Down to the last chapter of the book, but it’s only the beginning of a new journey. The power of collaboration with other teachers is so beneficial in our profession. Many of us teach in a one track school, where you may not be able to connect with another 2nd grade teacher on a daily basis.
"All pirates travel with a crew; you can't sail, navigate, and fight battles all on your own." (Burgess, 169) Find your PLN:
Discussion Question: Have you ever felt held back? What has kept you from starting or trying something new? Did you overcome this, or are you now inspired to jump in the pool?
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"Much of your success as an educator had to do with your attitude towards teaching and towards kids. The rest of your success is based on your willingness to relentlessly search for what engages students in the classroom and then having the guts to do it." (Burgess p.84) "...don't take it too seriously. Be willing to have fun with the process." (Burgess p.85) The hooks that Burgess shares are really brain teasers for teachers when they are creating lessons. It goes back to the Ask & Analyze section of the book. If you don't ask the questions, you'll never come up with the answers. DISCUSSION QUESTION - Choose ONE (or more, if you like) of the HOOKS from Part II. How have used this HOOK or how do you plan to use a HOOK in the future to engage your students? Note: You will expand on this during our meet up on Aug. 2. "A lack of immersion in the present sends a clear message that this moment is somehow less important and not significant enough to be worth undivided attention." (Burgess p.14) Have you ever had a bad day at work and gone home to your significant other, called a friend, or talked to a lovable pet, and you can tell that you do not have their full attention? You need to vent about your upcoming observation, the test your students bombed, or even the fact that report cards are due tomorrow, and no one will give you the attention you deserve? Burgess gives the illustration in the book by using a lifeguard analogy. FOCUS vs. IMMERSION (p. 14-15)
Now, the same person is asked to be immersed in the water. What would that look like?
Being a teacher means being more than just being focused on your students. An effective teacher is immersed in his/her students' learning; this is especially important when delivering the first lesson on a new concept. "I'm suggesting that when delivering first instruction, especially to struggling learners, you need to leave the comfort of the lounge chair or lifeguard tower and jump into the water with your students." (Burgess p.15) "It's OK to surrender your structure in the pursuit of something far more valuable in the moment." (Burgess p. 18) DISCUSSION QUESTION: What are 2 things you can do in your classroom to truly be immersed - or to switch from focus to immersion? "Life's pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate after all." Why a pirate?
"Pirates are daring, adventurous, and willing to set forth into uncharted territories with no guarantee of success. They reject the status quo and refuse to conform to any society that stifles their creativity and independence. ...Pirates don't much care about public perception; they proudly fly their flags in defiance." (Burgess p.xii) The first section of the book reviews the essential components of becoming a true PIRATE! P - Passion I - Immersion R - Rapport A - Ask & Analyze T - Transformation E - Enthusiasm WELCOME PIRATES!! Add a comment below introducing yourself and one reason why you decided to join this book study. (Click on the title "Welcome Aboard" in red to see the comment box.) |
CaptainVicky McCann is the Director for Curriculum & Instruction for the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools. |