I first want to thank everyone for joining in the blog(s) this year. I truly believe that we have all learned a lot from each other.
This week you should have finished the rest of the book. Something important that I took out of the closing was...
"One teacher really can make an impact that will inspire children and motivate them to touch the people they meet in their lives with compassion, appreciation, humor and love."
"One teacher can spark a child to seek adventure, to have confidence, to take risks, and to truly try to make the same impact on others that was made on them."
You are impacting and changing lives every single day.
This week, instead of asking questions I would just like for you to give overall feedback on the book, ask any questions that you would like answered and give book suggestions (titles) for future book studies if you have any.
Thanks again for participating. I have learned a lot from each of you.
Vickie
First again! What is this world coming to?! I will have to get back on later in the week, because I love to read all the comments! I have enjoyed reading both books! I didn't get to see Ron in August, so it has been fun to see what everyone else was so thrilled about! I enjoy reading and mostly hate to read professional stuff because it is so dry. I liked reading these during school, even if I had to post late because I wasn't done yet, because we could go right in to the classroom and put together what we were excited about for our kids. I even read parts of the first book to my students about the rules, and where we got them from this year. They thought that was kinda' fun, because I had homework too, and they got to hear some of it. I also liked the blog format because I could go back to comments made and they are "saved" here, instead of trying to remember what was said in a meeting that I might have been distracted in! I hate taking notes, so this was good for that too. I also liked that it was practical, easy to read and understand, and get excited about! I like blogging at night when I can and not having to go to a set meeting time that might interrupt family time, or other scheduling things. I can do this at midnight, or 7 a.m. if that is when it fits my schedule!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that I don't have other book suggestions. Maybe we can ask Ron to write another book on motivating parents to make education a priority in their daily lives and to support their kids' efforts...and to stop messing up their kids lives with alcohol and drugs!!!
I agree with Patti that I have enjoyed doing the book club through a blog format. You can make it fit with your schedule and I have enjoyed having professional conversations with so many staff members from various grade levels that I would not normally have the oppurtunity to do so. I hope we can continue in this format with books in the future.
ReplyDeleteRon Clark is truly one of the rare educators in this world that we would all love to be everyday. He is an inspiration and makes old ideas fresh for us. I did have the chance to see Ron Clark in person and he was so much more live than even reading his books. I think he has great ideas for all of us to carry into our rooms as we work with our students. I think the thing that is so great about what he shares is he confirms that less is more and that like or not we have so many more things kids need to learn before they can even begin to be successful in academics and mandated tests.
My future book suggestions are: The Race between Technology and Education by Claudia Goldin. I have not had the chance to read this one yet but it sounds the ideas and theories she presents sound very intersting. This would be a more heavy read than Ron Clark. I would also suggest Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson as well as his other book Stones into Schools. There is the new book coming out about Michele Rhee called the Bee Eater who is the lady referenced in the video clip Waiting for Superman. I don't think this book is out till March or April? And there is also the new book Betrayed by Laurie Rogers. So many books and so little time!
ReplyDeleteok so I reread my post after I posted and it must be too late for me to construct sentences correctly!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the blogs that we have done. I do like this form of communicating our thoughts when we would never sit down and have time to do as a whole group...or get anything accomplished because teacher talk too much...LOL...I think about the energy Ron Clark gives to his students and want to add that kind of spark to my classroom and he makes me think about what I can do to make my classroom better. Thanks for sharing, everyone. Happy Valentine's Day to all.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed being a part of the blogs this year. Like many others have said, I really enjoyed that you could respond to the blog on your own time. You didn't have to participate at a specific time or place, but instead you could participate on your own time frame. I really enjoyed reading everyone's ideas this year as well! We have so many creative teachers in our building!! I have taken many great ideas from so many of you, so thank you to all!!
