teaching, learning, leading and life
Written by Graham Vogt
Recently, on an otherwise quiet Sunday morning, my 12 year-old daughter who had just gone outside to embrace a very spring-like day, exploded through the front door, crying. Distraught. “Where’s Guthrie?” she yelled. “I need Guthrie!” She ran up the stairs towards the bedrooms, in search of her little brother. After a secret but frantically … Continue reading “Release the Squirrel: A Leadership Lab Journey”
Written by Graham Vogt
On the first day of my Bachelor of Education Program, Dr. Deborah Berrill walked onto the stage of the Wenjack Theatre at Trent University to welcome us all into a very special world. The time period was ‘way-back-when’, so as clearly as that moment continues to resonate, I am at best paraphrasing her words. I … Continue reading “Why Courage?”
Written by Graham Vogt
My daughter loves puzzles. Of all her wonderful interests at the core of her beautiful spirit, this endless pursuit of the classic jigsaw puzzle pleases her doting father to no end. Witnessing her deep immersion in the seemingly unforgiving challenge of compiling 1000 tiny pieces into an otherwise forgettable monochromatic landscape brings unparalleled peace to … Continue reading “My Daughter Loves Puzzles”
Written by Graham Vogt
I’m reading my most recent post (from nearly a year ago! ugh), and my determination to honour time. This is an outcome of loss and tragedy: a pronounced need to slow down, to treasure each moment and remain connected to what matters most. There is a tension – a well documented, ancient tension – within … Continue reading “Time for Time!”
Written by Graham Vogt
How’s this for an Action Plan? Survival. Hanging on. Getting through. Soul-shaking tragedy, loss, trauma. To be clear. I most certainly owe a separate blog post to a personal journey of healing, filled with endless gratitude towards a community of colleagues, friends and family (Cohort21!) that spreads well beyond that of the great school at … Continue reading “Plans of Action (and life!) Disrupted: Reflecting upon ‘Time’ (and learning!)”
Written by Graham Vogt
First, a few thoughts balance: In a community, such as say a teaching faculty, it’s important. It’s not a directive, it’s a choice. It’s achieved through active, ongoing engagement. It is personalized. It is not provided, it is sought. It is maintained through shared experiences and ongoing discussion, listening, respect, open-mindedness, thoughtful contribution. The very … Continue reading “A Few Thoughts on Policy: Proceed With Caution”
Written by Graham Vogt
This past week in our Discovery Program (Grades 9 and 10) we “disruptED” the general routine of learning with a symposium on the skill of “presentation”. It was awesome for all the reasons we imagined it would be awesome. It was also awesome for many reasons we may not have fully imagined. All of these reasons … Continue reading “The 48 Hour Challenge… Building a Skill and So Much More!”
Written by Graham Vogt
Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Grade 12 higher-level English classes to guide a dramatic reading and discussion of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It’s been years – 15 was my rough estimation to the students – since I’ve interacted with this play with any amount of intimacy. What a treat, and, as is the enduring … Continue reading “Co-Constructing a Way of Seeing: a Shakespeare Inspired Epiphany”
Written by Graham Vogt
This is embarrassing. I fell off the Cohort 21 wagon and I feel terrible about myself. “Cohort21 guilt” is a real thing (no matter how self imposed!). At least for me it is. And thank you to the unending-positive enthusiasm of Derek Doucet for bringing me back! I hope there’s still room on the wagon … Continue reading “Action Plan 2016: One step backwards and…”
Written by Graham Vogt
Sneaking through the woods, I stumbled upon a group of Grade 9 students, in a close circle, reading aloud from a zombie novel, while hiding from the threat of zombies. That strikes me as pretty rich learning. And this was the kind of experience I witnessed again and again throughout “Zombie Day”. The day itself, … Continue reading “Zombie Day: Collaboration, Imagination”
Written by Graham Vogt
MY ACTION PLAN: TAKING A HARD LOOK AT MY OWN PRACTICE, AND WORKING FROM MY CLASSROOM OUT, I WILL STRENGTHEN THE READING CULTURE IN OUR SCHOOL. Because, as an English teacher, I feel like I’m good at getting my students excited about English; however, I’m not so sure I’m fostering a love of reading. (Yes, … Continue reading “Building a Reading Life”
Written by Graham Vogt
Well, most importantly (I keep telling myself) we did it. We performed Shakespeare. And if I’m to consider it in terms of experiment – which it is – then I’ve achieved a necessary beginning on which to build. Sure enough, while the experience was NOT a total disaster, there is much building to be done. … Continue reading “Performing Shakespeare, Final Thoughts”
Written by Graham Vogt
NOTE FOR NON-ENGLISH TEACHERS: Please don’t be put off by what appears to be English heavy content. My needs are far reaching! It’s an age old struggle for an English Teacher: I love Shakespeare and the kids hate him. Worse still, I understand exactly why they hate him. I hated him too. Passionately. Actively even. … Continue reading “Mistaken Identity: Shakespeare in the Classroom”
Written by Graham Vogt
Welcome to Cohort 21. This is the first post on your new blog. This journal is an integral part of your Cohort 21 experience. Here you will reflect, share and collaborate as you move through the C21 learning cycle towards your action plan. Cohort 21 is a unique professional development opportunity open to CIS Ontario … Continue reading “Welcome to Cohort 21”