tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58060785810390430902024-03-18T22:52:33.316-04:00Matt MillerI help others tell their story through coaching and design.Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-2938342132130622542023-02-20T10:02:00.000-05:002023-02-20T10:02:15.012-05:00The Creative Momentum Guided Journal is Here and FREE for a limited time. <p>Happy Today!!</p><p>It's been forever since I've last posted anything. I miss me some long form blogging. It just seems like I don't have time to sit down and write something deep. You can always follow my short things on social media at <a href="https://linktr.ee/MillerMatt" target="_blank">@DropStepDunk</a>. </p><p>An update :</p><p>I've switched jobs from a Tech Coach / PD Specialist to working on K-12 College and Career Readiness. Right now, I'm working on connecting local businesses and organizations to the school system. </p><p>Presenting :</p><p>On-and-off over the last 3-ish years, <a href="https://spencerauthor.com/" target="_blank">John Spencer</a> and I have been co-creating a journal to walk you through a 40-Day project. It's about sustaining creative momentum throughout that whole length of time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/hfcf9wu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeHEOroeKVRHNc5j6ZDGHBpiUS3Bx9iTX61x6oa8m08hpShJ5tBNtYSYaSM2VQUrGMzx3XbhPW8c_E6kZ72Y0p8QoWdYDfMv6j7uNTA-yQwToU-xgyRhyXkCJX82oaukCOC1gTDAq1zYRYXJAy-rgh4YNyhmBMqZAHxIuhf1EpjTeDEsT6u57RmCx/w640-h360/Creative%20Momentum%20Guided%20Journal.%20%20(Presentation%20(169)).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Continue reading for John's detailed introduction to The Creative Momentum Guided Journal and how you can get it for <b><i style="background-color: #fcff01;">FREE for right now only</i></b>. (We'd love a donation, but free is good, too. We just want it to be used.)</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjZHRg0V1MzcmY94ymcj491pMMJdJTgM_GnC_nIylok0syhrtffpy5ZRxlzqlFwlXTAYjdESZNBjYoXlc-JwlDVR2Hw4lZRfOVjtGdTr-GoeM7nxsp49fX6SQSX9p1VOk3Gb9PU2nsQEsz2pBninarZpVLK7TqVJramgDR3bGhnIkvfl8mBi8mo4YSOXkdX=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: 133px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; width: 249px;" tabindex="0" width="249" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><strong></strong>Ever felt stuck in a creative rut? Ever had a dream of getting started with a creative endeavor but you just can't make the habit stick? The challenge might not be one of habit-forming or inspiration but actually <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/qvh8h7h8lg7wdnil/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyYXV0aG9yLmNvbS9jcmVhdGl2ZS1oYWJpdHMtdmVyc3VzLWNyZWF0aXZlLW1vbWVudHVtLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1676991125697000&usg=AOvVaw3kGeY25bvIDyhrtRSGjfHh" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/qvh8h7h8lg7wdnil/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyYXV0aG9yLmNvbS9jcmVhdGl2ZS1oYWJpdHMtdmVyc3VzLWNyZWF0aXZlLW1vbWVudHVtLw==" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">creative momentum</a>. While habits focus on consistency, momentum focuses on consistent improvement. Here's what I mean.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Habits alone aren’t enough to keep going in your creative work. There’s an inherent flaw in the automaticity of habit. We can shift into a place of stagnation. We end up like that band that creates a fourth album that sounds like a retread of the previously three albums. We grow risk-averse, not out of fear, but out of a sense of complacency. We hit a plateau and coast on that plateau. Meanwhile, we shift into a place where we work so quickly that we end up making key mistakes. This is why, as a classroom teacher, I changed from social studies to self-contained to a coaching role and ultimately photojournalism and STEM. I needed new challenges to avoid the complacency of automaticity.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Think of a habit like this. It’s a flat line.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="A graph showing skills remaining in a flat line over time." class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj3-b-dHvumMwlVhom08DJgzma7t-3dT2YxpLApAJY9OSbkFYzr7sVZy3eN4OXln0TsroDJ68tVgnrqdFrkjjIIBqwCKGJHmnIgMlCxLMmQVGsHpOgvhRHsu-6EJko4aT2mSfL672vGhCXTVXbw8fMIVlkjhXQl51WX6vzNtn-8DWWlbJWUZjwgZgtiCs2WgYoFNEGT0ymTynXX-LE3wH-cmMF50rEGWf_a_TuZxEC305KRCoe04Kbyp77zRCUv4pbrPGHt0iT9wO5kPBQUeuaaXrRz1kynhHfC1StCl3huYTnGsdinE8rL=s0-d-e1-ft,q_glossy,ret_img,w_500,h_394/https://spencerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-07-07-at-10.03.37-AM.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">That’s important. It helps you maintain consistency. But it’s not enough. To reach the next level, you also need to improve in your craft. You need to learn and grow. This is why we include skill development as the second variable in creative momentum. Skill improvement alone isn’t enough, though. Because without habit, it will be chaotic, with skills rising and then falling due to the lack of practice and consistency.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="graph showing skills rising and falling over time" class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhoI0teXuCy3q_lOOWEwoe3oX_m_NZ-LHVoYdHCtecbvj7CM2e05ed0WQxbEN2FN47QuXeRyLEcJOLtfcMKRooJ1PaCwM7OtAmb2D8Q-LA7Sg_bfoiLSNNphtH3fmHrMc3YeJc_4pULUun1-_StMPB6AickZrK0PnID_a-rYDG5D2UpfZet2_IoB1oW493S7Qja-uD-tZYH0xvbmDRhIi0iILorgyAmllYtFS32UZn6xRfTLsqHtXRga_gwM8Ukr_KU3xd2I-wSKPWoF1kMHoKStQ=s0-d-e1-ft,q_glossy,ret_img,w_432,h_338/https://spencerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/chaotic-skills.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">What we need is for skills to improve over time. Creative momentum is similar to a creative habit but it combines habits with improvements.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="" class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiSMtKHHztfnY2q58EAQpweCN9xuDWIsSBpxHFDWWb5Bcm__6u5Z-zzCSembb690JWDjh8Y80rU-kLVlfgr5vaXt12fGq4-hF9U5o73gQmr54QiZB4u1InAi2oFSL23WhoWP9rDjkwzQHhUaiqIkp91lOY2YCL6gZCtligsaTxZnHuRmRaDJ_VCshqOzO3Ow1T4__8-9bOMzbg9sQfiRwej-B5E7jIgfBESTRM7oUXQuCoXYVRnhJ2Z5Q3akn4XvLoufoQ9OXuLHoqYRrLZy6ciiZGqDT0MaJDXng=s0-d-e1-ft,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1000,h_341/https://spencerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/habits-and-improvement.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" />When you experience creative momentum, you take your craft to the next level by combining habits with skill development. You focus on the creative process but you’re also cognizant of the end result and the final product.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">I make the distinction of habits and momentum in the following visual:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="" class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjryNzdeV-DL4KcmLaP7u8sOGFTv744IUy4-wtSbnoizj3VsBJwFJTFjDc29jb_KCMZzO5eTs7j8bP_bj05tRK_Z7fZ8Tym0O0CyrEij2HqBcuPaP2-_0wt7lHX5dE8bjqbIYkTWIaAB57vZhcrTVhMBBamQnKld-FoB3UNTuIfdRuhtnyrjWKmMWmUgqMl20jPCbnulE5AgripRZ-AeeBTUj2nl_pdq24Q-P_OPTUaQBMHiomTL0EBWDtDL1dbCSxYFaKZH62i_nTxLRIgSekPG4YwEutiw0WPHkw=s0-d-e1-ft,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1533,h_1121/https://spencerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/creative-momentum-copy.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: 378px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; width: 517px;" tabindex="0" width="517" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Note that consistency alone can help build habits. However, combining consistency with continual improvement can help lead to creative momentum. Slowly, you start improving and building up your creative endurance and eventually it gets easier to engage in daily creative work. Meanwhile, your work becomes better. Better here might be faster, with improved fluency. But it also includes improving your craft, engaging in better processes, and often feeling better about the work you do.</p><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introducing the Creative Momentum Journal</h2><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">About two years ago, I had a conversation with my friend Matt Miller. He's a graphic designer and educator and I love the way he thinks about the creative process. We were in the midst of COVID and we had noticed how some people seemed to be incredibly creative during the pandemic while others began a creative project or habit but then it faded. We talked about this idea of momentum and the power of combining habits with continual improvement. This combination of consistency and novelty seemed critical for the process.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">I talked about my journaling process and my rituals that I used to get into the habit. Matt talked about things like field trips or prompts he uses for inspiration. Somehow we landed on this idea of a guided journal for ourselves and maybe for others. The concept is simple. In this guided journal, you take forty days to build your creative momentum. Each day consists of challenges to spark your creative thinking and questions to help guide reflection. Here's an annotated picture of the left side:<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjgdBo-cXKker0qWO-8Q5vjDVyhhXs0NBCTOZ-VF_b65-1R_o-iltLPTy1cmOn-3ZwuXhFtYvZpEwg95TM5t4GWFYUrH1jrDJ-ZbdCVccCIJXCy4orXo1rY4WFnKrt-FiJOmrhxa6SQELUXxUZgLoBlojqZhdKf-OT5lzFLItlbG7skElOt5ulHDX1QAC9rmyl45GQdI6dMjALB=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Here's an annotated picture of the right side:<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgAWFe2rnqOoCtSYMhyphenhyphen8pyDV_O4TPdlC8M__yEy2q25RAcam2aZFabO_vK7sPSndPA4nXawpN9JEyWnt3SCYj6SRnyKsftPBG27REW_9uB0aS1hIUFvJvm4ruCPWRStSZLx27f2x91gIFTsepnrZTkif-k7KgZ81ZZ3XtIgMrHmwo3x0-yzIzBge-VZI6ysD_RmQnD987aFijoG=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The focus is on building habits, tracking progress, finishing projects, and finding inspiration. This is why we also included little field trips:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEi1ccCsc9_4-fCjljihlKUZnHX4yFnudJRUyrUA2a1bPhFnGoVzYy6VkEaM016_9QqRF7ncAk1jf2pNNHNLVFsUKN3FrSwfbSsWOyFHOr0HC1j7N_pLuDGRfdGTP0pbKX71GVJt8guMLUYp8sCHt4CrWsPoJjRaIpiZLlBTbkWok-hU406lTheosNlx1BueoLlsbmkF8JwjhzIw=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who Is This Journal For?</h2><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">The short answer is "anyone" who engages in creative work which is . . . well . . . anyone. I've long believed that <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/9qhzhnhgekqwd4a9/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyYXV0aG9yLmNvbS90ZWFjaGVycy1nZW5pdXMtaG91ci8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw3R1mUZWQAU7jZPADmCdWhZ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/9qhzhnhgekqwd4a9/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyYXV0aG9yLmNvbS90ZWFjaGVycy1nZW5pdXMtaG91ci8=" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">teachers need a Genius Hour</a>. When we engage in our own personal passion projects, we grow more empathetic toward students engaging in their own projects. We discover new aspects of the creative process. In other words, when we create something that has nothing to do with teaching, our students benefit. So, if you're planning a personal Genius Hour project, this might be ideal for you.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">If you want to buy the hardbound version of the journal, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/3ohphkhqk6om30ar/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9DcmVhdGl2ZS1Nb21lbnR1bS1HdWlkZWQtSm91cm5hbC1TcGVuY2VyL2RwLzE3MzQxNzI2MjIvcmVmPXNyXzFfMT9jcmlkPTFXVDVEN0NYQ1VNSjcma2V5d29yZHM9Q3JlYXRpdmUrbW9tZW50dW0ram91cm5hbCZxaWQ9MTY3MDAwMDA1NCZzcHJlZml4PWNyZWF0aXZlK21vbWVudHVtK2pvdXJuYWwlMkNhcHMlMkMxMzkmc3I9OC0x&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw2aN2rxcGs6m1ZD1h5-A-3i" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/3ohphkhqk6om30ar/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9DcmVhdGl2ZS1Nb21lbnR1bS1HdWlkZWQtSm91cm5hbC1TcGVuY2VyL2RwLzE3MzQxNzI2MjIvcmVmPXNyXzFfMT9jcmlkPTFXVDVEN0NYQ1VNSjcma2V5d29yZHM9Q3JlYXRpdmUrbW9tZW50dW0ram91cm5hbCZxaWQ9MTY3MDAwMDA1NCZzcHJlZml4PWNyZWF0aXZlK21vbWVudHVtK2pvdXJuYWwlMkNhcHMlMkMxMzkmc3I9OC0x" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">you can purchase it here</a>. It could be a holiday gift for yourself as you start out the new year. Or you could give it to a maker in your life who might enjoy the interactive elements.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">You can also <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/n2hohvhnlw8qvqi6/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyaWRlYXMuZ3Vtcm9hZC5jb20vbC9jcmVhdGl2ZW1vbWVudHVtam91cm5hbA%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw0FjNU7Ra-3qkFMoAgs9FxC" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/n2hohvhnlw8qvqi6/aHR0cHM6Ly9zcGVuY2VyaWRlYXMuZ3Vtcm9hZC5jb20vbC9jcmVhdGl2ZW1vbWVudHVtam91cm5hbA==" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">download it for free here</a> as a digital download that you can print and use. The way it works on Gumroad is you set the price as a "pay what you want." So, if you want to download it for free, that's totally fine. If you want to give us a tip as a thank you, you could type in the dollar amount:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiGJdKm1DlLNGvBQBMOqPNyQJjUntSGPlpONX1qeCS4ZlOE7Myslqi_FsfUq6REs2lHu7w861jGNHzlQHpAw4SKTznptJtScU9j-VZxZWBr4XKz3EbYslUC1fGoy9FSMXW3_342-CDacVkUtugJkyBVY64HP1KIRlloVFO66CNHwTh0m0-Yv08iBOwXP-RNMhEpwLO5mtsYRR-F=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: 199px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; width: 381px;" tabindex="0" width="381" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Is it really free? Absolutely. Just type in the number zero and click the "I want this!" button. No pressure. No strings. No gimmicks.<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">You'll be prompted to put in your email address:<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgSMfoMG_LqYX1Yz1BuTaO5_rI_yz6cpuY6EAecdnpUbi3MbSLV_ftOjZEwtII2RyN41Y-xtMYlKJjimhScLLVVXQWUaxczUrycVdYmllaqOZm2Lg10UvRV63wrR3DluEpnee4ZUy4puHTJqKiBW_-J2bJYjRl8GYoz8nERwq3WtYqGV0Q7xO5h1fMF2-xqN9R2OW1wfYaVQY8w=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">Afterward, you'll have the download on a link and in your inbox.<br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh9qTBjIDvnmRKBpUS283c22AUfJTGq5Oc4DtrVbmTyF-KZ9IeVU0f-pXCz1uHucebcn9hyphenhyphen3jtatJnJXlzmXK86Q7BQTNCJT70McfJ0aARoE1Y0hXwIw6yMetbnuL9FXInYecDZLdbebEVw6cYY71yVhMzRXI9hNRzU5Iwv4TON3zR2izn3quxxDTpc-wc5UjQYw02s6ORmOz9N=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;">I hope you enjoy using the Creative Momentum Guided Journal as much as I enjoyed making it.<br /></p><p><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em;"><strong><br /></strong></p><article style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><p style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><strong></strong></p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><img class="CToWUd" data-bit="iit" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiYzd8FIoPkRoGfx5KkFMfT4H4j_mLikHf2ShdAaESB2zA7Utf9P8AjJavCxATr2QDh6NA6NPsOMXSPUW-u_ZZqmRUISgOsDR8icvGvlz6Q7JzuulKB4kwT6lkGvZJtHtjNOqam6f0m1ixt-QQqokAe8Q8Mq_8q2RANSgIDZ5U7GAafDy7taQpHW1I6P2NhlF64IqPCiXZQ8kxe=s0-d-e1-ft&fit=max" style="height: 80px; max-width: 100%; width: 80px;" width="80" /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Dr. John Spencer</span></strong><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/48hvheh07z5lm8tx/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyaWRlYXM%3D&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw3sR95_RtPbxPicdf1uL09P" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/48hvheh07z5lm8tx/aHR0cHM6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyaWRlYXM=" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><strong>Twitter</strong></a><strong> - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/wnh2hghrl957qpb7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyZWR1Y2F0aW9uLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw1quX7HGCm-abNnkTCJfKr8" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/wnh2hghrl957qpb7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyZWR1Y2F0aW9uLw==" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Instagram</a> - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/reh8hohqo92dmli2/aHR0cDovL2ZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyZWR1Y2F0aW9u&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw2rwuOPGFteF7yQ-2pb3T7T" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/reh8hohqo92dmli2/aHR0cDovL2ZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9zcGVuY2VyZWR1Y2F0aW9u" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a></strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/8ghqhohg7e0dorck/aHR0cDovL3NwZW5jZXJ2aWRlb3MuY29t&source=gmail&ust=1676991125698000&usg=AOvVaw2mK385Hb4Jf7SwITgp6cin" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/o8u7gop7niqhkl2lnlhv/8ghqhohg7e0dorck/aHR0cDovL3NwZW5jZXJ2aWRlb3MuY29t" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><strong>YouTube</strong></a></p><div><br /></div></article><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-51127761245473227692022-03-03T18:30:00.003-05:002022-03-03T18:30:00.213-05:00First and Final Frames<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><h1 style="font-size: 35.154px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">🤔 Thought Bubble 1</h1><h2 style="font-size: 28.134px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">First and Final Frames</h2><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I stumbled across this side-by-side comparison video of the <a href="https://vimeo.com/122378469" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">First and Final Frames</a> of some movies.