Top 5 Reads of Winter Break

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After reading through my "first" three posts, I realized they were sorta' boring. I felt like I read papers written for class...so, we're going to change the tone a bit. I'll get the swing of this eventually, and hopefully my tone won't sound so much like a teacher lecturing on at a boring and non-needed PD session, but someone who enjoys the world of education and finds ways to help others enjoy it, too. 

Until then, I'm going to share something I'm truly passionate about...Books! My first Book Banter of 2024 includes the books I read over winter break. 

1. The Phantom Tollbooth (author: Norton Juster) - I really wanted to love this book. So many teachers recommended I should read it - "It's fun to teach", " It's just a good humorous tale". For someone who loves wordplay, I thought it would quickly become one of my new favorites (although the book is over 50 years old). Unfortunately, for me, it was just ok. 

Milo reminds me of many students today, where he's constantly bored and needs to be entertained. Even my own kiddo reflects Milo's "I'm bored" persona on a regular basis. I enjoyed his trip through the tollbooth, but once he entered into a kingdom that had numbers and words fighting (it's always the battle, isn't it? Math vs. Language?), I started to lose my interest. Maybe I've become someone who needs to be entertained constantly, as well. 

My rating: 3 out of 5 pages (instead of stars - what do stars have to do with books?)

2. Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (author: Suzanne Collins) - I'm a sucker for a good backstory; Wicked, Maleficent, and now President Snow from the Capitol. I think Suzanne Collins did a phenomenal job of making me question how he got from "there" to "here" and really loving him despite knowing his future was villainous. 

This was the first out of my Christmas presents that I chose to break into and I'm glad I started here. My daughter started asking questions about what I was reading and it lead to watching the movies as a family and (hopefully) a future of rereading the books with her. Since I had read the Gregor the Overlander series earlier in 2023, I was planning to revisit this author anyway. 

Whether underground in a land overrun with rats, bats, and roaches, or fighting off District Tributes in an arena built with death traps, Collins knows how to bring together a series and keep the reader wondering "How did we get here?!" I cannot wait to watch Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I hear it is also phenomenal, but know I am typically more of a "the book is better" person. 

My rating: 4 out of 5 pages (Although it says "The End" on the last page, I feel she could have continued this story to get us even closer to what we know about "today" in Panem.)

3. A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart 3) (author: Stephanie Garber) - I completely forgot I preordered this book back in July. I read the second novel in the series in one day and was utterly perturbed I had to wait for song long to get third one...and then I moved on with life forgetting what magic lied in wait in my packages. If you are a fan of magic and fantasy, alternate fairy tales, and liking the villain, this is the book for you. An easy read (as is the entire series) that truly makes you enjoy hating the good guy. 

Although you don't have to, I'd start with the Caraval series. It sets the scene of how we were able to get to the Great North and adds a little bit of sparkle and glitter to the entire story. Some don't like Stephanie Garber's way of description (mostly in color - “She could see the sting of her rejection in shades of stormy blue, ghosting over his heart like sad morning mist." or “Periwinkle curiosity”), but again, I think it adds to the magic and fantasy. 

There are several characters (Great Families) that I had to look up from the previous novels to remember "who was who" and "who hated who" and "who spurned who," but if you read the series in a decent amount of time, there won't be an issue with mixing up the good from the bad (or pure evil). 

My rating: 5 out of 5 pages (Easy read, fun series, and an ending I was extremely pleased with)

4. A Discovery of Witches (author: Deborah Harkness) - One of the publicity comments on the cover said "The adult version of Harry Potter..." I obviously had to buy the book and test the theory. (And fantasy is obviously the genre theme of my holiday reading presents.) 

Witches, vampires, and demons (because apparently werewolves don't exist?) can be dreadful enemies or great allies in this series. Similar to our good friend Harry, Diana Bishop is coming into her witchy powers later than expected in witch life. The fact it takes place in London was also a good start for me, since I tend to be an anglophile. I'm not sure if it's the accents I hear when I read or the fact everything envisioned is cobblestoned and ivy covered.

