Every Kid

This past weekend, I attended a conference for middle school teachers, principles and parents. We spent a lot of time talking about you. And what makes you tick! My biggest take away was that in order to inspire you, connect with you and find ways to teach you, I must first connect with you. Building relationships is crucial to learning.

This doesn't mean that I need to become your best friend, but it does mean that I need to make an effort to know all of you. Speak to each of you. Have a vested interested in every single one of you. I know there are many of you I barely know:

What are your passions, favorites movies, what kind of music do you listen to, favorite subject, etc.....

It can be so difficult to make these connections when on average I see more than 80 of you a day. This conference reminded how important it is that I make the effort to talk to every kid, everyday. I know, I know it is almost May! If only there more than one of me.

cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by Intrepidteacher 

So what can you do to help your teachers break the ice and connect? What are some ideas you have on how to build closer student teacher relationships? Would love to hear your thoughts.

The Dream

We have been thinking. A lot. We have been thinking a lot, Ms. G and I. We have been thinking and reflecting and listening to you and each other. Some of you have started to ask Why? Why blog? Why share? Why all this? I cannot imagine saying it any better at this time than Ms. G.  She has written this stunning, honest and insightful post about our dream for you. Take a read. Have a think. Curious what you have to say.

We have a dream for you, which is also something we wish for ourselves. Something we too are working toward as learners.  But still, we want it for you.  And we are here to help. Model. Push. Listen. Reassure. Learn. Inspire. Wait. And wait patiently.  

It's a dream that involves the long view. One that looks at fear in the face today.  Not to fight it or deny it. Not to be ruled or be defined by it.  Instead, acknowledge its existence and use it to make smart and creative decisions from the parts that make fear healthy. In fact, the dream involves a decision and work toward unlearning the default position of fearing the unknown. To expect it (the fear), deal with it, use it to our advantage. Not be paralyzed by it.  In the long view, you/we still take risks and go out on a limb even if you/we are afraid.  Because past the fear are epiphanies, redemption, growth, expression, thinking, new learning and perhaps, deeper understanding.  Beyond the fear is a chance to get to know the unknown in an intimate,  non-threatening, healthy way.  

Just like the world wide web.  

Yup. The Internet can appear like an intimidating, public black hole of judgment.  And it can be mind numbing and scary.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  I mean, we do need to be careful while we traverse its virtual halls.  We need to think about what we say, do and write when we represent ourselves online.  We need to have a civilized way of being.  We need to know how to create, build, share, love, collaborate and connect and be ourselves as best we can, in the best way we know how.  Which is not so different from  how we need to work on that in our physical spaces and material lives. Think UWCSEA profile, right?  To be the best people we can be on and  off line.  It's all part of digital citizenship.  

All of it is real.  

But to NOT engage with the conversations, ideas, connect with others' and see how their thoughts help yours and vice versa, not to be part of this sharing culture because it's scary...well, now, that's scary.  

Like I said, we have a dream and visually, through this  info-graphic, the dream (long view) looks like this...

the dream

Which brings me to a point...the blogging.  :)  I know I have been quiet about it for awhile.  And I did that on purpose.  I wanted you to know how serious I was about letting you take it where you will.  That even if I love assigning things for class on it, that it was YOUR space. A  space you could define, design and furnish as your possible online home that goes beyond English class.  That the stuff we assign there from time to time was just a small part of it.  

I know, it's been a complicated process. The creation of the spaces, the encouraging, the building, the things we posted as teachers, to the silence, to the intensity, to the lulls, to the waiting, to the figuring it out.  After much reflection, Mr. R and I re-realized that it's really about this dream and not really about the blogging. To us, as your teachers,  it is the creation of opportunities for you guys to be part of an education that's active, relevant, real world, effective, hands-on, networked, innovative, personal and transformative.  That's it.  That's what the blogs are for, in a nutshell, in the big picture, in the final analysis.  