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Some are almost identical to each others.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Some are way different.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Seeing just the beginning and the end made my mind want to fill in the story myself.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How did they get to the end? What happened in the middle? What was the story? How might have they gotten there? How did they end up in the same spot? Was there growth over time? Were the characters stagnant? What happens next? Was love lost? Was love gained? What trials did the character overcome? What did they not overcome? Whom did they meet along the way? What influence did those they meet have on the character? And on and on.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">As I watched the clips, the above questions really drained me because of the mysterious unknown of the middle. How did the story evolve?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Every teacher starts with the same “first frame.” More than likely the standards for whatever area you teach. That’s the beginning.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">The “Final Frame” gets determined by the success, or lack of success in the middle. We’d all like to see that “Final Frame” be of a student being successful. It’s easy to focus on the “Final Frame,” but you can’t get to the final frame without a successful middle.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="First Frame to Final Frame. Focus on what's between." src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/574e0897-22d6-e2f6-2eaf-5a9591416605.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So, how do you plan what happens during the middle?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">With any movie/story/book there is always a plot. The story structure usually follows this framework: A character has a problem, then meets a guide who gives them a plan that calls them to action, that hopefully results in success avoiding failure. (Sorry for ruining all the books/movies.)</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/4730c31d-a0d5-4026-97e0-060bce680af5.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">You’re the guide.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How are you setting up your students for success like <a href="https://ditchthattextbook.com/habit-stacking/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">habit stacking</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How are you designing or creating experiences that are leading to success?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How are you helping students overcome their struggles like this <a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/02/09/rodney-stotts-one-of-the-few-black-master-falconers-in-america/?mc_cid=9ff8ec8b32&mc_eid=92e22486ea" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">man who went from drug dealer to master falconer?</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How are you teaching with the tools and strategies that will see students successful at the final frame in the “real world?” Or better yet, <a href="https://www.ajjuliani.com/blog/reminder-kids-still-love-learning" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">will this activity/lesson/assessment/content keep kids loving learning?</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Could you use the <a href="https://www.hood.edu/sites/default/files/Career%20Center/What%20So%20What%20Now%20What%20Critical%20Reflection%20Model.docx.pdf" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What? So What? Now What?</a> reflection?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How are you <a href="https://truthforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/the-hidden-clutter-in-curriculum/?__s=exoy1ijtnkx4wmjyzcy9&utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=How+to+declutter+your+curriculum+" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">getting rid of hidden clutter</a> to focus on the middle?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Are you <a href="https://youtu.be/khD8fvpqKYI" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">explaining content in ways that students understand?</a> This is a clip from a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WKRP_in_Cincinnati" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">WKRP in Cincinnati</a>. Hat tip to Mr. DuBois for showing me this. 1. I now understand atoms (not because I’m in a gang, either). 2. I learned about an old sitcom.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What are you noticing? Are you paying attention to <a href="https://www.vox.com/22726661/rainscreen-cladding-new-construction-building-technology" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">these squares</a> that are popping up everywhere? What are you noticing about your class?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-top: 5px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><h1 style="font-size: 35.154px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">🤔 Thought Bubble 2</h1><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I know we’re still operating during a pandemic, finding subs is incredibly hard, testing season is upon us, the Q3 Doldrums are sucking the life out of you, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/a171f64dfe32/cadetarchitects-super-sized-newsletter-4296777?e=[UNIQID]" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">your plates are still full</a>, and much, much, much more.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">It’s better to light a candle, than curse the darkness. <a href="https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/03/19/candle/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: 9px;">(Who knows who said this first?)</span></a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Make the best of every situation, including <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsm/status/1484303008943034372?s=20&t=-4cJa--9DxT_oKE614F0fA" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">decorating.</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Need a pep talk? Here’s <a href="https://twitter.com/EPrecipice/status/1485973203805683717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1485973203805683717%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwakelet.com%2Fwake%2F9ae6e2c4-db60-4196-ac29-d7b8ca264b3e" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">one from a 5 year old</a> that’ll motivate you.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">And one from <a href="https://austinkleon.substack.com/p/every-day-is-groundhog-day-75c?s=r" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Austin Kleon about Groundhog Day</a> from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1523506644/wwwaustinkleo-20/ref=nosim/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Keep Going</a>, which is one of my favorite books.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-top: 5px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>
<!-- Begin Mailchimp Signup Form -->
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-10_7_dtp.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:600px;}
/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
</style>
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="https://millermatt.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c&id=2364c00bd5" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate>
<div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
<h2>Subscribe to Matt Miller's Posts</h2>
<div class="indicates-required"><span class="asterisk">*</span> indicates required</div>
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">Email Address <span class="asterisk">*</span>
</label>
<input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="required email" id="mce-EMAIL">
</div>
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-FNAME">First Name <span class="asterisk">*</span>
</label>
<input type="text" value="" name="FNAME" class="required" id="mce-FNAME">
</div>
<div id="mce-responses" class="clear foot">
<div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display:none"></div>
<div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display:none"></div>
</div> <!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups-->
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="b_8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c_2364c00bd5" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<div class="optionalParent">
<div class="clear foot">
<input type="submit" value="Subscribe" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button">
<p class="brandingLogo"><a href="http://eepurl.com/hWg_m1" title="Mailchimp - email marketing made easy and fun"><img src="https://eep.io/mc-cdn-images/template_images/branding_logo_text_dark_dtp.svg"></a></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<script type='text/javascript' src='//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>(function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);</script>
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-82339051997132232852022-01-29T09:04:00.002-05:002022-01-29T09:04:35.941-05:00Tamed Wildfire Chili Recipe<p>The weather has been cold here in Indiana. Here's my second favorite chili recipe to warm you up. (My favorite white chicken chili recipe can't be shared.) It's a pretty non-traditional recipe and grew from grabbing random things from the pantry. Yes, noodles go in chili and you don't need beans. Do you have a cold weather favorite recipe? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnaRwEsjTZmVahgf1wgxQQKaLL5ruwtPE9iVxy35epogokGNi0isacM-PrB6TrrRAb0azGp92hWJQRQVQHHCvvrH-VDkXy2HoYiSbJR3X3NBPxlDMAwqmozO_mtWsvuyJQ1QNkqLneCZBMxOxtQDLqdFhT3yrKa6ygKgRT-Hxc2FIzoyp4GDot25e=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqnaRwEsjTZmVahgf1wgxQQKaLL5ruwtPE9iVxy35epogokGNi0isacM-PrB6TrrRAb0azGp92hWJQRQVQHHCvvrH-VDkXy2HoYiSbJR3X3NBPxlDMAwqmozO_mtWsvuyJQ1QNkqLneCZBMxOxtQDLqdFhT3yrKa6ygKgRT-Hxc2FIzoyp4GDot25e=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients</u></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 pound of ground beef browned and drained.</li><li>Some pasta noodles. How ever much you want. I usually use <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Creamette-Small-Elbow-Macaroni-Pasta-16-ounce-box/10294810?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=6476&adid=2222222227710294810_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-293946777986&wl5=9016090&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=10294810&wl13=6476&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NOPBhCPARIsAHAy2zAWE3E8OPSmGlgoEQsbwmj5YVVrn_xOm2c0PkRjW_aJ8mFBEyHzuqYaAlSsEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">small elbow macaroni noodles</a>. Cooked and drained. Chili needs noodles, but not a ton. Maybe a cup or a cup and a half? 2 cups? You pick. </li><li>How ever much <a href="https://www.meijer.com/shopping/product/swanson-chicken-broth--32-oz/5100021959.html?cmpid=SEM_LIA_All_Meijer_Products:General:all%5Cfood%2C_beverages_%26_tobacco:GOOGLE&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NOPBhCPARIsAHAy2zBgkmwLtUAT5s0HYQ_ZIg5TVXEizG8CXkPo7WFRcHfMKnMEGdzMXIkaAiymEALw_wcB" target="_blank">chicken or beef stock/broth</a> that you want. More stock = more soupy. You like it soupy? Put more stock in. You like it thicker? Less stock. I use about 20 ounces. I have noticed that the noodles soak up some of the soupiness while simmering, so you might need to add more. </li><li>1 jar of traditional spaghetti pasta sauce. 24 oz. Prego. Ragu, <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Traditional-Pasta-Sauce-24-oz/19758051" target="_blank">Store brand</a>.</li><li>1 small can of <a href="https://www.meijer.com/shopping/product/rotel-original-diced-tomatoes-and-green-chilies--10-oz-/6414428243.html?cmpid=SEM_LIA_All_Meijer_Products:General:all%5Cfood%2C_beverages_%26_tobacco:GOOGLE&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NOPBhCPARIsAHAy2zBYrc-N94KkeW8W8NqbqgQgJ2yKD-w__zsagN3OGWBXcLK9n1m1WAEaAuLxEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Rotel Tomatoes : Original Diced with Green Chilies</a></li><li>Optional can of beans - I don't use beans, but you could add a can of chili beans or my favorite <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bush-apos-s-Chili-Beans-Canned-Great-Northern-Beans-in-Mild-Chili-Sauce-15-5-oz/41155022?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=828&adid=2222222227741155022_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-293946777986&wl5=9016090&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=41155022&wl13=828&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6NOPBhCPARIsAHAy2zCOdSlud6CdqTqMizpABYCCO_GryAjBjW1irXclQhbtqyCA_IKTMHcaAkxZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Bush's White Chili Beans</a>. </li><li>Chili Powder - however much you want to taste. I use a lot. </li><li>Cumin - however much you want to taste. I use a lot.</li><li>Salt - however much you want to taste</li><li>Pepper - however much you want to taste</li><li>Garlic Salt - however much you want to taste</li><li>Minced Onions - however much you want to taste</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Instructions</u></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Brown your ground beef and drain.</li><li>Cook your noodles and drain.</li><li>Put your noodles and your beef in a pot.</li><li>Add your chicken stock, pasta sauce, Rotel tomatoes, and optional beans to the pot</li><li>Add seasonings</li><li>Let is simmer for at least half an hour, stirring occasionally</li><li>Devour</li></ul><div>Let me know what you think. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I'll remember to take a picture one time. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>*Disclaimer - I'm not a chef, I only pretend to be one occasionally. </div></div>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-44890293625023779382022-01-27T15:46:00.000-05:002022-01-27T15:46:28.921-05:00Keep the Mosquitos Away, Taking Action, and Reinventing Yourself<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I am horrible at New Year’s resolutions. I have expectations of grandeur and inevitably succumb to the inevitable and I stop doing what I wanted to do.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I fail.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">A lot.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So, this year, I’m trying to work more on <a href="https://jamesclear.com/habit-guide?mc_cid=dd5686ad92&mc_eid=55d1cb8163" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">developing habits</a> instead of some lofty goal.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I’m going to continue my <a href="https://www.onewordchallenge.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">One Word</a> ritual because it’s simple. Well, coming up with the word is simple. Following through is the hard part.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">This year’s one word is Action.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="Action" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/439f32ca-cb2d-e4b8-82a3-adaa480d89e4.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in not stagnant. Keep the Mosquitoes Away. (More on that later.)</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in pull those pistols. (Josey Wales reference)</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in intentional action. Saying, “No.” sometimes is a good thing.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in see the need, fill the need.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in the pursuit of progress, not perfection.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in not waiting. Procrastination is something I struggle with.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in aligning to the big picture.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in do worthwhile stuff.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in waking up a little earlier for some reflection time.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in “You can’t defeat, what you can’t define.”</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in tracking something to see how you’re doing.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in being efficient and effective.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in not <a href="https://austinkleon.com/2022/01/20/look-away-from-the-pit/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">doom scrolling</a>. I struggle with this.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in investing time, not spending it.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Action, as in controlling time. Each of us has 24 hours in a day.