I did end up reading the entire All Souls Series and enjoyed the first and third the best. The second novel dragged a bit, but was needed to provide the background for the relationships between the main witches, vampires, and demons (as well as a human or two). The time travel aspect was a little hard for me to believe (not a spoiler - it states it on the cover), but it did provide a feeling of "how long" the wars between groups have been going on and the severity of why they feel the way they do about each other. Again, I love a backstory, but it seemed long winded for what was needed to connect what I loved about books one and three. 

My rating: 4 out of 5 pages (Not quite Harry, but a good read none-the-less. My issues are already stated above.)

5. Six of Crows (author: Leigh Bardugo) - If you've read the Shadow and Bone series, it's worth it to pick up the Six of Crows duology. I originally picked up Shadow and Bone because I wanted to watch the show on Netflix. I found out from other Books Dragons (we're beyond book worms, obviously), that I really needed to also read the Six of Crows duology to know all of the characters. What? I have to read more books before watching tv? Ok...fine...

I think I actually like Six of Crows better than Shadow and Bone (and I gave S&B a 5 out of 5 on Goodreads). The crew of misfits and thieves brought together for this book reminds me of the crew in The Italian Job  or even Ocean's Eleven. Each has a skill or something they bring to the table - but better than either movie, we get to hear and see the perspective of each member of the crew throughout the book. The chapters switch view points of the characters and we learn what they are thinking and feeling in various moments of the heist. My next read will be the next book in the series, Crooked Kingdom. I need to know how this story continues...my hope is it's better than Ocean's Twelve or Thirteen. I had high hopes for those sequels.

My rating: 5 out of 5 pages (The impossible events and characters that think three steps ahead are intriguing to me.)

Share what you're reading! I'm always adding to my TBR pile...

Crafting Classroom Mastery: Fusing Pedagogy and Design

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Today, we embark on a cerebral journey, exploring the art of seamlessly blending pedagogy with design to forge unparalleled learning experiences. The reason I left the classroom had more to do with this concept than anything - my goal every day was to create an experience for my students. Completing a worksheet is not an experience. Even watching a video about the content is not an experience. Putting together an experience requires many levels of engagement and interaction. 

Let's delve into the intricacies of this pedagogical/design fusion. Much like an architect sketches the framework of a building, a teacher crafts a meticulous lesson plan to guide students through the labyrinth of knowledge. (Knowing it may or may not come crashing down around their ears.) It's not just about content delivery; it's about strategically arranging the elements to foster understanding, curiosity, and critical thinking. This is not a place where we just list our standards and outcomes, but it is a time when we need to think about why we are doing what we are doing for our students.

The elements that must be included and crafted (for the understanding, curiosity, and critical thinking) are many. Enter the realm of multimedia. Incorporating visuals, audio, and interactive elements transcends the traditional chalk-and-talk, providing a multisensory experience that resonates with varied learning preferences. It's not just about disseminating information; it's about crafting an immersive narrative that beckons students into the world of learning. Teaching to a classroom of digital natives requires creativity and outside of the box thinking (whether all are qualified as high ability or you have a multilevel classroom). Let's not overlook the role of technology in this pedagogical design. Much like a skilled engineer incorporates cutting-edge technology into their designs, teachers integrate digital tools to enhance the learning experience. Interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources become the building blocks of a technologically enriched classroom.

One of my favorite resources for digital teaching is Amplify by Katie Muhtaris and Kristin Ziemke. Although it was published in 2015, I know I have been able to ease into the use of technology and multimedia in my classroom, without cramming in the buzzwords and flashy software. This is where we can excel at merging pedagogy (and even andragogy if working with faculty and staff!) and the design of the presentation. "When introducing technological tools, we often apply the same practices and strategies we use in our daily teaching, but amplify their power with technology," write Katie and Kristin. Their focus is not on the tool itself, but the product that comes from students using the tool. Although they give suggestions, there are many ways to accomplish the tasks they suggest - and keep students engaged!

