moving on

It is that time of year again in the International School setting where many families are saying good-bye and gearing up for their next adventure. Yesterday one of former students came up to me to tell me he was moving. He just found out last night and has not embraced the idea of leaving his friends and the school he loves. I could tell something else was on his mind too. So I asked him if he had a question. He said yes. He wanted to know what days I was working (I am not full time at the moment). When I told him everyday but Wednesday he smile and said good. That means I can get a hug nearly every day before I leave. How can you not melt??!!!!

best clipboard - a must have

Hey folks,

I wanted to share a little gem that I came across years ago. As a homeroom teacher, a PE teacher and a coach I was so thrilled to discover this awesome clipboard. I love it because it has storage for papers, a few pens, etc. It is just so handy and I have not seen other recommendations for it.

happy camping,

marta 

(looking forward to learning how add a cute, colourful signature)

My Thinking on a Thoughtful Classroom

Introducing "Our Thoughtful Classroom"

Tinker our "Thinking Frog"

How it Began:
Three summers ago I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Summer Institute at Harvard's Project Zero. I had a basis of exposure to the "Visible Thinking" framework at my school but it was while I was participating in this workshop that I had my "A-HA" moment. My "A- HA" moment was the idea to design and implement a "back to school" unit with a concentrated focus of creating a “thoughtful” classroom culture. This unit establishes the core foundation for our year. 


A "thoughtful" classroom to me is one where:

• lessons are created and teaching strategies are implemented to elicit deeper "thoughtful" thinking
• the attributes of the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes (such as: being respectful, open minded and curious) are the cornerstones of our "thoughtful" classroom culture
• "discovering yourself as learner" and “celebrating the individual” is truly nurtured
• students are teachers and teachers are students 

To create the unit I focused on these 5 categories:

• Discovering yourself as a learner
• Our CAMPING community
• Perspective
• Thinking Routines/Strategies (an introduction)
• Reflection

My main sources of instructional inspiration & thought provoking strategies come from:

Visible Thinking: Project Zero  

(We are very fortunate at our school to have a strong connection with Project Zero. I am thankful the learning opportunities as a result of this partnership.)

Whole Brain Teaching

& of course from wonderful teachers I meet on my educational journey.

I still consider myself an Apprentice on this journey. As such, I am always on the lookout for effective thinking strategies.

What are your thoughts? Would love to hear them.

1st Homework: Est. a Work Site

Back to School: I wanted to share the first homefun task I assign however I don't know how to share it as a link so a picture will have to do for now. 


(FYI My students and I decided not to use the term "homework" and as such, the term 'homefun" was adopted)

a HUGE SHOUT OUT TO  ashley @ thistlegirldesigns for her wonderful graphics  

Hello & Welcome

Hello & Welcome,


Well here we go. My new venture into the world of blogging has been totally inspired by all the wonderful educators who have paved the way by creating their blogs, posting on Pinterest & of course, by permitting people like me to catch a glimpse into what we were missing. 

Summer Bucket List

Many bloggers have been talking about their summer bucket list. This summer will be time for me to play, discover and explore blogging so that I will be "ready" for sharing in August. I also want to read more about the Reading and Writing Workshop as I loved my time at the Institute last summer & seriously, if I wait until school starts again we all know what will happen. 


Apart from reading (kindle loaded ;)  I am very excited that I get to play tour guide to my nephew and his two buddies who are coming to Europe to celebrate their new status as High School Graduates. How fun will that be?! I may be even more excited than they are. The remainder of the summer will be spent enjoying friends and family with some R&R at my cottage in Canada with my faithful pup, Tucker.


A quick introduction for Tucker. Tucker is my lovely pup who thanks to the wonderful & dedicated people at Petfinder.com and HOMEWARD BOUND animal Rescue I was able to rescue him from a 30 day kill shelter. He is truly an "Expat" as he is an American dog, adopted by his Canadian mom and loving life in Amsterdam. Tucker has his own passport and loves traveling too!    
  https://www.homewardboundawg.com/Home_Page.html

our adventure begins

Introducing Tucker