Anyway, I noticed (with my classes) and you can also read this post by Mr. R to see what his kids think about writing/sharing for and to a wider audience, that many of you have embraced the space; invested in it like precious real estate, claiming it as a permanent address.  I've seen it as your primary go-to url on your Gmail, Instagram and Twitter accounts. I see that you use it because it's a space you are comfortable in.   Others are using it as a summer home, occasionally spending time to express this or that when inspiration hits.  

Then taking weeks off at a time to do other things like log your reading (just kidding; but not really) or focusing on schoolwork that needs your undivided attention because those tasks are marked and assessed, unlike the blogs.  Then there's the bunch of you who want to write or share but don't know where to start or maybe need more structure or prompting from us (nothing wrong with that), some who want to write but don't have time, some who have a gazillion drafts of interesting posts but are too scared to 'put it out there' because of the dark voices in your head that tell you they are not good enough (um, please cast those thoughts away).  And then some who will use it and only use it when things are assigned, some who use it to improve writing, refine thinking, share thoughts you weren't able to at the table, some who thought it was supposed to be a certain way (like a space purely for bearing your heart and soul and things that make you vulnerable - um, where did that come from?), some who just want to read others' stuff but are not ready to write, some who hate it, and finally, some who are still figuring it out what it's for.  

And really, all of that is fine.  

Wherever you are in this blogging business/connected learning spectrum, we honor it. Respect it. See it. 

We hear you.  

We understand that these spaces of trust take time. That the dream, needs to have a long view.  That it has to have a lot of people who support it.  An authentic community that believes in and won't give up on it.  An acceptance that it's a complicated process of pushing and pulling and leaving things alone sometimes.  That we are all at different spots and stages in the journey toward connected learning.  And whatever spot is an okay spot to be in.  

I hope you hear us and believe us too.    

So, after all that 'research' and reflecting and reassessing and thinking and talking about it all with Mr. R, we thought it was important to keep on keeping on.  To softly encourage some, to leave some people alone, to build trust, to create some structure for others, to read and comment consistently on those blogs that are already permanent homes and well, to continue to provide opportunities for the dream to come true for everyone and in different ways.  That's what we can do. 

So what do you think? Can you see a clearer picture? Does that graphic make sense? If so how? What questions do you have? Are you more confused? Where do we go next? Get in here people, we are on a journey. We need each other. We need you........

Not Once Did I Fold

I recently, like very recently-- yesterday, wrote a post about the kind of posts I tend to highlight and showcase in our classroom. You can read it here, if you missed it, but I wanted to use this post to continue to explore and reflect on the themes described there within. That post was aimed to draw out your thoughts on the student work I share with you, but here...now, I want to remind myself why it is I ask you all to write and share and connect.

There are many ways to write, share and connect. Perhaps, I led you to believe that confession or complete openness was the best or only way to use your blogs. I am here to tell you now, that full confessional is not always the best path. Sometimes a hint or an inference can go a long way. Sometimes, we shed light from within in ways that we normally do not. Sometimes we write with humor or music. Sometimes we draw or illustrate. Sometimes we share our love of food or sport or animals or friends or the way the wind bends trees and moves clouds. Sometimes we get silly. Sometimes we ponder and dive deep.

I thought that I would share a beautiful piece of life. Jam packed into sun rays, photography, film and music. Layered in banjo, voice and bass.  I hope you can see that by sharing this song, I am offering you more than a confessional text. I hope you can infer the meaning, significance and beauty of this work of art...

And these lines tell a truth
These city veins answer all we do
So could you keep me in the pulses
Could you keep me in the sound

I got wise and I got old
Not once, not once did I fold
So don't you now

(I recommend full screen and headphones) 

Blind Pilot :: 'New York' via @liveset from Blind Pilot on Vimeo.

Remember the point is expression not confession The point is connection not projection. What moves you? What will connect you to us? Anything you write is a part of you and will move us all one step closer. Would love to continue this conversation in the comments. What do you think about what I have said? The song? Art? Community?

