If I Only had a Brain

"I would not be just a nuffin'
My head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain
I would dance and be merry
Life would be a ding-a-derry
If I only had a brain" - Scarecrow
(If I Only had a Brain lyrics)






In Education 198, I am currently reading a book that keeps inspiring me, more like affirming me and my belief system regarding education and students. The book is small and well worth the read.  In his book, "Teaching with Poverty in Mind" Eric Jensen shares insight, research and HOPE on the effects of low SES (socioeconomic status). 

I am a product of the action steps taken by teachers who believed that I could overcome my very small world. They called out and pulled out the positives in my life that were stuffed deep inside me. I am 40+ and there are still people in my life that speak life and call out things that are in me that the world needs. 

My biggest takeaway from this weeks chapter (chapter 3) is that Brains are designed to change. "Neuroplasticity is the quality that allows region-specific changes to occur in the brain as a result of experience."  He shares how grasping this concept could be a catalyst in the lives of our students. The case studies are intriguing and I look forward to sharing the rest of the 


"In school, embody the change you want to see in students." (p. 65) We can and should help students rise above the labels and stereotypes that have been placed on them by society. 

Things we must STOP doing in order to start doing: 

• Using low IQ as an excuse for giving up on students
• Complaining in the staff lounge about little "Suzy" or "Johnny"
• Doing what you have always done

Things we must START doing in order to see change:

• Provide positive, enriching experiences
• Believing that change is possible
• Value students over processes

What does the Wizard of Oz give the scarecrow at the end of the film?
- a diploma

- encouragement

The prefix en- means to within, in

So, what was he showing the scarecrow?
- that he had it in him all along, he pulled out what was ALWAYS inside the scarecrow. The scarecrow was quite intelligent. He needed those around him, Dorothy, the wizard, the tinman to help him see what he couldn't see own his own.
We have the awesome privilege of pulling out and showing students what is on the inside of them. If we must use labels use positive ones. MODEL the change you hope to see. They have brains, their brains can change and we have an awesome responsibility. 

Teachers what you do matters!