new year – Page 12 – Pernille Ripp

advice, being me, MIEExpert15, new year, Passion, student voice

If You Could Change Just One Thing

December 27, 2014December 27, 2014 Pernille Ripp

“So if you have one piece of advice for anyone looking to change the way they teach, what would it be?”

I cannot count how many times I have been asked this important question or the myriad of ways. In podcasts, webinars, face to face, workshops, and even in lunch time conversations. What would you change? What would you do? What should we do?

It makes sense really. There is so much we could change, there is so much we could do. Yet, in the end if you only have energy for one change. If you only have space for one thing. Make it this…

Ask the students.

There you have it. The one thing I say every time I am asked. The one thing I wish we all did more of.

Ask the students what they want changed.

Ask the students what they love.

Ask the students how they want to learn.

Ask the students about your room set up.

Ask the students what their grade should be.

Ask the students if they have a voice, and if not, give them one.

Ask the students what they want to learn.

Ask the students why they stopped loving something.

Ask the students about their lives.

Ask the students what they hate.

Ask the students how they feel about you.

Ask the students and then listen to their answers.

Ask them and change your teaching.

If you do one thing in the new year, let this be it. One question is all it takes. One moment is all you need.

I am a passionate teacher in Oregon, 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” is out now from Corwin Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

being me, new year, reflection

I Need to Forgive Myself

September 16, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I have been rather contemplative as of late, not quite sure of myself, not quite sure of my worth as a teacher. I think many of us experience this every year as we start fresh, as we perhaps move grades, or move schools. Or even if we stay put, these new kids present us with a whole new world, and we forget that our old kids were once new to us as well.

So we beat ourselves up, think we are no longer great teachers, that we are not doing as well as the year before or that somehow we have already messed this year up. We lament our own limitations, highlight the things that are going wrong, and punish ourselves for not doing enough, teaching enough, being enough. We spend hours at night searching for solutions, new ideas, and new possibilities that will help us become that teacher again. That teacher that feels on top of the world. That teacher that feels like they did their part to help a child. Yet we forget that we already know a lot of what we need, that this too shall pass. That with each day and each moment with these kids, we get better, we grow together. The newness wears off and these kids became our new old kids and we settle into our groove.

So instead of continuing to beat myself up on this path of new, I am going to give myself a break. I am going to remember that I have never taught this grade level nor this curriculum before. That every day I AM trying something new even if it doesn’t feel that way. That it may not feel like I am becoming better or that we are growing together, but that we are, and I would know that if I only paid attention rather than beat myself up. I am forgiving myself for not being amazing. I am forgiving myself for not continually trying to be creative, push the boundaries. I am forgiving myself for the mistakes I am making every day. I am letting go of the need to try to be perfect, to even be great, and instead focusing on getting better, greatness will hopefully come some day.

I don’t know why i beat myself up. I don’t know why I pull myself down. But I do know that it doesn’t help. That reflection is great but self-doubt isn’t. I am learning once more to forgive myself for the teacher I am right now, with an eye on what I want to become. The path is there in front of me, I am already on my journey, but first I need to forgive myself. Do you?

PS: My second book comes out today. Empowered Schools, Empowered Students is finally ready for others to read, dissect, and hopefully like. Thank you to those who pre-ordered it.

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” is out now from Corwin Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

new year, students

I Wish I Had Had This in High School – The H&R Block Budget Challenge

September 8, 2014September 6, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I remember the first time I ran into not having enough money to get gas to get to work. It was my own fault so no sympathy needed. I was 19, working full time in a clothing store and definitely not budgeting any of my money. In fact, I wasn’t even keeping track. I just kept swiping my debit card until the cashier would tell me it was denied. Not a stellar money moment for me. And yet, I had to get to work and my car needed gas to get there and there was no way I was going to ask my parents for money. So instead I searched the car, I searched the couch, I looked everywhere for change and then went and filled my car up with the few dollars I had found. Off to work I went.

