Pernille Ripp

being a teacher, being me, communication, contest

We Are Only Human, Why Do We Forget That?

May 13, 2012 Pernille Ripp

Being a blogger, a teacher, a person who exposes themselves to the world through their words and actions, our personalities sometimes get distorted. We get boxed in, labeled, or categorized in some way, all so that others can get a better handle on who we are and what we stand for.

Strangers decide whether they like us or not on small acts, on assumptions that they create, on things we say, write, do and then spread that like or dislike to others, forever judging us based on perhaps one blog post, one idea of what we are, or some distorted image. And sometimes others forget that we are humans too. Parents send angry emails based on an assumption, anonymous commenters attack rather than discuss, and sometimes people you consider to be part of your support network drop you like you were yesterday’s news. And it hurts, and our blogging, or our teaching interferes with the emotions we bring home and into our homes. Our personal relationships suffer because of what happens outside of us, outside of our own realm of control, and we wonder why we put ourselves out there?

This school year, I was a top 10 finalist in a contest for good teachers. While I had nothing to do with my own nomination, I used it as a way to show that having a non-traditional classroom in a public school setting was indeed possible. And yet, no matter how noble my intentions, the contest proved to be detrimental to me as an educator and as a person. I said yes to continue on in the contest because if I won, I could get $10,000 and use it for something at my school; a new gym floor, working computers, more books. And that was something bigger than me. I knew there would be backlash but the magnitude of it still astounded me. People who I thought would understand, perhaps not support, but understand, berated and tore me to shreds. Educators whom I admire in my PLN decided that they would no longer follow me or have conversations with me, teachers whom I admire thought I did it as a way to show off, to elevate myself above the rest. And it hurt. And it confounded. And even though you try not to take it personal, you do, because it is. And even though you try to pick up the pieces, they just never fit back together the same way. The people are gone, the communication is gone, the care is gone.

So I learned my lesson, don’t think you are anything special – perfect for a product of Janteloven – because others will disagree. Others will tear you down. How sad, how utterly contrary to what we stand for as educators, how eye opening. And yet, I continue to congratulate others, to be excited about their success and I remind myself whenever I see someone within my realm of the world; whether global PLN or local community, that is being recognized that I should cheer for them. That I should be happy whenever an educator is recognized for something good rather than some evil they have done.We are all just human, and words hurt more than we know, we should be each others biggest cheerleaders, there are enough people trying to tear us all down.

Uncategorized

So You Are Going to #EdCamp – How To Stay Involved & Stay You

May 9, 2012July 24, 2013 Pernille Ripp

Picture from my first EdCamp, I am all the way to the left

The first ever Wisconsin EdCamp, #EdCampMKE, is this coming Saturday which made me think back to when I was getting ready to attend my first EdCamp in Chicago last year. To say I was nervous wouldn’t quite cover it. It was more of a, “Why did I sign up for this and I can’t believe people will see me, what if they hate me…” kind of pukey feeling nervousness. So I figured I am not alone, perhaps you are about to attend an EdCamp or even some other conference where you are meeting people from your PLN for the first time, perhaps you are an old pro at these events. Either way, here is what I wish I had known before I went.

Initiate. My first EdCamp I sat at a table until my friend Katie found me. I was so nervous to say hi to anyone, I would have gladly sat at that table all day, just slipping through the cracks. But that is not what EdCamps are about; they are there for you to start a conversation, so do so right away. Sit down at a table that is having a lively discussion or say hi to someone sitting by themselves. We don’t all look like our avatars so you never know who that person is and just how introvereted they may really be, me included.
Engage and speak up. Once you have made initial contact; speak up. Add your voice to the conversation, again this is what make EdCamp so ingenious, it is all about communication and relationships.
Propose. I am passionate about limiting grades, homework and rewards in the classroom and no one had offered a session on it. So up to the stage I went with my proposal. The worst thing that could happen? No one showing up, but instead it was a lively one hour discussion that brought many people to the table. So if you have something you would love to discuss, propose a session or find someone to propose it with you. This isn’t about you lecturing a group of people; it is all about the discussion.
Think Un-Tech. I love technology! But I don’t want to discuss it all day, so please come to EdCamp with more than just tech-related ideas. And while there is room for everything at EdCamp, there needs to be a balance. We may all be geeking out over possible 1 to 1 initiatives but isn’t education much more than just fancy tools?
Move on. So you really want to discuss a particular topic but no one else does, or the session you thought was going to be incredibly exciting is just not? Move on. Do so quietly and respectfully, but do find something that interests you, otherwise why bother spending your Saturday afternoon there.
Be Nice. EdCamp isn’t about snark or putting others down, it is about community and great debate. So just like our moms taught us; play nice. And that also goes for the backchannel that usually pops up.
Be Courageous. If you are passionate about something bring that to the session or better yet, lead your own. I am not an expert on anything but I do have opinions so why not add them to the conversations. Yes, people may disagree with you but you may learn something and so may they.
Be Creative. At the last EdCamp Chicago my friends Katie and Jason led a session on the shy/introverted educator and their place in educator. What a fantastic creative topic that I was so sorry I missed. Think of what you really want to discuss and take it further. Why not start a discussion on how we can actually change education in our country starting in your classroom, or how to bring passion in to the classroom or some other topic that may seem a bit out of the ordinary. While you may not come up with solutions, the conversations will probably still be worth it.
Be Quiet. Yes, I know I have said to speak up but also know when to listen. I was amazed at some of the things and ideas coming from other people, as long as I stopped talking long enough to hear them. So add you ideas and then listen to others. It is the give and take that make EdCamp extraordinary.
Drink water. This very pregnant mama will be the one chugging water all day and you should do the same. EdCamp, or any other conference, can be exhausting and you want to stay alert for the whole day.

