Did your learning stop?

I started this blog post on Monday while sitting in a hotel lobby in Minnesota after a run along the Mississippi River.  Lauren, Jen, and I were visiting the University of Minnesota on our 5 school college tour over Spring Break.  I read some posts on Twitter, read an article or two from blogs I subscribe to, and then came across this blog on Twitter from Todd Schmidt, "Let Them Experience the Rain."  I thought about how many times I have stopped students from doing what they're doing, not realizing the learning that was going on.  It might not have been what I wanted them to learn, but it was definitely what they wanted to learn.  Then I thought a little more.  What if we did this more often- provide a learning target, share it with the kids, and then get out of their way and let them discover and learn on their own?  Imagine the variety of ways the kids could learn, some that we probably haven't even thought about before.  We would also benefit from learning right along with them.  Anyone willing to give it a try?

Calendar
Tuesday, April 18th

• Welcome back!
• 7:15-8:30  volleyball practice
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Wednesday, April 19th

• RtI/PLN Wednesday
• 8:00-8:15  staff meeting in the gym
• 8:45-9:15  student assembly (No need for staff to attend.)
• Forward Exam makeups starting at 9:30 in the STEM lab
• 1:30-3:00  A-team meeting
• 4:30  volleyball games at Kettle Moraine

Thursday, April 20th

• 7:15-8:30  volleyball practice
• grade level and specials meetings
• 4:15-5:15  Homework Club

Friday, April 21st

• 6:30  Choral concert at Nature Hill in Oconomowoc

Tweets, quotes, and blogs
The Game of School vs. The Game of Life (from AJ Juliani- Please take the time to watch the 8 minute video.  It's quite thought-provoking.)

How to Never Lose Your Passion in Education (from Kelisa Wing)

To the Very Last Day (from Pernille Ripp)

Output or Compliance (from George Couros)

What Could Go Right? (from George Couros)

A Strong Line of Fighters (from Jenny Fischer, Merton alum, shared with us by Sarah Kasprowicz, but I needed to share it again.)

@mertonint on Twitter

#mertonint on Twitter

Merton Intermediate School Facebook page

Merton Intermediate School on Instagram

EdCampMKE

On Saturday, May 13th, EdCampMKE is coming to South Milwaukee High School.  See this link if you are interested.  EdCamps are great ways to learn and connect with educators, and they're free!

I hope that you all had a chance to enjoy your family and friends over Spring Break.  I sure did.  Jen, Lauren, and I visited UW-Oshkosh, the University of Minnesota, UW-Eau Claire, Carroll University, and the University of Wisconsin.  Jen and I both talked about how much college has changed since we were in school.  All of our travels to colleges made me realize that I am celebrating my 30th college reunion and 35th high school reunion this year.  It's crazy what you think about when you're driving around Wisconsin.  I tell you about our travels for two reasons.  The first is to remember never to take your family for granted.  Make time for your family as often as you can because things change so quickly.  The second is because of what I witnessed, and heard, from some of the university students who were our guides.  They spoke about the opportunities they have, their professors, their classes, and their university.  They spoke about the pride they have in their school and in their courses.  Let's make these last weeks of the 2016-2017 school year prideful ones for our students and for each other.  Let's find ways to celebrate the great things we offer our kids every day in our classrooms and in our school.  The kids deserve it, and so do you!

See you soon, and be the one!

Jay

Take care of the kids.  Take care of each other.  Take care of yourself.- John Gunnell