Be the change, being me, new year, Uncategorized

What’s Your Change this Summer?

June 27, 2014June 28, 2014 Pernille Ripp

One of my most favorite things about summer is that time to finally change something. While I change a lot throughout the year, summer is like my new year. The time where I have the energy to really think through practices, to get re-energized, to change something, big or small. Because that’s the thing with change, it doesn’t have to be monumental to matter. It can be just taking one step in a new direction, implementing one new idea, thinking one new thought. And while I tend to binge change, I thought it only appropriate to share some ideas that may help you change.

How about reaching out for global collaboration?

There are so many ways to get connected and to have your students get connected these days, even with the strictest of district policies and the smallest amount of tech, there are so many ways. The Global Read Aloud, a project I created in 2010, sets out to make it easy for you. You read aloud the same book as teachers around the world at the same time and then make a connection with others reading it. More than 150,000 students are signed up for this year so far. Others ideas for connection is through blogging, Twitter, Skype, Projects by Jen, The Traveling Rhino, or making your own project.

How about reading a great book?

There is nothing quite like sitting down with a really well-written education book to inspire your own journey. “The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller did that for me a few years back, as well as “Awakened” by Angela Watson (a book study is about to begin on this great book!). This year I am excited to finally take the time to read her second book “Reading in the Wild” and cannot wait to get inspired again. Also, on my to read list is “This is Not a Test” by Jose Vilson, “Falling in Love with Close Reading” by Chris Lehman and Kate Roberts, and “Encouragement in the Classroom: How Do I Help Students Stay Positive and Focused” by Joan Young. Finally, you can even read my book if you would like, it has been getting great reviews, “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students.”

How about a challenge?

It is not too late to get involved with some of the many challenges floating around the internet this summer. One of my favorites, and not just because the educator who is behind it all, Todd Nesloney, is a pretty awesome guy, but because it is so broad, is the Summer Learning Series. While the challenge is on it’s 4th week this week, it is not too late to get caught up. I have been doing some of the challenges mentioned and have been loving how I am getting connected.

How about learning a new tool?

This has been the summer of Voxer for me. This great little walkie talkie app has brought me even closer to some of the people I connect with and introduced me to so many new people. There is definitely something special about hearing people’s voices along with their ideas. Connect with me if you want, my user name is pripp5439. But that doesn’t have to be the tool you use, pick one, and make it your own.

How about learning a new skill that has nothing to do with education but then still does?

I will be starting Yoga in two week and I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally realize this dream. I just haven’t found the time before, but now I am making the time. So what have you been stalling on that you know will help you have a better life? Now is the time to start.

How about teaching someone something?

On July 24th, I get to lead a session on global collaboration through blogging here in Wisconsin, a subject near and dear to me, but it doesn’t have to be professional teaching to count. I am also teaching my 21 month old twins, Ida and Oskar, to go to the potty and Thea, my 5 year old, to ride a bike with no training wheels. There is always an opportunity to help others.

How about becoming a passionate reader?

There is nothing better than a great book you cannot wait to share with others. Some recent favorites of mine include:

The entire Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya by Jane Kelley
Noggin by John Corey Whalen
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

How about meeting someone new?

Whether you are at one of the many conferences this summer, moving to a new school like, or moving to a new city (also like me), what are you doing to meet new people? I have been blessed with the opportunity to create a great new team and I cannot wait to get to know them.

How about whatever you feel like? What is it you really want to take time to do? Every step we take matters, why not take it in the direction of change?

I am a passionate teacher in Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Be the change, behavior, being me, classroom management, reflection, students

So What’s My Problem With Public Behavior Charts?

June 21, 2014July 29, 2014 Pernille Ripp

image borrowed from Kimberley Moran – see her great post on how to move past behavior charts linked at the bottom of the post

The day starts out fine, you had your breakfast, you had your tea, you feel prepared, happy even. You are off to school and ready to teach. At the morning staff meeting you get so excited over an idea you lean over to your colleague to whisper in their ear. After all, they really need to hear this. “Mrs. Ripp, please move your clip.” Shocked, you look around and feel every set of eyes on you. You stand up, walk to the front, move your clip from the top of the chart to yellow or whatever other step down there is. Quietly you sit down, gone is your motivation for the day, you know it can only get worse from here.

