Chapter 8 - CreatingAs I read this quote at the beginning of chapter 8 I immediately thought of our "Attributes of a Big Spring Graduate." We need to keep this list of attributes in mind as we revise curriculum, plan lessons, and continue to strengthen our focus on the 4 Cs at the middle school. Our district has created a list of attributes we feel are critical for our Big Spring students' success in the 'real-world.' How do our classrooms and instruction reflect these skills and provide students opportunities improve upon them? These skills we expect our students to have upon graduation take practice. It is our responsibility to provide experiences for students where they can engage in creative problem solving, community involvement, global awareness, collaboration, communication (to an authentic audience) and various levels of responsibility and ownership in their learning. I know. It's a lot! Overwhelming, perhaps? It's not easy. I appreciate the honesty expressed in chapter 8 of Launch - "Creativity is not easy. It's not fast. It's not perfect. It's emotionally draining. It requires hard work and patience...[but] when we create, we come alive" (p.153). Within this are additional skills our students need; perseverance, patience, hard work, failure. It will take time to build these characteristics within our students. But, we need to start somewhere! We have to stop avoiding what we think our students "can't do" or "won't do" and face the challenges. This is why our STEM committee agreed to begin with a focus on the 4 Cs at the middle school. We are aware we have to start now! Again, I appreciate the honesty of chapter 8 as Spencer and Juliani create a list of challenges that come with an emphasis on creating. Let's not make these excuses, but instead acknowledge that the challenges are real and find solutions to overcoming the obstacles...let's think creatively! #1 - Time #2- Fear #3 - Chaos #4 - Resources #5 - Boredom #6 - Purpose (Passion) To end, this chapter was full of quotes I just had to highlight! Great food for thought as we plan lessons and "projects" for the 2017-18 school year. Please consider: purpose, product, process, interests, possible audiences, the challenges, and the level at which students will truly and authentically engage in practicing the 4 Cs and/or the skills we have identified as the "Attributes of a Big Spring Graduate." In the comments, please share...(you choose)
A reflection to the quote(s). How you would like to foster the "Attributes of a Big Spring Graduate" in your classroom this school year. Any other notes, reactions, comments from chapter 8.
4 Comments
Julie
7/19/2017 11:09:07 am
I love the quote about 30 of the same projects being a recipe. From the list of attributes of a Big Spring graduate, I would like to work on students working independently and collaboratively. In addition it is my hope that the 5E Model of instruction will develop a love of learning in our students.
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Therese Bukousky
7/27/2017 02:02:53 pm
The quote of getting back 30 of the same thing made me think about how we define a "project". When we have a specific rubric and want a specific product or task, it is more of an "activity" that we are using to assess understanding.
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Crystal
8/2/2017 09:23:48 am
I'm interested to hear your ideas for PSSA review using the LAUNCH cycle! This is a nice twist to traditional PSSA prep. Having students choose a topic/focus of interests and dig deeper can build their confidence and knowledge of one particular area and hopefully have a positive overall impact.
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Laura
8/10/2017 08:08:07 pm
Great reminders to keep the Attributes of a Big Spring Graduate in mind as we plan and write curriculum, but also on a daily basis. Naturally, my classroom will address the "Supporter of the Arts."
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Crystal GrossmanI love... reading, learning, instructional planning, brainstorming, being creative, working with young adults, collaborating with teachers, teaching. I love my job. Archives
February 2018
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