed in the last two weeks, “ this is the only place I can be myself  besides home, the only class I can really let my inner Lindsey shine.”  (Tear, proud teacher moment) Not just are we “teachers” when we are teachers are everything that our students need us to be and more, which means we wear more hats than the mad hatter!

 I found myself making a huge connection with the idea of labels and the connotations that can come with those labels. About a month ago I was honored with a label, and since then I have been constantly considering the judgments that come upon every action I make because of that label. I also have had others cast those judgments upon me, based on that label. This has been a great honor, yet it has also caused many sleepless nights, insane amounts of undue stress, and conveniently a lot of extra work. I have been bending over backwards for the past month to make sure I am filling those shoes that that label gave me- in all reality those shoes are different based upon those who wear them. This chapter allowed me to have a small slice of peace of mind that it doesn't matter the label, I need to keep doing exactly what I've been doing (not worrying about others perceptions and judgments) because that is what earned me that honorable label. And whatever happens… happens. As some might say it's time "to let go, and let God."

This particular part of the book spoke to me in different ways, "Not only do labels limit how we see others; they can profoundly affect how we see ourselves.” And this will be shrined on my mirror at home and on my desk at work… now to help my students see and understand this.

2. Contemplate deeply the idea of truth speaking. Reflect on your classrooms and your relationships with your students… How and where is truth speaking present?

At first I was giggling about the idea of truth speaking the first time I read that passage, (imagining that movie with Jennifer Anniston and Paul Rudd in that movie where they go to the hippie commune and have the truth circle) but then as I really started contemplating this idea of speaking the truth it seemed so refreshing. “Truth speaking is particularly difficult because we have been conditioned to believe that we must dilute our personal truth in order to be accepted by others.”  This is exactly why I personally behave the way I do in front of certain people. Over time I have found a few handfuls of people that I feel okay to truly be myself  and that I also can speak my mind with the knowledge that there will be no judgments placed upon me (my number 1- would be my Mom). I hope that I can create this environment with my students. Lindsey is a great example of a student that can embrace the idea of truth speaking- But in all honesty I think it all has to do with the teachers attitude. Because If I the “teacher” whom she and others consider the adult in charge as well as a small group of peers can accept her for what she is, she is pleased. So it starts with us, to show that example. I know there are many that have felt that comfort in my room, but I’m sure that I need to work on the students who don’t feel this way- discover what it is about me that doesn’t fully allow them this ability to truth speak and make some changes to make them feel more comfortable and accepted.  Now I’m questioning what exactly has to be done to create an environment where all our students feel comfortable enough to speak their truth? Something that I believe will take time to develop- just like trust and respect- but that will also be constantly changing with each generation of kids to walk in my door. As I’m mulling over this idea of where and when is it present in my room- I’m keep thinking where it needs more room to be present- Duh Schotte, in the most important place of all, their ART! This is exactly why I’m striving so hard to create an environment and projects that are truly meaningful to each individual student.

On a side note, as I was thinking of truth speaking, I kept thinking about my father and how much I admire the fact that he will speak his mind and what he knows to be true no matter what someone else says to him or about him. However this man I admire I also think helped me to understand why I strive so hard for greatness with my craft/students/and field in general. He may seem immune (especially on FB- he is a political commenter/researcher) to what others judgments are of him, but when it comes to his true passion in life he is not immune to their judgments and the effect it has on him. That one needs more stewing… more research…and more discussion with him!

3. Thinking back through all the reading and reflecting to date, write a personal classroom mission statement. Something you could put up in your room. After you come up with this statement, share it on your blog and talk (truth speak) a little bit about how you arrived at this statement:

It is hard not to make a personal mission statement like the one share in the book, plain and simple, and so very much meaning packed into one word “Nameste”

LFE Art Room Mission Statement: (this statement has been set forth by Mrs. Schotte and still needs the addition of ideas from our LFE Artist Community)
As a Leopard Artist I promise to be cooperative, respectful, and responsible.

This statement fits in with our LFE mission statement. But when truly broken down we can make it fit oh so well.
Cooperative- as artists we have to work together with our ideas and art.
Respectful- this is where the truth speaking idea comes to play. They need to be respectful and use the “listening filter” while also being respectful of idea from others and themselves.
Responsible- This one nicely covers the ideas of what they will be responsible for as an artist in our art room each and every day. Not just routines and clean-up/supplies but responsible for their ideas as well as comments.
This is going to be a part of the day 1 discussion for every class next year.

4. Reflect on some ways your consciousness about teaching has expanded since the start of this course and how does this relate to your goals? Do your goals need tweaking at this point? Restate them here (as they were or as they now are).

I’m not so sure I have really straight out committed to a goal(s)? I think it’s been more of a round about thing- so here goes:

1.      To creative a learning environment that is meaningful to all artists that enter our community.

2.      (New one) Create a thought process that helps me to prevent personal burn out and a thought process that helps me to keep my kids as number 1 in everything I strive for at LFE. (Sometimes it’s really hard to admit, but I struggle with being too bogged down with other thoughts- and it can reflect poorly upon my teaching and artists!)

As for how my consciousness has expanded…hmm, well:

I find myself questioning everything I do and teach, more than I ever thought I could. I also find myself striving to really reaching for those meaningful/powerful artistic moments for my kids and myself. Teaching is a draining job if you are in the wrong mindset. However when in the right mindset (as I feel I am coming back to in the last two weeks) you can truly be inspired and revived by your kids (themselves, their sense of humor, their art, and their Amazing innocent and honest thoughts). I have been working hard to always enjoy the beautiful little moments with them and find the silver lining in every challenging situation.

5. Anything else that moved you in anyway.                     
Thank you Amy to introducing me to a book that will be forever read and reread  throughout my career. It gave me truths that I needed to hear and be reminded me of the constant thing we always need to keep in perspective (which is also easier to lose sight of in a very busy teaching environment with many demands passed down to you from the powers to be) We are hear for one very specific reason… these kids we all love so much.