new year – Page 16 – Pernille Ripp

Be the change, being a teacher, new year, Student-centered, students

3 Easy Things to Try That Will Make a Big Difference

July 26, 2014 Pernille Ripp

The reviews have been rolling my way, quietly, yet loudly making my heart sing.

“I loved #PassionateLearners book by @pernilleripp so much bought copies for our whole staff! Great read for where we are at & wanting to go!”

” I am enjoying your book. You climbed into my head and my thoughts. Thank you for sharing your story.”

“”I never marry an idea, I date it.” Pernille Ripp in Passionate Learners. Great quote from an awesome book!

These people, these strangers, are reading my first book “Passionate Learners…” and they actually like it. What an amazing feeling that is. This book about my own transformation is inspiring others to change the way they teach, helping them give the classroom back to their students too. What an honor to be a part of someone else’s journey of change.

So I am often asked, where do I start? What can I easily do right now to change the way my classroom flows? Here are my top three most frequently given answers (I think).

Ask your students what they want. This simple, yet teacher-changing way of changing the way we teach is also one of the easiest things to do. It is what we do with their answers that may make it hard. So ask your students what they would like their year to be like? What they would like their rules to be? How an assignment should be done. What a great teacher does. And anything else you can think of. I started asking my students all of these questions and more, and then I started changing the way I teach. Why not give them a voice?

Let students work wherever they want. I hate sitting still, I hate being forced to sit in a desk. My students can work wherver they want as long as it works for them and the people surrounding them.

Offer Choice. The very first thing I will do with all of my 7th graders is to ask them to pick the picture book I read aloud to them. Then they will be asked to respond to it in some way. While not full choice, as in, “What do you want to do right now?” it gives them an idea of what our year will be like. That we will share a lot of reading and writing but that their choices in reading and writing matter. That they are here to uncover or shape their inner reader/writer and that their voice matters.

These three simple things can make an incredible difference in any environment. Think of the message it sends from the very beginning; your opinion matters, as do your ideas, and you know yourself best. That is the message I hope to start with and that is the message I hope my students understand.

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, being me, new year, Student-centered, students

What We Need to Remember

July 25, 2014 Pernille Ripp

“I don’t think I can thank you enough.” And with that, we said goodbye, and our nanny of the last two years left our home for the last time, ready for her new adventure. I held back tears, after all, our nanny has helped us raise them, helped us care for them, helped us love them. We have trusted her with our most important parts; our kids, and she has always lived up to the challenge. I hope our new nanny does too, after all I spent weeks picking her.

When we send our children to school, we don’t have as much choice in who they get as a teacher. We hope, of course, that whomever they get will love them, will care for them, will help them be passionate learners. But the choice is not really ours. We place our faith in an interview process that may have happened long ago, a screening or selection process for class lists that may be mostly random, and we place our faith in the humanity of that very teacher. That they will get our child. That they will love them too. And it is our job to love, to think, to remember.

So before we plan for anything new this year, remember they are a child.

Before we raise our voice, point our finger, shut the door, remember; they are a child.

Before we get frustrated, get ready to discipline, to gossip about that thing that drove us crazy, remember they are a child.

Someone whose parents hopes that you get what they see at home.

Someone whose parents sends their best child to us every day.

Before we assume that parents don’t care, or that there is nothing we can do to help, remember; they are a child.

Before we tell them the long-term consequences of their poor decisions, remember they are a child.

Before we shoot down ideas, reject change, reject new, reject anything other than our own, remember; they are a child and we should be doing our best to give them the best.

Before we hold back, before we leave scars, before we tell a child what they can or cannot do, remember exactly that, they are a child. They do not belong to us, but we get to have them for a bit. They are someone else’s, ours to borrow, ours to safeguard. They are someone’s child, yes, but they are also ours for just a little bit and we can never forget that.

being a teacher, being me, new year, reflection, Student-centered

In Defense of Boredom

July 21, 2014July 21, 2014 Pernille Ripp

You would think Thea, my 5 year old, would be in her element. Long lazy days to do whatever she wants. Beautiful afternoons to spend at the playground next door. Time to read, play, draw, dance, even watch TV. Heaven…except it’s not. Thea is bored. And she tells me frequently whenever I am not playing with her. Whenever we are not doing something.