Fellow EdCamp Veterans, what did I miss?

contest

Appreciate a Teacher – Win a Gift Card Thanks to Adobe

May 8, 2012 Pernille Ripp

I know teacher appreciation week is in full swing in many places, and I am sure feeling the appreciation here at school. So the great people of Adobe thought they would pass on some appreciation as well to you and your favorite teachers. It is actually quite simple; for the chance to win a $25 iTunes gift card, followers must tag @AdobeStudents and write a wall post about their favorite teacher/mentor and why on the Adobe Student Facebook page . Write a story, post a quote, share a video/picture/give a shout out. You can even win a $50 gift card if you create something with Photoshop or Illustrator and post that.

SoO get appreciating and maybe some good karma will come your way as well.

being a teacher, classroom expectations, summer, teaching

Summer Is Not Here Yet – Tips To Stay Motivated and Energized

May 8, 2012 Pernille Ripp

See that kid walking in; the one who smiles every day and then just kind of retracts into their own world. yeah that child, well, it is not too late to make a connection. In fact, now, as the end of the years nears is the perfect time to try again. I know you are busy, I know summer looms large, but still, how about another try?

With less than 5 weeks to go, some are in summer mode, both teachers and students, and others continue to push on. At the end of every day with my students I say, “There goes another day in 5th grade but boy we have a lot to do.” In our room there is a sense of urgency; a need for efficiency, hard work and a little bit of pressure because the learning just does not have time to wait. Students are busy with larger end of the year projects and I work more as consultant than direct instructor. Sure side conversations slip in but overall there is a sense of mission. A sense of using the year to the fullest degree, of finishing with a bang rather than a fizzle.

So what can we do to keep ourselves motivated?

Reach out and speak to someone new. We tend to retract during this time, feeling that our schedules are overpacked and there is so much to do but there is something about reaching out and making a new connection. Whether it is with a student, a colleague, or a parent even, now is the time to continue to build relationships. It provides spark and energy and new ideas, what else could you want in May.
Get heavily invested. I am very invested in these end of the year projects and I am in new territory with all of them. Students are acting as teachers in one with an assessment piece even tied in by them. Another lets us use Adobe Elements which I have never attempted, you get the drift. Instead of resting and trying something safe, I continue to push it and it keeps me revitalized, which directly translates to the energy level of the classroom.
Now is the time for conversation. Although my mind is fully in this year, knowing I have a maternity leave coming up, I want to make sure I set my sub up with the best options, so my students and I speak a lot about what works and what doesn’t. How would they tweak the classroom, how would they alter projects and so forth. I, in turn, listen and take notes, changing as I go.
Trust them more. I see some teachers pull in the reins and really try to control students more as the end of year nears. And yes, energy levels are up across the board and yet, I give mine more leeway. I trust them more to make the right decisions, to represent, and to push themselves. They have grown so much over the year, now is the time to acknowledge that.
Crank the music. And don’t take yourself so seriously. Yes, you may be frazzled with so much to do, we all are, but is it fair to give that to the students? I try to laugh more, smile more, and dance more as the year comes to a close. We al need the body breaks and you an get a lot of classroom cleaning done with a great 80’s song blaring.
Stay with the kids. And with that I mean, in your mind and in your heart. I always have an awful time letting go of “my” kids even though I know they are ready, but it is something I pride myself on. These kids know I am fully focused on them and on their academics. They know that I want to hear their stories and I want to support them. Even though our official year is almost over does not mean our relationship is. So I continue to work on all of my relationships with them to ensure that they know that they belong, that they are accepted, and that room 310 will always be their home, no matter how old they get.

being a teacher, classroom expectations, punishment, rewards

How Do I Punish My Students? Umm, I Try Not To

May 4, 2012 Pernille Ripp

Recently a comment on my post “If We Would Just Stop Talking, We Might Learn Something” has made me think quite a bit. Short and simple, it asked, “Do you have your non-punishment strategies written down? Could you please share it?” And I went hmmm, non-punishment strategies sounds much more fancy than what I have. The truth is, I don’t have any strategies; I simply do not punish kids. In fact, even the word punish is such a heavily loaded word that I cringe at the sound of it. It brings to mind canning or publicly embarrassing children, simply not my thing. So instead I handle situations as they arise, mostly with common sense. Let me explain by taking some every day situations in a classroom…