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I know we’re still in the middle of COVID. I know life is tough right now. I know teachers are working their butts off: covering classes, managing blended learning, having half of the class gone one day, and the other half the next, etc. etc. etc. I’m not downplaying any of these tough times. I see your exhausted faces. I see your will to just get through the period, the subject, and the day. I also can’t dismiss the fact that great things always come out of struggle. Through the struggle is typically where the strength is found.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Keep going. ……..</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">….which brings us to...</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Know you’re doing hard stuff.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Know you’re in the trenches.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Know that it’s difficult right now.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">As if you didn’t already know all of those things.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">But also know that we <a href="https://www.cooperhewitt.org/channel/design-and-healing/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">unlock our greatness</a> during these times. The following are small changes/activities/habits you can make to continue pushing through. Start small.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Whenever I think of being stagnant, I think of standing water. Standing water brings mosquitoes. Mosquitoes suck the life out of you. Keep the mosquitoes away. Keep moving forward.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe it’s something small that you will <a href="https://creativemornings.com/talks/fieldtrip-public-speaking-for-creatives-presenting-online-edition" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">change in your delivery style</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll change the way you plan lessons after <a href="https://otl.du.edu/plan-a-course/teaching-resources/gathering-student-feedback-on-teaching/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">listening to student feedback?</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe it’s how you’ll lean into relationships and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDojoOiKLuc" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">share more about the things you love</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe the doldrums got you down, and you are choose to <a href="https://www.marcandangel.com/2021/12/28/27-simple-things-to-start-doing-for-your-happiness/?mc_cid=acad71b056&mc_eid=55d1cb8163" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">be more happy</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll <a href="https://www.marcandangel.com/2021/12/15/things-you-learn-as-you-let-go-of-the-uncontrollable" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">let go of some control</a>, so that you can control the things you want to: family time, hobby time, the weekends, etc.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you had some goals, but they didn’t work, so you’ll focus on what you don’t want and make <a href="https://afabrega.com/my-blog/anti-goals" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Anti-Goals</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you are stuck in a rut, so you <a href="https://www.jaakkoj.com/mind-expander#top?sc=34443034a6e71b5fa349da18516d979cd3a422eb" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">expand your mind</a>? (Possibly not appropriate for students)</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll <a href="https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">repurpose </a>an assignment into something that benefits others and involves your community? (see PBL)</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll decide to change <a href="https://leadershipfreak.blog/2020/01/13/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">the way you talk to yourself?</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you just say, “Lets do this!” and get into the biggest <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-does-experiencing-flow-feel-so-good-a-communication-scientist-explains-173505" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">state of flow</a> you or your students can get into?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll <a href="https://www.getharvest.com/time-well-spent/season-1/madeleine-dore?mc_cid=85de898212&mc_eid=92e22486ea" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">embrace the chaos and are still moving forward</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you didn’t want to come to school today, <a href="https://twitter.com/teacher2teacher/status/1473435771633758209?s=20" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">but did anyway.</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll implement research-backed <a href="https://blog.tcea.org/brain-based-strategies-that-work/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">brain-based strategies that work</a> so you know your teaching will be effective?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll sign up for some <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eduprotocols-worldwide-3-tickets-225613886207" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">EduProtocols PD</a> that will change the way you teach?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll add more visuals and will learn <a href="https://youtu.be/U-SbbrsthSw" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">how to draw faces quickly</a>?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll start a deeper reflection period to help manage and understand yourself like <a href="https://www.davidepstein.bulletin.com/the-simple-reflective-practice-that-boosts-self-knowledge/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">talent-based branching</a>, like they do in the Army?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe you’ll <a href="https://www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/how-creative-leaders-tap-into-the-power-of-questions?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=8.1-warren-berger-leading-with-questions-2021-dec&fbclid=IwAR262kF6DHzSUkJTttsb2ME5Viq9F6Lz6UQnp2iMp1kp4pJTvVr-VkQMF5Y" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">ask more questions</a>?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Whatever it is, keep trying new things. Keep <a href="https://seths.blog/2022/01/the-dog-ate-my-homework/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">leaping</a>. Keep finding ways to reinvent yourself and your systems (I’m reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Systems-Donella-H-Meadows/dp/1603580557/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8OPBhDtARIsAKQu0gaqdWxxA_Ooju7UtYBU4aXNQIDQgjLxxkrEH1LLiQC89Cpr5jr_lxQaAvgNEALw_wcB&hvadid=174259582777&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9016090&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2453281855758132115&hvtargid=kwd-10973470127&hydadcr=22538_9636739&keywords=thinking+in+systems&qid=1643213018&sr=8-1" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">this </a>currently). Cut the fat. Focus on the main things. Try to find times for yourself. Keep going. Keep being awesome, because you are.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="Keep finding ways to reinvent yourself and your systems." src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/a186bb15-1e58-e64b-3cce-9bb5c0b83644.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe the struggle has benefits, <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/339651" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">even if we don’t want the struggle?</a></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Put one foot in front of the other. When you’re tired, rest. When you’re rested, pick up where you left off. Ask for help when needed. Lean on others.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-78896651833147531352021-12-28T00:12:00.001-05:002021-12-28T01:33:51.434-05:00What if We Designed with Only the Necessities? <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">This post was originally published on 12.03.21 in a part of a newsletter sent to teachers in the district I serve. </p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">----------------------------</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Continuing with our last two newsletters and simplifying things so you can get to more of the good stuff, what if we designed with only the necessities?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/3aa07111-5af6-f6fd-befc-d88f73deda07.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">A 344 square foot apartment was remodeled. It has only what is needed.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfXMoGmb74w" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="NEVER TOO SMALL Paris Architect’s Micro Apartment - 31sqm/344sqft" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/video_thumbnails_new/e3c991ad7ca0a5e74ef42349691260ea.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What are you leaving out to help with simplifying?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How do you know if you’re simplifying enough?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Are you on the right track? To determine this, consult the<a href="https://www.betterquestions.co/the-most-powerful-chart-in-the-world/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"> Most Powerful Flowchart in the Whole World</a>.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/954a30c6-e8a4-9dd9-3d1a-e92f986c6e81.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-59527420834278008322021-12-28T00:08:00.002-05:002021-12-28T00:12:36.981-05:00Collaboration is Right in Front of You<p>This post was originally published on 12.03.21 in a part of a newsletter sent to teachers in the district I serve. </p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">----------------------------------------</p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/900d0516-5645-158a-1eff-b1d96230f9da.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">A lot of times when I’m out in public I see things like <a href="https://www.livescience.com/25448-pareidolia.html" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Pareidolia</a>. Sometimes, I seek them out. Other times, they find me. Either way, you’re looking for something that exists within or around something else.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Taking that a step further, when you check out what <a href="https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/10/dispatchwork-by-jan-vormann/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Jan Vormann is doing with LEGO bricks</a>, you can see the mash up between old and new. The contrast between old bricks and modern plastic. Decay vs. “repairs.” Splashes of color against the mostly plain bricks.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/10/dispatchwork-by-jan-vormann/" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/9e33a791-a3df-6f3b-152d-177739708a7d.jpg?w=467&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 467px;" width="467" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">You can also see the blending of two separate art forms. One, older, but providing the structure. One, newer that is filling in the gaps.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I can’t not relate this to education. How the structure of old is still there, but also the new trying to work it’s way in. Filling the gaps. Starting small in little pockets that have fallen or crumbled. Waiting for the old to fall so it can “build” even more.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">This also leads to <a href="https://www.thepotholegardener.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Steve Wheen, the Pothole Gardener</a>. He finds potholes (not normally in the middle of roads) and transforms them into beautiful gardens. See more of his gardening on instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potholegardener/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">https://www.instagram.com/potholegardener</a> or this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=983113378496836" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">spiffy little video</a>.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/a55ed257-0a08-fa1a-0f40-0cb655f3700d.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">They’re pretty neat. I don’t know what happens when someone steps on them, but you’re probably not supposed to think about things like that.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Anyway, it’s another example of combining two things.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">A pothole and a mini-garden.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">It’s like they were made for each other like peanut butter and jelly, mac-n-cheese, fries and a Frosty. You get it.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What type of collaboration could you get into with your lessons?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Could you incorporate something from outside of education?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Could you and a colleague work together to create something awesome?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Does something you do in your classroom jive with something another teacher does? Could you WWE Tag Team it?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/04c004fe-f51b-8cbc-eb9f-788306214570.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Take for instance a cat.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">These musicians from all over the world collaborated on this piece of music. It’s worth watching all the way through to see all the different artists and instruments.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S61ENc51Z1Q" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Kiffness - Alugalug Cat (International Symphonic Mashup)" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/video_thumbnails_new/2393882479eb3cc09074114f597f3b42.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">If these people started a collab with a cat, I imagine there is something or someone in our district that you could collab with.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Blend stuff together.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Because the world needs more <a href="https://www.ajjuliani.com/blog/creators-gt-commenters" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Creators</a>, like you. Yes, you. <a href="https://www.instructables.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Go create stuff</a> and <a href="https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Show Your Work</a>.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding: 12px 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-top: 8px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-23919019445249144062021-12-28T00:06:00.002-05:002021-12-28T00:06:34.175-05:00The Gap<p>Note - This post was originally published on 11.11.21 as a part of a newsletter sent to teachers in the district I serve. </p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">The Gap.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Fight Through it.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="465" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/91FQKciKfHI" width="559" youtube-src-id="91FQKciKfHI"></iframe></div></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">It took me at least 5 years to even somewhat feel sort of comfortable in the classroom. Really though, every day is new. So, do we really ever feel comfortable? We’re always experimenting, changing things up, looking to improve, never satisfied, have new standards to implement, have to teach during COVID, no sub shufflin’, and on and on. It’s a daily battle to find your own personal creative voice. And yes, you are a creative.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="499" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lAMbguAg1zM" width="601" youtube-src-id="lAMbguAg1zM"></iframe></div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Do stuff that makes people look longer, think deeper, or <a href="https://streetartutopia.com/2021/10/08/they-paint-like-this-to-make-drivers-slow-down/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">even slow down</a> a little bit.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-91297161593102935852021-12-28T00:00:00.000-05:002021-12-28T00:00:08.705-05:00Rewild Your Attention<p>This post was originally published on 11.11.21 as a part of a newsletter sent to teachers in the district I serve. </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSection" style="background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="table-layout: fixed; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><colgroup><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col><col span="1"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td class="mceColumn" colspan="12" style="background-color: white; background-position: center center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-top: 12px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://twitter.com/anafabrega11/status/1452634464270655488?s=20" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/c7228772-c4a4-c3c6-af39-0405673ca07c.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I came across the above image on Twitter a week or so ago.