Author: Jeff Yasinchuk

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up. ~Brene Brown, PhD.

A Gentle Reminder: Just the Essentials

At a recent professional learning workshop with inclusion specialist, Shelley Moore (more on that amazing experience in the future), I was reminded of a truly powerful post by innovative learning and teaching consultant, George Couros. And after the intense, insightful, inspirational, reaffirming spark-inducing day, I felt that now was a good as time as any … Continue reading A Gentle Reminder: Just the Essentials →

Sitting with It: A Healthy Reflection

This past week ended with our fall parent-teachers conferences, and unlike many educators, I actually look forward to them. However, one of the 15-minute sessions left me shaken, confused, and unsure about my planned approach for the remainder of the year. I felt judged. Or at least my pedagogical approach was being heavily scrutinized. The … Continue reading Sitting with It: A Healthy Reflection →

Deeper Learning Dozen: A Longing for Relationships

No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship. James Comer This fall my school district embarked on a journey. With support from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Jal Mehta's lab, the Kootenay Lake School joined eleven other school districts from British Columbia, Massachusetts, and California as a part of the Deeper Learning … Continue reading Deeper Learning Dozen: A Longing for Relationships →

Gender, Sex, and the Classroom

Last week, our middle school students engaged in the first of a four-part (I know you're probably saying that four is not enough) workshop with our trained adolescent sexual health educator with a focus on SOGI education. The facilitator opened the class by addressing anonymous student questions submitted the previous week. In a nervously anticipatory … Continue reading Gender, Sex, and the Classroom →

Learning and Leaning in/to the Fishbowl

This week I learned (or acutely reminded of) two elemental teaching and learning practice pieces. I should first, however, set the stage... My passion for debate is often unquenchable. The opportunity to respectfully debate with others on topics of a passionate nature, "thems ma jams". We have recently rebirthed the debate club at my school. … Continue reading Learning and Leaning in/to the Fishbowl →

This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School

Two weeks ago, we initiated our Mindfulness Matters rotation with the middle school students at our school. The three-rotation session consisted of a yoga station, a meditation station (led by a local meditation practitioner and instructor), and an 'hour in nature' station led by a former Outward Bound leader. Admittedly,  we began the rotations purely … Continue reading This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School →

Learner-Led Learning: My Initiation

In over two decades in public education in British Columbia, I have witnessed a misunderstanding of sorts. One of the basic tenets of successful learning that we, as educators, want to believe is that our learners develop a lifelong love of learning. Not matter their passions. No matter their paths.  But in our attempts to … Continue reading Learner-Led Learning: My Initiation →

So, When Are We Going To Start Learning Something?: A Most Beautiful Conversation

Last week, after what I believed was a well-planned, and engaging discussion and thought-provoking lesson on growth mindset the following dialogue occurred. On the way out the classroom door heading to morning break one of my more 'enthusiastic' learners (Grade 7) triggered this fantastic conversation: Student: Jeff, thanks for sharing that information. Me: My pleasure, … Continue reading So, When Are We Going To Start Learning Something?: A Most Beautiful Conversation →