A student keeps blurting out. Sense of humor works for me here most of the time and I tend to look at it through a positive lens; wow, that kid can’t wait to share the answer because they are having so much fun! Strategies used to curb or direct it has been to give them dry-erase boards to write down their answers and then flash them to me or have them tell it to a partner. If the blurting is more like an epidemic I place a blank post-it on their desk and have them make a tally every time they blurt out. This is used for self-awareness not as a way to reward or punish and I have seen it help kids realize the extent of their blurting who were otherwise unaware.
Homework is not handed in. Even in a classroom where I try to stay homework-free, some students do not use their time as effectively as others and may have a page or two to do at the end of the day, mostly math. So the first thing we speak about is time management; what could they be doing differently in class to curtail taking work home? Then we also discuss taking responsibility for not having their work; if a child tells me in the morning that they did not do their homework and have a strategy for getting it done such as bringing it tomorrow or spending some time during recess, then I am fine with that plan. The point to the conversation is; I don’t want to be the one that has to come up with the plan or have to find out that they didn’t do their work. They need to come to me, take responsibility for it and then fix it. Just like we do as adults.
And yet, the homework continues to not get done. This does not happen a lot in my room because we just don’t have the homework. And yet it does happen once in a blue moon. Besides a conversation with the student where we discuss things they have tried to fix it, we often do a quick phone call home to discuss strategy with parents. This is not a punishing phone call but instead a “heads-up” we need to give a little more support here both at school and from home because the work is disappearing. Often I find the root of this to be disorganization rather than laziness, so my number one point is; ask what happened!
Students goof off and generally not paying attention. This is a huge flashing sign to me that what I am doing is not engaging and that the kids need a break. So unless I for some extreme reason cannot stop what I am doing, I do just that; stop and switch gears. Whether it just entails giving them a body break or asking them how they would like to learn about this concept something needs to change. I have also had them do partner share, journaling, or whatever pops into my head to make sure they stay engaged. Sometimes a lesson is continued but in a different format, sometimes we scrap it for the day.
Students are staring into space, reading a book or doing other work. For anyone who has ever been absorbed in a great book, we know how hard it is to stop reading, so I always smile a little when I see a student reading under the table. And yet, students do need to be doing whatever it is we are doing at the moment. Often a quick tap on the shoulder or even just silence and waiting for them to join the rest of us works. It is not a big deal, nor do I make it into one.

Yes, I have had students throw chairs and tables in my room, yes I have had students hit each other, and yes, I have had to send students to the office because they needed a cool down moment. And still, even during those more extreme situations, I always try to keep in mind that there is a cause to this behavior and it is my job to figure it out. So I do not punish my students. I do not take away their privileges to coerce them to behave. I do not threaten, I do not dangle things in front of their nose. Instead I start out the year by inviting them to create the rules of the classroom and then asking them to responsibility for it. We help each other out, we steer each other as we do, and we take the time to talk.

So although I may claim to not have any strategies, the one I might have is to listen with not just my ear,s but also my eyes. Listen to what their behavior tells me, listen to what they tell me, and then listen to my own reflection on how to create better situations. And that’s how I don’t punish my students.

being me, students

It’s Time to Appreciate the Teacher

May 3, 2012 Pernille Ripp

Next week marks a curious phenomena in America; Teacher Appreciation Week. The one week where we are are supposed to sit back and bask in all of the adulation and admiration that the word appreciation entails. And yet, I can’t help but think, why the need for a holiday? Shouldn’t we be appreciating teachers all of the time? And while many will simply say, “…But of course,” think about how teachers have been portrayed as of late in the media and in general conversations. Our every move is scrutinized, our student test scores are used as measures to assess us, we are told we are overpaid, and should consider ourselves lucky to even have a job. Gulp. Not much appreciation there.

And yet, when I turn to look at my classroom, I see the appreciation. The kind gestures from parents who support all of the ideas we have. The students who so eagerly jump into projects and just in general are unafraid to try something new. Administration that gives us enough leeway to try something new, knowing that it will probably benefit our kids, and husbands that are willing to listen to every single inane idea I have and flesh out the meat from them. Yes, I am appreciated.

So while the extra attention next week certainly will be appreciated, I don’t know if it is even necessary. I feel appreciated every single day by those kids that come into our room and hand over their hopes their fears, and dreams. By those kids that entrust me with their secrets, with their inner most thoughts, and that even share some of them on our blog. By those kids that believe in what we have built, in what we have yet to accomplish, and in what they can be, who have let me be a part of their journey. Those kids appreciate me and they show it every day, perhaps it is time we have a student appreciation week?