You don't have to bare your soul, but would be nice to hear your thoughts, read your words, hear your voice. 

i am proud

My brain is on fire. The only way I can think to put it out is to write. Sad you say, perhaps, but someday I hope that you will feel the heat of this disease. There is nothing quite as exciting as having a blaze of thoughts burn through your mind, your body, your soul--leaving a smear of ash and smoke on the page. The world is too much with us, so we write to try and help lighten the load.

I am proud. I am proud of you. I am proud of myself. I am proud of our peers and fellow teachers. I am proud of the community we are building and the work we are doing and the thoughts we are thinking and the conversations we are having and the art we are creating and the writing we are doing and, and, and .....I am proud. I am proud of those of you choosing to open up and share and express yourselves and I am proud of those of you choosing to sit still a while longer.

Sometimes, we want it all and we want it now, but life takes time. Communities take time. Trust takes time, but when the sparks begins to spread the slow fire burns. Perhaps it was Solal's piece that ignite this blaze, but ever since it feels like our blogs are burning up. After a quick share about Vulnerability and Introverts, we heard from Michelle, Sana, Pranav, Lina, Pavitra, Chloe and Rohan.

As a community, we have been lucky to hear from Ms. G and her class: Mizuki. Eric. Sid. Aroni. Ethan. We even got some criticism and push back about our work to which Michele and Liam  have responded beautifully. (See the comments) Honestly there is too much to share in one post. This is good. This is great. I am proud. Your teachers are modeling this work by sharing their poetry here and here. ( I know, I know, mine is coming soon)

Not everyone is baring their soul to the universe, however, and this is more than okay. No one ever said that your blog must be a public diary. It can be anything you want to share. People are writing about Diwali/Deepavali, strange memories, Slender Man, and even Rigor and Mother Theresa! There is advice on blogging and so much more. Everyday, brings a new list of posts that I get to read. please dive in and interact. Reading your blogs is my favorite thing to do, because I get to know you so well. The problem is that I  simply cannot comment on each post, as there are too many, but I am reading them all. Now is the time for you to  begin commenting with each other.

Do you see what is happening? Our community has begun to sprout. We are growing. Our roots are finding their way. Our pots are becoming too small. It is getting bigger than anyone one of us. It includes all of us. You could spend several hours following these links. Then a few hours more thinking, then a few hours more writing and responding. Reading, thinking, writing? Music to my ears. This is what blogging is all about and you are understanding that.

Thank you. Thank you very much. I am proud of you. I am proud. Can you hear me? Can you feel the heat, the buzz, the excitement? All from some words on a page. Burned there by you, your ideas, and your voice. What do you think? What do you want people to know about what we are doing? Leave your thoughts in the comments below...

so here goes....

Good morning everyone. Happy Saturday.

Sometimes one of you writes a post that moves me to a place of sheer admiration and respect. I read your words and all hours of the day and I beam with love and pride as I realize that you are getting "it." That maybe all this talk of sharing and openness and trust and blogs and vulnerability is getting through to you. That you believe in what I say and more importantly that you believe in yourself.

Well last night after getting home rather late, I checked my RSS (as you do) and I came across a post that began.....

I can't believe I'm writing this, so here goes...

Needless to say, I was intrigued.  I read it and read it and read it. I comment it and I read it again. I shared it with my network on Twitter and went to bed. Now I was hoping that you would read it. I hope that you find a way to respond that feels as real and brave as the voice the author. Enjoy your time at the Lally Blog.

I Believe

Wow! I cannot believe it is November 8th. Time is flying; feels like yesterday that we began the year together--so many new faces and awkward conversations. The Sea of Teal is how I saw you, but things are changing. The sea is ebbing and flowing,  and I am recognizing you and your voices more and more as clear distinct waves crashing everyday at:  The Table, on your blogs, during activities, out of school trips, and in casual hallway conversations.

