We began our CFG meeting last week by looking at a quote by Rachel Carson and reflecting on where we are finding wonder in our classrooms. As we shared our reflections, I jotted down some of the phrases people used as they spoke. It was an inspiring list, especially as we consider our hopes for our new schedule. I share it here with you:
space they need
support to empathize
their gifts inspire depth of engagement
giving them a voice
take a break from the routine
using materials to explore a concept
What does wonder look like to you?
How do I define what wonder looks like in each child?
Growth mindset
Really listening to each other
Asking questions
Information can be kindling or a barrier to wonder
Primary sources
A different way to open kids' minds
What do you notice?
Thinking like historians
Theories
A learner asks questions
If you know all the answers, ask bigger questions
What is the bigger question?
Make our brain go in both ways
How to think in divergent ways
Kids outside
Unexpected places
Make space for stories
He's a wonderer!
Not tidy.
What motivates people
Beautiful stories
Diversity of life's choices
Something deeper about who we are as people
Slow down enough
Digging in
Feel the spark of wonder
This weekend I had the chance to listen to the excellent podcast link that Janet sent out, an interview with Ron Ritchhart about his new book Creating Cultures of Thinking. When he talked about the distinctions between what we expect of students and what we expect for students, this list came to mind. How will we spend our time together if the things on this list are what we expect for our children?
Speaking of how we spend time together...
A few of you asked me to advocate for CFG being offered as a way to meet our FLG requirements. I've talked with David about this a few times over the last two years, but recently David brought this up at an administrative retreat and we met together to finalize a plan. David has agreed that the CFG can serve as your FLG group if you desire, with the following agreements:
1) When your Year One comes up, participate in filling out the inventory and goal setting. During your goal-setting conference with David, let him know you'd like the CFG to be your FLG.
2) When you’ve articulated your goals, you bring them to the CFG. This is your cohort.
3) You still attend whole FLG check-ins 2X a year with the people who started the same year that you did.
4) Most designated FLG times can be used to prep for protocols, gather student work to present or work on portfolios.
5) The LS CFG doesn't need someone from another division—this group is open in a different way.
6) On the April inservice day John and Chris may ask us to demonstrate protocols for this year’s new FLG group.
7) If you want to drop your already-existing FLG, you should talk to John or Chris. Otherwise, tell your Division Head you'd like the CFG to serve as your FLG when you meet for your goal-setting meeting.
I hope this is welcome and helpful news to many of you! If you are planning to use the CFG as your FLG at this time, please let me know.
