Hi Colleagues,
I hope this week’s edition finds you well.
QUOTE
“When teachers understand how words work, and why words are spelled the way they are, they are able to teach that knowledge to their students. Spelling is no longer a mystery but a fascinating exploration of words, history and meaning. With strong content knowledge, teachers are able to build their own spelling programs, teaching spelling explicitly as well as taking advantage of the teachable moments throughout the school day, encouraging word play and curiosity about the way words make their meaning.”
Adoniou, 2016
FUNNY OF THE WEEK
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Link
THERE IS ALWAYS MORE
For the last 5 years I’ve started every term with Cobram PS, and this term was no different.
Over those 5 years I’ve had staff comment, “I’ve always loved your sessions, but I was thinking what could you present this time that we haven’t already covered? Then we have another rich day of learning.”
The reality is there’s more to learn in education than is possible in one lifetime. I’m always learning. Sometimes it’s overwhelming how much there is to learn.
What’s important is that you are open and willing to learn.
WRITING
Having completed so much work together means that we are in the position to continually revise what we are focusing on.
This term we went back to writing as the main area we are concentrating on.
We are always time poor as educators, so I often utilise the time in my workshops to get everyone doing the work that they are asking of their students. This is often both enlightening, and challenging!
Putting writing up on a pedestal is a goal we are working towards. There are many strategies that we are employing to achieve this goal.
Examples include:
Always having an authentic audience and purpose when publishing writing. Tully’s is a fantastic example which recently featured in the Shepparton News. Congratulations Tully!
Placing published writing from each class in frames in selected shops in town. This writing is rotated throughout the year. Below is an example of Iva’s writing currently featured in ‘Hungie Fangs’ where I often get a coffee and/or lunch when I’m in town.
Our students all need to know the power and purpose of writing. I can remember when Bob Hawke passed away, numerous people revealed that they had received hand written replies from Bob Hawke when he was Prime Minister, and they were students. Another powerful action to add to his legacy.
PODCAST
In last week’s edition I announced that I had released my first podcast. I’ve appreciated all of the positive feedback that I’ve received, thank you, it means a lot.
The podcast itself dates back to May when my online talented Study Group team met for the first time. I know some of the team are a bit self-conscious about hearing their own voice, but I’m really happy with the content and the conversations we had.
The link to listen to the episode is on my website.
It’s also available through Spotify:
I’ve included the blurb and links to resources discussed below:
This is Episode 1 of the Education Enclave podcast.
For those of you who don’t have any context on me, I focus on excellence in education from F-12.
Earlier in the year, via my weekly newsletter, I offered to run a Study Group on a selected text over the course of the year. Based on the educators who expressed interest I decided to focus on Debbie Miller’s, What’s the Best That Could Happen? New Possibilities for Teachers & Readers. This episode is our discussion around chapter 1.
The talented group that joined me in the first study group session are the following educators:
Dearnne Backhouse
Erin Beissel
Megan Lillingston
Dee McNamee
Cassie Ryan
Elena Ziebell
The main topics that we discuss are: gradual release of responsibility, the workshop model and agency
Some links:
Amplify
Depending on your medium of choice I’m also planning to convert this on to a YouTube Channel, which I will share with you when it is ready.
I’m looking to interview some really interesting and inspiring educators for future episodes. Also, our second study group session is planned for this coming week. Stay tuned!
INBOX
I’ve recently been made aware that for some of you the newsletter hasn’t been landing in your inbox. I’d really appreciate it if you could add my email address to your contacts so hopefully it goes straight to your inbox each time.
Another option is to reply to this email with ‘Hi’, or a personal message.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading and see you next week, Danny. P.S Feel free to provide me with any feedback regarding the newsletter, or anything for that matter via email.
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