The Gift of Time

I met with a 7th grader this week who seems so much happier this year than last. When asked what's better she said her grades in math were A's and B's instead of D's and F's. When asked what has made a difference for her, she said this year she gets to work at her own speed in math. "Last year it went so fast I was confused a lot. This year I get to take the time I need to learn it."

I wonder how many students feel information is coming at them too fast to absorb? And then what about the students who tune out because new information isn't coming fast enough? How does one teacher meet the learning needs of both students?

I would love to hear how some of you do that.

tracking positive

Our staff is having an experiment to see what happens if we take a month off of complaining and keep our conversations positive and solution focused. Will it change the culture of our school? Will it give us more time and energy for the things we love? Will it have a positive effect on student learning? Will it stifle legitimate criticisms?
February is the perfect month to do this since it tends to be a bit dreary. It's also the perfect month to play in the snow, ski, catch snowflakes on your tongue and take dance lessons. And that's just what I am about to do!

Sub Zero Memories

It has been sunny and COLD and I love it. Some of the best memories of my life were on sub zero days, so when the temperature drops I get nostalgic. I'm going to sound like an old-timer remembering days gone by but I guess I am!

I was in 5th grade and my teacher was Mr. Gilbertson. He was one of those teachers that can inspire a person for life. We worked hard in his class, but we played hard as well ( singing, square dancing, bombardment games, newspaper drives, and field trips).

One Saturday during mid-winter he invited his students to spend the day bird watching at Fort Snelling State Park. About ten of us signed up to go and we were given instructions to dress warm and pack a lunch as we would be outside all day.

Saturday morning arrived and the temperatures had dropped overnight. The high for the day was expected to be 10 degrees below zero. Mr G. called each of our parents and said that with their permission he would still be willing to take us out for the day. He had one requirement for us... NO COMPLAINING AOBUT THE COLD! All ten us of agreed and we bundled up in our wool jackets and pac boots and took off into the sub zero temps.

I remember the day, a beautiful blue sky, crisp cold, and lots of winter birds including a piliated woodpecker. I remember being amazed at how hot we got hiking in the snow, and I remember feeling proud that I could "tough it out". I learned that day how to be prepared for cold weather. To cover your ears, dress in layers, stay hydrated with water, not snow, and hike with a buddy.

I used all those winter skills when I moved to Alaska and have many many more great memories of sub zero fun from those days. So when recess closes down due to cold temperatures, I just want to say, "Bundle Up! Take the Kids outside! Let them learn how good and empowering it feels to weather the cold!" It's a good life lesson to learn to dress for the weather, and what better way to learn than feeling the cold on your face and in your hands and feet.

Thank you Mr. G. for taking a risk and letting us experience the joys of winter.

bigforkschools.org

Big Achievement for the Bigfork School district today. Our new website is officially launched! At the staff meeting this morning Mrs. Boshka challenged us to visit our colleagues' web pages. She said when she did that, it gave her the sense that our staff members have more in common than we might realize. It is just a beginning but it has the potential to unify staff as well as publicize all the good that goes on throughout our district.

Visit bigforkschools.org to see what I mean!