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">It made me think.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">First, that there is perhaps some truth to it. Second, it’s probably exaggerated for a wow-factor. Pacman’s mouth should probably be open more. Third, how do we make Pacman’s mouth open wider? and how do we make learning more relevant to students’ lives now and in the future?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://uxdesign.cc/rewilding-your-attention-d518ede18855" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="Rewild Your Attention" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/e72fb66c-5676-0f75-ab3d-e5c843cf7c61.png?w=369&dpr=2&rect=236%2C168%2C894%2C431" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 369.119px;" width="369.1185944363104" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Let’s start by <a href="https://uxdesign.cc/rewilding-your-attention-d518ede18855" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Rewilding Your Attention</a>.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What’s that saying? “Garbage In, Garbage Out.” Or as the cool cats say, “GIGO.” The quality of output is determined by the quality of the input.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">We <em>can </em>control the input:</p><ul style="margin-bottom: 24px;"><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What are we reading?</p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What are we watching?</p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Who are we reading from?</p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">etc.</p></li></ul><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I’m guilty of looking for quick fixes or getting stuck on certain authors, but maybe it’s time we find different inspiration: inspiration from others in the trenches doing the dirty work right alongside us.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I asked some of my Five Star colleagues to share some Humans Worth Following that might not be as mainstream or EduFamous. I received some shares, but I’d love for <a href="https://wakelet.com/i/invite?code=p71530ji" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">more</a> to be added to the <a href="https://wke.lt/w/s/-EU1QQ" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Wakelet</a> collection. Who inspires you?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://wke.lt/w/s/-EU1QQ" style="display: block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="Humans Worth Following" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/f3e507d1-ff2e-9ba5-e693-b32e2246c385.png?w=564&dpr=2&rect=0%2C289%2C1280%2C1105" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe it takes, as Seth Godin says, more <a href="https://seths.blog/2021/10/effort-2/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">effort</a>.</p><ul style="margin-bottom: 24px;"><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em>Expending more effort than most people think is sufficient.</em></p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em>This is attention to detail. Care in design. Follow through in customer service. This is an embrace of elegance and <a href="https://craigmod.com/huh/s01-11/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">wabisabi </a>and the opposite of laziness. This is bringing care (which is rare and precious) to work even if most people would look for a shortcut instead.</em></p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em>More effort creates beauty and magic and remarkability.</em></p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em>Perfectionism is a false hope and a place to hide.</em></p></li><li style="text-size-adjust: 100%;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><em><strong>Effort, on the other hand, is our best chance to do work that matters.</strong></em></p></li></ul><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">But, I know and you know that everyone is tired, effort-ed out, and your<a href="https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e&id=ecd2099ad5" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"> plates are full</a>. So, as you go about looking for ways to design lessons, create content, or make school more relevant, toss out the garbage that doesn’t move us forward. Focus your attention and input on the end goal, but zoom into those things that make the most impact. Perhaps less is more?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Rewild Your Attention.</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-83636512543543749522021-12-27T23:56:00.001-05:002021-12-27T23:56:24.379-05:00Your Plates Are Full<div>This was originally published on 10.05.2021 as part of a newsletter to the teachers in the district I serve. </div><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Your plates are full.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/748bf9bb-5a28-b8d5-8b0a-d7df03de2e28.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Shoot, they were full with just the “teaching” stuff you received on your initial trip through the food line.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Add all the other things that you’re navigating and your plate can’t hold them all. It’s like “seconds” were called along with “thirds” and “fourths.” It’d be like a Hobbit eating Fourth Breakfast.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">None of the things on top of the pile are bad. They are all more than likely necessary to function in this current state of now. But also, we don’t need a study to know that educators are stressed out. IYKYK. We already know.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So, how do we manage the chaos?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">In all honesty, there might not be anything we can remove from our plates and we all know we can only control the controllables.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://mymodernmet.com/ray-bartkus-water-reflective-mural/?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=series&utm_content=button&utm_term=forever" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">ʇI ʇ∀ ʞoo˥ no⅄ ʍoH uI ll∀ s,ʇI</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">While <a href="https://www.trevormuir.com/blog/learning-loss" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Here’s the Real Learning Loss Caused by COVID</a> is true and we should be looking for ways for students to connect, I don’t think you can abandon everything. So, lets look for small ways that we can save time and energy. There is a section below called <strong>“🔆Spotlight: You.”</strong> Maybe there is something in there that you have control over to lighten your load? If not, please let me know how I can help look for solutions.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What I do recommend though, is if you add one thing, be sure to take something away.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/d9e334c6-9f59-b0c3-1cef-3d18f8d4c0b8.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Perhaps, this is <a href="https://seths.blog/2021/09/the-chance-youve-been-waiting-for/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">The Chance You’ve Been Waiting For</a> to try something new.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">My role - if there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Want me to come in a teach a tech tool? Want to plan together? Want me to match your standards to a tool? For real. I’m here to help.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Happy <a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/world-teachers-day/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">World Teacher’s Day</a> today - 10.5.21</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" id="mceColumnContainer" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-top: 5px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-90791691816333678222021-12-27T20:50:00.000-05:002021-12-27T20:50:05.156-05:00What Are The Stakes?<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;">This was originally posted on 9-1-21 in a newsletter to the teachers in the district I serve. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">------------------------------------</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In my mind, I’m always merging athletics and coaching into the classroom. When thinking about an assignment, do your students know what it takes to win and beat the assignment? Coaches come up with game plans and set out to execute them, but do your students know what it takes to win at each particular assignment? What about how will they lose vs the assignment? What are the stakes for not winning at the assignment? Without learning ______ what will happen if you don’t learn it? Students probably need to know the risk and reward for each assignment. See if you get more buy-in from students by providing the stakes for each assignment. If you don’t know the stakes, then what will push you into action?</span></p><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/163bfd37-17f1-9fbf-72b6-eb8d0a9706ae.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-90417458179705776092021-12-27T20:45:00.000-05:002021-12-27T20:45:19.192-05:00Is Your Fear of Loss Bigger Than Your Fear to Gain?<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">This was originally posted on 9-1-2021 in a newsletter to teachers in the district I serve. </p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">________________</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What once was, the current situation, and the future.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Thinking about all three of those things, I stumbled across this “Embracing the Old and the New” image from a <a href="https://jamesclear.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">James Clear</a> newsletter. It’s tailored to business, but applicable to what we’re building for the future. Instead of “Brands” in the graphic, switch it to “Classrooms.” How many of the "New Classrooms” would you be able to check off about your own classroom?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/fd366f28-0624-c279-d725-2d2894dc8ccd.png?w=556&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 556px;" width="556" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Which leads us to: How are you going to move the needle to having more “New Classrooms” checked off? How are you going to “Always Compete” for our students to experience more of the “New Classrooms?”</p><h1 style="font-size: 31.248px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px;">Is Your Fear of Loss Bigger Than Your Fear to Gain?</h1><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Randomly last March, I decided that I was going to be a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. You are probably asking why in the world would anyone do that? Why would anyone want to follow the projected last place team in the league? Well, their AAA team is here in the Indy Indians and it’s cool to see their players grow up and get called up to the Big Leagues. I’ve never really had a team that I loved. As a kid, I liked the Reds, but mainly because they were the closest distance away. I followed the Red Sox during my college years, but that was mainly because I didn’t like the Yankees, They’ll always have a place in my heart because of their 2004 World Series Championship . I’ve loosely followed the Cubs for most of my life, and rode their bandwagon hard during their 2016 Championship season, but I never really connected with them, probably because of the royal blue color. One of my brothers is a die hard Reds fan. The other one loves the Cubs. Both of their wives like the Cardinals. So, I figured why not stay in the National League Central Division where we can trash-talk and what not and so I decided to jump on the Pirates ship.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So, I went all in. I bought the MLB.TV package because you can’t watch any Pirates games locally. I bought a Pirates hat. I bought a Pirates sign. I bought a Pirates license plate. I watched games. I follow their fandom blogs, podcasts and anything else I can soak up whenever I have the time.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">But why?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What was there to gain? At first I didn’t know. There wasn’t much good happening. My fear was people asking, “Why are you following the Pirates?” because I didn’t want to go through the whole story from above.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">After thinking deeply, I came to the conclusion that I just wanted to belong to a team that I could follow. I’ve pretty much stopped watching NBA and NCAA Division I basketball. I can’t stand it. So, I watch a lot of EuroLeague games because the style is so much better. But, I just watch without any deep commitment. Following the Pirates felt more like I belonged to a team. I also got some bonus points because their farm system is currently ranked number 4. So maybe in 5 years we’ll (see, I typed “we’ll,” like I’m really a part of them) be in the post season, possibly.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Sorry. I’m rambling. Moral of the story. Take a risk. Jump aboard the ship. Go join a group, team, twitter chat, etc. Live life. Don’t let the fear of striking out, keep you from hitting a home run.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"></p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/c655801e-e34b-d633-6608-3680d890a213.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">What we fear is loss. The fear of loss keeps up from taking chances. We become comfortable, we choose certainty and predictability instead of new challenges. We don’t want mistakes or negative consequences.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">We need <a href="https://www.betterquestions.co/personal-values-freedom-from-fear/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Freedom From Fear.</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So, I give you permission to try something new. To mess up. To not get it right the first time. To grow. To follow a new team like the Pirates.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://thelearnerlab.com/portfolio/how-to-overcome-fear/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How to Overcome Fear</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSBcrmx4aFw" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Switzerland Skateboard Run</a> - Yikes. This has me fearful.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUxMdYhipvQ" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Find Your Escape</a></p><h1 style="font-size: 31.248px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px;"></h1></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Try something new.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-5841556737165404992021-12-27T20:37:00.002-05:002021-12-27T20:37:51.558-05:00Yeah, But You Didn't <p> </p><br />This was originally posted on 4/16/2021 in a newsletter sent to teachers where I serve. <br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://media.gq.com/photos/5deaebe2ac31250008d319d7/master/w_600,c_limit/ABMB19,%20Galleries,%20Perrotin,%20PR_9652.jpg" style="display: inline-block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="Banana taped to wall" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/a3000aa5-b5e0-49b4-9e79-4aa94e33f1cf.jpeg?w=285&dpr=2&rect=148%2C74%2C303%2C252" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 284.82px;" width="284.82" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Back in 2019 (which feels like about 12-15 years ago now) this piece of artwork, a banana taped to a wall, sold for $120,000.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Why didn’t I duct tape a banana to a wall? It seems simple enough. A banana costs usually under a buck. A roll of duct tape is $5-ish dollars. Both are readily available and more than likely you probably already have them.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Which makes me have a conversation with my imaginary retrospective friend that probably said, “You could have done that.”</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I would reply, “I could have.”</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Then, my imaginary friend would respond with, “Yeah, but you didn’t.”</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/3e0e8065-efaf-4471-9075-21004da9a5a5.jpg?w=564&dpr=2&rect=0%2C572%2C4032%2C1124" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">He’d be right.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I didn’t.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">There are so many things I look back on in my life and think, “yeah, but you didn’t.” Maybe they ended up good in the end? Maybe, bad? Either way, I didn’t try to influence or impact those situations. I just let them be.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Since I didn’t, maybe you can?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">We know ILEARN and Finals are happening and all of what that entails, but there’s not much time left during this school year. What can you do during the last month of school to leave a large lasting impression with your students this year? Maybe you’ve wanted to try something new? Maybe you’ve wanted to do a cross curricular project with another teacher? Maybe you’ve wanted to do something that you haven’t done before? Maybe you want to try something that you’d like to implement next year? Maybe you’d like to do something more student-driven because you’re a little exhausted from this year? Maybe you want to scrap what you had planned?