On the top of the page you will find links to how to videos detailing how to use the features of this forum. Of course, if you have any issues, questions, or recommendations please reach out!

I would like to begin using this forum to discuss this short RSA Animate on education paradigms. I have watched this many times, with some members of this group. Please find the YouTube Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

For our second discussion, we will read the book Choice Words. (I just chose this one since we are just getting started but please vote on the poll in Pieces to determine Discussion 3's piece.)

See the description below:
In productive classrooms, teachers don't just teach children skills: they build emotionally and relationally healthy learning communities. Teachers create intellectual environments that produce not only technically competent students, but also caring, secure, actively literate human beings.
Choice Words shows how teachers accomplish this using their most powerful teaching tool: language. Throughout, Peter Johnston provides examples of apparently ordinary words, phrases, and uses of language that are pivotal in the orchestration of the classroom. Grounded in a study by accomplished literacy teachers, the book demonstrates how the things we say (and don't say) have surprising consequences for what children learn and for who they become as literate people. Through language, children learn how to become strategic thinkers, not merely learning the literacy strategies. In addition, Johnston examines the complex learning that teachers produce in classrooms that is hard to name and thus is not recognized by tests, by policy-makers, by the general public, and often by teachers themselves, yet is vitally important.

This book will be enlightening for any teacher who wishes to be more conscious of the many ways their language helps children acquire literacy skills and view the world, their peers, and themselves in new ways.

Finding time and space for quality conversations centered on professional development, inquiry, and reflection can be difficult. Teaching can sometimes become an isolating experience as we are constantly immersed in the world of our classrooms. When I do read professional literature, I find myself longing to have in depth conversations with my colleagues. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become a tricky task to find that time.

It is my hope that by using this online forum, we can create a space for those conversations. The beauty of the internet discussion is that we can each contribute at our own time. This will allow the group to grow and to include members from various areas. I am excited to hear different perspectives informed by different experiences.

The intent is for this group to become a place where everyone is able to share and contribute. I, in no way, have any answers or authority on any of the subjects I hope to discuss. I was merely looking for a space to share in conversations, discussions, and inquiry.

My thought is that we will select a professional book, article, video, blog post, etc. to read critically. We will then share our reactions to this professional learning here in a way that we can all respectfully push ourselves and refine our work and thinking as teachers. Of course, as we work within this online framework, we may develop different goals and need to revise the way we use this space.

Any participant in this group may choose the level of involvement one wishes to have. There is no obligation for any person to participate with every item shared or every reading.

Again, my goal is not to mandate anything or control the group, but rather to provide a framework in which we can all contribute. If you have any suggestions please let me know. This will be a learning experience for all of us.