ReplyDeleteDanae, I love all of the book ideas that you have! I think that Bee Eater sounds very intriguing! Thank you again to everyone for sharing your great ideas on the blog this year! :)
I have enjoyed reading the Ron Clark books, for a first year teacher these books have given be so many ideas and insights into education. I have been able to take this information and look at myself and see what is working and what do I need to tweak for the future. I love the blogging part because I can go back and look at what others have said and taking information from their post and used for myself. I have learned a great deal from the books but most importantly from the other staff members. Thank You all for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading the books because they make me think. While I know that taking my kids on exotic field trips may be out of the question for now, it encourages me to make sure I do everything in my capabilities with my resources available. If he can accomplish all he has around the country, surely I can do more in my building. I especially like the chapters on appreciation because I feel like I am negative on parents more often than not. I get frustrated with them for not taking 5 minutes to read to their kids when I really should show my appreciation for the things they are doing with their children, no matter how small they may be and hopefully that will lead to a more positive impact.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion for a future book is The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It’s a quick read but I loved that book because it made me think about the impact I have on people I pass by each day. I think that is something we’ve really talked a lot about…the impact we have on others and I think that would get us thinking even more!
Meagan, good suggestion! I haven't read that book, but I have heard wonderful things about it! As educators, we have a huge impact on the lives of our students. Even if we don't do a book study on "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", I will make sure to put it on my list of books to read! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with what others have said about enjoying reading Ron Clark's books. He has so much common sense, enthusiasm, and consistency in his approach to working with kids and I love that. Someone said in an earlier post that the books should be revisited occasionally in order for us to "keep the fire burning". I agree with that and want to keep being positive, enthusiastic, and consistent with my teaching. Reading the books and being a part of the blog have been a fun and informative way to learn and put ideas into practice immediately in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI love the blog idea. It is so convenient and easy to fit into my schedule when it works for me. I would definitely participate in other book studies/blogs. I don't know if anyone has a book suggestion for this idea or not but I'd like to read a book on Differentiated Instruction. If anyone has any good suggestions, please let me know!
ReplyDeleteI have also enjoyed participating in both book studies. While reading, I often thought about the conference I attended this summer. I envisioned the conviction and passion in his voice as he spoke about his triumphs and hardships. That short meeting with Ron has truly made the books and his teachings more meaningful to me. I think that's what I've taken away from our studies...continue to have passion for not only your profession, but everything you do in life, and believe nothing is impossible.
ReplyDeleteDitto the remarks about the benefits of blogging. It was also a new experience for me which is stimulating in itself. I got a lot more from the Ron Clark books than from Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire even though both were based on experiences of a teacher. Ron Clark's were more adaptable to high school, and to life in general. Also, my college education textbooks and even classes were not especially helpful for teaching effectively. These books got to the nitty-gritty and were helpful.
ReplyDeleteI liked reading comments from colleagues who teach to a much different population, but I would like to have had some input from someone who teaches high school - not that they couldn't have; they just chose not to participate. Also, I liked the pacing of the reading/assignments. This was important because it was during the school year and I wasn't sure when I agreed to participate if I would have the necessary time. I appreciated knowing ahead of time so I could read "at my convenience." There is an enthusiasm among you that is not as apparent in our school. It was encouraging to me, and is helping me in our Building Leadership Team to try to help us with our high school culture. I admire you all, the work you are doing, the risks you take, the creativity you exhibit, and the love you obviously have for your students. Thanks!
thanks Sandra...that was very nice of you to say. I do agree that we are trying to improve and are striving to do a good job here to make a difference. I know that you do a good job, too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAs most of you have already posted being able to blog at our own convenience was a huge plus! Reading other's posts was also very interesting as you all have wonderful ideas and comments. I would love to continue reading and blogging through out the year. I too, find that taking what Ron Clark has to say and utilizing it in a high school setting is challenging. I like to take his ideas and adapt them to my setting. Thank you so much for your great ideas and comments! It is really heart warming and encouraging to know that our district has dedicated educators willing to go the extra mile for our students.
ReplyDeleteI have truly enjoyed reading and "talking" with everyone on Ron's books. I have so many new ideas and a even stronger passion for teaching than I ever thought I could. I agree with everyone else about the blog. This is a great way to communicate with everyone in the same school-grade levels at a time. I hope we do get to do another one!