</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Whatever it is, I encourage you to finish with some flair.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Or at least a couple sparkles. :)</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">In reality though, please take care of yourself, too. This school year has been tough. Don’t do something just to do something. Don’t do something if it’s going to burn you out. Do it to improve,<em><strong> if</strong></em> you have the time.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reach out if you need anything or want to collaborate.</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-6495871901500664202021-03-01T00:01:00.000-05:002021-03-01T00:01:22.352-05:00First Delight, Then Instruct<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Think for a minute about the best learning experience you ever had or the most memorable lesson you taught.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />My guess is that there was some joy in that experience. Were you delighted at any time during that process? Was the joy/delight at the beginning, middle, or end?<br /><br />For me, I think the best learning I encountered was when I was hooked by something that interested me, or there was something that made me smile right from the get-go.<br /><br />I also know that sometimes, that joy is going to happen at the end of a lesson or unit. As the learning wrapped up there was finally the “A-ha” moment. Until we got to the end, we were just meddling in the middle to what felt like eternity in my ADD brain.<br /><br />In one of <a href="https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/february-4-2021" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">James Clear’s newsletters</a>, he quoted this guy: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustav_Friedrich_Waagen" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Gustav Friedrich Waagen. </a>which can be found in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10598650.2019.1677020" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">HERE</a> in which he talks about the purpose of an art museum.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/5c6164c8-d609-4823-9dff-9a2f589cfb26.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">How can we hook students in at the beginning? How do we make them smile so that joy seeps into the instruction section? How do we delight students in their educational journey?</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Maybe it’s getting out of our comfort zones?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/e1fa1b64-374a-4998-8e8b-b0a213c08cd2.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I remember in my early years of teaching when I read “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Like-PIRATE-Engagement-Creativity/dp/0988217600/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=teach+like+a+pirate&qid=1614432597&sr=8-1" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Teach Like a Pirate</a>” and it giving me the “permission” to let my guard down and act silly in class. I can’t even remember the learning objective for the lesson that would happen at the end of the day. I asked the football coach if I could borrow a football helmet and a tackling dummy. I wore the helmet all day long. Obviously, lots of questions came from students. “You’ll have to wait until the end of the day to find out.” became my answer to all of them.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">In that last class, I tackled the dummy, which was some metaphor for something I was teaching about. The students thought it was funny. Or perhaps, they were laughing at me. :) Either way, they were delighted and hooked. Which then lead right into the lesson. They paid more attention that day than normal and they asked about tomorrow’s plans.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">I can remember being fearful of doing something that was not normal, not what most teachers would do, and definitely not by the book. I was most fearful of looking stupid or silly in front of my teaching colleagues. I wondered what they would say about me? Would my “street cred” go down? I decided that their opinion didn’t matter, it was more about the kids, and I didn’t want to be boring, so I went for it.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">It was just what the students needed.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-42237355338683774712021-01-29T16:27:00.004-05:002021-01-29T16:27:44.782-05:00Boozhoo!! What's Your "Workaround Value?" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Boozhoo is an Ojibwe word that is typically used as a greeting. I listened to a video from <a href="https://eddyrobinsonmsr.com/?utm_source=Mill+Creek+Teacher+Tech&utm_campaign=14b94d06e1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_09_19_03_19_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4fe228de26-14b94d06e1-357184665" target="_blank">Eddy Robinson</a>, Indigenous speaker and educator where he explained how the Anishinaabe way of knowing is to announce themselves to the universe when they meet someone. It identifies who they are and where they are from. Typically that greeting starts with the word Boozhoo. He says that it also means “I’m going to learn from you, and you can learn from me. I’m going to respect you and you can respect me.”</span><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSoQt2MDfg__tYS4YmuqV9epP95Zvjf6J6F77S0mk0SXkSllU1FR3dLVseMftU9BHcksCAWhaPwHWdxW4VE8JDsm0uY8kj772drzFC6Be6ftdCi7KDKDb6je-9SUohdeBkLOFM6ieATI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="704" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSoQt2MDfg__tYS4YmuqV9epP95Zvjf6J6F77S0mk0SXkSllU1FR3dLVseMftU9BHcksCAWhaPwHWdxW4VE8JDsm0uY8kj772drzFC6Be6ftdCi7KDKDb6je-9SUohdeBkLOFM6ieATI/w400-h174/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How different would the world be if we approached everyone with “boozhoo,” or “I am going to learn from you, and you are going to learn from me”?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I’ve been writing in my pocket notebook my thoughts, ideas, sketches, brainstorms, and randomness throughout the day and night. So, in honor of Boozhoo, I thought I’d share something I created from an Austin Kleon video about how to pay attention.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjus_ofmiqGeek98AbPUpo1sQdeUrAPaqjMaxWKHkaADnGUlMx4720JMwK3ROgHpE5ck4T_7MnklJcSwUiIJVxuk2gBInmTErTCyR3ht1ogUABzzdpmqxRe2lF9dr6vNZqgsPT_PSxBNCE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1128" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjus_ofmiqGeek98AbPUpo1sQdeUrAPaqjMaxWKHkaADnGUlMx4720JMwK3ROgHpE5ck4T_7MnklJcSwUiIJVxuk2gBInmTErTCyR3ht1ogUABzzdpmqxRe2lF9dr6vNZqgsPT_PSxBNCE/w640-h496/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been trying to capture my thoughts more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMx-DKDs44QcgDoPlOw4S_iOkQ-Ac8rILFAdUU_M0se1Vqh8SBcIZQBVsm7nuPKszPnrVKWM5m0KoKFnNd0Wuv8GJLAfq4KAfMDnGJpE-bOr614RQibVSEuZVqjO1jEbYP8Kyf5Kaarc/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1128" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMx-DKDs44QcgDoPlOw4S_iOkQ-Ac8rILFAdUU_M0se1Vqh8SBcIZQBVsm7nuPKszPnrVKWM5m0KoKFnNd0Wuv8GJLAfq4KAfMDnGJpE-bOr614RQibVSEuZVqjO1jEbYP8Kyf5Kaarc/w640-h438/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>As I have been jotting my thoughts down more, I heard this quote from <a href="https://www.mbs.works/" target="_blank">Michael Bungay Stanier</a> which came from the <a href="https://www.mbs.works/yearoflivingbrilliantlyoptin" target="_blank">Year of Living Brilliantly</a>. (Oh, the Eddy Robinson Boozhoo video and the Austin Kleon pocket notebook video came from there, too).</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>“It’s not what you know that makes you smart. It’s the connections you make between the things that you know. It’s the connections you make between A + B + C that sets you up for success.” MBS</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Which then brought me to the idea of something I’ll coin as “Workaround Value.” How many times does our first idea not work? or our 2nd? or 3rd? How many times are we in a classroom and the internet doesn’t work, the website is now blocked, 3 kids don’t have their Chromebooks, the projector is only showing 1/3 of the screen, In the middle of a test, the class lizard escaped and is now running up the wall which caused you to spill your coffee! etc. etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Teachers are so resilient. They’ll find so many ways to find a workaround. But I think those work arounds come from all those connections you make between your processes, your systems, your growth mindset, your life experiences, how many random hours you’ve spent on education related social media pinning/saving/liking all the things, and on and on. A lot of times the solutions are easy. Sometimes, they aren’t.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you run into a roadblock do you get stuck, or do you start to think about connections that could work to get around it? Have you went down this road before? Is there someone that you know has been there before? Is there something similar that could work? Have you tried to Google it? Or Googled “alternatives to _____,” Did you ask the room or your students for a solution?</div><div><br /></div><div>The next time something doesn’t go as planned, whether it’s tech-related or life-related, what would your “Workaround Value” be?</div><div><br /></div><div>May your day be great.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay Curious.</div><div><br /></div><div>Give more than you take.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boozhoo. What can you learn from me? What can I learn from you? Throw some learning in the comments. </div><div><br /></div><div>Matt</div><br /></span></div>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-14376261821573678692021-01-28T16:00:00.001-05:002021-01-28T16:00:07.818-05:002020 Was Hard, One Word:Future, Refill the Cup<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: black; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">2020 was hard.<br /><br />There is no way around that. As much as we’ve needed to live in the moment because we didn’t know what the next minute held, it’s good to take some time to wrap up the last year. What went well? What didn’t go well? What needs to change? What needs to stay the same? What needs to be thrown overboard with a ton boulder tied to it? What are we grateful for? What are you leaving in 2020 and what are you claiming in 2021?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/37e184d9-1f5f-4cb4-b3a1-11c5ace6d2c5.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;"><br /><br />After looking back, I then decided to think about the new year. I’ve done a <a href="http://getoneword.com/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">One Word</a> theme for around the past 8 years. Some words I’ve used before: pursue, still, curious, joy, present, sail, Most of the time I chose them at the beginning of the school year, but hey, 2020 was crazy. Why not do one at the turn of a new year.<br /><br />My word for this year is future.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="Future" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/79e39ee3-2508-4d56-bc81-5f315a6793d9.jpg?w=370&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 370px;" width="370" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">The rationale:<br /><br />I wrote down some things that I want future-me to be like in a year from now. I’m not off to a great start, but at least I have plan :) I’m trying to build habits. I also said I was going to journal daily and that hasn’t happened, yet. :(</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Half full or half empty?</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/e1cad0f0-b25c-4184-8962-59362c3fcb67.jpg?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Either way, it doesn’t matter.<br /><br />It’s refillable. - Neil Pasricha<br /><br />You can change the amount. You can take a drink. You can add more. You have agency/autonomy to choose. Take hold of what you want to do. Take a risk. Buck the system a little. You get to decide how your day will go. It’s on you.</p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">So let’s fill up our cups and fill up others’ cups because:</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJmixxEn6a4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style="display: inline-block; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank"><img alt="" role="presentation" src="https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/be8fe45e0eb1251380dc6c78e/images/0547ad82-04a3-45d0-878b-fda92bc3b4a5.png?w=564&dpr=2" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 564px;" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">This has been the hardest thing for me during C.E.(COVID Era). I’m an introverted extrovert. Even though I’m fairly quiet and need alone time to recharge, I love being around people, even if I’m just watching. So I'm hoping to connect more this year, too.</p></div></td></tr><tr><td class="mceSpacing-24" style="padding-left: 48px; padding-right: 48px; padding-top: 24px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div class="mceText" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; width: 564px;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">2021 Planning - Some things I’ve found about building habits -<br /><a href="https://fs.blog/2018/12/habits-james-clear/" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Why Small Habits Make a Big Difference</a><br /><a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dq82ikfq4/image/upload/w_900,c_limit/v1609766371/c1i2mmuk6sboiepubcje.png" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Moving Beyond the Status Quo</a><br /><a href="https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/december-31-2020?rh_ref=c1cbe233" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Systems vs Goals, endings, and the importance of leverage</a><br /><a href="https://share.wakelet.com/doc/-xr5IVDPY9lzUKivXcdKh" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">Reflecting the Past Year</a> - 3 Things to let go, 3 to keep and 3 wishes for the future.<br /><a href="http://jongordon.com/21tips/2021PositiveTips.pdf" style="color: #62a8e5; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">21 Tips for a Positive New Year</a></p><p class="last-child" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;">May your day be great.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Stay Curious.<span style="color: #202020;"><br /><br /></span>Give more than you take.<br /><br />Refill the cup.<br /><br />Matt</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-13633275560620226892020-03-23T14:00:00.009-04:002022-12-29T16:14:18.339-05:0010 Design Fundamentals You Need to Know<h2>
<br />Hi!</h2>
<br />I haven't blogged in awhile. I'm looking to start back up. I say that every time I want to start blogging again. Time is hard to find, but since I'll be working from home for the foreseeable future, why not begin again?<br /><br />Since the last time I blogged, I have moved to an eCoach / Innovative Learning Specialist role for <a href="http://five-startech.com/">Five Star Technology</a> and am housed in the same district that I taught in. I get to help teachers create awesome learning experiences for students. It's so fun. I never know where or what I'll end up helping with each day.<br /><br />Because of my background in design, I wanted to focus on some things that I can show to help teachers out that have now been forced to work everything online.<br />Here it goes:<br /><br />
<h2>
Online Lesson Design</h2>
As teachers have shifted towards online / virtual / e / home / etc. learning, I thought I'd help out and share some tried-and-true design fundamentals to help with online lesson design. This is not an end-all-be-all type of list, but there are some small changes teachers can do to help learners learn.<br />
<br />
Also, most people will probably call these Design Principles. I'm going to call them Design Fundamentals. They are like building blocks and you can get better at them.<br />
<br />
Up front: My definition of designer.<br />
<br />
You are a designer if you create anything. You don't have to have a fancy title to design things. You designed that turkey sandwich you're having for lunch today. You designed your hair today. You designed that route you took to school today. If you create something, you are a designer. You're creating learning experiences. You're a designer.<br />
<br />
Yes, you're a designer. Now that you know that, let's dive into some design fundamentals.<br />
<br />
