CORE VALUE #1: JOY the Student Learning Cycle

We are trained as educators to think about the teaching and learning cycle. It includes activities we do before instruction, during instruction and after instruction. We take time to think about these areas- and in D11 it is part of the district's playbook for teachers.

I propose there needs to be a student cycle that mirrors the teacher's. What is the experience they will have? What if Joy (one of Vera Scott's core values) is a part of their system? Here is such a cycle for students:

First, students need to engage into the learning process- as educators we look for ways to tap into the natural curiosity and enthusiasm children bring to school.

Second,  we help the students become aware of the targets- the goals for the lessons they are experiencing. We share learning targets with the students. We also help them understand their current reality in terms of their ability to master the target.

Third, we create opportunities to challenge students. We give students questions that bring out deep thinking. With the proper support we generate productive struggle opportunities.

Fourth, as students move through the productive struggle phase, they develop new abilities and ways of thinking. This results in growth.

Lastly, when students look over their journey and can see how much they learned- they feel good inside. They develop confidence and joy! There is the joy we value so much!

There are many ways to generate engagement and joy at our school!

CORE VALUE #1: JOY

Did you see the Ellen show the other day when Noah Ritter was talking about school? (Click his name to see the video)

His description of kindergarten was funny at first but had an aftertaste- kindergarten was torture for him. I've met kids, often times in discipline situations, that describe school as a prison sentence. This is not allowed at Scott Elementary.

The staff believes that childhood is supposed to be filled with wonder, support, and fun. We want learning to be friendly and joyful even in an era of testing and accountability.

We believe it can happen here- if JOY is on the endangered experiences list- then Scott Elementary will be a sanctuary. We will breed Joy until it floods our community again.

As a school we have all joined the BUCKET-FILLING ARMY. This is a wonderful book by Tom Rath (not Roth) and Mary Reckmeyer. We look for opportunities to fill each others' buckets with kind words and deeds.

If Noah Ritter were to come to Scott, he would talk about the wonderful teachers he would have- and the joy he feels when he is learning. In the next few posts I will share some more about the #1 Core Value JOY!!!

WELCOME SCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!!!

I am going to use this blog to share with you some reflections on what is happening at our school. My first entries will be about the core values we voted on as a staff. We decided on the following 5 values:

JOY
EXCELLENCE
INSPIRATION
CHARACTER

COMMUNITY

We are uniting around a common vision because Scott is the best school on EARTH!!!

Michael