Category: Learning

Decision Fatigue: Got Some?

As if educators in the twenty-first century are not already charged with a growing responsibility for our learners that includes supporting the acquisition and utilization of self-regulation skills, current neurological research has concluded that  in the early years of learning it appears that the 'how' of learning and teaching immensely influence on brain development. Martha … Continue reading Decision Fatigue: Got Some? →

Daring to Lead Together

It's not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are. Roy E. Disney So proud that our staff is a curious staff. Yes, we talk pedagogic ideals, share lessons, and offer advice on supporting learners and connecting effectively with families when. But most often, we just listen. Ask a lot of questions. … Continue reading Daring to Lead Together →

Taking Stock: Joy In Review

Well, I'm officially four months into my new position. The experience, overwhelming. The learning curve, enormous. The self-induced level of pressure, palpable. The fear of so, what's next, ever-present. Among the singularly memorable moments of joy and compassion, and connection and care this fall, the classroom also experienced episodes of frustration, fear, anger, and futility. … Continue reading Taking Stock: Joy In Review →

Teaching for the Future: What Little Choice Do We Have?

At a recent workshop that focused on Inclusion, I was reminded of the latest World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report that was published in 2016. I share this post in order to call to our attention the continual shift; as a reminder of the real purpose of public education in our society today. Education is … Continue reading Teaching for the Future: What Little Choice Do We Have? →

Knowing Thy Learning Environment: Learners’ Perspectives

I think that I'm starting to get it. No, seriously. I am. I am starting to recognize the importance of knowing and understanding the place in which you learn (formally that is). Our amazing learning support teacher recently asked a group of  Grade 6 aged students what makes Wildflower School a bit unique. This is … Continue reading Knowing Thy Learning Environment: Learners’ Perspectives →

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 →