ReplyDeleteI have not had a chance to read these books, but my aunt is also a teacher and had suggested these to me- Parker J. Palmer's THE COURAGE TO TEACH , and Extraordinary Teachers by Fred Stephenson, Ph. D. She told me that they are both very inspirational:)
ReplyDeleteLike others I have really appreciated Ron Clarke’s common sense approach to life. As much as I have enjoyed his ideas I have enjoyed your thoughts and ideas. I get so focused on the how far my kids are compared to how far they need to get that I feel I don’t know them that well as human beings. As the pressure has increased I have felt that there has been some sort of trade off with getting to know my students. I’m not saying the pressure is all bad-I think it has had a very positive influence academically. I used to take the time to really try to dig in and make things better for my students socially, and now I spend all my time digging in to make them perform academically better. Ron Clark did both of these well. When we watched the Ron Clark movie I really enjoyed it, but I was in tears by the end because I felt so deficient in what I have accomplished as I near the end of my career.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed reading this book and doing the bogs. A lot of the book covered the philosophies I had of myself, althou sometimes I think he went a bit too far. I have really enjoyed answering the questions in blog form. I just hope from my bad eyrsight my posts weren't too hard to read.
ReplyDeleteLike Debbie, I also really enjoyed the Ron Clark movie. I felt like the movie helped me to understand him even better, as I read The Excellent 11!
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ReplyDeleteOk, I found a flaw in this process. You can't go back and fix your typos...."blooging."
ReplyDeleteMy post:
I have enjoyed the blogging aspect of our book discussions. I also enjoyed Ron Clark's books. I found the first easy to read but the second became a bit redudant for me. I mention this as a reflection for future books. Maybe we shouldn't repeat authors back to back. Also, The fall blog felt easier because I didn't feel as busy, but I am swamped at his time of year (and for the next few months.) Maybe one book during the school year and one over the summer.
I really enjoyed both Ron Clark books and the book studies. I loved reading other teachers responses.I think it was a way to get to know more about people I don't see very often. I'm sorry I didn't see Ron Clark in person. Like others I enjoyed being able to work on the blog at my convenience. I have to say though I just haven't been able to be as firm as Ron Clark was on rewards. I still have kids that remind me about rewards and I give them even though they're not supposed to ask. I also have kids that don't thank me and I don't take the reward away.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what has already been said. Loved reading the book and could really relate to many of Ron Clark's stories. I did not read the first book, however I would love to have that time. We are so busy right now and quite frankly I like others are feeling very overwhelmed. The students are my motivation and main focus to help me deal with everyday stress. I have so much enjoyed blogging with my colleagues because it reminds me that I am not alone. Great ideas shared by everyone.
ReplyDeleteI am now caught up, as this last week was a little hectic. I have enjoyed reading the book and doing the blog as it is so convenient. I love to read how others have answered the questions as some of these people I do not get to see daily and this helps me get to know them better. There have been so many great ideas and I believe between the book and my colleagues that I have learned alot. I loved the first book, the second book, and the movie. I would have really enjoyed seeing him in person.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I have truly enjoyed being able to respond to the reading through a blog. It might have been enjoyable to have 1 "round table" discussion at the end of each book study to reflect & collaborate as a group (but I'm just brainstorming here). The blog format is much easier to manage when you have a hectic schedule. I think I enjoyed the 2nd book more than the first because it was more generalized; however, like Kathy, this time of year is not as good for me as the fall was. Anyway, thanks Vickie & Dave for posting questions & keeping us going!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the freedom of blogging as my schedule permitted (usually LATE at night!). I completely agree with Belinda's comment that we were able to get more accomplished and hear more opinions by blogging, instead of talking. I really did like reading everyone's posts. I enjoyed the first book more than this last one, but still found them both to be easy and inspirational reading. I agree with Kathy and others that I would love to read/blog over the summer. Thanks for all of the positive comments/suggestions everyone! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the idea of blogging! Like Kelli stated, it is nice to blog when it fits your schedule. I really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and getting new ideas. I can remember it was about this time last year when I first saw The Ron Clark Story and then read this book. I went into school and started to go on and on about it to Brooke and she had no idea who I was talking about! Now she does and it is nice to have ongoing conversations about his techniques and ideas. The best thing I got from reading his books is the energy and motivation to do more for our kids and school! I would love to see us be able to continue blogging about other books in the near future!
ReplyDeleteThe blog has been great. I feel like I have gotten to know some of our teachers better! Just a hallway away, sometimes feels like a world away. I have enjoyed hearing the different experiences and perspectives from all of you! I would love to be a part of another blog. Danae’s book suggestions can be trusted, she is always on the cutting edge of current education topics. One of the many things I love about her! I have truly been inspired by Ron Clark. Seeing him in person, reading his books, and watching the movie, have all challenged me to be a better teacher.
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