It reaffirmed my belief that we must address our personal approaches and relationships before we move forward together to build stronger bonds with the kids. We spent an entire day doing just that and I was glad to be part of it.
This session reaffirmed my belief that in order to reach our students and teach them they must trust you and care about you. This session gave me some tools to use to accomplish this in my classroom and made me more aware of my role in the classroom. I am blessed to be able to reach my students through my teaching and the power of vocal music. We as teachers have the opportunity to make a difference in a students life by giving them the tools to be successful.
One thing that was emphasized that I tend to forget is we as teachers can't change our students we can only change ourselves and the most powerful way of teaching is through modeling. Thank you for this opportunity to share this experience with all of you. Travis
Travis, I am sure that you have some outstanding relationship skills with your students. I have heard nothing but positive comments from students and parents that you have worked with over the years. Even though we are at different schools, good things about good people travel across town!
Your phrase, "giving them the tools to be successful" struck a chord with me, (no music pun intended) not just because I'm an Industrial Tech teacher, but because the statement's true in terms of academic achievement, life skills, and character development.
Today we were fortunate to experience, first hand, the importance of building staff relationships in order to build school community. I have always believed that staff to staff and staff to student relationships are the first step to learning. We all need to feel heard and understood and to know that we are not alone. It doesn't matter if we are 14 or 54. Thanks for allowing us to experience that, first hand, today.
Sharon, I think you're right about relationships and I know that I forget how important it is for staff members to have good relationships with each other and today helped me remember that.
Sharon, I agree about your point of building a community. I believe the new trend in education of Collaboration (AIW, GRR, teaming, Safe and respectful schools, and etc) has been very positive in building that community. Teachers talking and sharing ideas is always a good thing. If Administrators are an active part in this process then it build a sense of trust and respect for that leader (modeling).
The idea or notion that we can not change anyone but ourselves. After teaching for a little over a decade or so I still find myself thinking sometimes, what can I do in my classroom or even with my family, if they would just change or if I could change them some how. Today, I really thought about what if it was not them that needed changing? I am not perfect and when I model positive change in myself that could inspire others to change or confirm the idea that it was me who needed to change.
The thing about changing one self is that banter alone won't do it. Unpleasant stuff must be acknowledged, like truth, then actual work must be done. This is probably when courage starts. Makes me look at myself through my weaknesses, not just strengths.
Dawn, you are right. I remember during student teaching we did a lot of self reflection on what we taught and the connections we made. I know that is something that I should do more often to help me become a better teacher.
Yes we can only change ourselves and it can be hard for us as adults. If we can model changing, messing up, altering our goal and getting back on track, what a powerful learning that can be for all. Students and adults alike give up too fast or one set back stops the progress. Or one set back means complete defeat.
I walked away from today realizing even more how true it is that all change has to begin with one's self. I appreciated the opportunity to look more closely at my life -- the things I am proud of and the things I am not so proud of. I am looking forward to having time over the next two days to reflect on how I can make the interactions I have with my students more meaningful. -C Heckman
Christy, I, too, enjoyed the day. Your comment about examining all aspects of our lives, even the not so nice parts, really hits home. Human nature is to focus on our strengths and to sweep the rest under the rug.
Day one: Very useful to pick up new ideas to create a more open and welcoming classroom atmosphere...sincere bonding with colleagues...listening...laughing...inspiring positive changes within all of us.
Before, I knew that having students set class norms was important since it gives them ownership of the class. And ownership would make the rules more valuable. What I didn't realize was how much the choices made would show me about the students. In order to see this though, I need to make sure that I do the full process and not rush the students through to get the results I want.
Jessie, I have tried making co-constructed rules with my students too and also feel like I "rushed it". I would like to use the 4 question social contract with my classes in some way.
My attempts at co-constructed rules have been clumsy and kind of half hearted. I think the structure provided by this program will help me be more successful in this area.