As we approach the midyear mark, it is important to think about where we started and where we are headed in terms of building community. Concerns have been raised by parents, teachers and students  about online sharing. I have spoken to you all in class about why and how I would like you to share, but I wanted to write my way through it as well. This post was born from the statement below, which came to me on a ride home from school. I was on my bike when it hit me:

You cannot have trust without vulnerability. You cannot have risk without fear. You cannot have success without failure, and you cannot learn without community. 

Last Monday, a group of students met with teachers and parents in the library to discuss this notion of public sharing and disclosure. Why share online? How does it feel? What are the risks? When asked if she felt pressure to share writing online, or if she was being pushed too hard to share when perhaps she wasn't ready, one girl responded by saying that she didn't feel pushed, so much as invited to a door and asked to walk through.

I loved this analogy. I was actually thinking about it the other night when I was here at school marking your final assessments, because I knew that I would ask you to post your final assessments on your blogs. I knew this would cause many of you anxiety? I knew that asking you to post your writing didn't feel much like an invitation, but a rather strong push. Let me explain myself.

I understand what it feels like to be judged and mocked. I understand what it feels like when you cannot do anything right. I understand wanting more than anything to fit in, to be popular, to be liked and accepted, being alone at lunch, or on a Saturday night when you imagine everyone else at parties-- smiling laughing and having fun, while you sit alone wondering how they do it-- make friends, be accepted, have boy friends or girl friends. It seems so easy in life and TV, but I understand that it is not. 

You must be asking, if I understand all of this, why would I ask you to share pieces of yourself online, in public where they can all see it?  See you and judge and mock you. If I understand how vicious and petty and mean and vindictive teenagers can be, why would I ask you to expose yourself to their wrath. We can hear them now muttering, gossiping, and judging you to your face, behind your back, online and off. Why would I ask you to share your writing with people like this? Especially if you feel that your writing isn't "good?" 

I believe in you. I believe in your voice and your writing. What you write and how you write, right now in your life is you. For better or for worse it is true. If you wait until you are writing is perfect or good or accepted you will be waiting forever. If you wait to be yourself and stand behind your ideas you will wait forever. Confidence is about being happy with who you are and where you are in terms of skills. Confidence isn’t about measuring up to other people's expectations. I don't believe in good or bad or ranks or judgements or comparing or anxiety. I believe in confidence through risk and self-esteem through vulnerability. I believe in trust. I believe in communities.

If we believe in trust, we have to trust people. Even when they could let us down. Even when they might betray us. If we believe in trust, we must be trustful people. To do this we must feel comfortable with vulnerability. It is hard to trust people when we are hidden or protected by walls. It is hard to trust people if we do not give them an opportunity to prove that they are trustworthy. Don't get me wrong, they will let us down. They will take our trust for granted. They may attack us. They may hurt us, but if we believe in trust as a concept, we must continue to trust others.

Experience has taught me that people, in general are good, they are to be trusted. When we are open, they will more often than not,  prove to be kind and loving. The only way to find out is to give them a chance to prove it.

I am not pushing any of you through the door by asking you to share your writing online. I am simply standing on the other side and telling you that it is fine. I am here. I will take your hand and help you if you fall. I will help you across and show you the way once you are here, but you have to trust me. (Please speak to me one-on-one if you still have reservations and do not want to share your final piece)

Take a look at this:

What do you think? What are your fears? What are the benefits of building online communities of writers? How can sharing your work and your ideas help? Hurt? What can we tell parents who are nervous? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Skate Date

On November 3rd, 8JRA went on a Skate Date! A little more than half of our mentor group showed up at Kallang Ice World for a few hours of skating while our parents had coffee and a chance to meet each other and chat.

We had a lot of fun. Some of us were first time skaters, others were honing our skills (I learned how to turn!) and a few were just showing off! All in all we had a great time. Take a look some picture. Sorry they are a bit blurry. but everything was just moving so fast!



A big thank you to everyone who came, especially all the parents. Building community takes time and trust; events like this help us move a bit more quickly. I am already looking forward to our next event. I am thinking bowling would be fun. Do you have any ideas? What others ways can we help us bond and become a community?