Jen Stover

Educators Who Are Lifelong Learners.....get a PLN!

One of the most important steps an educator can take in today's world is to build a personal learning network, or PLN.

You might be thinking.....I already have that.  Everyday I learn from my colleagues when we discuss our lesson plans, problem solve issues we may be having with discipline or concepts that are difficult to teach, and so on.  Everyday, you are surrounded by your peers at work.  They are the people you depend on to help when you have a need, a question, or to celebrate a success.

Your co-workers are definitely an important part of your personal learning network.  There is nothing greater than the face to face contact you have with your peers each and every day.

Can I tempt you with something though, just for a second? 

What if you could have a network of educators, from all around the world, sharing their most brilliant discoveries, their latest research, a newly-written lesson plan, a fantastic website that supports the learning in your classroom, or a simple "hello" from the other side of the world?  Would that be a network or "club" you'd like to join?

It's my new favorite network/club (outside of my face to face peers) and it is called:

 TWITTER!
(I know.....you already knew that!)

Image via CrunchBase

I don't even know where to begin about Twitter!  I have so much to say, I can't even type fast enough. There are so many stigmas related to twitter.  Everywhere you turn, people are talking about it, celebrities are joining up, comedians are making fun of the "tweets" written on twitter.  I completely hated the idea of being on twitter in the beginning (just a few short months ago), now I rely on it as one of my main resources for the latest and greatest in education research. 

Twitter provides so much, in such an easy way.  In 140 characters or less, people from around the world communicate for many purposes.  Some use it to just say "hi" and tell everyone what kind of cereal they happen to be eating for breakfast that morning.  Others use it as a tool for sharing ideas and information based on their work, family life, etc.  Whatever the reason, you can customize your network of "tweeple" to be exactly what you want it to be....personal or professional.

I am excited to be following so many great educators.  I find it exhilarating that I can actually "talk" with them in this shared learning space, ask questions, share resources, etc.

The best part about twitter is.....the support group you create for yourself!  If you have a question about a lesson you are preparing, or need advice on how to find a website related to a topic, all you have to do is "tweet" your question, and in a matter of minutes you have a multitude of answers! 

So, in case you haven't figured it out, I am addicted to twitter! Teachers, you will not regret trying it out.  Give it a shot!  You will experience yet another change in what it means to be a lifelong learner.  (And, if you have any questions, or don't have a lifechanging experience, please email me.  I want to hear about it!)

Twitter is my world-wide, professional learning network!  I hope it becomes an important resource for you as well.  Oh, and you can find me on twitter....the name is @jenstover!

Have fun!

From One Teacher to Another

Today, the purpose of my blog is just to share some resources; one of my favorite things to do!

I've been looking through my delicious bookmarks.  If you subscribe to my friendfeed, you probably already have these (thanks for that, by the way!).  There are a lot of resources piling up in there, and many of them are great links I have completely forgotten about.  Just sharing a few today....

www.raylit.com
This website is great for the preK-2 age group.  Lots of games and interactive activities in a variety of curriculur areas.  A fun way to continue the learning over the summer months.  It's July, and you are probably looking for some new things to keep those kiddos busy, I bet.

www.tumblebooks.com

I just sent an application to enter this site, and haven't gotten my approval....yet!  But, when and if I do, I think it is going to be fantastic!  You are only allowed a 30 day trial.  My guess is after that, as a classroom teacher, I would want to have this available in my school.  Take a 30 day trip through some wonderful books, check out the resources yourself, then decide what you want to do....just in time for the school year!

www.photojojo.com
Ok, maybe I missed the boat on this one.....this is a cool website!  It's not really an "educationally related" website, but hey....it's summer, and we all need a break to work on a few projects, right?  This site has an rss feed, so you can subscibe to their newsletters and project ideas.  Might give you some good ideas for your classroom.  Photojojo has a cool online store, too.

I hope you enjoy these few resources, there will be many more to come.  Stay cool in that summer sun! 

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The Learner Must Unwrap Their Own Gift

My head is just spinning!!  Spinning, spinning, spinning.....

I am so excited to tell you about the day of learning I had on Monday, June 22nd. 

Spent the day as a presenter at the 8th Annual Maiers Educational Institute, left a changed learner.

It's a gift someone else could have not unwrapped for me, I had to persevere to get the goods.