I wish that were the end of my budgeting woes, that it had been enough of a moment for me to think smarter about my money but alas that wouldn’t come for a few years. I was definitely not a saver, I loved to shop too much, and thinking about where my money went was boring. Now I shudder at the mistakes I made and how much I could have damaged my credit. This is why when H&R contacted me to ask whether I would promote their budget challenge for high school students, I jumped at the chance. After all, this is exactly what I wish I had experienced when I was growing up. Maybe something like this would have saved me from so many stupid decisions and mistakes.

What is the H&R Budget Challenge?

Participants encounter real-world personal budgeting situations, problem-solving, and decision-making through an online simulation and accompanying lessons that meet national standards. With sessions October through April, teachers have six opportunities to participate. This is for students 14 years or older, enrolled in grade 9 through 12 full-time. Today is the kick off to their new event, which of course is free for teachers to sign up for, but even better; there are scholarships and grants to be won!

What are the grants and scholarships?

For the top classrooms and teachers, so those who budget the best, there are prizes to win!

H&R Block will award $3 million in classroom grants and scholarships throughout the competition including a $100,000 GRAND PRIZE SCHOLARSHIP.

60 opportunities for classroom grants up to $5K

132 opportunities for student scholarships of $20K

Grand prize scholarship of $100K

Student incentive during game play

When does this start?

Sign up starts today and the first session kicks off in October. This is a great opportunity for teachers to help students learn solid financial skills before they make stupid mistakes like I did.

I have more questions!

Go to their website to read more about it and also register.

PS: I mentioned it already but this is a sponsored post by H&R Block, but how cool is this?

Be the change, being a teacher, new year, reflection, students

What I Learned My First Week of School

September 5, 2014September 5, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I thought I knew how to be a good teacher. After all, I have been doing alright in 5th grade. Yet, this week as I faced my awesome 7th graders, I realized that I still have so much to learn. That even though I have a few years under my belt, being new is still being new.

I learned that students wont automatically like you just because you are their teacher. That often we take that love and respect for granted in elementary but as they get older we have to work for it even more. The best part though is that I don’t mind working for it at all.

I learned that while I may think I am super human and can say yes to every project thrown my way, I am not. I have found my limits. I have found my tipping point. I am glad I did.

I learned that although I may have taught the same thing 5 times in a row, it is new to the students in front of me and they deserve the very best of me. Not the tired me. Not the rushed me. Not the “let’s just get through this” me. But the in-tune, attentive, fun-loving me. Every single student, every single time.

I learned that laughing at myself is a great way to get students to open up a little.

I learned that learning 118 names in 4 days is near impossible, even though I am soooooo close.

I learned that 7th graders still love picture book, hallelujah! They also love gruesome fairy tales and a good story. I think we will be okay.

I learned that you can win the team lottery twice in a row. That there are schools out there, districts even, that thrive on the positive, where teachers matter. Where ideas are shared, crazy thoughts supported, and small successes celebrated. These schools are no longer unicorns, they exist, and I hope everyone finds one.

I learned that being a team matters and that compromise is not a dirty word. We can still change education through compromise, through being kind, and that every person in a building brings something to the table. That being in a bubble and shutting your door should not be the norm, should not be okay. We have to get better at listening to each other.

But my biggest lesson this week; that 7th graders are so unbelievably great to teach. That my fears of not loving this age group as much as fifth was completely unfounded. That I am thankful for this chance of a new home, that “my kids” can really mean 118 students and not just 27. I am so lucky. I feel like I am home.

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.

being me, new year, reflection

Don’t Expect to Be Inspired

September 3, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I wanted to write something inspirational, gushing about the first days of school. Talking about the magic of them, the sheer adrenaline rush that carries us forth as we start to change lives. How our work is bigger than us and I can see the passion coming alive in the twinkle of my students’ eyes. But the truth is, I am too exhausted. My back hurts and so do my feet. My brain is going in circles, sporadically coming up with something that may turn into something, and oh the to do list has taken on a life of its own. So it is time for me to admit; I hate the first days of school. In fact, I think I even hate the first week.

