Finally got to sit down with Erik Wolfrum from Spokane Talks to do a segment on “Humanizing Education” for their Education 101 program. It was a fast half hour, and there was so much more I wanted to say, but I am pleased with how my first “live” interview went. Wanted to share it with you all. Of course, for most, there won’t be much that is “new,” but I hope you find some value in this other medium. Huge thank you to Erik and Spokane Talks for this opportunity. Huger thank you to former student Dylan Rollins for making it happen in the first place.

I was particularly pleased and proud to be able to share more of my story here at home with my Spokane community. Funny, I think my work is better known by educators from other places than here–even in my old building. I think only one of my colleagues knew I was doing the interview yesterday. Of course, my kids knew, and I am so pleased that I got to highlight and share a small but super significant part of our classroom culture: Smiles and Frowns. I am excited to share with the kids that I got to sing our song and do a Sappy Sy Rhyme to end the show. They will be tickled.

And then, to work. Hopefully, today we can find “normal” and get to moving on down the road. Here’s an anticipation guide we are going to work with today as we begin to set up an argumentative performance task on “character education.” We are going to create a simulated experience where the kids have to take a position on our school using the Character Counts program for improving our school’s culture, but first we are going to consider character.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…sharing a few more “I’m From” poems.

…considering and discussing how character and community connect.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…discussing “Why with Sy”

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Thursday, all. Have a great day.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.