There is something very magical about 200 and some teachers, media specialists, administrators, business leaders being in the same room for one purpose: working together to make the educational system stronger and more efficient for the success of our children!

The day was led by Angela Maiers, my friend and colleague.  She made a case as well as a plea that all educators dedicate themselves to the betterment of each and every student they touch, by way of using the latest in research related to meeting the needs of our students.  The trainings and breakout sessions called for teachers and administrators to create an educational experience that captivates and acknowledges every student's talent, as well as their weaknesses. 

We focused on helping students understand the habits and attitudes necessary to be successful in today's world, as well as tomorrow.  We also talked about the importance of being a global learner (and TEACHER) by building a personal learning network, not just online but face to face.  We shared ways to become a fervent educational researcher and collaborator by utilizing the web as an up to date way to gather information.  And, we discussed how to help our students spread their message and voice to the world, using technology as a tool, not as a toy.......whew, I could go on and on...there was so much more.

Every time I gather with teachers for this reason, whether it be in a workshop such as this, or even in a classroomw with one or two teachers having coffee, I am compelled by their commitment to their kids, and I can't help but think...."How can I make the process of utilizing this research in the classroom much easier and time-efficient?"  What is my place in all of this?

Angela mentioned in her keynote how everyday she wakes up, turns on her computer, and is absolutely blown-away by new information she receives through her PLN and the research she follows.  After following her lead (and Mike Sansone's brilliance), building my own PLN via RSS feeds and twitter,  I SEE IT happening for myself now.  I SEE how important this is for my professional development, and for the development of the teachers and preservice teachers I serve.  I am giddy with glee as I turn on my laptop and watch my firefox tabs explode in the morning!!

My ultimate goal and mission is this.....I love teaching my own classroom of kiddos, but now I see my place unfolding before my eyes.....I have the opportunity to impact more lives of children if I support their teachers than I can if I am only in one room with my 30 kids, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead. 

I have SO MUCH to learn about this job, but can't wait for the learning adventure!

The Habitudes of curiosity, imagination, adaptability, courage, self awareness and perseverance are absolutely critical for you to find your calling.  I have experienced this first hand, in my own learning experiences over the past weeks.  We must teach our kids this, not by adding another curriculum to what you already do, but by integrating these skills into our everyday lessons, conversations, interactions, problem solving arguments, learning to tie our shoes, wipe little noes, etc....these kinds of habits and attitudes are everywhere, everyday.

So, a big learning day for many......a life changing experience for myself.  What more can one teacher ask for?

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The 21st Century Classroom

When I think about education and the 21st century, I think about the reframing of our relationships with students.  This applies to teachers, administrators, anyone involved in education K-12.

The stronger the relationship you have with your learners, the more positive of learning experience your student will have.  Seems like common sense?  Why aren't teachers making this our number one priority, over grades, lessons, etc.

I have had 3 years away from the elementary classroom; 5 away from my own homeroom of first graders.  Having had that time away, I have had lots of moments when I looked back, knowing what I know now as a parent and educator in higher ed, and think, "I wish I could go back and do that over again, this time doing........."  The should-a, could-a, would-a's!  I know that is a waste of brainpower in some ways, but it has enlightened me in my role as consultant and adjunct professor.

I know teachers break their backs meeting the needs of their kiddos. I was there once, 9 years teaching in elementary.  It was a hectic day from the moment you woke up in the morning, 'til you sat down on the couch at night.  And, even then, your students were STILL on your mind.  Then, you wake up the next day, start all over again.  I have seen many of my colleagues shed tears over their students, in both good times and bad.  Each class you have places a permanent stamp on your heart.  Deep down, we're all in it to make a difference in the world, I don't care what some say, teachers know that's what's happening in this job.  For better or for worse.

What I propose is this (very simplistic thinking): 

Build the relationship FIRST with your students, create the lessons and learning experiences second.

• It is only by having a strong bond of respect and love for your students (yes, I said LOVE, even for those who try your patience, everyday) that you help them to become their best.  They absolutely HAVE to know you believe they can do it, even when you aren't so sure yourself if they can.  If you set the expectation, they will rise to the occasion.

I believe the 21st century homeroom should operate in this way:

• an environment of respectful, open communication,
• sense of ownership by all persons involved,
  
• a safe place where your thoughts can pour out,
  
• clear expectations set for all learning experiences,
  
• and an adult learner (teacher) who is thought-provoking, structured, respect-worthy, and most of all, in LOVE with the students doing the learning in that classroom.  Even when they don't feel like it. 

