Re-thinking learning for the 21st Century
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
This week is busy at school, well, really when is an independent school not busy? I’d argue Christmas day. We are 7 school days away from March break and everyone is trying to wrap up units and minimize assessments that need to happen over the holidays. I feel like I am doing some exciting things … Continue reading “When your cape is in the wash”
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
This week I had my students present in front of the class and did not grade it – but the students in the audience were required to provide feedback to each other about the presentation. It was amazing. Those kid honestly are starting to get it! #teacherwin Last week we started our technology unit … Continue reading “What happens when you just don’t grade it?”
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
This week, another teacher and I hosted a think tank of sorts modelled off the cohort21 conferences. We started the day with this projected on the board, the Rocky theme song playing as kids entered the room and small candy dishes on each of the tables. There was group work, brainstorming, timers, action plans, ideation, challenges, idea … Continue reading “Candy & Innovation”
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
January can be a hard time for teachers. You arrive at school before the sun comes up, you leave after the sun has gone down and it’s so very cold because no school has ever in the history of schools managed to perfect the art of heating classrooms. January can also be a really exciting time for … Continue reading “Just keep swimming”
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
It is rare that I attend PD where I go home so tired, and yet, so invigorated and refreshed. My brain hurts. I’ve thought a lot leading up to today about my action plan, my goals and what success would look like for my actions. I’ve seen some success, but I also know I have … Continue reading “Brainfreeze”
Written by Mary-Ellen Wilcox
This week I gained a whole new perspective on teaching. I am now a teacher-parent (or is it parent-teacher?). My newly minted 3 – year old son started full-time daycare on Monday. He went from being home with a caregiver having full attention, to being in a room of 18 students with 2 adults … Continue reading “How do you set up success?”