Because I've really gotten into sketchnoting, I decided to sketch it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIuPBLZgu61UkpyOz4iHKdRX4h3LOwFhAq9DIQ-OPSRJznIhyVL2LuvsnJhnNFZGj8T01jV8PjFI-MbVyg3Sn1sWjR0Lkm2M78SNTzdkN5_twZZE74vflsbnubUYgGwAS-fbMY0kDduXPqgI6yfR9p9dJ83ChhmQ6K1kud-tdj8eT75R9jj4IL4MM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOIuPBLZgu61UkpyOz4iHKdRX4h3LOwFhAq9DIQ-OPSRJznIhyVL2LuvsnJhnNFZGj8T01jV8PjFI-MbVyg3Sn1sWjR0Lkm2M78SNTzdkN5_twZZE74vflsbnubUYgGwAS-fbMY0kDduXPqgI6yfR9p9dJ83ChhmQ6K1kud-tdj8eT75R9jj4IL4MM=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Disclaimer - If you are currently doing any of the things mentioned below, don't take it personal. I used to struggle with some of them. I still do with some. I don't necessarily follow them to a "T." There are no definites. I'm just trying to help you be more aware of these. Jake Miller quotes this Maya Angelou quote all the time and it applies here: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."<br /> <br /><br />
<h2>
Good Visual Communication</h2>
<br />You've just been kicked out of your classroom for the next who knows how many months, you've got to transition to doing everything online. Your lesson plans. Your assessments. The way you deliver your content. The way you interact with students, parents, etc. You are stuck. You don't know where to begin.<br /><br />There are 10 fundamentals of design that I'm going to focus on for this. In reality, they can all be boiled down to "Good Visual Communication." As you read through these 10 items, see if there are things that you can start implementing now to help communicate with your students better. I say your students, but what I really mean is people in general. These are good for any means of communication.<br /> <br />Think of it this way: People don't notice good design. It just flows. It's easy. People's brains don't have to work hard to figure it out. Have you ever been in an unfamiliar heavily crowded place? An airport in a foreign country? A sporting event? A subway? An unfamiliar city? How much did you rely on way-finding signs? Were they easy to find? Could you understand them? You probably only remember the frustration of not being able to understand what the signs meant. If you don't remember, whoever designed them did a good job.<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
<h4>
Good design goes unnoticed because it breaks down barriers and makes things easy to understand. It's almost like it doesn't exist. It just is.</h4>
<div>
If you want to learn some design fundamentals that can help you communicate more effectively, then continue to read on.</div>
<br />
<h2>
1. Fonts (aka typefaces, but we'll stick with fonts for this)</h2>
Listen. I know there are people out there that like curly-q fonts and all that. But if your font is hard to read, you're not communicating effectively. That's what it's all about. Communicating effectively.<br /> <br />I could talk about font selection for days. Teachers don't have time for that. Generally, there are a couple of font rules that are recommended.<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Rule 1: Stick to 2 fonts. Max.</h4><h4><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQWoczU35mYITW4y6Kw6gA9oItGIUV7qnDjs-XE0o8OD4QB_X2w3uY1lmf4MJNbm8NRHXOHME1b6l-QPEPo9x_hUuedLoXJnRCyFuJi7tydlCvkqw1rEwA_hzUFPSBYUbY1x-cTi5AEd2F7ov2FRVhE9eycK2dK3snr5oudxifyyw4xeyYT6dQcX/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Fonts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEQWoczU35mYITW4y6Kw6gA9oItGIUV7qnDjs-XE0o8OD4QB_X2w3uY1lmf4MJNbm8NRHXOHME1b6l-QPEPo9x_hUuedLoXJnRCyFuJi7tydlCvkqw1rEwA_hzUFPSBYUbY1x-cTi5AEd2F7ov2FRVhE9eycK2dK3snr5oudxifyyw4xeyYT6dQcX/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Fonts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul><li>A bold sans-serif one for headings and titles.</li>
<li>A legible serif font for the body.</li>
<li>If you prefer this rule, choose a <a href="https://fontpair.co/">good pair</a>.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
</ul>
<h4>
Rule 1a: or stick to a font family</h4>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrT-Fx3x00EQbHLCRRhi3ClVqtnnJSxR0bcJo9_4W7mlOk_ntZGfF-Dw86EAr220dC7x69hc7MIaepY2xXIIDl57pxAm6Q7c0PycfiEBiHzXJVDRMwwDF17XjZ1apGb9hZpWXZWfdwguI354VdDu-l0uTuOijw0TzQQk9infGMCjVdLHEOXLLKk0q/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Font%20Families.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrT-Fx3x00EQbHLCRRhi3ClVqtnnJSxR0bcJo9_4W7mlOk_ntZGfF-Dw86EAr220dC7x69hc7MIaepY2xXIIDl57pxAm6Q7c0PycfiEBiHzXJVDRMwwDF17XjZ1apGb9hZpWXZWfdwguI354VdDu-l0uTuOijw0TzQQk9infGMCjVdLHEOXLLKk0q/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Font%20Families.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>
<br /><br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Rule 2: Stay away from anything that isn't legible by the elderly. </h4>
<div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWSxcwnUslqDUP1lNc9TjhIyyf1HNyM2Ys-BUVAUtbxZZVQ2AdP7ZufUFJG8FmZbfVi2bwwAwyItl_1L1xwvmMWjcrvrLi7Rx4z4tKElQQXH5zAXm7zSGAGENiLAXBx87KUG6Fai0OvJlW9gE72BLoQjBvrOjkFt5NZ-2yzEhf8A8k6N9tp6tDXaY/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Not%20This%20Font.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWSxcwnUslqDUP1lNc9TjhIyyf1HNyM2Ys-BUVAUtbxZZVQ2AdP7ZufUFJG8FmZbfVi2bwwAwyItl_1L1xwvmMWjcrvrLi7Rx4z4tKElQQXH5zAXm7zSGAGENiLAXBx87KUG6Fai0OvJlW9gE72BLoQjBvrOjkFt5NZ-2yzEhf8A8k6N9tp6tDXaY/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Not%20This%20Font.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
For real. Great-Grandma Susie that helps little Timmy with his reading doesn't have time to decipher your instructions. She needs it to be communicated very easily. If you think it's cute, has twelve curly-qs off each letter, looks like it's bleeding, or is too close together where the letters run into each other, just don't do it. Keep it super simple.<br /><br />Side-note: those font types I just mentioned do have a use in this world, but probably not for instructions on classwork. If you use them, use them on short, quick header type things. Definitely don't use hard to read fonts on the larger body-type paragraphs.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Resources:</h4>
Most of what teachers use need to be web based fonts like -<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/">Google Fonts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.adobe.com/">Adobe Fonts</a> - if you have a Creative Cloud license.</li>
</ul>
If you have a desktop and can download fonts. Check out -<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dafont.com/">Dafont.com</a></li>
</ul>
Have students that struggle with Dyslexia? They have some fonts that help with that.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/dyslexia-font.html">Dyslexia Font</a> - also take the time to scroll down to the bottom to check out some other helpful information about fonts. Remember, if it’s good for some, it's probably good for all.<br />
<br />
My favorite Google Fonts<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Montserrat?query=mont">Montserrat Family</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Raleway?query=raleway">Raleway Family</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Roboto?query=roboto">Roboto</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Roboto+Slab?query=roboto+sla">Roboto Slab</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Oswald?query=oswal">Oswald</a></li>
<li><a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Righteous?query=righteou">Righteous</a> as a header</li>
<li>And because I like handwritten fonts, I might use <a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Walter+Turncoat?query=walter">Walter Turncoat </a>or <a href="https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Patrick+Hand+SC?query=patric">Patrick Hand SC</a> for headers. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
2. Colors</h2><h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Colors: keep it simple. Use a palette. Only use color when absolutely necessary. Design everything first, then add colors at the end. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTJ4d6jTwLWWMar0vEyw4lzCHGtV4PoRY60gint-dLqyBuskEdb_QG9iKWQtVDIM3SjCtZTPkMWsiUNuCqgGmswm2n9vNcN5SJoKUKvVXa0Z9AwPsbRe4LwtjbZD3czZWF-fRod2gGxcNdXwk0ifoK6jmkjer6fMUFAhCI4dyohUh50sQJMs9EcyaT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTJ4d6jTwLWWMar0vEyw4lzCHGtV4PoRY60gint-dLqyBuskEdb_QG9iKWQtVDIM3SjCtZTPkMWsiUNuCqgGmswm2n9vNcN5SJoKUKvVXa0Z9AwPsbRe4LwtjbZD3czZWF-fRod2gGxcNdXwk0ifoK6jmkjer6fMUFAhCI4dyohUh50sQJMs9EcyaT=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div> 3. White Space </h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1c53ca97-7fff-fd29-5d02-67bd5e3a88e2">White space is the space around an item. Usually it's white. That's why it's called white space. </span><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq9XHQYBJ0UmkhYpEDG5S3PCqT1Pn2VMIflBaA2K33MwLf25PeRuB0hm3oXUDq1OX-M-NS9AOJCTGwcemga-wGq4Ym03yWuk6OWism7wdluyzfMzZLKZxApj7XBmQPCDHWTw6Z9Q4dJQSLGGXqsRayXkrAeXWbubLoOvZnfHkcpkL_hlYiNh3ni_n/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20White%20Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBq9XHQYBJ0UmkhYpEDG5S3PCqT1Pn2VMIflBaA2K33MwLf25PeRuB0hm3oXUDq1OX-M-NS9AOJCTGwcemga-wGq4Ym03yWuk6OWism7wdluyzfMzZLKZxApj7XBmQPCDHWTw6Z9Q4dJQSLGGXqsRayXkrAeXWbubLoOvZnfHkcpkL_hlYiNh3ni_n/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20White%20Space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />This space includes -<br /><br /><br />
<ul>
<li>the space around an image.</li>
<li>the space between lines of text (technically called leading)</li>
<li>the space between letters (technically called kerning between two letters and tracking for a larger body of text)</li>
<li>the space from the edge of a paper or web page</li>
<li>the space between columns of text</li>
<li>the space between well, anything</li>
</ul>
<br />Too close together and it muddies up everything. Too far away and things look like they've hit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oApAdwuqtn8">ludicrous speed</a> and are darting off into space.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd0caHPgJrABB6iOUKbTAWpvJ4bgZTWreIdLha35fiYKGr5tjut3HBj1GNr4BydnVwDCBK6zDI3_eLETJGtRuT3rWmGIa8SbhS1_No71uPfn-b55hkmve8Gwyfa_c1sLVY3l2291V67YIQSj65zYXA0fmFaeXlSUZroaVViKSF6cndHdbJpxX7Jg-/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20White%20Space%20Comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvd0caHPgJrABB6iOUKbTAWpvJ4bgZTWreIdLha35fiYKGr5tjut3HBj1GNr4BydnVwDCBK6zDI3_eLETJGtRuT3rWmGIa8SbhS1_No71uPfn-b55hkmve8Gwyfa_c1sLVY3l2291V67YIQSj65zYXA0fmFaeXlSUZroaVViKSF6cndHdbJpxX7Jg-/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20White%20Space%20Comparison.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
All you need to do is make sure there is adequate distance between items or the edge of the page/site. It will help you communicate better.<br />Resources:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blog.prototypr.io/importance-of-white-space-in-design-5a40c0e65bfd">The Importance of White Space in Design</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/the-power-of-white-space">The Power of White Space</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<br /></h2>
<h2>
4. Grids / Tables</h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Grids and Tables go along with white space.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Say you've got a white space problem?</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Are things looking like an overloaded menu from a local eatery or like an aerial shot of bumper cars? Does it look like someone ate text and graphics and then vomited them up on your paper in a random assortment?</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Grids and tables are here to the rescue.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Using grids/tables in your designing helps keep everything aligned into a logical flow. It helps the eyes move from one thing to another. A good grid/table makes reading it intuitive.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Google Sites: comes with a built-in grid.</span></li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Google Docs: add a table</span></li>
<li>Google Slides : Use the layouts</li>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Adobe Spark Sites : Use the layouts they have provided.</span></li>
</ul>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Don't leave it to chance. Help yourself communicate better by creating a grid or table while designing.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiAX4cXFk_fqoh48jIn6f5V7oYuTnBBpqoy8kP4NeHjwS0frN8EFtKR86NtkW07ohpBNHE1o1cZtTBpXFwxg9QlLdNjl8pbplYBGr_2T1X6JLtTbw_euuOgiK1t6dAbDmVq6TwXC6pfRZFAipbL9bBa-W6796j9J6Z_rZvJEENU7TMFRR-nbL6nXr/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Grid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiAX4cXFk_fqoh48jIn6f5V7oYuTnBBpqoy8kP4NeHjwS0frN8EFtKR86NtkW07ohpBNHE1o1cZtTBpXFwxg9QlLdNjl8pbplYBGr_2T1X6JLtTbw_euuOgiK1t6dAbDmVq6TwXC6pfRZFAipbL9bBa-W6796j9J6Z_rZvJEENU7TMFRR-nbL6nXr/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Grid.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /><div><br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024">5. Icons</span></h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024">Icons are basically just fairly simple images that help convey meaning and help the reader understand a little bit better. Emojis would fall under this category. If you are a teacher of K-2, I would use a visual (accompanied with text) for everything. They might not be able to read yet, but they sure can understand a picture. Honestly, using icons for everything is a good practice whether your teachers K-2 or higher ed. It helps people understand tone and quickly identify where they need to be. Remember above when we talked about being lost in an airport? I imagine you found your way using only icons.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX4KD2jjzuKjPmI4i5_rcenOP70ChoNb6oK4qtHBgl92-D1BmqHHjgeh71eOnSOXl_RNm_rKxuO3vslZiXmQwnvCmPRtlYPbh1Ecj2D3GCAMNRKOq3WxUbb7Q0AvMr2AZ2cILSrlC5VZ9ddIoZ8QKH2f_torbIod3BCqZKXLR5YGZtIrcX2GYre-r/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Icons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPX4KD2jjzuKjPmI4i5_rcenOP70ChoNb6oK4qtHBgl92-D1BmqHHjgeh71eOnSOXl_RNm_rKxuO3vslZiXmQwnvCmPRtlYPbh1Ecj2D3GCAMNRKOq3WxUbb7Q0AvMr2AZ2cILSrlC5VZ9ddIoZ8QKH2f_torbIod3BCqZKXLR5YGZtIrcX2GYre-r/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Icons.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><h4><br /></h4>
<h4>
Resources</h4>
<h4>
<br /><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thenounproject.com/" style="font-weight: normal;">The Noun Project</a></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.flaticon.com/">Flaticon </a>- it also is an Add-on for Google Slides / Docs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://getemoji.com/">GetEmoji.com</a> or <a href="http://emojipedia.org/">EmojiPedia.org</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;">On a PC, hit the Windows button + the Period button and it'll bring up an emoji keyboard. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /><br /></h4><h1 style="text-align: left;">6. User Experience</h1>
<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">User Experience has gained a lot of traction with web designers. It's basically designing through the lens of the user. In web design, a designer will make a website. They'll ask people to test it out. Those people will give feedback on how to make it a better experience. There are a lot of bells and whistles that go into it. We can simplify it in the education world as learner experience.</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">The essential question here is: Does it make sense to the user/learner/viewer?</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">In all reality, and I don't mean to be blunt, but okay, it's going to be blunt. Who cares if the designer (this is you) knows what you're trying to get across? It's not really about you. It's about the user. The learner. Can they understand, with minimum energy being spent, what they are to do? If they can't and they are always asking you, "How do I do this?" or, "What do I do next?" then you haven't communicated it very well. You've created a bad user experience.<br /> </span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">The idea is to really be set on a growth mindset of continual improvement. How often are you asking for feedback from your students? How often are you asking for feedback from your parents? Do you have a colleague peer review anything? How often do you try and imitate what a student would do with your instructions while sitting at a computer or tablet? (Please don't really be them and wipe your boogers on it.)</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">This is a good time to review the good ole<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN2RM-CHkuI"> follow instructions directly for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. </a> Hopefully, your students don't feel like the dad in these videos.</span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43">Starting with empathy is a good way to begin. Put your student "glasses" on. Or "walk a mile in their shoes." What would they notice? What would they click on first? Are things clear? Does it flow well? Are they having to open up a bunch of tabs and switch back and forth? Do you get lost reading your own instructions? Are the colors messing with your eyes? Do the graphics go along with the text? Are things logically put together? Do links work? Do they take the learner to what they think should be next?<br /> </span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGtrzEbzTh0BRw-G1zYmNHXaxAZJ_mru7EGieEdf6mWyHXvDOKwAG5GIEtDRDKHFwQ85yRLKPTw4149CqCyb2Pt1dOXSm949NOUdTWRB438F8is4Lp1l0OsUWhmH163nhEMNeTeAI0KtTz83dHiX3NH4jCzsvCqk_C4rgWs0YNFOhn2WOiwTAljzT/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20User%20Experience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGtrzEbzTh0BRw-G1zYmNHXaxAZJ_mru7EGieEdf6mWyHXvDOKwAG5GIEtDRDKHFwQ85yRLKPTw4149CqCyb2Pt1dOXSm949NOUdTWRB438F8is4Lp1l0OsUWhmH163nhEMNeTeAI0KtTz83dHiX3NH4jCzsvCqk_C4rgWs0YNFOhn2WOiwTAljzT/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20User%20Experience.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-449a0bc7-7fff-2890-c1a6-65862c630024"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fdeff2c-7fff-6a7c-a0ae-5177de967f43"><br /></span></span><br />