I believe it was Ghandi that said we need to "be the change we want to see in the world." The first day of CKH has reaffirmed the essence of this quote for me. I have always thought of myself has being a model for how my students but realize that I can do more.
One of the most important things I took away from today was that the only person I can change is me. I can't change others or make them have a desire to change. I can only change myself and my way of thinking. I enjoyed the first day and I'm looking forward to attending tomorrow to see what new ideas will be presented.
I agree! There are many things that all of us would love to change, however, most of those things are out of our control. Therefore, we, as individuals, need to focus on the things we can change, which just so happens to be how we look at situations and deal with them.
Also, I really liked the group work today. I had a chance to work with some people I have not worked with much before. It was really nice having time to get to know them better!
Reflecting on the day and on comments posted here, I agree that we cannot forcefully change others, but only ourselves. I also agree that we have a huge privilege and responsibility to be good role models. Sometimes I ask myself, in regard to specific situations that occur in class, if I WAS that good role model. Sometimes, upon reflection, I have been more pleased than at other times. Obviously, my behavior can influence the actions of my students, whether intentionally or unintentionally on my part, and sometimes (I suspect) without much thought or decision making on the part of my students. No, I can never force a change in the behavior of others, BUT my behavior is, I suspect, nearly always catalytic in impacting the behavior of others in some minuscule to easily observable way.
We will mess up... we are all works in progress.. kids need to see us struggle too. Yes we want to be a role model but role models are not prefect. I think it would not be in students best interest if we were "perfect". How would they ever learn to handle life?
I agree that students need to see us struggle, they also need to see how we work at finding the answer and don't just throw are hands up in the air and say, "this can't be done." How often have we been inspired from others because of their courage to stick with something even against all odds? I very much dislike Notre Dame but Rudy is a pretty cool movie.
Thank you everyone for your thoughtful reflections and comments. I know that as I sat through the CKH workshop I had similar thoughts and reactions. It forced me to take a close look at my self and the way I interact with colleagues and students. I had to let go of the notion that I can change others. I try now to focus on the things that are within my control like changing myself. I hope everyone continues to walk away with thoughts and ideas that will grow you as a person and as a professional educator. Thank you for taking three days out of your summer to be here.
It was refreshing to review and be reintroduced to the CKH model. So much of what I believe personally deals with the relationships you build with others. While I believe this I sometimes forget what I need to do to foster those relationships. I learned so much about so many of you on the first day. I made a comment concerning the fact that I have been in the building the last 4 years and I don't feel like I know many of you. A realization I had is that I play a big part in why I don't know many of you. I have the power to foster those relationships and to get to know each of you and I haven't made the time to do that. It isn't necessarily up to you or an administrator or anyone else to build my relationships with you. It's on MY shoulders to do that. Just like it is on MY shoulders to build relationships with kids. I can't rely on someone else to do that for me. I have to make the conscious effort to do it.
I walked away today realizing I am part of a wonderful team of people. By getting to know each other a bit better has helped me realize what a great asset we could be to kids if we put our hearts out their a little bit.
I was struck by the idea of Social Anxiety and how I need to come up with a plan for my students how have a problem in this area. I think by making my room a "safer" place of students the social anxiety can be decreased.
I work primarily with freshman and I have probably been taking for granted how big and new are building is for these new students and families. I need to do a better job of communicating with both students and families.
Sometimes I have excused sarcastic comments, made by myself or others. But reflection tells me that sarcastic humor can put me or someone else at risk of being taken the wrong way. It can hurt feelings. I plan to discontinue my use of sarcasm with students, and discourage their use of sarcasm too.
It reaffirmed my belief that we must address our personal approaches and relationships before we move forward together to build stronger bonds with the kids. We spent an entire day doing just that and I was glad to be part of it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Magic Mac!Great day!
DeleteSharon
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree! It all starts with us :)
DeleteToday I was surprised to find out what I didn't know about people I thought I knew.
