Tag: minds to grow

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Professional Growth for Teachers, Teaching

Shifting the Balance: Professional Reading for the Summer

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Shifting the Balance is a book that caught my attention recently because it focuses on a topic that I want to learn more about: the Science of Reading. While scrolling on Instagram just a few weeks ago, I noticed the term, the “Science of Reading” and it stopped me in my tracks. It was a term I had not seen or heard before and it instantly made me curious. For this reason, I started searching for resources to help me learn more about the Science of Reading. 

There is an image of a woman with long hair reading a book. There is also a photograph of the book, "Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading Into the Balanced Literacy Classroom" by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates.

Shifting the Balance: My Own Summer Book Club?

I was so happy to come across the book, Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates (2021). After reading more about the resource, I decided that it was the best fit for me. I ordered the book and it is now my professional reading for the summer break! I have yet to start the book, but I’m excited to learn more about the Science of Reading through studying this resource.

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Shifting the Balance: Does Something Need to Be Shifted?

Upon looking at the cover, I see that this book is primarily suitable for teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 2. The subtitle for the book, Shifting the Balance is “6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom”. 

Hmmm. A Balanced Literacy Classroom…that’s my classroom. That’s what I have learned about from so many workshops, professional resources, and more. The title of the book was calling out my name and I knew that it would be the book to help me understand what this shift is all about!

What is Balanced Literacy Any Way?

 The term, “balanced literacy” has been at the forefront of many language programs, especially in early primary classrooms (Kindergarten to Grade 2). In my opinion, it is a broad term that describes ways to help immerse students in different kinds of language activities (e.g., guided, shared, independent work) in order to help them become well-rounded readers and writers. 

Mission to Make a Way for Learning

I personally love helping my students grow and strengthen their language skills through reading, writing, oral communication, word play, etc. The focus on having a balanced literacy program has felt like the norm for the last little while. It has become a comfort zone, so to speak, in planning my language program, and I’m very happy with the success many students have achieved. However, there are sometimes some learners who may appear to have more difficulty grasping key language skills. As a teacher who constantly wants to problem-solve, such a situation puts me on a mission to find new strategies or ideas to help me try and reach those students in a different and better way.

Growth Mindset: Time to Learn Something In A Different Way!

In the same way I wish for my students to become lifelong learners, I, too, enjoy learning and “growing my brain”. Learning about the Science of Reading is an opportunity for me to learn something new, perhaps have a shift in mindset on the approach of teaching reading, and hopefully, make me a stronger reading teacher for my students, especially those that may be struggling. 

Is this book on your summer reading list, too? Click here to buy Shifting the Balance. *non-affiliate / unsponsored link*

This Blog Post Has Just Started, But It Will Already Be Continued!

Let me repeat: I have yet to start reading, Shifting the Balance! I just received it in the mail yesterday. In this blog, I will outline my initial thoughts on the resource. I look forward to sharing more about the book in future posts! Stay tuned.

This image has the words, "What's the Science of Reading?" Learn along with me! www.mindstogrow.ca/blog.

Initial Observations

Here are some interesting things that I noticed as I skimmed through the book for the first time:

  1. The title for the introduction is, “Embracing Science and Balance”. It sounds like a way to welcome me, the reader, into opening my mind to learning about the science of reading as well as a balanced reading approach. I’m anticipating that the introduction will describe the rationale for looking at the Science of Reading. 
  1. The book is broken down into the “6 Shifts”, as described on the cover (e.g., 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom).
  1. In the Contents section, I already like how each shift (chapter) has a similar pattern:
    • “Clearing Up Some Confusion”
    • Misunderstandings
    • Summary of the Science 
    • Recommendations for Making the Shift

This image has a bookshelf with many books on it. The words, "Growth Mindset Picture Books" and "www.mindstogrow.ca/blog" are underneath the picture. Clicking on the link will take you to the blog post on Minds to Grow's website.

I’m really excited to see the breakdown from the contents because it sounds like I will be learning a lot! As I skim through the list of “misunderstandings”, I immediately agree with some, yet realize that there are many that may cause a shift in my thinking as well. That’s good! There will be growth!

I’m also glad there is a summary of the Science of Reading as it relates to each “shift”. 

When I initially started researching about the Science of Reading online, it became a bit overwhelming to see some of the information out there, hence the reason why this book seemed like a great introduction for me! 

The “Recommendations for Making the Shift” makes me smile because I know there will be some practical ways to help me implement new learning with my students. I can’t wait to dive in!

How Do I Feel About It All?

I must admit, I am a bit nervous as I prepare to dive into this book. I’m super excited to start, nevertheless! This book may stretch me in a short time. It may cause me to change some approaches in how I teach reading. I’m ready for the new learning. I acknowledge that it may mean an overhaul of what I have done before. That’s more than okay if it can help produce even greater results and help for students! 

I’m ready to go beyond my comfort zone and learn the science so that I can help struggling students.