At first, I jumped into action. Boredom dispelled with fun activities. Boredom banished by mama and her wallet. You want a dog and pony show, coming right up! Except it wasn’t enough, it never was. I found myself searching the web frantically looking for more great activities. Running to the store to buy more stuff. Turning on the TV as a last ditch attempt. Being a boredom buster became a full time job and I was exhausted. Since when did summer become one endless list of to do’s? If she was bored, well, then I was a bad mother.

This happens in our classrooms too. We think that if we aren’t putting on a show, we are not doing our job. That if students aren’t excited and loudly engaged at all times, we must be failing as teachers. We imagine that there will be no time to be bored. Students will practically skip into our classrooms, eager to start. And sure, some days they do. Those days are easy. It is the days where they drag their feet, have to prop open their eyes, stifle yawns and give you that look, those are the days where we really work.

Yet, much like I realized with Thea, it is not my job to be the boredom buster. It is my job to present learning opportunities that might engage, that might excite, that might spark an interest. But I can only do so much. I can only bring so much to the classroom, and at some point the students have to step up too. At some point, they have to embrace their boredom and find out what to do with it. How to work through it. How to be their own boredom busters.

We try to shield children from boredom and in our eagerness forget that being bored is a gift. Being bored is not a four-letter word. It is not something to avoid, nor something to ridicule. Out of boredom comes curiosity. Out of boredom rises innovation. If we do not give our students quiet time, time to reflect, time to be still, yes time they may see as boring, then we are robbing them of time to think.

We think that our classrooms should be loud at all times. That loudness equals learning. Yet, I have found that some of my most powerful teaching moments have been the quiet ones. Where students have had time to think, to be bored, to create, all without me putting on a show. Sure, loudness is important as well. But the true essence of innovation can often be found shrouded in silence, when students are asked to do something about their boredom.

So when Thea tells me she is bored, I ask her what she will do about it. She has run to her room and pulled on her princess dress only then to concoct an elaborate fantasy scene with parts for everyone in the family. She has quietly drawn pictures of things I would never imagine. She has gone to her room and sat with a book. She will never stop telling me she is bored, after all, it seems to be a rite of childhood, but I am no longer the one that rescues her. She is doing that herself. Let’s give the same chance to our students. Let us help them embrace being bored.

Be the change, being a teacher, being me, new year

A Letter to Those Who are New, Myself Included…

July 19, 2014December 29, 2014 Pernille Ripp

It’s that time of year where many thoughts in North America turn toward our new year ahead. A year filled with so much possibility that we can hardly contain our energy. Or a year filled with so many obstacles that we are not sure where to even start. Now is the time for advice it seems, more posts will probably come forth with nuggets. But this post is not just for those that are new, it is for myself too. I am teaching a new grade (hello 7th grade!) in a new fabulous district (hello Oregon!) with amazing new people (hello team!). So this letter is a reminder to me…

Dear Pernille,

Be fearless. I know you are having nightmares, the one where the kids wont quiet down and you end up standing on top of a table screaming at them just to take attendance. But that’s not how it’s going to be. It may feel that way at times, but you will never, ever have to stand on top of a table screaming at children. At least not for bad reasons. So let it go and realize that although the next year will be filled with scary, it will also be filled with new. A new chance for you to spread your passion for reading and writing. A new chance for you to build connections, to be a part of a team, to work for a common vision. How often do we get to say that we get to start over again and really mean it?

So have goals. Be brave. It is okay to present new ideas that you might not have thought out completely, but that you know in your stomach will probably work. It is okay to try something and then have it fail. It is okay to not have every answer. It is okay to show the students that you are nervous like them, that this is a new adventure for you too. It is okay to get excited about the latest picture book. It is okay to let your inner dork shine. And who are we kidding, I don’t think you could hide that nerdiness anyway.

Be true to you. You have a vision for how your classroom should feel so make it work, but not just for you, but for all of those kids who come to you with their curiosity, their fears, their dreams. They should feel safe in your room, much like you hope to feel safe with them. Don’t ever think your words don’t matter. They matter more than you will ever know, and you will never be able to reach them all but the trick is with teaching that you don’t know who you are reaching at what time. So don’t give up on any of them, keep trying for all of them. Even when you are sure they could not possibly push you any harder.