<h4>
Resources: </h4>
<ul>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/spencerideas">John Spencer</a> - <a href="http://www.spencerauthor.com/ux/">7 Ways UX Design Theory Transformed My Approach to Course Design</a></div>
</span></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/cultofpedagogy">Jennifer Gonzalez</a> on Laura Candler's Blog - <a href="https://www.lauracandler.com/why-no-one-reads-your-newsletter/">Why No One Reads Your Newsletter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/manuelherrera33">Manuel Herrera</a> - Scroll down to the section on Empathy Mapping in <a href="https://medium.com/@manuelherrera33/visual-thinking-to-manage-learning-pt-3-4e1a91c2698">Visual Thinking to Manage Learning Part 3</a></li>
<li><a href="https://learningexperiencedesign.com/">Learner Experience Design</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
7. Less is More</h2>
<br />
I'll summarize this section by using bullets.</div>
<div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><ul>
<li><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c">Use Bullets</span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/public-speaking/how-to-communicate-better-using-the-rule-of-three">Use the Rule of 3</a> - try this for everything. It will change you.</li>
<li>No large paragraphs</li>
<li>Keep It Super Simple</li>
<li>Break it up into chunks</li>
<li>Break it up into separate pages or assignments</li>
<li>Have checkups along the way</li>
<li>Small short focuses</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cZnI1lWELmoHD5uROVK9_jD11JGGNsVGnEw2vAhWkFNHE3aRUIBaDW9EUEZqLfOeuGqMmrqvNrdYWbBft7qrUY-my9jyrQhnlJikkG2lhUx5ISfcicXs9u7jxmx7fDGbC_-Q__62caqR5z-RR_Gx9kOUcrTj9FpsD0ojyZb07zCXYIlIX9rDd17R/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Less%20Is%20More.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cZnI1lWELmoHD5uROVK9_jD11JGGNsVGnEw2vAhWkFNHE3aRUIBaDW9EUEZqLfOeuGqMmrqvNrdYWbBft7qrUY-my9jyrQhnlJikkG2lhUx5ISfcicXs9u7jxmx7fDGbC_-Q__62caqR5z-RR_Gx9kOUcrTj9FpsD0ojyZb07zCXYIlIX9rDd17R/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Less%20Is%20More.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633">8. Focus</span></h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633">This goes along with Less is More, but it's more than that. A lot of times, I see things together, that shouldn't be together. Before you go and design anything, possibly sketch out what you're trying to get to. Cut the fat on things that don't need to be there. Keep the main thing the main thing. Separate assignments into two if needed. Keep in mind that you might not be right next to them to answer questions. If something doesn't jive with your teaching philosophy, cut the fat. If it's "busy work," cut the fat. Keep things focused. </span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-b98f134e-7fff-2ba3-feef-377ad1c9a69c"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipByPJxVruzuYoZywKqYPRvlChvXL9f7yPB_HepEpQEGgUI94mYZYA35HvblN_g6ghPt2dugJy4HREpHBo_QzQd-HYl-H_Qs8xjF6jWO_zbuRUFiNuttI9PmJT-E4TBJ91Bi9SX4uu8FxuA3Zovf3Gt88i-QjDj06SNZogQFhrHg1VX0iXUdWWt8v-/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Focus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipByPJxVruzuYoZywKqYPRvlChvXL9f7yPB_HepEpQEGgUI94mYZYA35HvblN_g6ghPt2dugJy4HREpHBo_QzQd-HYl-H_Qs8xjF6jWO_zbuRUFiNuttI9PmJT-E4TBJ91Bi9SX4uu8FxuA3Zovf3Gt88i-QjDj06SNZogQFhrHg1VX0iXUdWWt8v-/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals%20-%20Focus.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div><h2>9. Consistency</h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">If what you deliver to your students on Monday looks totally different than Friday, you've lost your audience. Keeping things the same helps with the flow. People are creatures of habit. If students know to click this specific thing to start every time, then they just do it. You don't have to tell them. You should be consistent in your colors, your fonts, your icons you use for specific things, where your instructions for each assignment is located, etc. Don't make people waste energy trying to find where things are.</span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">Staying consistent helps eliminate the unknowns, which makes your communication so much faster and easier on the user.</span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">*Yes you can still switch things up. Sometimes things need to be changed and updated. Just don't do it too often.</span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><br />
</span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidVOn8WEukW4g3UErKTG4kojGg8m2C_3MumC1mHB2gikjkyWdYENIJkn54gsKL9gLhg4Nlp9LvsyGGOMowpQtplytdDyIMQNJNBoGGlZiJiwbQuw9XrZkEi5AZBPpOe4h6rPH43rFRGtn53gjZOCk2lDAbDcg5UZRbeTohmaGOu5FTzSWeA7nQwicc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidVOn8WEukW4g3UErKTG4kojGg8m2C_3MumC1mHB2gikjkyWdYENIJkn54gsKL9gLhg4Nlp9LvsyGGOMowpQtplytdDyIMQNJNBoGGlZiJiwbQuw9XrZkEi5AZBPpOe4h6rPH43rFRGtn53gjZOCk2lDAbDcg5UZRbeTohmaGOu5FTzSWeA7nQwicc=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
<div>
<h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">
</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b">10. Flow</span></span></span></h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b">If I had to pick two of the ten to focus on, it would be User Experience (because everything can be driven from there) and Flow.</span></span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b">You want your learners to get into a flow.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b">You don't want to break the flow. One little thing out of whack can derail a very detailed thought process.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c78e7e2-7fff-b321-77ab-77c9aa97ac2b">How are you making it easy to get into a flow? Are you using some sort of module where students go to the next assignment level? Do you have it posted at the end of the assignment what to do next? Where do they submit? Is this the end? How many steps are needed? What step are they on? Do they stay within the LMS? Do they have to open a lot of tabs? </span></span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-0n1Al52JHfSxjcuaBEnOXniDeo3BEUe874VABhyNxQhCGHMCHR0-4qQChOMom1ZS_9nsVQNeNqClxrcQcsZYHimPZP56PgjrX4xS_QSb06bRYXNz4PtNui6T650hUuWMVOG3WBnUv0iyZwMThb7Wr9t159ktCD18syzF70sqq9cE9Vh3QR3OOwDp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-0n1Al52JHfSxjcuaBEnOXniDeo3BEUe874VABhyNxQhCGHMCHR0-4qQChOMom1ZS_9nsVQNeNqClxrcQcsZYHimPZP56PgjrX4xS_QSb06bRYXNz4PtNui6T650hUuWMVOG3WBnUv0iyZwMThb7Wr9t159ktCD18syzF70sqq9cE9Vh3QR3OOwDp=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-e7f9a281-7fff-2e67-0eee-1dc36079d633"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a5c42b89-7fff-5c4e-b8a5-21429a2b3001">
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
<h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">Recap</span></h2>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">While this is geared toward educators, it most certainly can be used anywhere.<br /> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">You are a designer.</span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">You need to communicate in a way that helps learners understand easily.</span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">Use some of the above to enhance your communication.</span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26"><br /></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-c04e1afb-7fff-9844-ffca-0d9508d2fc26">Your learners will learn more effectively. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCXyAq1GbMKNFn95GZCYCfLTJRWyaRFoEZxmmmfWdTbcZcA863uQRUjq2IUbD1mAjnXSXMqQv9nrPjbaLMaMzx3aLOfhajUB2at1mmBc3gYX9yttQoVOCH5W5jeGAEoXiHq5wHm7MZtvuEnO3cQT5Oc4bVkVKToz3gw-u9S-pBE5XQxN9p_imGoRU/s1920/Design%20Fundamentals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCXyAq1GbMKNFn95GZCYCfLTJRWyaRFoEZxmmmfWdTbcZcA863uQRUjq2IUbD1mAjnXSXMqQv9nrPjbaLMaMzx3aLOfhajUB2at1mmBc3gYX9yttQoVOCH5W5jeGAEoXiHq5wHm7MZtvuEnO3cQT5Oc4bVkVKToz3gw-u9S-pBE5XQxN9p_imGoRU/w640-h360/Design%20Fundamentals.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Share this with your friends.<br />
<br />
Add a comment below if you found this valuable, if you have a question, or if you have any ideas for my next post since I just picked back up blogging.</div></span></span></div></div></div>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-24186787475375109792017-10-02T07:30:00.000-04:002017-10-02T18:57:30.051-04:00Quick: Join the Innovative Teaching Academy<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dear FutureMe,</i><i>1. I joined to push myself. To connect with others. </i><i>2. To network and get ideas and share ideas. To learn more PBL. </i><i>3. Time will hold me back. </i><i>4. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1464650370" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">In 6 months</span></span>, be more comfortable in the classroom. Make transition to PBL? Update lesson plans.</i></span></blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6 Months is Up. My time in the <a href="http://innovativeteachingacademy.org/" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy</a> has been phenomenal. I got the above email in my inbox the other day from <a href="http://futureme.org/">FutureMe.org</a>. I filled it out at the beginning of the course on what I wanted to accomplish when my time in the Academy was over. Looking back, I can definitely say that it was totally worth it. I had been in a rut. I needed more. I wanted to <a href="http://www.millermatt.org/2017/08/2017-2018-one-word-sail.html" target="_blank">SAIL</a> this coming year and I was determined to do so. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Through AJ Juliani's and all the guests' guidance and coaching, the topics really pushed me, not only as a teacher, but as an individual as well. I learned a ton and really feel that everyone will benefit from joining the class. I've always thought that professional development should be tailored individually and this course was definitely for me. The thing is, I think it's tailored for everyone, as well. You will get out what you put in. The bonuses and add-ons are worth the price of the course by itself, in my opinion. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been to one-day and two-day conferences that have cost the same or more than this 6 month course. It also has the benefit of networking with other members of the class to share the experience and learn from them, as well. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I suggest signing up before the window closes on October 8th. That's in 6 Days!!</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ6oRBbih604dh6-QzT9zGJ-abXpEX72jgHhF7zhcL3vTFo1d4k6DNEgKzJikxfTwBGTc9EuQQMMd-IedLmmOYvVJSRsZvIvl_8j4edB-5gZcNFltMSIprzQkpRlCT4ST1usZlJQM-gI/s1600/free_mackbook_mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ6oRBbih604dh6-QzT9zGJ-abXpEX72jgHhF7zhcL3vTFo1d4k6DNEgKzJikxfTwBGTc9EuQQMMd-IedLmmOYvVJSRsZvIvl_8j4edB-5gZcNFltMSIprzQkpRlCT4ST1usZlJQM-gI/s640/free_mackbook_mockup.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's some more information from A.J....</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A year ago at this time I had the idea for a different type of learning experience after listening to Seth Godin talk about his AltMBA program. Seth said that people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of their life at graduate school receiving an MBA. Then they get into the world and realize they need to continually be learning, and need a network that supports and shares both the best (and the next) practices in their field.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a conversation with my colleagues in my district and around the country about a new way to do professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, and leaders. One that would take way less time (only 6 months), cost way less money, and provide ongoing support and guidance for a much longer time. These conversations led to creating <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/dpheh0/aHR0cDovL2lubm92YXRpdmV0ZWFjaGluZ2FjYWRlbXkub3Jn&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNG0wbJsU6DcLk0IdPTmKr_dRxKWTQ" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/dpheh0/aHR0cDovL2lubm92YXRpdmV0ZWFjaGluZ2FjYWRlbXkub3Jn" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the Innovative Teaching Academy</a> and bring on our first cohort of 612 teachers, coaches, and leaders last March.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You see, I struggled for years to start a blog. I would have a new idea, start posting blog posts, and never get anywhere, before giving up. Then I found a community of bloggers that held each other accountable, and things dramatically changed.<br /><u></u><u></u><br />I spent so much time looking for strategies and projects that would engage and empower my students. Until I found research backed practices that made innovation a reality in my classroom.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I made so mistakes as a leader (and still do) but have been supported by other experts in different areas who spend the time I don't have to show us what works (and what doesn't) in schools...instead of talking in theory.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is why I felt so strongly about creating the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/e5uph7/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4LzN5ZHB5Zy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNGev7Y_g51Llx2iLOlnITiV90zzaQ" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/e5uph7/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4LzN5ZHB5Zy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy</a>. I've learned first hand that you need specific resources, people, systems, and community to make spark innovation in any classroom or school.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/78i7h8/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3gxZTUxNi9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNEXZgGtE9MQNC_myPZaMb6i3RTpRQ" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/78i7h8/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3gxZTUxNi9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Innovative Teaching Academy</a> is a six-month online learning experience that gives you the tools, resources, and community needed to break the mold of traditional schooling (whether as a teacher, instructional coach, or school leader).</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/opfkhq/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L2wxNzh5di9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNE0iv-rKQX9eALCOBvzXCM6wtjO9w" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/opfkhq/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L2wxNzh5di9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Innovative Teaching Academy</a> isn’t just a course. It’s a master class and coaching system designed to take you through step-by-step lessons and teach you the principles and strategies needed to make a greater impact in education and reach more people.<br /><u></u><u></u><br />And to provide the accountability and support system we all need to thrive.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easy-to-follow lessons?<strong> YES</strong><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Monthly courses on design thinking, project-based learning, learning space design, habit building for productivity, social media, and blogging? <strong>YES</strong><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Supportive community of education leaders? <strong>YES</strong><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Built-in accountability?<strong> YES</strong><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unlimited personal coaching with the Academy Team?<strong> YES</strong><u></u><u></u></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The academy is grounded in proven principles and strategies that work. It’s broken down into simple, step-by-step lessons that allow you to walk through each of the six phases of innovative teaching and learning.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Each lesson will leave you with an easy-to-follow action item and schedule so you can methodically implement what you’ve learned</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>No guesswork.</strong><u></u><u></u><br /><strong>No reverse engineering.</strong><u></u><u></u><br /><strong>No more hours or searching the internet for something that makes sense.