Flipping Through the Pages of the Book

I see lots of figures and tables included on the pages. Loving that already! I am a visual learner, so these types of tools are especially helpful and beneficial to me. The book is also colour-coded (e.g., each shift has a specific colour for easy reference, I believe). I also noticed some reflection questions at the end of each chapter. I will reflect on my learning at the end of each chapter and use it this year. 

This image shows a variety of school supplies like pencils, crayons, sharpeners on a wooden background. The words, "Get Ready for Back to School!" is in the middle of the items. Clicking on this image leads you to the Minds to Grow TPT store. This link shows a Back to School activity bundle at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-To-School-Activities-First-Day-of-School-Quick-Simple-Grade-1-2-7063073

Time to Start Reading!

This book, Shifting the Balance, is a professional reading resource for Kindergarten to Grade 2 teachers. On the website for this book, https://thesixshifts.com, I noticed that there are some great free resources available there! I will surely look into them. There is also a podcast which can help me in my journey of learning more about the Science of Reading.

If you are interested in learning along with me, consider purchasing a copy of the book.  *non-affiliate / unsponsored link*

Looking forward to sharing some of my thoughts and new learning after reading the first chapter of Shift the Balance. Hope you will join me then!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Teaching

Perseverance: What A Roller Coaster! Teaching In a Pandemic

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Amused by Amusement Parks

Memories of my childhood include trips to amusement parks with family and friends. It would either be an amusement park that had a specific, stationary location (e.g., Canada’s Wonderland) or a small carnival that would be set-up in a mall parking lot for a short period of time. Whenever cousins from abroad would visit, I would always look forward to putting one on my list as a “Place to Go”.

I recall going one year to Canada’s Wonderland with a group of cousins. One was adamant about us going on a roller coaster. I wasn’t so thrilled with the idea, but agreed that I would try going on one of the smaller roller coasters. So, we went, and once the coaster got to the top of the first drop, I remember the intense fear I felt, the loud screaming (from myself and others), and my glasses having difficulty staying still on my face. There were even moments of laughter as I began to enjoy parts of it…until it started going down a steep incline once again. At the end of it, I was thankful it was over, yet amazed by the array of emotions from start to finish in the short ride.

 

 

Once Upon a Time…

Fast forward to March 2020.

Prior to that point in time, working in education always had its unique challenges.  When I reflect on classroom experiences from prior to March 2020, I catch myself thinking about them as the “good old days” when we could do this or do that at school.

So much was taken for granted in those much more simple times. Who would have thought that we would even consider that short while ago as much more simple times?

 

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We took so much for granted. Once upon a time, we could…

  • be in our school and classroom without masks
  • smile at others while showing our teeth (e.g., a mask-free smile)
  • share materials with peers without a second-thought
  • sing songs during class time
  • give a High-Five or fist bump without immediately thinking about sanitizing or washing hands
  • put desks in groups of 2 or more
  • attend whole-school assemblies in the gym
  • have group games or clubs after school

The list goes on and on.

As I said before: those were much more simple times, yet ones that were actually really special. I truly treasure those experiences now more than ever.

The pandemic has caused education to rapidly change (and it continues to do so each day). Post-Pandemic (whenever that will be), our classrooms, schools, and approach to teaching will permanently be different, too, compared to our Pre-COVID-19 world. We just have to keep riding out this roller coaster-of-an-experience to see what it will look like for teachers, staff, students, families.

 

A Roller Coaster Ride of Epic Proportions…

Every educator will surely have their own unique story to tell from this experience of teaching during a pandemic. In short, this is how my 2020-2021 school year has played out so far:

  • In-Person (September to December)
  • Online (January to Mid-February)
  • In-Person (Mid-February – Early April)
  • Online (April to whenever more details are available)

Switching from in-person teaching to online teaching has been interesting. So many things that can be done rather quickly or easily in-person, needs to be adjusted to fit the various media being used online (e.g., laptop, iPad, cell phone, etc.) Just the same, there are many things that can be done while learning online, that would be more difficult to do in-person.

I never imagined my particular situation this year would include switching back and forth twice (so far).

It truly has felt like being on a roller coaster of epic proportions.

So many highs, lows, a range of emotions, moments of fear, excitement, and more.

It would be easy to focus on just the lows and moments of fear, yet, I choose to focus on some of the highs because it has helped me to learn so much (and also facilitate learning for my students).

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Perseverance: Moments of Growth During the Ups and Downs

Here is just a small sample of the amazing things that have come out of this difficult time of a global pandemic for my Grade 1 students and me:

  • They love reading and continue to show growth in their reading!
  • They are all Rock Stars simply because they continue to show such resilience each day. They are my heroes as they tackle this challenging time and adjust as needed. Side note: A favourite word in my classroom is flexible. We use it daily!
  • I have learned how to maximize my teaching time even more. Following all of the important and necessary health and safety protocols takes a lot of time out of our day. Mini lessons are powerful!
  • I have learned how to set-up and teach in a virtual classroom setting. There has been ample time to practice, refine, and practice some more.
  • My students, although just 6 years old, know how to navigate many platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Slides, and more!
  • We focus a lot on the 4 C’s in my classroom (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity). My students have surely been strengthening their critical thinking skills and enjoy doing things creatively simply because we sometimes don’t have a choice but to be creative!