• Technology should be integrated into the classroom in all subject areas and discussions, so that kids see it as a "tool" for learning and not as another subject for teaching. Again, it is a TOOL, not a subject area!  As an educator of all these up and coming adults, we must teach them to be absolutely comfortable with it, understand its power, the implications of how it works, the safety behind using it, and the beautiful experiences it can bring to their life. 

Not only will this 21st century classroom change the lives of the students involved, it will change the lives of the educators. 

Believe it or not, I think teaching will be much, much easier.  Motivating students will no longer be difficult, discipline issues will decline (the amount of chatter may increase, but hey, that's what we want, right?), and their students' learning experiences will be powerful and  authentic. 

It will be nothing short of amazing.

Stay tuned as I write more on this topic in the weeks and months ahead!

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Thank you, Atlantic!

A very quick post and HELLO to my NEW FRIENDS at Washington Elementary School in Atlantic, Iowa!!

In a few weeks, my team  and I are returning to Atlantic to work with the teachers, supporting them as they examine their curriculum planning, especially in regards to the implementation of the Iowa Core  Curriculum. 

Our meeting went longer than expected, but for an amazing reason.  These teachers are passionate about being able to provide the very best, research-based program for their students, to ensure they are preparing 21st century learners, not 20th century. 

Can't wait to tell you more......and I will! 

I hope to begin planning this week, preparing some resources for the staff to pick through and choose what best fits in their curriculum.  I can't wait to hear what they have to say!!

So, to you all in Atlantic, thank you for the warm welcome.... see you soon!

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Put Simply: a Resource Districts Should Not Ignore! "The Horizon Report"

This is a "Blog/RE-Tweet" giving attribution to ISU faculty member, Scott McLeod, who recently published a post called "My April SAI Report" on his site, Dangerously Irrelevant. 

Included in this post, he discussed "The Horizon Report, K-12" (2009), a document dedicated to the future of technology integration in the classroom.

Every Principal and teacher should read this report, in my opinion, because:

• It is a fantastic resource for educators preparing for the implementation of the Iowa Core....

• I am amazed at all the resources, giving our kids the capability to interact with the entire world! 

     

Some Examples:

http://mscofino.edublogs.org/projects/
At the International School Bangkok, students in kindergarten through fifth grade collaborate with their peers around the world using a range of methods including social networking tools, collaborative workspaces, blogs, wikis, and microblogging tools.

New Media Literacies.org
Scheduled for release in May 2009, the Learning Library presents a variety of interactive learning challenges that are designed for students to work through. The challenges are structured to encourage practice and exploration in new media literacy skills.

Top 10 Web 2.0 Tools for Young Learners
This article highlights ten high quality online tools, some of which use some social networking in the classrooms of younger students.

....and this is only the beginning of a huge list of resources to help with 21st century skills integration and the "WHY's" behind we so need to be doing this!!

Teachers, administrators: please pay attention to this report, and to Scott's research! 

If you want your district to be on the path of excellence, visit his site: "Dangerously Irrelevant!"

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Educators, No Witty Title, but Pay Attention to This one!

Still a bit cool out there today, but the sun is shining after many days of rain!  The sunshine has me looking forward to summer and warmer temps!

With that, I am also looking foward to June, when I will be working alongside Angela (and many other great educators) at the 21st Century Literacies Workshop, being held Monday, June 22nd at Valley Southwoods School in West Des Moines!!

When I was in the classroom, all I ever wanted was for another teacher to recommend something that I KNEW would be worth my TIME and MONEY, save me the grief of going to things and not getting much out of them.......

GUYS, THIS IS THE ONE!!

Teachers, if I can encourage you to attend a seminar that could (and would) be life-changing for your classroom, this is the one!

To register: Go to www.angelamaiers.com and find this poster!  The early bird special lasts until May 31st!

I hope to see you there, the experience will be wonderful!

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Dear World: I Need Your Help!

I am curious, excited, motivated, and I need input! 

I'm talking to all you brilliant, fantastic educators, parents out there, legislators, principals, custodians, paraprofessionals, counselors, ANYONE involved in the world of education!

I need your knowledge, curiosity, input, advice....

I want to collect bits of information, advice, insights, thoughts, concerns, anything you want to share when it comes to success of a child in today's educational experience, K-12.  Factors that support that success, or diminish a child's ability to become their best. 

