Learn Like a Pirate Book Study - Empowerment

Welcome , to our book study of Paul Solarz's book, Learn Like a Pirate hosted by The Primary Gal.

 

Today I am sharing my thoughts about chapter 8, Empowerment.

 

While the entire book really focuses on empowering your students to lead the class, Solarz says that he wanted to focus an entire chapter on the subject of empowerment because he believes that it must be the teacher's top priority.

Getting Passionate About Learning

Solarz says that Passion Time is one of his favorite times of the week.  I have heard about Passion Time on Twitter, but I haven't fully been able to understand the process.  I was glad that he chose to address this in this chapter. Passion Time is basically a dedicated amount of time set aside each week for students to pursue their on interests.

It isn't just a free for all time, as Paul explains the structure that he uses in his classroom.  I found this to be very helpful, and am looking forward to adding a bit of Passion Time to our class this year!

Empower Creativity With Maker Spaces

Again, Paul addresses another Twitter buzz word that I have not been able to quite wrap my brain around - maker spaces.  He has set up an after school club to empower kids to make, create, design, and build.

I am not sure about an after school club for my school, but I do like the idea of having a space where kids can have access to materials.  I had a few students this last year who loved to make things.  They would get a kick out of this for sure!

Create a Safe Learning Environment

I think that as teachers, we would all like to think that we create a safe learning environment for our students. Solarz takes this a step further by telling his students at the beginning of the year that he may have days when he is crabby, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't like them anymore.  He even role plays with them how to handle when he is frustrated with them.  He believes that children tend to blame themselves when adults are upset, and it is better to help them work through this.

Empowerment = Enjoyment = Motivation = Effort = Achievement

Paul Solarz says that when teachers empower students, the result is a higher enjoyment of learning which increases both motivation and effort, thereby increasing achievement.

A few sentences that really stood out to me from this section were:

"All children need to know they are cared for and that they have talent.  Empowerment comes from feeling qualified and capable."

"Children nee to hear that they are doing well! Do your students feel successful on a regular basis or are they hearing only how they need to improve?"

I have loved reading this book, and plan on going back through it as I set up my classroom this year.  Have you read the book?  What changes will you be making to your instruction?

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration 

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus 

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

 

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

 

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

 

Want to hear what some other bloggers are thinking about this chapter?  Stop by and visit the blogs below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Learn Like A Pirate - Responsibility

Classroom Responsibility - Putting Students in Charge

At the beginning of the school year, Solarz holds a classroom meeting where he explains his philosophy to his students.  He says that this discussion "empowers students to take initiative and do what they think needs to be done to make the classroom run smoothly."

Classroom Jobs

Paul creates a list of important jobs based on the number of students he has.  He says that creating these jobs and assigning them to specific students makes sure that everything gets done.


Collaborative Responsibility

Solarz displays his daily schedule for his students to refer to.  Students learn how much time it takes to transition between activities, and call out, "Give me Five!" when it's time to transition.



I also display my daily schedule, but I have never had the students responsible for keeping track of it before.

Using Rituals to Encourage Responsibility

Paul advocates using rituals and procedures for reoccurring activities.  He says that students can be responsible if they know what to do.

Literature Circles

Paul has students work in literature circles for an hour three times a week.  The students read aloud in small groups and use rituals to increase their comprehension and have meaningful discussions of the material.  They share responsibilities and take turns writing summaries for each section.

I have also used literature circles in my classroom, but I love several of the suggestions Paul gives for using them.  I definitely think this will be something I will implement in the upcoming school year.

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment

Make sure to check out what other bloggers are saying about this chapter over at The Primary Gal's blog!

An InLinkz Link-up

Reading Strategies Book Study

 

 I am so excited to announce a blogging book study for The Reading Strategies Book by Jennifer Serravallo!  I am joining forces with 12 fabulous bloggers to discuss reading strategies from this amazing professional text, in hopes to help you get your school year off to a wonderful start.  The book study will begin on Monday, August 3rd.

There are 13 goals in Serravallo's book.  Twice per week until all of the goals have been covered, bloggers will be discussing highlights, sharing freebies and offering challenges to complete, based on the book's strategies.  We hope you will purchase a copy and follow along with us!  

Stay tuned for more details! :)

Learn Like A Pirate - Peer Collaboration

I am linking up again today with The Primary Gal for chapter 3 in her Learn Like a Pirate book study.  If you missed my last two postings, you can find them here:

Chapter 1- What is a Student Led Classroom?
Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms

I may not be the world's biggest football fan, but I have to agree with Vince Lombardi on this one - teamwork is essential in today's world.  What are we doing to prepare our students to be successful team members?  Am I doing enough in my classroom? This chapter is all about collaboration which Paul Solar says, "...is the cornerstone of a student-led classroom."  He says that he tells his students, "Two brains are better than one!"  I LOVE that!