Ridiculous right? After all, how many times as adults are we asked to move our name, our clip, our stick, or even write our name on the board so others can see we are misbehaving? We don’t, and we wouldn’t if we were told to, after all, we demand respect, we demand common courtesy, we expect to be treated like, well, adults. So us, moving sticks, yeah right…

Search for “Classroom behavior charts” on Pinterest and prepare to be astounded. Sure, you will see the classic stop light charts, but now a new type of chart has emerged. The cute classroom behavior chart, filled with flowers, butterflies, and smiley faces. As if this innocent looking chart could never damage a child, as if something with polka-dots could ever be bad. And sure, must of them have more than three steps to move down, but the idea is still the same; a public behavior chart display will ensure students behave better. Why? Because they don’t want the humiliation that goes along with moving ones name. Nothing beats shaming a child into behaving.

The saddest thing for me is that I used to do it. I used to be the queen of moved sticks, checkmarks, and names on the board. I used to be the queen of public displays heralding accomplishments and shaming students. I stopped when I realized that all I did was create a classroom divided, a classroom that consisted of the students who were good and the students who were bad. I didn’t even have to tell my students out-loud who the “bad” kids were, they simply looked at our chart and then drew their own conclusions. And then as kids tend to do, they would tell their parents just who had misbehaved and been on red or yellow for the day. Word got around and parents would make comments whenever they visited our room of just how tough it must be to teach such and such. I couldn’t understand why they would say that until I realized it stared me in the face. My punishment/behavior system announced proudly to anyone who the bad kids were, so of course, parents knew it too. So I took it down and never looked back. No more public humiliation in my classroom ever again.

We may say that we do it for the good of the child. We may say that it helps us control our classrooms. We may say that public behavior charts have worked in our classrooms. I know I used to. And yet, have we thought of how the students feel about them? Have we thought about the stigma we create? Have we thought about the role we force students into and then are surprised when they continue to play it?

The fastest way to convince a child they are bad is to tell them in front of their peers. So if that is what we are trying to accomplish, then by all means, display the cute behavior charts. Frame them in smiley faces, hearts or whatever other pinterest idea you stumble upon. Start everyone in the middle so the divide becomes even more apparent when some children move up and others move down. Hang those banners of accomplishment, make sure not everyone is on there. Make sure everybody has been ranked and that everybody knows who is good and who is bad. Create a classroom where students actions are not questioned, nor discussed, but simply punished. And then tell them loudly and proudly to move their clip. After all, if the whole class doesn’t know someone is misbehaving then how will they ever change?

To see one teacher’s journey of how she moved past public behavior charts, please read this post by Kimberley Moran “Moving Past Behavior Charts”

PS: As Patrick’s comment wonders, what are the alternatives? I have blogged extensively about what to do instead, just click the links highlighted in the post or go to this page

PPS: More thoughts on this have been posted tonight

I am a passionate teacher in Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4th, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Be the change, being a teacher, reflection

How The World Sees You Matters, So Tell Your Own Story

June 19, 2014June 20, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I started a classroom website 4 years ago with the intention of keeping parents informed. What I didn’t realize was that while I may have been doing just that, I was also telling the story of my classroom to the world. I was posting pictures of the students working, videos of things we did, information to those who cared. I didn’t realize others took note until I looked at the statistics one day and realized that it was not just parents who were tuning into our story. The world was seeing what was happening within our walls. And the world was paying attention.

Why does that matter? Because what I chose to display was, and is, a story of positivity. A story that showcases the incredible thinking my students do. A story that shows their investigations into failures, their curiosity driven learning, and their growth as leaders throughout the year. I chose what I put out into the world to represent our classroom and that is what people see when they search for us. Not the words of a district, or a parent (although they share our story too), or a journalist, but our own words, us telling our story.

How we share our classrooms, our schools, our districts matter. In fact, many people such as Tony Sinanis and Joe Sanfelippo talk about the brand of your school and asks, “Who is telling your story?” Are parents? Is the newspaper? Are kids? Are teachers? Are administrators? Because if you are not telling the story the way you want it to be told, then who will?

So I urge you to find a way to tell your story. To share your story the way you want the world to see it. As a district share the amazing events happening within on a Facebook page (yes, this is my new district!), Twitter, or whichever way that will work. As a principal, take pictures of your staff doing incredible things, tweet them out, highlight them, share them with staff, with parents, with anyone who will listen. As a teacher create a classroom website, a Facebook page, a blog, anything where you can share the stories of your students and then have your students share it with you. You shouldn’t let others tell your story, who knows if they will get it right?

I am a passionate (female) 7th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Be the change, being a teacher, books, reflection, Student-centered, students

A Second Book Cover Revealed…

June 16, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Some of you may know that I was lucky enough to be asked by Peter Dewitt and the amazing crew at Corwin Press to be a part of their Connected Educator book series. Peter asked me in the fall of 2013 and I thought I would have plenty of time to write the book, after all, doesn’t being pregnant afford you a lot of time to put your feet up? Well, Augustine arrived 10 weeks early so this book was finished watching her sleep and grow in the NICU, which only made me write more urgently for the need to change our schools and classrooms. So today,I am thrilled to be able to reveal the cover of my next book…

This book’s title really says it all. Another how-to book, just like “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students,” except this time focused on how to turn a whole school culture around, as well as within the classroom. Written for administrators and teachers, this book will give you many things to think about, easy ideas to implements, and tools to change your school culture right away.

