We have just 3 words for you: READ THIS BOOK!
This book is an amazing resource and can be a great motivator at the end of a long school year, or a great read as you begin to prepare for the next school year.
We no longer have lesson plans… we have learning experiences!
From the mind of Steph:
Part 3 of Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell focuses on the essential piece of learning we all look for in our professional development: the how. After reading parts 1 and 2, you will be encouraged, motivated and inspired to get going and Kasey helps you start the real work in Part 3.
I appreciate Kasey’s simple approach, it’s something that doesn’t seem so overwhelming even if you are not as comfortable using technology in the classroom. Shake Up Learning reminds us to begin with Purposeful Planning and be prepared (especially when using technology) for anything! I will say, out of this chapter my favorite tip was one she shared from the amazing Alice Keeler (@alicekeeler); number your assignment in Google Classroom - this makes them so much easier to find if you use the Find command in Chrome!
As a high school teacher, I also latched onto the idea of finding student tech helpers in class. While this is not entirely a groundbreaking idea, it’s one I have never really given a chance in my classroom. Kasey, however, reminded me that this can be a great way to “...encourage students with potential, and help them hone their leadership skills” (p. 127). For some of my freshman, this could be just the opportunity they need!
Part three is filled with practical ideas and EXAMPLES! Don’t we all love having concrete examples from start to finish?! I do - and Kasey Bell came through on this!
I could go on and on, but I will leave you with possibly my favorite quote (and probably one that is going to become an inspirational poster near my computer at school)...
“Think of yourself like a learning evangelist. Each voice has the power to reach someone new” (153).
*****
From the mind of Jess:
As I was reading Part 3 of “Shake Up Learning” I continued to use #booksnaps (shoutout to Tara Martin) The third part of the book will help you to become even more inspired to put what you learn into action.
First of all, Kasey refers to lesson plans as “learning experiences” in this book. I am definitely changing the heading on my lesson plans to learning experiences. Every lesson we do from here on out is a learning experience not a “lesson”. I thought those words were so powerful and learning experience should be the universal wording for the old school words of “lesson plans”.
“With each moment of wonder, we have two choices: let the moment pass or grab hold of it, embrace it, and use it to guide, teach, and empower our students to be fearless leaders” (page 138). Shoutout to Carrie Baughcum (@HeckAwesome) for inspiring Kasey with these words. All teachers should have their students exploring that sense of wonder that lies within them.
This last book snap from Kasey’s book is about how important it is to introduce technology into your classroom and have students explore their passions through technology, especially girls. This will then lead, hopefully, to more females in the technology field. GIRL POWER! I am all about this!
*****
Overall, this is a MUST read if you are an educator. We both cannot wait to see what else Kasey Bell has up her sleeve. Follow her on Twitter to keep tabs on her awesomeness @ShakeUpLearning. Thanks Kasey for inspiring both of us!
You can purchase Shake Up Learning HERE!
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