It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers

It's better to learn how to learn than to know. ~Dr. Seuss I am currently reading master biographer Brian Jay Jones's brand spanking new ode to literary behemoth, Dr. Seuss. Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination has compelled me reflect, on more than one occasion, on the many connections to Geisel's … Continue reading It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers →

Sh&$ Happens (or Why Destiny Matters)

I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfill our destiny, but our fate is sealed. ~Paulo Coelho Sh#% happens Emerges (for a reason) Admittedly, I struggled this year … Continue reading Sh&$ Happens (or Why Destiny Matters) →

Beauty & Power of Shared Experience

Recently, I was embroiled in complex (aren't they all?) and deeply rooted conflict at the workplace. Excepting familial conflict, there are few more disheartening and frustrating dilemmas than conflict at the place. It is where we spend the second largest part of our lives, time, and investment of energy and passion. After nearly three and … Continue reading Beauty & Power of Shared Experience →

What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)?

I recently came across this terrific TEDx Talk by Susan Henkels. And timing is truly everything, isn't it? As I complete an even four-dozen spins around the sun this spring, I find myself struggling (of sorts). Struggling with the physical ailments related to midlife. Embroiling in conflict both in my professional and personal lives. Rejuvenating … Continue reading What if there’s nothing wrong with me? Or you (for that matter)? →

We Are Stories and They Matter

The truth about stories is that that's all we are. Thomas King In my class this term, we spent the better part of discussing story particularly First Peoples stories, their purpose, protocols, and importance for understanding self, the other, and our place in the world. We ere gifted with having three different local elders (four … Continue reading We Are Stories and They Matter →

An Issue That Never Dies

Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we're too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone. … Continue reading An Issue That Never Dies →

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? →

A Spirit Moves On

Two weeks ago, the spirit of a gentle teacher, knowledge keeper, and friend left this physical realm known as Turtle Island. Leaving behind a massive legacy as a self-described Ktunaxa "junior elder", Wayne Louie, was one of a small cadre of Ktunaxa Nation members fluent in their isolated dialectic language. A skilled outdoorsman and naturalist, … Continue reading A Spirit Moves On →