The book is available for pre-order now and will be offered as both a print and an e-book, which makes me so excited! In fact, you should check out the whole series, I promise you it will be incredible!

Be the change, being me, books, reflection, Student-centered

Pick My Brain! (If You Want…)

June 16, 2014 Pernille Ripp

With the release of my book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” we thought it would be nice to have a chance to ask me questions, brainstorm ideas, and discuss anything and everything that has to do with how you are trying to implement change in your classroom or school. So please join me this Sunday, June 22, at 7 PM EDT for a webinar to do just that. No question is too big or little.

Here is the official information and how to join me.

Join us: Passionate Learners Live Webinar with author Pernille Ripp

Posted by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach on Jun 15, 2014 in PLPress | 0 comments

After several years of wondering why her own classroom didn’t match her vision of students driven by curiosity and passion, Pernille Ripp discovered that even the smallest changes can make monumental differences. Trusting yourself and your students and sharing the power of the classroom with them can lead to great teaching and learning even within the boundaries of our confining standards, testing obsessions and mandatory curriculums.

In her new book Passionate Learners, Pernille tells us what and how she changed—and how her students changed with her. We learn about the little and not-so-little things she did over the course of a transformational year, so that she could shift the responsibility for learning – the joy and wonder of it – to the kids themselves.

Now that this book has been out for a few weeks and hundreds of you have read her story, we want to give you the chance to ask your burning questions and discuss your own student-centered classrooms.

Passionate Learners Live Webinar

Join author Pernille Ripp, PLP CEO Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach, and PLPress Managing Editor John Norton for a one-hour live webinar on June 22 at 7pm EDT. During this webinar, we’ll take a deeper look inside Pernille’s new book Passionate Learners: Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students.

Whether you are just beginning or well on your way in your teaching career, this webinar can inspire you to break rules, take risks, and eagerly pursue your journey toward a classroom filled with passionate learners. Register for the webinar and get entered in a prize drawing!

Get Webinar Ticket

Be the change, new year, reflection

Please Find the Courage to Let Go

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 Pernille Ripp

The decisions weigh heavy on me every night; does it go with us? Does it stay behind? Is it useful or does it carry meaning? Do I have space for it in our new life, at our new house? With every decision, no matter how hard, the whisper of a new beginning comes to me. This home with all of its moments has been ours for 13 years. It has held us close while we cried over the loss of grandparents, refused job offers, and even losing the hopes of a baby. Yet, its logs has also been the frame for the promise of new careers, for birthdays and weddings. It has welcomed home 4 children, when no one thought it was possible. It has had its flaws, but it has been ours and every thing in it carries our story within,

Giving up ones possessions is hard. Sure, magazines and experts make it sound like an easy task; clean out, clean up, start fresh. And yet, when the decision is yours to be made, the pull of sentimentality is strong, the what if I need it some day rings loud, and the ease of maybe I will just put it in the basement deceives. So I pack, and I unpack, and then I take a deep breath and realize that it is not the things that are hard to say goodbye to, it is the fear of losing the memories that go with them. It is the ease with which I can place these things around my new house, find a purpose for them perhaps, or otherwise let them keep collecting dust just in case. It is the familiar, and the familiar, even if it means clutter and too much stuff is comforting and safe.

Our teaching is a lot like our house. We accumulate ideas, theories, and lessons throughout the years. We use some right away and they become our standard go-to pieces, ones we could not imagine teaching without. Others we shelve away for later and sometimes “later” does indeed come. Many ideas sit in our cabinets or even just our brains, waiting for that day where they have their turn. Other ideas we use because others did and it seems to be the right thing to do. Some ideas scare us too much making us think they will never work in our classroom.

Yet, when did we take the time really clean up our ideas? And not just the crazy ones, the old ones, the ones we never use, but even the ones we use the most. The ones that define us as a teacher. Even those should be evaluated now and then. We should not hold anything sacred. We should examine, unpack, and rethink what everything we do means. Consider how what we teach and how we teach affects the students we work with now. We should say goodbye to things that may have worked but whose time has come. We should rediscover ideas we never thought we would try. We should let the decision weigh heavy on our shoulders and still find the courage to let go and change. Now is the perfect time to start.

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.