Just as a skilled carpenter constructs sturdy scaffolding to support a towering structure, teachers build a framework of support for their students. This involves breaking down complex concepts into manageable components, guiding students step by step towards mastery. It's an intricate dance of challenge and support, ensuring that every student ascends to greater heights at their own pace. This can be done through the multimedia techniques previously discussed, or it can be done in the differentiation provided for different skill sets in your classroom. 

Just as a tailor crafts bespoke garments to suit individual preferences, teachers tailor their instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning needs. Recognizing and addressing these differences empower teachers to create an inclusive learning environment where each student can flourish.

As we conclude this exploration of the intricate dance between pedagogy and design, envision your role as that of a master craftsman. Every lesson plan, every assessment, every interaction with students is a stroke of the chisel, refining the educational sculpture that is your classroom.

In the synthesis of pedagogy and design, you become an architect, a storyteller, and a facilitator of knowledge. Embrace the creative process, adapt to the evolving landscape of education, and witness the transformation of your classroom into a bastion of inspiration and enlightenment. This is not an easy task. I hope to share ideas that will make it seem easier, but also grow you as an educator and someone who designs a learning experience for their students. Together. Let us craft a future where learning is not just a process but an art form, where each student is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of education.

Unleash Your Superpowers: A Starter Guide to Unraveling the Mysteries of Differentiation for Gifted Learners

Today, we're diving headfirst into the exhilarating world of differentiation for our gifted learners. This
is an intro to the nitty gritty in the weeks to come. Some teachers live by differentiation while others die by the worksheet. This is an opportunity, not only to reach your highest abilities, but your high achievers, as well as those with supports and needs. Although they teach you to differentiate in college, sometimes they don't teach you how...or how to do it well. 

Say you have a classroom filled with minds that sparkle like a constellation of stars, each shining in its own unique way. Now, the challenge is to cater to these bright minds, right? Let's start with the basics. Differentiation is like a superhero cape for teachers. It's not about providing one-size-fits-all lessons; it's about tailoring your teaching to meet the needs of every gifted learner in your classroom. Think of it as a buffet of knowledge, where each student can choose the dish that suits their taste buds – or, in this case, their brainwaves. Differentiation does not have to be planned every step of the way by the teacher - moving from sage on the stage has been a "buzz term", but not everyone has completed the task of "guiding on the side."

Understanding the League of Learning Styles 

Just like superheroes have their unique powers, our learners have distinct learning styles. Some might be visual learners, soaking up information like sponges through pictures and diagrams. Others could be auditory learners, absorbing knowledge through the sweet sound of your voice. And let's not forget our kinesthetic learners, who need to touch, feel, and maybe even dance their way to enlightenment. So, throw on your detective hat and figure out which learning style each student rocks – it's like uncovering their secret identity! Also, keep in mind - each of these applies to your general education students, too. Sometimes we need to remember what is good for a gifted student, is good for all students, if created with that view point in mind.

The Magical Elixir of Flexible Grouping

I promise you, although time consuming and sometimes hard to plan, flexible grouping is not the villain in our tale. You're bringing together students with similar interests or learning needs. That's what flexible grouping is all about! Whether it's creating superhero squads for collaborative projects or having small group sidekick sessions, flexible grouping allows you to tailor your teaching to the dynamic needs of your gifted learners. Looking at a class in action can sometimes spur your own creativity or learning tips and tricks from someone who has a different viewpoint can help the course not turn chaos. 

Power of Customized Assignments

This is where we will spend most of our time throughout the blog. Creating learning experiences, instead of assigning tasks, will have all of your students interested in the topic at hand.  You can provide a menu where everyone gets to choose their own level of difficulty. Tiered assignments are like that, offering different levels of complexity to suit the varying abilities in your classroom. It's not about making things harder or easier; it's about ensuring every student gets a challenge that's just right for them. 

My favorite way to differentiate is choice boards. It's like handing your students a treasure map and letting them decide which path to take. Choice boards give students the power to choose how they want to showcase their learning – be it through a project, a presentation, or maybe even a dramatic interpretive dance (because who said learning can't be fun?). It's the ultimate way to let their creativity soar higher than a superhero in flight.