DeleteThis session reaffirmed my belief that in order to reach our students and teach them they must trust you and care about you. This session gave me some tools to use to accomplish this in my classroom and made me more aware of my role in the classroom. I am blessed to be able to reach my students through my teaching and the power of vocal music. We as teachers have the opportunity to make a difference in a students life by giving them the tools to be successful.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that was emphasized that I tend to forget is we as teachers can't change our students we can only change ourselves and the most powerful way of teaching is through modeling. Thank you for this opportunity to share this experience with all of you.
Travis
Travis, I am sure that you have some outstanding relationship skills with your students. I have heard nothing but positive comments from students and parents that you have worked with over the years. Even though we are at different schools, good things about good people travel across town!
DeleteTravis, thanks for emphasizing the fact that we can't change our students (as much as we want to!) but that we can only change ourselves.
DeleteYour phrase, "giving them the tools to be successful" struck a chord with me, (no music pun intended) not just because I'm an Industrial Tech teacher, but because the statement's true in terms of academic achievement, life skills, and character development.
DeleteToday we were fortunate to experience, first hand, the importance of building staff relationships in order to build school community. I have always believed that staff to staff and staff to student relationships are the first step to learning. We all need to feel heard and understood and to know that we are not alone. It doesn't matter if we are 14 or 54. Thanks for allowing us to experience that, first hand, today.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I think you're right about relationships and I know that I forget how important it is for staff members to have good relationships with each other and today helped me remember that.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSharon, I agree about your point of building a community. I believe the new trend in education of Collaboration (AIW, GRR, teaming, Safe and respectful schools, and etc) has been very positive in building that community. Teachers talking and sharing ideas is always a good thing. If Administrators are an active part in this process then it build a sense of trust and respect for that leader (modeling).
DeleteThe idea or notion that we can not change anyone but ourselves. After teaching for a little over a decade or so I still find myself thinking sometimes, what can I do in my classroom or even with my family, if they would just change or if I could change them some how. Today, I really thought about what if it was not them that needed changing? I am not perfect and when I model positive change in myself that could inspire others to change or confirm the idea that it was me who needed to change.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about changing one self is that banter alone won't do it. Unpleasant stuff must be acknowledged, like truth, then actual work must be done. This is probably when courage starts. Makes me look at myself through my weaknesses, not just strengths.
DeleteDawn, you are right. I remember during student teaching we did a lot of self reflection on what we taught and the connections we made. I know that is something that I should do more often to help me become a better teacher.
DeleteYes we can only change ourselves and it can be hard for us as adults. If we can model changing, messing up, altering our goal and getting back on track, what a powerful learning that can be for all. Students and adults alike give up too fast or one set back stops the progress. Or one set back means complete defeat.
DeleteI walked away from today realizing even more how true it is that all change has to begin with one's self. I appreciated the opportunity to look more closely at my life -- the things I am proud of and the things I am not so proud of. I am looking forward to having time over the next two days to reflect on how I can make the interactions I have with my students more meaningful. -C Heckman
ReplyDeleteChristy, I, too, enjoyed the day. Your comment about examining all aspects of our lives, even the not so nice parts, really hits home. Human nature is to focus on our strengths and to sweep the rest under the rug.
DeleteDay one: Very useful to pick up new ideas to create a more open and welcoming classroom atmosphere...sincere bonding with colleagues...listening...laughing...inspiring positive changes within all of us.
ReplyDeleteBefore, I knew that having students set class norms was important since it gives them ownership of the class. And ownership would make the rules more valuable. What I didn't realize was how much the choices made would show me about the students. In order to see this though, I need to make sure that I do the full process and not rush the students through to get the results I want.
ReplyDeleteJessie, I have tried making co-constructed rules with my students too and also feel like I "rushed it". I would like to use the 4 question social contract with my classes in some way.
DeleteMy attempts at co-constructed rules have been clumsy and kind of half hearted. I think the structure provided by this program will help me be more successful in this area.