Don’t lose yourself in the job. Yes, teaching is this all consuming amazing experience that we can live and breathe. But you have children of your own that need you too. You have kids at home that need their days listened to, their curiosity protected, that need time with just you. Not you and your computer. So give yourself fully when you are at school, but then leave it behind when you drive home, open up to the children at home, they need you too.

Say yes to as much as you can. Say yes to that that scares you We only grow when we push ourselves. But don’t say yes so much that you cannot find the time to breathe. There may be more opportunities than ever coming your way and so many things you would like to do. But just don’t. Teaching is enough. Being a parent is enough. You have nothing to prove to the world, that is not your job.

Don’t be ashamed of being you. You may not always have the best advice. You may not always be an expert. You may not always know what you are doing, but you still have worth. Your ideas still matter. You still matter. Your excitement can spread. Your newness may be an advantage at times. Your energy and curiosity will help you. So don’t stand in your own way.

This year will be an adventure, you already know that, but this year is just another year. Even on your worst days, it will only be a day. The tide will always turn. There will always be more good than bad. More success than failure. And you can only do your best, you can only bring everything you’ve got, you can only do so much. There will be much outside of your control, but how you feel about it is in your hands, don’t forget that. Smile, laugh, think, reflect, reach out, be you, be kind, be honest, wonder, and try. Yes, this next year will be scary at first, but anything amazing always. I have a feeling it will be just fine.

Love,

Pernille

being a teacher, being me, new teacher, new year

Starting Over Again – Some New Teacher Tips From A Not So Veteran Teacher

July 18, 2014 Pernille Ripp

It never gets easier being the newbie. You aren’t quite sure where to go. You aren’t quite sure what that person’s name is. You aren’t quite sure where to get that thing you need or who to ask that question. So you improvise, smile at everyone you see, and you try to figure things out. I thought being a new teacher when you are a veteran would be different. Lo and behold, I was wrong. The same anxiety, the same nervousness, the same complete cluelessness has surrounded me since I first set foot at OMS. And yet, this time I know what to do at least to get more comfortable. That’s the benefit of having done this before.

Reach out. One of the first things I did when I accepted the job was to reach out to my new team and start asking them questions. I was even lucky enough to join them for a day, shadowing the person whose job I would fill. These new connections continue to make the transition so much easier.
Ask stupid questions. To you the question may seem stupid but probably not to those answering it. I have asked a lot of questions and every single answer has helped me prepare.
Explore. I have wandered thought the school on several occasions, just trying to find my bearings. I don’t feel quite as lost as I did before.
Figure out the alarm. I had to move my boxes in on a Sunday, which meant I had to conquer the alarm and a huge metal gate. Sure, it was nerve-wracking but now that I have tried it, I would have no problem doing it again if need be.
Write stuff down. I have been keeping a note of who I am meeting and what they teach, not that I totally expect to remember them all but it is nice to see the list grow and try to make a concerted effort in remembering people’s names.
Step up. I was asked to be a part of the district’s personalized learning committee, and although I at first felt like I would not have the time to do it since I am teaching all new things, I knew how beneficial this will be for me. So say yes to new opportunities, I cannot wait to help the district continue its vision.
Be you. I know that we end up presenting a polished version of who we are at first, we can’t help it, but it is also okay to start relaxing and letting the every day you shine through. Yes, you impressed them with your skills and got the job but now it is time for you to let your guard down a bit so they can get to know you, bad sense of humor and everything.
Introduce yourself first. Don’t wait for people to come up to you, go up to them. They may not realize you are a new staff member, so approach, introduce, and try to remember their names.
Be nice. I cannot stress how far simply being nice will get you.
Figure out traditions. I am so lucky to be a part of a very tight knit team that has a lot of traditions in place, I am not here to change them, I am here to first be a part of them. You may be asked to do things that don’t quite fit your vision, give it a chance before you decide what works for you and what doesn’t.
Listen first but don’t stay silent. Always be open to new ideas, but do not be afraid to add a few of your own. Show your worth, but also show that others’ ideas have merit.
Work on your classroom but don’t finish it. I have been busy at work setting everything up and yet the room will be unfinished when we start. I need the students to put the finishing touches on it to make it our room.
Dream big. I love blogging, but I have never blogged with 138 students. This year we are trying it, not because they have to but because I am passionate about it and crazy enough to try it. What’s the worst that can happen? So dream your big ideas and don’t be afraid to try them even if you are not quite sure how it will fit.
Trust yourself. Yes, you may have all new curriculum or all new everything but it is okay to listen to your inner voice and make all the new work for you. Don’t try to be someone else, make it your own.
Bring you with you. I brought my rocking chair an elementary style classroom library with me. Sure, 7th graders may not think that is cool, but it is who I am. I love reading aloud from that chair so I am staying true to that. Don’t feel you have to give up who you are just because you are a new teacher.