We're In This Together

Solarz emphasizes the need for the classroom to be a collaborative community. In his classroom he has chosen not to micro-manage, but instead discusses expectation together.  Everyone has a voice and is encouraged to share his or her thoughts.

"Give Me Five" - Empower Students to Lead

I have seen many teachers (including myself) use the "Give Me Five" signal as a way to get student attention.  The difference here is that the students in a student led classroom also have the power to use this signal.  Wow!  What a game changer! I would have no idea how to implement this in my classroom, but luckily Paul explains his method so I can try it out myself. He gives suggestions for:

*How students use Give-Me Fives in the Classroom
*How to introduce Give-Me Fives
*Teaching students to use their power wisely

 I know it will be a big learning curve for the students and myself as well, but this is definitely something I will be adding to my classroom this year.

Provide Spaces That Encourage Learning

This will probably be the easiest thing for me to implement from this chapter since I already do it.  I have 4 large rectangle tables in my class that the students use as desks, but they don't spend much time sitting there.  They are allowed to spread out around the room wherever they are most comfortable.  Most of the time this means they are on the floor, but I think they learn best when they are comfortable.

The BEST seat in the house!

Assigning Partners

Paul gives several suggestions for using partnerships in the classroom.  He not only gives several ways to assign them, but also reasons for using partnership including:

* Assigning partnerships to improve interaction
* Using responsibility partners to raise the bar
* Teaching strategies for dealing with conflict

I have used partnerships extensively in my classroom, but I LOVE some of the suggestions Paul gives for making them work even better!


Classroom Meetings

I always love when I find my teaching practices affirmed in a great book like this, and again I am finding ways to improve on what I am currently doing!  I have a morning meeting already in place, but, I love some of the suggestions given in this chapter.  Paul has even given some suggestions of meeting topics that he has used within his classroom to give you a jumping point to start off on. My mind is spinning with great ideas!

Using Shared Reading to Teach Empathy

Again, another practice affirmed!  I love using shared reading to get my students to be more empathetic.  Solarz recommends using the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio at the beginning of the year to build empathy in your classroom.  Two years ago, I read this with my 4th graders, and now that I am looping with my current 3rd graders to 4th grade, I had planned to read it again.

Some of my other favorites are:

* The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
* The One and Only Ivan
* How to Steal a Dog
* Dear Mr. Henshaw

Promoting the Right Kind of Competition

While competition in the classroom can be damaging, Paul focuses on internal competition with each student continually competing to do their best. He tries to have the students zero in on what it means to try one's hardest and how to bring peers along for the ride.

So far, this has been my favorite chapter and I can't wait to keep reading!

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment

Learn Like a Pirate - Common Concerns About Student - Led Classrooms

I am following along with The Primary Gal's book study of Learn Like a Pirate by Paul Solarz.

As I said before in my thoughts on chapter 1 I do have some concerns about having a student-led classroom.  Luckily, the author addresses these concerns (and others) in this second chapter.  Solarz acknowledges that the decision to transition to a student-led classroom can be a challenging one, but he assures that switching methods has eliminated more challenges than it has created.  He also believes that student-led classrooms result in greater engagement, and subsequently greater gains.

Paul Solarz addresses the biggest concern right off the bat.  He recognizes that it is hard to relinquish control, but he says that you are not really giving it up.  Students know that ultimately the teacher's say is final, but the teacher chooses not to interfere with most of the students decisions because we want them to learn from their mistakes.  It is important to encourage your students to be risk takers rather than followers.

Just like our students learn from mistakes, so do we.  Solarz says that mistakes are a healthy part of the learning process.  Our students need us to model a healthy reaction to making mistakes so that they learn to be comfortable with handling their own mistakes.

If you are anything like me, the one thing you can never have enough of in your classroom is time!  It always seems like there are just not enough hours to get everything in!  Will allowing my students to run the show waste even more time?  Solarz says, no. it will actually save time by maximizing time-on-task, making transitions more efficient, and integrating subjects.

Even with my concerns, I  believe this to be true, so I am excited to keep learning and even to make mistakes as I try this out.

What concerns do you have?  Are you as excited to try this as I am?  Join us in this book study and chime in!

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 1 - What is a Student-Led Classroom?

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration

 

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

 

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Learn Like a Pirate - What Is a Student Led Classroom?

I am linking up with The Primary Gal for this book study for Learn Like a Pirate by Paul Solarz.

