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 →

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 →

My Hypocrisy, Einstein, and a Bunch of Stuff

With the last weekend of summer break before me, I felt compelled to write. Write what? I struggled with a single focus on one specific idea or directions. Please forgive the diverge writing. Or maybe don't. Either way, no apologies will be offered. What Hypocrisy? I contemplated freeform. Write what comes to mind. It's a … Continue reading My Hypocrisy, Einstein, and a Bunch of Stuff →

The Raddest Was Yet To Come: Knowing Thy Impact

Know Thy Impact (or you will be reminded) In June, I ended a tremendously memorable personal and professional growth opportunity as a member of the Trafalgar Middle School staff. Working with tweens and pre-teens is not for the faint of heart. The only other educator that I admire and revere more than middle school educators … Continue reading The Raddest Was Yet To Come: Knowing Thy Impact →

My Commitment Manifesto

As I near the middle of my summer rest and relaxation period, I have had some time to recharge (a little) and to start to think (a lot) about the bigger picture for the upcoming school year in September. Admittedly, as an educator, the finer details of planning have never been my forte, but usally … Continue reading My Commitment Manifesto →

A Grand Iteration: Embracing an Evolution

September. Endless opportunities. Beautiful challenges. Sweet messiness of learning. A grand iteration. After ten years, the middle years program at Wildflower School will undergo a dramatic, iterative facelift: a doubling of students; one-third new families to the school itself; two new teachers; new learning environments. All essential ingredients that will contribute to the evolution of … Continue reading A Grand Iteration: Embracing an Evolution →

A Reading Confession

My two favourite things in life are libraries and bicycles. Both move people forward without wasting anything. Peter Golkin (1966~) [I have a confession to make.] I just started middle and secondary school reading guru Kelly Gallagher's Reading Reasons to help me to better answer the ultimate question many young readers ask: Why should I … Continue reading A Reading Confession →