Sometimes, things happen serendipitously; we don't necessarily plan for it, but we try something new, and we find out that it works!
Last year, Josh Reppun (host of the What School Could Be podcast) and Mel Ching (Director of Community & Engagement at What School Could Be) invited me to be part of their playground at the Schools of the Future Conference. I would be hosting the Fantastical Imaginarium Goodnight Moon Book Study. I had no idea what to expect, but I had fun during those two days, talking about books with conference attendees who came by to my station. We discussed favorite children’s books and talked about the book I had written, “Educating with Aloha.” Reading has always been something I enjoy, and it was nostalgic to talk about books we love to share with our students, our children, grandchildren, and friends.
Earlier this year, Josh and Mel had an idea. How about doing a blog study? We hashed out the idea, and after some discussion, we had our format. Sessions were held over Zoom in the What School Could Be community. After we introduced ourselves, the writer read his/her blog aloud while the rest of us listened. After that, we had a conversation, asked questions, shared ideas, and in the process, we lifted each other up. The sessions went by quickly, and before we knew it, 45 minutes had passed.
This is professional learning for the writer as well as for all of us in the session, whether we were actively engaged or quietly reflecting. For the writers, it was an opportunity to receive feedback, to answer questions, and to hear from others about the impact of their writing. As bloggers, we rarely receive comments or questions unless it is a controversial topic or it is published in a venue with a wider audience; so getting feedback was invaluable. For the listener, it was an opportunity to reflect on what they heard, to ask questions, to add to the conversation, and to come away with ideas they could implement in their own classrooms.
Every session was wonderful, and even though some writers may have felt a little nervous at the beginning, I think they all were more confident at the end of their session. When we open ourselves up to new experiences, we grow, and that is essential for educators. How can we tell students to step out of their comfort zone if we don’t do it ourselves?
The beauty of a blog study as a model for professional learning is its simplicity. There is no homework, and participants just need to come to the session with an open mind and an open heart, willing to listen and to share their thoughts or their questions. It is a win-win for everyone.
Today’s session was our last for this academic year, but we hope to continue next year. Our tentative plan is to open it up to include writers from anywhere, not just Hawai`i. We will continue to use the What School Could Be community to host these sessions so if you’re not yet a member, please consider joining.
I am grateful to the following educator writers who opened themselves up to this new experience. I’ve included links to the blog or article they shared. Perhaps you can use their writings as a way for you to reflect and grow professionally. I am sure they would love feedback from you 😊
Lory Peroff: Honest Reflection: A Necessary First Step in Doing No Harm
Jonathan Medeiros It’s Time to Think Beyond the Curriculum
Derek Minakami: Empty Spaces of Aloha: A Love Letter to Teachers
Eric Stinton: Kids are Struggling to Cope. We Need to Help Them
Erin Medeiros: COVID, Communities, and Connections
Whitney Aragaki: To Create Safer Spaces for Our Students, Teachers of Color Must Reckon with Our Settler Identity
Michael Ida: Supporting Students with Hidden Disabilities
Kevin Agtarap: Labels are for Jelly Jars: An SEL Reflection
Corey Obungen: How do learners become more resilient, have enough grit or increase mental toughness?
No comments:
Post a Comment