Lensing for Perspective

Leveling lexical or linguistic lenses lends to limpid learning and literacy. Say that 3x fast...go!

My biggest takeaway from last nights class was: Perspective! Once we realized through what lens we were viewing the activity on the shrubbery house on the corner lot, we had a-ha moments.
We could all use a good dose of this from time to time.

I heard this phrase about six years ago and it has had a lasting effect: "Everyone's behavior makes sense if you have enough information" We all come with our own view of the world from the context of our beliefs, prior knowledge and life experiences.  How do we know what we don't know? We build relationship.

Because we want the best for every student and every student is unique, we must build relationship with our students. They all come from various home situations, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicity, they all have differing learning styles, natural gifts, interest...the list could go on but I think you get what I am trying to say. Differentiating instruction looks a lot like the equity side of this picture. We scaffold for various students, for various reasons and I think by doing so, it helps level the field for each one of them. It gives each one of our students a better view of the educational landscape.

"The assumption is not the product of wishful thinking or unrealistic ideals...[but] from a new focus on the special literacy needs of adolescent students;" (p 12 Ruddell)

Dead cats and curiosity

Inquiry and attention to detail can derail me as a student from time to time. I could not let the "inferring" activity go. I read a rather large article and came up with another use for our "Curiosity killed these cats" cartoon. When standing at the door of new knowledge, hard math problems, science theories...don't be afraid to ask questions. Learning won't kill you. Curiosity can compel competence. It might be hard, you might need to take notes, but it will not kill you.

Wizard of Oz 
St. Louis Muny Shows to be presented in 2016 are:

“The Wizard of Oz” June 13 – 22
“42nd Street” June 24 – 30
“The Music Man” July 5 – 11
“Young Frankenstein” July 13 – 19
“Mamma Mia” July 21 – 28
“Fiddler on the Roof” July 30 – August 5
“Aida” August 8 – 14.