I hate not knowing the kids. Sure, meeting them all for the first time is exciting, but not knowing their names upsets me. Not knowing what makes them tick slows me down. While I love hearing their expectations for the year and having them set the rules, I hate the process of it, because I want it to be in place already so we can move onto bigger things. I hate not knowing which books they prefer to read or how to best support them. I hate not knowing their handwriting or their writing voice. Right now, my 118 students are mostly just names that I yell out while taking attendance trying to see if I remembered correctly.

I hate that they don’t know me. We don’t have our world down. I don’t have anyone telling me I have to read a book or telling me their latest funny story. Instead they look at me, measure me up, trying to figure out who this crazy teacher is. I am judged with every word that comes from my mouth. I am contemplated whatever I do. The pressure can be nerve-wracking.

And yet, although I am ready to fast forward a month or even just a week, I see the seeds we have planted start to grow. A kid asks me for a book recommendation and I find him one he likes. Another shares a funny comment. And tonight, one child emailed me for help. We may not be a community yet. We may not get each other. They may not think I am funny ( like at all, 7th graders are a tough crowd!). They may not know the names of my kids or even feel that I am their teacher. But they do know I care. They do know that I love reading and writing. They do know that I am there.

So while the first week of school cannot end fast enough for me, I am a little bit in awe of the process that is happening with my kids. The trust they are starting to place in me. The small smiles. The little moments as they open up a touch. We are not there yet, in fact, we are not even close, but at least we have started our journey together. At least we are on the road. And still, can’t it just be the middle of February already?

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.

being a teacher, classroom setup, new year, Student-centered

Classroom Tour 2014

August 29, 2014 Pernille Ripp

I have never posted pictures intentionally to show off my classroom before, but since I am in a new room at a new school in a new district, I thought I would. You see, my classroom isn’t highly decorated or super inspiring, it is functional, bare, and waiting for the students to make their mark. So pictures from it don’t wow people in general, but I don’t mind. This classroom is a shell waiting for students to fill it. Bulletin boards will be made once they are here, things will be moved around, kids will enter and bring the room to life.

This sign greeted my students last year too. It hangs on our door and represents my feelings about teaching. Thank you Neil Gaiman for being so eloquent.

Supplies are accessible to students, I would rather have them grab what they need then leave the room to go to their lockers. There is more to the left of this picture.

phot 1o

Every day, we make a choice.

From the door this is what the room looks like. Desks in pods, ready to be moved as needed, with awesome natural light spilling in. Our library is my favorite corner.

As always I am showcasing covers of what I read (students will be doing the same inside the room later in the year) but this year I am also showing what I am writing and why.

Books read this week counts too for the year, I really need to finish Stargirl.

International Dot Day is September 15th. My 130 students will be making their mark on our bulletin board that day and the rest of the year.

Global connections and bringing the world in is what we do. This year my map will have strings attached to the pins leading to explanations of what we did with the place marked.

Our library awaits. Two students have already borrowed books during locker drop in, that makes me so happy. New books are below the green arrow for students to read and review. There is no check out system to the library right now, that may change depending on how the year goes.

Slightly messy desk area. I got rid of the traditional teacher desk 3 years ago and have not missed it. This table holds my computer and the stuff I need to teach with. I need to get a lamp but otherwise it is pretty simple. Letters from my former students hang next to the desk for me to share with my new students.

The view from my table and out into the team area. The round table is for conferencing or when students want to use it. Most classes have more desks than students so they can work wherever they want. We also have carpet for laying or sitting on which I love. Above the door it says “Represent” a message I have used with my students for years. The rainbow chart is voice level reminders since we are a PBIS school.

More new books greet students as they leave the room. Right now the book tree has some of my favorite new and old reads on it. I love how students who have come into our room immediately start to look at what is on here; mission accomplished. Also a quote about reading is my final message to them as they leave, this will be changed every few weeks.

We are the sharks so we each have a shark rug outside of our doors, but more importantly the whole team of students see the message “You matter” above my door. We cannot say this enough to the people we surround ourselves with.

There you have it; where I will be every day for the next 180 days – is it September 2nd yet? I think I need some students to make this place come alive.

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.