T.G.I.F Newsletter - Student Achievement, Dreams, and Fear

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Hello Friends and T.G.I.F. 😁 Here are some things I thought were worth sharing this week.

Have a great weekend!

The News

Here are some articles that grabbed my attention.

• The Socratic method is alive and well. Some teaching strategies have stood the test of time because they are effective. How might new technology be used to implement the Socratic method?
• Smaller class sizes are optimal for increasing student achievement. What impact will the teacher shortage have on class size and what can be done about it? I’ve been fortunate to have small class sizes throughout my teaching career. When there are fewer students I’m able to offer a better experience for learners. I can’t imagine having 41 8th graders in one class. It would be a tough situation to manage.
• I have no desire to be a human shield.
• Dreams are powerful. Children should be encouraged to dream and explore their dreams logically. Adults with dreams are happier even if their dreams don’t unfold the way we would like them to.
• The fear of performing badly can limit excellence in education. Too many rules can stop students and schools from trying to be creative and innovative.
• July 1st is International Joke Day - Here Are Some Teaching and Learning Resources For Using Humor In The Classroom.

Growth

Personal Development and Wellness Resources

• The older I get the more I like to walk. It turns out that there are many benefits that come with taking a daily stroll. My favorite side effect of walking is that it always puts me in a better mood.
• I recently had a few low motivation days when I didn’t feel like doing anything productive, then it happened, all of the sudden I felt like getting stuff done. It was like I was recharged and ready to go. Here are 8 things to do when you get an unexpected motivational boost.

Inspiration

Here is a quote I’ve been revisiting this week:

“Vulnerability doesn’t come after trust—it precedes it. Leaping into the unknown, when done alongside others, causes the solid ground of trust to materialize beneath our feet.” - The Culture Code* by Daniel Coyle

Favorite Things

• ⛺ Family Camp - We head off to family camp for our summer vacation at YMCA Camp Jorn on Sunday. Two of my children are on the Family Camp Webpage tubing next to their cousins. Camping feels good.
• 🚲 Persistence and Motivation - I'm proud of my brother and his team for completing the Race Across America.
• 🔥 Gadgets - Here are some of my gadget and gift picks for the summer. It includes items that contribute to relaxation and reflection.

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