I absolutely love that the book opens with this quote!  This new era of testing and testing and more testing has me thinking that we have gone way too far on the pendulum.  Don't get me wrong, I do think students and teachers need some accountability, but I do think we also need to remember why we are teaching in the first place.  Are we teaching students to be successful on one test or are we teaching them to mature academically, socially, and emotionally.  Paul Solarz says that is the latter. He believes that students need to become risk takers, to make creative decision, and to work well with others.  Unfortunately, he says the current state of education tends to stifle rather than foster these traits.

Learn Like a Pirate challenges teachers to veer from the current education models.  It is the author's belief that with the proper motivation and appropriate amount of freedom, students will rise to the challenge and impress you.  He says that even the youngest students will benefit from opportunities to run portions of their studies, take initiative, and develop leadership school.

I have always been the type of teacher that is just a little different than the rest.  My classroom rarely looks like other classes where the students sit in rows quietly working on worksheets.  My students spread out all over the room, sometimes lying on the floor, sometimes on a stool, doing their work. And, they are rarely quiet.  We talk a lot!  I cringe every time someone walks in the room wondering what they must be thinking.  Are they judging because it isn't silent, or do they get it?

Even though my classroom runs a bit more student centered, I paused when I read this..

Students don't consult the teacher? What?!? I continued to read and think and was reassured when Solarz says that although "everyone in the classroom appears to have equal power and equal say in what happens, everyone understands that the teacher's word is final." 

The author isn't suggesting complete anarchy, he is just suggesting changing the methods of delivering instruction so that the students are in charge of their own learning.  Isn't that what we want anyway, to create life long learners? 

He warns that it doesn't happen overnight and that it does take a commitment from both the teacher and the students, but that it will happen.  You will have a student-led classroom in which the students are inspired and empowered to take charge of their learning experience.

Well, I am definitely ready to keep reading and learn more about this new way of thinking.  If you also interested in learning more about this student-led environment, grab the book, and join us during this book study!

If you would like to see my thoughts from other chapters, check them out below:

Chapter 2 - Common Concerns About Student Led Classrooms.

Chapter 3 - Peer Collaboration

Chapter 4 - Improvement Focus Vs. Grade Focus

Chapter 5 - Responsibility

Chapter 6 - Active Learning

Chapter 7 - 21st Century Skills

Chapter 8 - Empowerment



The Together Teacher Chapter 12 - Deal With Your Paper and Stuff - Giveaway!

It is time for another chapter of "The Together Teacher" in our book study. Today it is time for chapter 12 which is all about dealing with your paper and stuff.  Our hostess this week is  Amy of The Core of Grade Four!

If you have missed my previous posts from this book study you can find them below:

                                                                             Chapter 11

                                                                             Chapter 10

                                                                             Chapter 9  

                                                                             Chapter 8

                                                                              Chapter 7

                                                                             Chapter 6

                                                                             Chapter 5

                                                                             Chapter 4

                                                                             Chapter 3

                                                                             Chapter 2

                                                                             Chapter 1

I have LOVED the accountability of blogging as I am re-reading this book because I have actually had to implement the strategies - not just read the book!  I am really starting to feel like a more Together Teacher!  Last week we had a professional development session and the facilitator asked us to plan our small group writing lessons for the next week.  One of the teachers across from me said, "As if we all have our class lists and their writing levels with us?"  I was able to say, "Actually I do!" I pulled out my flexi and there under my school binder was everything I needed.  I DID let her know that it was all because of this book study.  Last year I would have been in the same boat as her!

So let's dive into this last chapter, and be sure to read on down to the bottom because we have a great giveaway for you!


What to Carry When You Are On The Move:  Your Together Teacher System And A Teacher Clipboard

A Teacher Clipboard

 Many  of us already carry a teacher clipboard, but Maia points out the problem with it is that we carry EVERYTHING with us on the clipboard.  From late slips to lesson plans, it often becomes a jumble of mess and you can't find what you need easily.  She gives some suggestions about what should be on there and how it should be arranged.  She suggests using your Together Teacher System for maintaining your time, your to-dos, your thoughts, and your notes.  Your clipboard should hold your lesson plans, behavior/homework trackers, and mastery trackers.   If your Together Teacher System is easy to hold, you could also keep these things there as well.

Academic Observation Charts

As a teacher you NEED a handy place to capture and record valuable data about your students to inform you instruction and planning.  When Maia was teaching, she says that she would make a chart each week with the students' names on the vertical axis and the learning objectives for the week across the horizontal axis.  During each part of her lesson - (warm-up, guided practice, or independent work) she would circulate around the room noting who had mastered or showed partial mastery of the objective.  She would also make notes of students who were struggling to remind herself to return to the students for extra help later during the day or week.
Behavioral Data Logs

Just like academic data, you may want to keep track of behavior as well.  Who is participating and who is not?  Are certain students having difficulty staying on task during a certain subject? 


