Learning Conversations

I’m a big fan of Dave Sands, a principal and inspiring human being. His message about kids, social networking and internet safety is so down to earth and grounded! He reminds us that, although the technology has changed, what kids are looking for and our parental need to stay connected with our kids hasn’t!

I don’t think he has a blog yet… Maybe one day!

In the mean time, I came across an article he wrote about recognizing a learning opportunity with WebKinz stuffed animals. From talking to Dave, I know that he’s used this program with a few classes now with great success. I love it because it takes what kids are already interested in (or should I say obsessed with??) and uses that engagement to teach them valuable lessons about life and safety!

I think learning is always powerful when you’re having so much fun that you don’t even realize you’re learning!

And Dave does that so well!

It’s overwhelming when we start looking at EVERYTHING that needs attention and funding and work in our public education systems!

I’ve been feeling a theme developing and I’m pursuing it with vehemence in my district.

It takes a community to raise our children – not one of us has the solution by ourselves and we’ve been spending too much time individually (or as separate groups) trying to fix it.

Collaboration and a single unifying vision will take us to the next level.

So, what I’m working on is:

1) Bringing every discussion, every planning exercise, all data collection, every tech plan back to a comparison of how it helps us move toward the best intellectual, social and emotional learning environment FOR EVERY LEARNER. Does this proposal enhance or detract from that vision?

2) Building bridges between partner groups (teachers, administrators, students, school boards, support workers, District management, parents, community groups, etc… When we all understand our roles in the system and the value we bring towards achieving our vision, then we can work together to find the REAL solutions that will work for everyone!

There is no ONE solution, no magic bullet.
We cannot do it ALONE.

The COLLECTIVE PASSION of educators, students and parents is more powerful than the bureaucracy that often stands in our way. Once we focus that passion, nothing will be able to stop us!