I smile as I think of other Ups during this time of so many Downs, but I will share more another time.

One of the most important things my students and I have held onto this year is having a Growth Mindset. It has helped us, and continues to help us, persevere and not give up when things get tough. We recite a Growth Mindset pledge each morning and I truly hope they will remember it for the rest of their lives because it’s simply powerful Self-Talk.

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Hold On! We’ll Get Through This Together!

This pandemic has been totally challenging for every one experiencing it. Despite it all, we can still find some beauty in our experiences. There are glimmers of hope and new learning that has emerged as a result of this time.

I know it’s been hard and continues to be tough, yet you have made it this far. This Pandemic Roller Coaster is one that has squeezed us and exhausted us in ways we never imagined, yet we are here.

Let’s continue to hold on because there are brighter days ahead. We will get through this together.

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.

Walter Elliot
Image shows a wooden pathway surrounded by trees. There is some sunlight shining through the trees onto the pathway. Words, "Keep going, keep growing" by www.mindstogrow are at the bottom of the picture.
Professional Growth for Teachers, Self-Care and Wellbeing for Teachers

Encouraging Words: Keep Going. Keep Growing.

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Image shows a wooden pathway surrounded by trees. There is some sunlight shining through the trees onto the pathway. Words, "Keep going, keep growing" by www.mindstogrow are at the bottom of the picture.

Keep going. Keep growing.

Some days may feel tougher than others, but be encouraged to keep going.

This past year has surely been and continues to be challenging, yet we have been gifted with being here now.

To the teacher who feels frustrated by all of the changes that need to be made in order to create learning experiences for students during this time: keep going.

To the parents who feel more exhausted than ever, trying to balance their own work at home along with remote learning for their children: keep going.

To the students who may feel confused about the times we live in and feel isolated because they cannot connect with their friends as before: keep going.

It’s harder to think so on some days, but it will get better.

It’s my hope (today or one day) that we can see the experiences we have gone through (and continue to go through) as ones where we grew because we kept going.

One step at a time. One day at a time.

Let’s keep encouraging one another.

Keep going. Keep growing.

#grow #growthmindset #keepgoing #keepgrowing #pandemic #pandemiclife #teachers #teaching #learningathome #betterdays #encouragement #thoughts #youmatter #blessed #grateful #mindstogrow

Personal Growth for Teachers, Professional Growth for Teachers

How Will I Grow My Mind Today?

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Every year when teachers get their class list for the following school year, we start planning in our minds about how we can reach this future group of students. We think about what worked well (and what didn’t work well) in the past year. We think about new strategies, lessons, and activities that we can use to help facilitate learning with our next class. 

A few years ago, as I was preparing to teach Grade 2, I looked at my new class list and recognized some familiar names. One name in particular got me thinking about how I would be able to help that learner. You see, that student had some difficulties with learning and as a result, was also struggling with low self-esteem. It’s not easy seeing your peers learn new concepts that you consistently have a hard time understanding. When I saw the name, I knew that I had to focus on building self-esteem and to help shift their thinking in order to help create a space for learning and growing. 

Enter Growth Mindset. I was determined to find a way to help that particular student from the very beginning of the school year. Once I learned more about Growth Mindset, I knew that it would not only (hopefully) encourage that student in question, but also benefit all of my students. In my mind, it was worth the effort to teach lessons on Growth Mindset and just watch what happens.

Well, I’m happy to say that it not only helped that child’s self-esteem, but it also strengthened the self-esteem of my other students! Growth Mindset revolutionized my classroom and helped me become a better teacher, too. It’s something that has also been a blessing to me personally as well. I am truly looking forward to exploring and sharing more about Growth Mindset through my Minds to Grow blog, website, and other social media. 

A question I like to ask myself each day is, “How will I grow my mind today?” Sometimes it’s just a small task (e.g., learning a Life Hack) and other times, a larger one. I love learning new things and for that reason, it’s exciting to challenge myself to do things that I may have thought were too difficult to do in the past.   

So I ask you today, too: How will you grow your mind today? What do you have in mind to try out that you’ve wanted to try, but perhaps felt too afraid to try in the past? 

Let’s encourage each other and watch each other grow!

How will I grow my mind today?

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What is Minds to Grow?

Introducing Minds to Grow: Here We Grow

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Thanks for visiting my blog on Minds to Grow! I’m so glad that you’re here!

My name is Kris. Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I feel so blessed to be able to live out that dream and be an educator to primary-aged students.

Through Minds to Grow, I help primary teachers save time with tips and resources for the classroom so they can also focus on personal and professional growth.