Finally, don’t be afraid. I know a new job is terrifying, I am right there in the thick of it, and yet my fear is being replaced with a little bit of thrill, a little bit of giddy, a little bit of excitement. The dreams I have for my new students are starting to fire me up, the passion I have for teaching is pushing me forward. A new adventure awaits and I cannot wait to go on it.

Be the change, blogging, new year, Student-centered

Ideas for Integrating a Student Blog into Your Curriculum

July 15, 2014 Pernille Ripp

When I moved this blog to WordPress some posts did not survive, so in an effort to move some of my favorite posts with me, I will be republishing them here. This one first appeared in October, 2012.

One thing I have loved about blogging and what it does for my students is how easily it has been to integrate it into our curriculum. I knew when we started that I didn’t want an extra layer of “stuff to do” because we already have too much “stuff to do.” So if I were to have my students blog, it had to be as authentic and as meaningful as possible, without it becoming another homework burden. With that in mind, here are some beginning ideas for integrating blogging into your classroom.

Those daily journal responses we have to do as part of writers and readers workshop, those go on our blog instead for those who choose it. Some students prefer to type, others relish the pencil and paper, I love that they have a choice.
Writing about our reading. I love when students write about the books that they read or give recommendations. When we blog about that it opens up a dialogue, rather than a static finished product. Here students can become experts on their books and connect with others that loved it (or hated it) just as much as they did.
Science detectives. I love adding video cameras and digital cameras to our lessons. They offer students a different way to document their learning and they always provide me with a much deeper insight of what students now versus a worksheet. So why not post it on our blog for others to see and learn with us. This is a great a way for parents to see what is happening, as well as for the kids to be questioned by other classes or scientists. This adds a whole other dimension to our experiments.
Editorials or just plain old opinions. I love when students use their blogs to form, discuss or expand on their ideas. Our blogs are used to comment on the happenings in the classroom. I ask the students to become reflective learners and process their role as a student. It never ceases to amaze me what I learn from students when they open up on their blog.
Deepening social studies. I believe in project based learning and social studies lends itself incredibly well to this. So I encourage students to expand their thinking about their project through their blogs, as well as to post finished products if “postable.”
Group writing. I love it when students write blog posts together, whether it be for a story or to share a common experience. Blogging as a team or group shows off their ability to conform to a common voice while adding individual flair.
Reporting on events. When we go anywhere or take a virtual field trip I ask students to share their experiences, show of their expertise, and give me their honest opinion. Field trips don’t end after you get back, they should be digested and discussed and blogging is a great medium for that.
Furthering their mathematical thinking. I used to have students do exit slips on which they explained something we learned in their own words and while I still use them once in a while, I love using our blog instead. I have students create a problem that fits into what we discussed and then solve it for, or explain their thinking behind the problem. We can then invite others into our math class and students get to share their knowledge.
Let me know how I am doing. While not part of our curriculum, this is a huge factor in the success of our classroom. Students have to have a mouthpiece in education and by voicing their opinions on our blogs we are able to engage other educators and students in the debate. Change starts with us, so we should be providing students with an outlet for their opinions.
Finally, and most importantly, it has started a global conversation in our classroom and brought the world in. Student blogging is one the easiest ways to trylu help students shape their global citizenry.

These ideas are beginnings, there are so many things you can do with student blogs, you just have to jump in and look for the natural fits in your curriculum. Students don’t need more work, they need more authenticity in their educational experience. Blogs can help us do that.