A Writing Tool

You can't keep this data if you don't have a pen or pencil to write it down!  I have been so guilty of racing around my classroom in search of a writing tool.  Maia suggests keeping it with you at all times whether in your pocket, attached to your lanyard, or clipped onto a clipboard.
 
Use Your Desk For Something Other Than Storage

Establish and In-Box
Maia suggests setting up a stackable file bin with the following labels:

• Action
• Grade
• Return
• Office
• Copy 
• File  

Portable In-Box

Maia suggests keeping a place in your Together Teacher system to hold the papers that come your way when you are out and about.  Just make sure you go through that in-box as part of your daily routine.

My Portable In-Box

Transporting Your Materials

It seems like taking work home is just part of the teaching territory.  Maia suggests using a five or seven pocket accordion file that matches your in-box file on your desk.  I use my 31 bag with dividers in it as well.

               

Although this is the last chapter, there are a ton of other resources including books, blogs, apps, and more.  Maia has included a CD for you to access the items she refers to in the book for creating your own Together Teacher system.

Now... time for the giveaway!

Every month I give away a $25 TpT gift Card.

This month I also have donations from the hostesses of this book study as well! And... I am also throwing in an item of your choice from my store, along with a copy of The Together Teacher!

Sarah is donating an item of your choice from her TpT Store.

 

Ellie from Middle School Math Moments is donating her Footloose Comparing and Ordering Fractions.

 

 Laura from Luv My Kinders is donating her Spider Math and Literacy Activities K-1 packet.

 

Kathleen from A+ Kids is donating an item of your choice from her TpT Store.

Enter below
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Together Teacher Chapter 10 - Arranging Your Classroom to Run Like Clockwork

It is time for another chapter of "The Together Teacher" in our book study. Today it is time for chapter 10 which is all about taming your email.  Our hostess this week is Ellie from Middle School Math Moments .

If you have missed my previous posts from this book study you can find them below:

                                                                             Chapter 9  

                                                                             Chapter 8

      Chapter 7

                                                                             Chapter 6

                                                                             Chapter 5

                                                                             Chapter 4

                                                                             Chapter 3

                                                                             Chapter 2

                                                                             Chapter 1

We have all had those days when the bell rings at the end of the day, we smile at our students as we say goodbye, only to turn around to notice that our classroom looks as if a tornado has hit it!

This chapter helps us to organize all the stuff (and boy do us teachers have a ton of STUFF!) that is in our classroom for both us and our students. Maia describes various stations that can be set up around your room no matter the size of your classroom.

A few of these stations include:

Teaching Station

This is your home base where you keep all of your teaching materials for the day.  It should contain all the days handouts, supplies, etc, that you will need throughout the day.  

The Entry Way

Much like at your home where you might keep your car keys, purse, etc. this should be a place where your students can start off either picking up supplies for the day or dropping off items such as homework or notes.  Now that I teach elementary, I don't really have this set-up because my students enter the room at the same time and it would just be a mess.  However, when I taught 7th grade math, I kept my Do Now sheet at the door for the students to grab as they came in.  This made the transition to getting started seamless.

In this section, Maia mentions student mailboxes as a place where you can distribute papers to individual students.  When I taught 7th grade math, I used milk crates with hanging folders in them for this purpose (each period had their own crate).  I still use this system in my elementary class.

Having a Well Stocked Pantry

Well, not really a pantry, but you want to have all of your "ingredients" on hand as you teach.  No more searching for a dry erase marker or hunting down dice for a math game.  Have your supplies ready to go and easy to find so you don't waste time looking for them.  I keep my supplies in buckets on an easy to get to shelf.

I also keep my teaching books and small group work supplies behind my desk where I do most of my small group teaching.

Classroom Calendar

Students love knowing what day it is and what to expect.  I keep a calendar where they can see all of our upcoming assemblies, important days, birthdays etc.

Classroom Library

Students are encouraged to read when they can find books that interest them.  Maia suggests organizing your books either by level or by genre so students can find them easily.

Cleaning Supplies

Let's face it, learning is messy and sometimes you just don't have time to wait for the janitor.  Maia suggests stocking up on a few cleaning supplies for those occasions when you need to do a little tidying up.

A few of her suggestions:

*Paper towels

* Regular cleaning towels that can be laundered

*Clorox wipes

*Dry-erase board cleaner

*anti-bacterial spray

What things do you do to keep your classroom in order?  If you are following along link up below.  And don't forget to visit our hostess, Nicole of Southern Love of Teaching for chapter 11 next week.