DeleteI believe it was Ghandi that said we need to "be the change we want to see in the world." The first day of CKH has reaffirmed the essence of this quote for me. I have always thought of myself has being a model for how my students but realize that I can do more.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important things I took away from today was that the only person I can change is me. I can't change others or make them have a desire to change. I can only change myself and my way of thinking. I enjoyed the first day and I'm looking forward to attending tomorrow to see what new ideas will be presented.
ReplyDeleteI agree! There are many things that all of us would love to change, however, most of those things are out of our control. Therefore, we, as individuals, need to focus on the things we can change, which just so happens to be how we look at situations and deal with them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I really liked the group work today. I had a chance to work with some people I have not worked with much before. It was really nice having time to get to know them better!
Reflecting on the day and on comments posted here, I agree that we cannot forcefully change others, but only ourselves. I also agree that we have a huge privilege and responsibility to be good role models. Sometimes I ask myself, in regard to specific situations that occur in class, if I WAS that good role model. Sometimes, upon reflection, I have been more pleased than at other times. Obviously, my behavior can influence the actions of my students, whether intentionally or unintentionally on my part, and sometimes (I suspect) without much thought or decision making on the part of my students. No, I can never force a change in the behavior of others, BUT my behavior is, I suspect, nearly always catalytic in impacting the behavior of others in some minuscule to easily observable way.
ReplyDeleteYour comment on "If I was a good role model," was pretty funny. It's a great question to ask ourselves though and something I need to start using.
DeleteWe will mess up... we are all works in progress.. kids need to see us struggle too. Yes we want to be a role model but role models are not prefect. I think it would not be in students best interest if we were "perfect". How would they ever learn to handle life?
ReplyDeleteI agree that students need to see us struggle, they also need to see how we work at finding the answer and don't just throw are hands up in the air and say, "this can't be done." How often have we been inspired from others because of their courage to stick with something even against all odds? I very much dislike Notre Dame but Rudy is a pretty cool movie.
DeleteThank you everyone for your thoughtful reflections and comments. I know that as I sat through the CKH workshop I had similar thoughts and reactions. It forced me to take a close look at my self and the way I interact with colleagues and students. I had to let go of the notion that I can change others. I try now to focus on the things that are within my control like changing myself. I hope everyone continues to walk away with thoughts and ideas that will grow you as a person and as a professional educator. Thank you for taking three days out of your summer to be here.
ReplyDeleteIt was refreshing to review and be reintroduced to the CKH model. So much of what I believe personally deals with the relationships you build with others. While I believe this I sometimes forget what I need to do to foster those relationships. I learned so much about so many of you on the first day. I made a comment concerning the fact that I have been in the building the last 4 years and I don't feel like I know many of you. A realization I had is that I play a big part in why I don't know many of you. I have the power to foster those relationships and to get to know each of you and I haven't made the time to do that. It isn't necessarily up to you or an administrator or anyone else to build my relationships with you. It's on MY shoulders to do that. Just like it is on MY shoulders to build relationships with kids. I can't rely on someone else to do that for me. I have to make the conscious effort to do it.
ReplyDeleteI walked away today realizing I am part of a wonderful team of people. By getting to know each other a bit better has helped me realize what a great asset we could be to kids if we put our hearts out their a little bit.
ReplyDeleteI was struck by the idea of Social Anxiety and how I need to come up with a plan for my students how have a problem in this area. I think by making my room a "safer" place of students the social anxiety can be decreased.
ReplyDeleteI work primarily with freshman and I have probably been taking for granted how big and new are building is for these new students and families. I need to do a better job of communicating with both students and families.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I have excused sarcastic comments, made by myself or others. But reflection tells me that sarcastic humor can put me or someone else at risk of being taken the wrong way. It can hurt feelings. I plan to discontinue my use of sarcasm with students, and discourage their use of sarcasm too.
ReplyDelete