The 100 Word Challenge for children is G-RO-W-I-N-G! We have a new blog!
What we need now is more folks to join Team 100WC to comment on the fantastic writing the children are doing. It would involve commenting on around 12 pieces across a week. Not much time needed but it makes SUCH a difference.
Leave a comment or tweet me (@theheadsoffice) for more details!
The children need you!
This statement is definitely a tongue-in-cheek one from David Didau in his post ‘What is Good Behaviour?’ where he admits to not being good at following a recipe because his need to question the directions often gets in the way. He explores the concept of ‘learning behaviours’ rather than just good behaviour.
As a Chair of Governors in both a special school for students with behavioural difficulties and a pupil referral unit, the recent inspections that both establishments had produced comments from the inspectors that risks need to be taken. By this they meant not concentrating on keeping the youngsters in their seats but allowing the creativity to take them where it will with open questions and the freedom to investigate the topic.
As I teacher, I was always concerned when being observed that if bottoms were not on seats and the volume of noise was not on quiet then the marks would be low! Behaviour management judgements seemed to be around a physically controlled classroom rather than one where learning was taking place.
However, if it is an environment where learning is encouraged, it is likely to look very different!
Can ‘good’ behaviour get in the way of learning? Are you a bit of a control freak and worry about behaviour especially if someone is watching you?
I spotted this post from Lara over at The Reall Battle and wondered if I could encourage a few more folks to take up the Governor challenge. I agree with Lara, that it is a very rewarding experience. Yes – it does take up time but then things that are worthwhile do.
You don’t have to be an experienced educationalist. Any experience you can bring will be beneficial to the school. You do need to be prepared to get involved if it is going to be more than a role where you only go to meetings. It is always a good idea to take advantage of any training that is going on as the role is becoming more vital to the success of the school. I firmly believe (with my ex-headteacher and present Governor hats on) that an efficient governing body can make a huge difference to the progress a school can make.
Go and read Lara’s post and see if you’d like to take up the Governor challenge! As she says
…. my passion is for learning, regardless of age or environment. I have a lot of experience to draw on and I want to be an active governor – I’m guessing that’s a pretty good start.
No one fails to learn yet many fail at school.
That very simple sentence from Deven Black in his post ‘I’m tired of Talking about Education’ is not only very powerful but one that should be shared with teachers, parents and people who make decisions about education.
Do you feel that the emphasis on school rather than learning is too great? If you are a teacher how do you break the barriers that the system may put up to stop you helping children learn?
I really enjoy reading John Spencer’s posts. They are varied in topic, often centring around education and his children but invariably they make me stop and think. This latest one ‘Go Read a Blog’ is no exception.
If Twitter is a crowded cocktail party and my Google Reader is a potluck, spending some time actually reading a few blogs felt a bit like hanging out by a campfire.The reason I’m sharing it here is that it got me wondering about our classrooms that are more and more being geared to testing and results. I wonder, do we sometimes not ‘read’ the answers our pupils give us? Are we pleased to hear the correct response without making sure there is understanding behind it? Do we hear the pupil voice in our work?
Well, schools have finally broken up and the festivities are beginning. I know some of the children will be finding time to do some writing over the holidays so that they can still join the 100 Word Challenge. This is brilliant!
Here at the Head’s Office, we have had a great year with lots of adventures. 2012 looks like it’s going to be exciting too with a new blog, a new challenge for the younger ones as well as some sponsorship! With all that happening, I’m taking a few days off to gather my strength ready for the new challenges. I couldn’t close the door though before saying a HUGE thank you to all of you who have supported me both here and on twitter.
Have a wonderful Christmas and hopefully, a peaceful and rewarding New Year!
I have been asked to help promote a new clothing brand that seeks to keep children safe in the dark. The coats are reflective without that awful yellow of high-vis clothes.
Do pop over to Julia’s Place and read more!
Well, you have asked for some amazing things for Christmas! Thank you all for taking the time during a very busy time at school to write for the 100 Word Challenge. Thank you too to all the teachers who have supported you. Once again, choosing the Showcase was VERY difficult!
********** WEEK #13 SHOWCASE **********
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We are all looking forward to breaking up for Christmas I’m sure. This prompt will stay open until 3rd January and I hope to be able to comment on them all as well as members of Team 100WC so I do hope you will all find some time to have a go!
The prompt is very seasonal but I want you to think really hard before doing your writing.
….in 2012 I hope for…
If you are a new visitor to this challenge, please read THIS to get all the details.
Now there is only one thing left for me to do for this year’s 100WC and that’s to wish you ALL, a
Following the recommendation to read Questioning Facts I came across a post from Oliver Quinlan.
Confusion is often a word with negative connotations when it comes to schools. To say a lesson confuses learners is to imply it is unsuccessful and in communicating with children it is often clarity that we are aiming for, but could creating confusion have any benefit?Here he explores using emotions to elicit facts and build a better understanding of a topic. However, like giving the facts, using emotions can go against the grain!
Read the article Questioning for Confusion and decide for yourselves!
In her post ‘Questioning Facts’, Malyn Mawby, an ICT integrator in Sydney, suggests that one way to get students questioning is to give them the facts. Now at first glance that seems rather pointless. Surely the idea is for them to ask questions to get the facts?However, if facts are seen as the start rather than the end – all sorts of wonderful enquiry can happen.
Go read and see if you agree!
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