New #NerdyCast with @Web20Classroom #EdChat

Another #NerdyCast for your viewing pleasure! I chat with Steven Anderson at the request of some listeners who want to hear more about doing presentation and speaking to large groups. Also, Steven gives us his pick for NASCAR racing. He is so versatile.

Listen here

or

Download from iTunes.

National Day on Writing Event by @WeAreTeachers

Looking for a fun way to engage your students when it comes to writing? National Day on Writing is going to be on October 20, 2015. 

WeAreTeachers is going to host a Google Hangout with New York Times Notable Author Kate Messner with a focus on grades 3-5. During Messner’s virtual visit, students will learn that published authors go through the same process as student writers when creating a book, including brainstorming, researching, planning, drafting and editing. Messner will also share how authors, editors, copyeditors and illustrators work as a team to publish a book. Students will have an opportunity to ask the author live questions.

This is a wonderful opportunity for young readers and writers to talk to an author and hear about the writing process from a perspective outside of the classroom. It is always a great thing to bring an outside guest into the classroom and share their experience and this is a fantastic way to do that for free. 

When teachers sign up, they will be able to download free pre and post event activities to keep the conversation going after the event has ended. Follow this link to sign up and get more info. 

About the Author

Kate Messner is an award-winning author whose books for kids have been New York Times Notable, Junior Library Guild, Indie Bound, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. was the winner of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers. Kate also spent 15 years teaching middle school and earned National Board certification in 2006. She lives on Lake Champlain with her family and loves spending time outside. To learn more about Kate and her books, please visit her website, http://www.katemessner.com/.

Things that make me feel like a winner

There is an awards show that is kicking of shortly and I've been nominated. Awards are funny and I never know how to take them. It's an honor when people nominate you for things and it is humbling. I'm not sure if there will ever be an awards system that is without flaws, but no matter how tonight, or any other night, ends, there are some things that make me feel like a winner.

- When a student comes by my room early in the morning to talk because they feel comfortable.

- A colleague compliments me on a lesson they observed.

- Being asked by students to write them letters of recommendation because they feel "I get them". 

- Watching students pursue their passion during 20 Time.

- Having a student come out to me because they felt like I was the only one who could support them.

- Watching a student "get it" after hours of hard work before and after school.

- Every time a student says thank you.

- A kind tweet from someone that saw me present.

- Each and every high five I receive from students.

- The emails and notes of appreciation I've saved from students and parents over the years.

- My son's face whenever I teach him something new.

- Fighting for my students and what is best for them and I actually institute change. 

- My PLN. You make me feel like a winner every day. I can never thank you enough for that.

I hope everyone has a great night. I'm hanging with my son tonight exploring the sky with our new telescope. 

Opinions are like... #EdChat

...smiles. Everyone has one.

:-)

Wait, is that it?

Anyway, I wanted to share a thought on student voice today. This past week, I started to dive into class discussion with my students and one of the things I tell my classes is that I want them to have a loud voice in class. I want them to discuss, engage, push back, and argue with me when they believe in something. The looks on their faces was very interesting. I could tell that some of them had never considered arguing with a teacher in class.

When it comes to my classroom, I encourage students to share their thoughts and help guide them on how to do it in a respectful manner. Even if you disagree with someone, it is key to listen and then share your opinion. It doesn't mean you have to convince them, it just nice to allow others to share their thoughts. We need to make sure that we express this to our students and remind them throughout the year. Student opinions matter and we need to make sure they understand that their views are valuable and an important part of class and the overall learning experience for everyone in the classroom.

As you go deeper into the school year, please remind your students that their opinions matter in class and that your room is safe place to share those opinions. If we want to create a society that values different opinions, we need to start in the classroom.

Have a great day!

Nick