From the Philosophical to the Practical

“Imagination is the other end of Reality”

K. Hari Kumar

e e

Recall a time when you were really learning…..

STUDENTS THRIVE•WHEN THEY:

experience and interact with curriculum

•WHEN THEY: have the opportunity to take part in their learning

Born to Learn

present standpoint

of the child

child curriculum

facts and truths of

studies

the teacher becomes a partner

guiding students

to independently discover meaning within the subject area.

Joseph Palermo - Pedagogy of the Depressed•Can students really be taught critical

thinking, civics, and citizenship skills in a standardized format that values conformity?

•Why are the ideals that have long been associated with public higher education being scrapped in favor of private special interests that stand to profit from these changes?

•Most people might want to see a real doctor instead of going to WebMD

Joseph Palermo - Pedagogy of the Depressed•Access does not replace dialogue, critical

thinking, and learning•Collective student activities are part of the

learning process•Better success with real human interaction

Seat Time

•The premise of our educational system is that seat time is the critical feature of learning.

“People can have the Model-T in any color…” “… so long as it’s

black”

Dare to innovate and take risks

“You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Wayne Gretskye e

Opportunity 1•Treat students as they

are capable of becoming

Opportunity 2

•Create pedagogical models that are:▫Innovative and based on research▫But still reflect our past

Opportunity 3

• Incorporate brain research of the last decade▫Brains are not linear

Opportunity 4

Engage in a

Moving from imagination to reality – Day 1 and beyond…

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Focus On The Child

Read student records/reports – Talk to previous teachers

Consider connecting to children before they arrive – Send a post card.

Prepare your grade book and attendance records

Prepare “get to know you” activities including process for class agreements

Create rituals, routines, and traditions

Send letter of welcome To families

Nesting: Preparing Your SpaceCreate clear

distinctions between child & teacher space

Put comfort items you need in your space

Create visual displays that communicate your anticipation of your students’ arrivals

Plan clear arrangements For organization

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Curriculum And Getting Started

First month as a time for diagnostic assessments, review, and establishing a foundation for the year

Be Familiar with the year’s curriculum map

Plan the first unit of study

Send a parent letter for first unit of study

Keep detailed lesson plans a week ahead

Choose a lesson plan format and work with it at least two months

Take Exquisite Care of Yourself

Know what you must have to be fully supported – Eat well, exercise, sleep!

Prioritize areas of focus for the year.

Ask for support.

Plan ahead for reflection and for your own growth.