Please send me examples of situations you have seen firsthand, leaving out infomation such as names and specific locations where these types of situations occurred.

My goal is this:  I want to research the types of conditions in which children find success and grow in their educational experiences.  I would like many different viewpoints and exerpts. I will be creating some type of resource for this information to be shared with the world!! 

As my friend, Angela Maiers, always says, "Together we Are Smarter!"

Please share anything!  It can be a story, a thought, an observation, a wish, a dream, anything you feel can make or break the educational experience of a child.

Thank you in advance for your participation!  I am excited to see where this project goes and what it can do for future generations of learners, especially my own two children!

And, thank you, Mike Sansone, for your brilliance on this project! :-)

Sincerely,
Jen Stover

photo on flickr by MXI

In My Opinion, an Exciting Future for Iowa!

Iowa Teachers, Parents, Students, Communities.....I am EXCITED about our future!! 

Maybe I am easily moved, inspired, excited...not sure exactly what it is, but I think the future looks bright for our kiddos here in Iowa. 

Take a look at this new Iowa Core Curriculum!  It is fantastic!!

 

It seems (in the past) when my colleagues and I in the "teaching world" entered a site like this, we thought to ourselves (I have to be honest, okay?), "Oh, great, just another program, half-baked, no teacher input, something more we have to squeeze into our instructional day, won't work anyway, won't even be around in a year or two, complete waste of our kids' time."  

 .....that is NOT the case, this time!

What is the Iowa Core Curriculum?

Here are some excerpts from the Iowa Core Curriculum Website:

"...Research shows that high expectations are a critical ingredient in improving student performance and ensuring student success beyond high school.....The Iowa Core Curriculum identifies essential concepts and skills for kindergarten through 12th grade in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and 21st century skills..... It takes learning to a deeper level by moving students beyond superficial knowledge to deep conceptual and procedural knowledge. It also enhances student engagement by emphasizing interesting, robust, and relevant learning experiences.

......The Iowa Core Curriculum presents the most important concepts and skills that students should learn in grade spans, such as K-2. This was done to honor the individual needs of students. The Iowa Core Curriculum sets high expectations for all students and respects that students will progress differently through the grade spans. The person closest to a student in school — the classroom teacher — is in the best position to determine the pace and rigor of learning for the student."

"......Within this 21st century skill framework we must identify common strands, or learning skills that will allow students to thrive in the world of work and to be productive citizens.....(1) critical thinking and problem solving; (2) collaboration and leadership; (3) agility and adaptability; (4) initiative and entrepreneurialism; (5) effective oral and written communication; (6) accessing and analyzing information; and (7) curiosity and imagination." 

...hey, this sounds familiar?  Angela's Habitudes!!

This is realistic, natural, authentic learning experiences, plain and simple.  It will motivate our kids to really WANT to learn, for learning's sake.  There will be a natural motivation behind each lesson and experience.

•  Kids in every classroom will feel successful, validated, motivated, believed-in.
• FEWER BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS!! With engaged kids who feel like they are in control of their learning, reduction in behavior issues will follow.  
• Learners, who are allowed to try, try, and try again to learn a concept in many different ways.

I have a feeling, working alongside Angela and her connection to the Iowa Core, is going to be even more exciting than I expected.  Stay tuned as I develop activities and lesson plans related to this fantastic approach to teaching and learning!

Enjoy These Online Tools!

In my quest to find resources that help integrate technology into the classroom, these resources recently came across my google reader today:

1. E-Learning for kids

Take a look at this fantastic website!  Geared towards students K-6, this site is packed with fantastic activities and games for the classroom, or to use at home.  Parents, kids would love to use this site!  I visited, played some games......would LOVED to have this around when I taught first grade language arts!

2. bygosh.com

Oh my gosh!  "By gosh" is awesome!  Visit this site and find MANY titles, along with links to other sites that host books by category, age level of reader, genre, you name it!  Fantastic resource for educators all ages!

3. www.jenuinetech.com

Fantastic website for the PreK-6 educator!!  This site is filled with ideas that integrate technology,from online projects share by other teachers, to educational seminars that can be taken online!  I suggest you check it out.

So glad we are living in the age of technology and FREE RESOURCES!!  The sky is the limit for your classrooms, so enjoy these sites......many more to come!!  Oh, and..... happy Friday!!