And let's not forget the magic of technology. In a world where gadgets and gizmos rule, integrating technology into your lessons is like giving your teaching superpowers. From interactive presentations to online simulations, the possibilities are endless.

Each of these options can easily be managed with rubrics that allow for flexibility and individuality, based on expectation and need. 

Superhero Encouragement 

Gifted learners will face challenges, and a bit of encouragement goes a long way. Remind them that even superheroes stumble before they learn to soar. Celebrate their victories, big or small, and let them know that the journey is just as important as the destination. The voice we give our students in their learning, also needs to carry over in their social and emotional needs. 

So there you have it, fellow education superheroes! Armed with the power of a starter guide, you're ready to embark on the challenges of teaching gifted learners. Embrace the diversity of minds in your classroom, experiment with different strategies, and above all, remember that you're not just a teacher – you're a guide, a mentor, and a superhero in the world of education. Go forth and unleash those superpowers!

Third Time's the Charm: A Teacher's Hilarious Journey to Blogging Brilliance

Hello, blogosphere! Or should I say, "Guten Tag, digital diaries!" Why, you ask? Well, my friends, I'm here to spill the beans on my not-so-secret life as a teacher turned instructional designer, who's embarking on the grand adventure of blogging for the third time. Buckle up, because this ride is bound to be all over the place and hopefully not too much of a facepalm moment for yours truly.

Let's rewind a bit. Picture this: a teacher, armed with an arsenal of lesson plans, a passion for shaping young minds, and a laptop that's seen better days. That's me. The first time I dipped my toes into the blogging pool, it was like attempting to swim in a kiddie pool with floaties that had more holes than Swiss cheese. My writing was awkward, my formatting resembled a Picasso painting, and the only thing I attracted was the attention of my cat who walked across the keyboard.

Undeterred by my first blogging fiasco, I took a deep breath, hit the reset button, and went for round two. This time, I vowed to be more organized, more engaging, and, dare I say, more stylish? Spoiler alert: the universe had other plans. My second attempt at blogging was like trying to ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches – entertaining for onlookers, but ultimately resulting in a spectacular crash. Apparently moving from the classroom into an office of instructional designers requires more flare and panache then I had in me. *oops*

Now, here I am, gearing up for round three. They say third time's the charm, right? Well, I'm about to put that saying to the test. So, what's different this time around? Let me break it down for you in a way even one of my students (fourth grade or collegiate...) can understand.

First things first, I've decided to embrace my quirks. Forget the polished, cookie-cutter blogs out there; I'm all about letting my personality shine through like a disco ball at a '70s dance party. After all, who doesn't want an educator with a penchant for dad jokes and a love of puns guiding them through the maze of academia?

Now, let's talk about content. My blog is going to be a treasure trove of ideas for teaching gifted students. We're talking strategies, activities, and maybe a few epic fails that you can learn from (because let's face it, we've all been there). I'll be dishing out the lowdown on curriculum building that's so exciting, it'll make even textbooks jealous. Instructional design? Oh, honey, we're going to make it as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride – minus the nausea.

But wait, there's more! Books, glorious books! I'll be sharing my favorite reads for pure enjoyment. Because let's be real, as much as I love discussing the complexities of educational theory, sometimes you just need a good book to escape into, am I right?

Now, you might be thinking, "Why should I stick around for the third act of this blogging saga?" Well, my dear readers, aside from the fact that I'll be your virtual guide through the labyrinth of teaching those that may be considered brilliant, and designing curriculum and experiences for the classroom, there's the added bonus of witnessing another educator navigate the world of blogging like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission.

As I embark on this third blogging endeavor, I want you to join me in the laughter, the facepalms, and the occasional victory dances. Because let's face it, life is too short to take ourselves too seriously. And if my journey can bring a smile to your face or inspire you to try something new, then my friends, I'll consider it a success.

So, here's to round three! To the highs, the lows, and the unpredictable twists and turns that await. Whether you're a fellow educator, a curious student, or just someone who stumbled upon this blog in a late-night internet rabbit hole – welcome! Let's make this blogging adventure one for the books, shall we?