</strong><u></u><u></u><br /><strong>Come check it out <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/zvtghn/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3Exb3B5Zy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNGp4-T2bV6zKdLcd08BWfGm26j1nQ" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/zvtghn/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3Exb3B5Zy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What is inside the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/pnceh9/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3gxenZqay9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586502000&usg=AFQjCNFEWsddgco1OLPtWj2hNQiELGBcfQ" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/pnceh9/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4L3gxenZqay9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy?</a><u></u><u></u></span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Each Month of the Academy has a different focus. At the beginning of the month you’ll receive a full course on topics such as Building a Better Blog, Social Media with Purpose, Design Thinking, Learning Space Design, Project-Based Learning, and Authentic Work.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Each week you’ll also receive a new article, video, and resource to prompt discussion in our private group and also help you complete the action items for the month.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">You’ll also get access to live interviews with experts and leaders in each field, being able to ask them your questions and dive deep into each area with their guidance.</span><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">During all of this, you’ll have access to our Private Facebook Community and online coaching for support, guidance, and the community we all need to thrive!</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhsVSidTPpokFIxLpol5tCVt7pLn36lGU1TDka4qVPii-bq5hGbRsL2Vg8W4U7IEWqZL0VlyEYWBSpGcdqXpDcNn9DcF0SF1y5Eu2RzPjahxDhyVjkYigrmVuFEGTmrJsLAaWZW7MKkJPeW-RjMvrZXv23lnyd_ieRdSGKTf1beSZHx5sKiCU0YDZ2MbStyn6fcajoo26x1MWw_3fParMpcAAOt0QGDvkYtfCQDAHFv3VQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjA5Xjea3L4FhtZRj_VWDSh2qRPcIrtDwgaaKrpOGiU1zxOpumh8thGMn4qKSoT8X-LUiqmw2tsSlmm_TPntJMRx6abQWKHLGWb_zHYommvefWNWRJoOMLYE5gCMwsi81aJOqimTrht0KprbN2Inqzlyjz64Co2NzIVguxBkdzecmNakw1Ds53e2rgSprfCQBgvwt4T2A8jJMbDcGkp3xzXJU0bdcTqHeveLsPlebjGmqw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEihCoaeALW7G9ijbyLg7RgwfewwkPqvIb-xsWlPJ1H_arpg-6iemOL2n9q5bcVXPqd2uPOC3DHzqvdRUEIrjJPkKZhfoBNethcBK_qTIsC9h-P9cHGyGkDsIOpmkq-bKeSurOkkG-49U95tY3eHmWya2MLw0U2KepT3Ip9icITqND-jPjjTaNtWnDNjszgQ-cZQsOdtZoEsUk0sn3ZiOAkTroF9W2W6ZBImjljcyUoLbK8=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhBEVpqnsvyUG7U46AmkMybqzf-evxPoFUYQS8uKx2qUnp8XkHcQvTY6sDtKfwtx4Rm-YAiQD-wW0V1iAileSviR3lZdQlR88LRN-iSQGSHccMvVnM37Ay_7pfziYEAuGYsOMxRYODF0YXUCeHQgl4bOyoS3OVC0PVkzr-7ERhB_Cp7jEWpUGfp8hABBgKG-9pYcjq18hEsEsursh1YeRtbOuv6AG-8O-g1k3luplXK2AA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh3m7oRWz0JVgs5kKVPHRoZZbzfECx-vrEdSvu4AWiMiTeDl3M2wW2Y_4a44GFaMO5_B2faHsxoS8ZJHyHTk3-mQqMXh2228mBuLseINM_sbSszD9Qxx7oAcURz50I4Gncm6yz5A2D5nWNG96jN2s1NjBh-fQuSisfbnoRsNur1js-vt-S0gwfuJZpYlJlzSdNTl64zsdTPXVOfRyO1JSqmSXK48AG1RqhIglR7mdtdQO0=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg3VYAkWbc62EBMZeVgajAiI6i5uY7u6Biw_r7NLDpTdMQeTX_Saqv_hSuDONEHeooKrkx3RDpMW7AsIAer9RssVuBbOMoHnQigfMWUNpNldHKA2s_W_emh1eqZin1sMkLS3JAKZulNeGV83YEVm7a12K8N-TamIBrIIrkICpOoxYVsTx3MTXymPVsYemfqU9Ra8gex9JmkEqOqaPw4P-U6zV2_j0eHZdqY_cOtDcJjmH8=s0-d-e1-ft" style="cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px;" tabindex="0" /></span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Innovative Teaching Academy Isn’t<br />For Everyone<u></u><u></u></span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Do not join the academy if you are looking for a quick-fix to innovation and creativity in the classroom.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This course takes work.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">If you’re just hunting around for another blog post or podcast episode where you can pick up a random strategy to “try out,” you will HATE this experience.</span><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><strong style="font-size: 12.8px;">But if you’re sick and tired of not being able to turn your ideas into real innovative change, and you’re ready to follow a proven system to fix that, you’ll love it.</strong><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">If you’ve always wanted time-tested courses, an accountability system, a coach and a supportive community to walk with you as you grow, </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/xksph6/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4Lzl5cTNqZy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09&source=gmail&ust=1507003586503000&usg=AFQjCNErrR9GEcn2UQVfqqHywHcQs71EkA" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail.com/c/zlupg77nunhkwzwe/xksph6/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbDIuY29udmVydGtpdC1tYWlsLmNvbS9jL3FkdWxlNndnemE3aDduejc4Lzl5cTNqZy9hSFIwY0RvdkwybHVibTkyWVhScGRtVjBaV0ZqYUdsdVoyRmpZV1JsYlhrdWIzSm5Mdz09" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">you’ll love the Innovative Teaching Academy.</a><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><br style="font-size: 12.8px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">It is exactly what I wish I had much earlier in my education career. That's why we built this academy and are excited to share it with you!</span><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u><u style="font-size: 12.8px;"></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><strong>The Academy is open for enrollment from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_766206604" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">September 28-October 8th</span></span> only. Let's do this together!</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks as always,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">AJ</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-43300120704327626342017-08-03T23:30:00.001-04:002017-08-03T23:40:02.233-04:002017-2018 One Word: SAILEvery year, I choose One Word to be my driving force. Some make resolutions, some choose three things. I typically choose one that can encompass a lot. It's me trying to make things more simpler.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXiH7Vp_xdwiJlKgd5Cc2YhYYMpgERiSS_wKCbtlwnRLV2LmVToohmUTUInvSbYRXvYJFgBAM5dCF4LJJcORxEzNMmNRuHtlB9ue4-u2t2qGhbdjXt2pd65EDAro0xEzIu8zhonS7hg/s1600/Sail++Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXiH7Vp_xdwiJlKgd5Cc2YhYYMpgERiSS_wKCbtlwnRLV2LmVToohmUTUInvSbYRXvYJFgBAM5dCF4LJJcORxEzNMmNRuHtlB9ue4-u2t2qGhbdjXt2pd65EDAro0xEzIu8zhonS7hg/s400/Sail++Square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are some from the previous years. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pursue things that matter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WBkHkR14hcjDoqhUfkxoPo4YGtcaTa4YDQPf5ohI6xx67kK9g-X53PhAGat6NqSFTgdozX5kP_SRu9jfrW0g9a5vi4_4IddIDeoA2ncH-qv3Fce7yDcXVgJvsyC0I87VNx8W9Sofo8g/s1600/Pursue2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1100" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WBkHkR14hcjDoqhUfkxoPo4YGtcaTa4YDQPf5ohI6xx67kK9g-X53PhAGat6NqSFTgdozX5kP_SRu9jfrW0g9a5vi4_4IddIDeoA2ncH-qv3Fce7yDcXVgJvsyC0I87VNx8W9Sofo8g/s400/Pursue2web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be present in each moment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQrmj_R6wHphb3pdqtml0gXVHJe8MgLh4yQ6IH9cS41u4jAhLtGJFR-rH5_ssCrPQwuuxVuqw7sYF_XYkUbKIs_b5L-aoMNPqaQJiwJNKXHbQ7m2pyDk5LzlAcdW14v06s7MVcPG-G64/s1600/BePresentv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQrmj_R6wHphb3pdqtml0gXVHJe8MgLh4yQ6IH9cS41u4jAhLtGJFR-rH5_ssCrPQwuuxVuqw7sYF_XYkUbKIs_b5L-aoMNPqaQJiwJNKXHbQ7m2pyDk5LzlAcdW14v06s7MVcPG-G64/s400/BePresentv2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Be joyful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsvFPiBN5BNvbrWqI-rynQpfoQdHEW-6VcKMdSpWM-rXcrzX5lJznqVOBBz2JQj7HaQyXGdjJFwzgiYP15W23tQUmOqHnL0T0-CsvMfcXUnQhFxawUULi6mUnGwwiaBmsRLUIrNnFRTA/s1600/Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsvFPiBN5BNvbrWqI-rynQpfoQdHEW-6VcKMdSpWM-rXcrzX5lJznqVOBBz2JQj7HaQyXGdjJFwzgiYP15W23tQUmOqHnL0T0-CsvMfcXUnQhFxawUULi6mUnGwwiaBmsRLUIrNnFRTA/s400/Final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shift my thinking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw0m1j9Y6X5lI5I8XOuzJUchXk4bGqBcC700HYdF3B4JLd4IcyghSFrKKAl8ScYdSh7U0idJi2hzCbwoU7krXBmOggLyJMXGCJBn5m730H1fcbZuQW-5rheBcOj4XDZc1HTx1I7W-ktI/s1600/Pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw0m1j9Y6X5lI5I8XOuzJUchXk4bGqBcC700HYdF3B4JLd4IcyghSFrKKAl8ScYdSh7U0idJi2hzCbwoU7krXBmOggLyJMXGCJBn5m730H1fcbZuQW-5rheBcOj4XDZc1HTx1I7W-ktI/s400/Pic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Building off of the previous years, I'd like to take what I have learned these past couple of years and SAIL. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXiH7Vp_xdwiJlKgd5Cc2YhYYMpgERiSS_wKCbtlwnRLV2LmVToohmUTUInvSbYRXvYJFgBAM5dCF4LJJcORxEzNMmNRuHtlB9ue4-u2t2qGhbdjXt2pd65EDAro0xEzIu8zhonS7hg/s1600/Sail++Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxXiH7Vp_xdwiJlKgd5Cc2YhYYMpgERiSS_wKCbtlwnRLV2LmVToohmUTUInvSbYRXvYJFgBAM5dCF4LJJcORxEzNMmNRuHtlB9ue4-u2t2qGhbdjXt2pd65EDAro0xEzIu8zhonS7hg/s400/Sail++Square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz1-diR3mYdDiEELpF7OE85v3Ejrkv4r-bUN_Z0CZRjIIBXjXfbyqNkxk0BWWFIOSVQlaPcu2fojKI32bvL_eACvvvJKFd9kRzFBcUtWDdNZSlTdRohEgXS57uQP6YQIwG6cN-MAkZuU/s1600/Sail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz1-diR3mYdDiEELpF7OE85v3Ejrkv4r-bUN_Z0CZRjIIBXjXfbyqNkxk0BWWFIOSVQlaPcu2fojKI32bvL_eACvvvJKFd9kRzFBcUtWDdNZSlTdRohEgXS57uQP6YQIwG6cN-MAkZuU/s400/Sail1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
The Word: Sail<br />
<br />
The Quote: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." John A. Shedd<br />
<br />
The Verse: "Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." James 3:4<br />
<br />
The Logo: It's a boat made out of the letters in Sail. S for the bottom. A is a sail. I is a pole. L is another sail.<br />
<br />
The Meaning at School: Over the past couple of years, I've really been able to change the way that I taught. I've placed more emphasis on creating and innovating and less on content. I've been blessed with a position that lets me do this. While reading and diving deeper into how students learn today and presumably in the future, those that merely know content are going to be left behind. No more is the go to college, get a great job, have a great pension, retire with a lot of money the norm. There are young entrepreneurs making a lot more money than I am. I was listening to <a href="https://www.entreleadership.com/podcasts/215-dr-tim-elmoremeet-generation-z" target="_blank">Tim Elmore on the EntreLeadership podcast</a> the other day and he always blows me away with insight into the young generations and how they learn, communicate, and are successful. It's time I embraced more of that mindset in my teaching. I'm going to do a little more PBL this year. I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-Project-Based-Learning-Classroom/dp/0986104981" target="_blank">Hacking PBL</a> over the summer to get a better idea of PBL. <a href="https://twitter.com/RossCoops31" target="_blank">Ross Cooper</a> and Erin Murphy do a great job of breaking it down into 10 hacks to help you on your journey. I do some already, but I'd like to incorporate more of that into my current things. I want my students to sail. I have always thought that it's interesting that a very small rudder can steer a huge ship. (I've also watched Moana a ton this summer. So that may have influenced the word Sail.) I'm just a mere rudder. A catalyst. Showing the way. Aligning my students to the path. Take risks. Go deeper. Innovate. Create. Do stuff that really matters.<br />
<br />
The Meaning at Home: The OneWord is geared to encompass all your walks of life. SAIL will be used in the same format in my personal life. I need to sail in my marriage, with my own kids, and in learning personally.<br />
<br />
The Meaning while Coaching. I'm already looking at ways to help my basketball team come this winter. How can I tailor my system to meet the needs of my players for this year? How can I mold leaders? How can I help my team SAIL?<br />
<br />
The Meaning while Designing: This past year, I started working doing a lot of sports graphics in Photoshop. I'd like to continue that. I come alive with that. I'd also like to combine my sports photography and design work a little more this year as well.<br />
<br />
We can get by and play it safe while just being mediocre, or I can choose to SAIL and make a huge impact on others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form --><br />
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/horizontal-slim-10_7.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><br />
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
/* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
</style><br />
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="//millermatt.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c&id=2364c00bd5" class="validate" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" novalidate="" target="_blank">
<div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">If you'd like to receive Matt's posts sent directly to your inbox, fill subscribe below.</label><br />
<input class="email" id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required="" type="email" value="" /><br />
<!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups--><br />
<div aria-hidden="true" style="left: -5000px; position: absolute;">
<input name="b_8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c_2364c00bd5" tabindex="-1" type="text" value="" /></div>
<div class="clear">
<input class="button" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" name="subscribe" type="submit" value="Subscribe" /></div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<br />
<!--End mc_embed_signup--><br /></div>
Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-10889968691857035622017-07-14T07:46:00.002-04:002017-07-14T07:58:54.318-04:00Examples of EmpowermentMy friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/ajjuliani" target="_blank">A.J. Juliani</a>, with the help of other educators, has published a <a href="http://ajjuliani.com/practical-ways-to-empower/" target="_blank">great blog post </a>detailing many examples of empowering students. I'm pretty sure that everyone can find one important piece that will help them become a better teacher. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DkJF7U4aO-nNUE0XHMu6fkzXO0QrtZwyO90mAyDwMGefsrZtlXuiMcN1iRlFkgc2phvFeh8_RPo5DTgyfCSSorMtZfnzA97EXjNNIpuJuAELypOOxTssZMq_C3LXlTdYBjbFIyTcxYw/s1600/Empowerment+Examples.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DkJF7U4aO-nNUE0XHMu6fkzXO0QrtZwyO90mAyDwMGefsrZtlXuiMcN1iRlFkgc2phvFeh8_RPo5DTgyfCSSorMtZfnzA97EXjNNIpuJuAELypOOxTssZMq_C3LXlTdYBjbFIyTcxYw/s400/Empowerment+Examples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I contributed one of my favorite <a href="http://ajjuliani.com/practical-ways-to-empower/#18" target="_blank">Renaissance lessons</a> to the list as well if you want to check it out. <br />
<br />
Sharing and helping equals learning. I learn the most by seeing the process of what others have went through. I then take things that I think are relevant to my class, subject, and students and then put them in place into my teaching. I really enjoy tweaking and making lessons better to meet the needs of my students. I have found that the teacher community is one of great sharing and A.J.'s post about the examples is something that can help many teachers (and students) in the classroom. <br />
<br />
I can remember early on in my teaching career, that I made teaching more about me. Not as someone who needs a pedestal, but as more of the work side of things. I had to do this. I had to do that. I had to prepare this. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. I. That's a lot of eyes on me. :) I thought it was more about what I was doing and not what students were doing. Over the years, I have seen the value of empowering students. I now offer more choice. A lot of the time, I'll put this phrase into a project: "Do you have any better ideas for this ______?" My favorite thing to do is then share their idea of amazingness with the class. Usually when that happens, another student will have a better idea that stems from it. It's a nice little spark of creativity.<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out A.J.'s post and then check out A.J's and <a href="https://twitter.com/spencerideas" target="_blank">John Spencer'</a>s new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Empower-Happens-Students-Their-Learning/dp/194644443X" target="_blank">Empower</a>: What Happens When Students Own Their Learning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Empower-Happens-Students-Their-Learning/dp/194644443X" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.spencerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/instagram-2-300x300.png" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-50296159809535669072017-06-16T09:12:00.001-04:002017-06-16T10:02:02.988-04:00Cut the Fat. Be more Simple. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Go! Go! Go! That's what it always seems like around here. For all the awesome things we're doing, it always feel like too much. My family's just as busy as everyone else's I'm sure. Over the past couple of years, I have decided to simplify a lot of things. Not because it's easier. But for the fact that less is indeed, more. Less time on some things, leads to more time on things that really matter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UKJNN9HsRm0g6xgvaPuoBVT6RI2AmHMvbsYchcdHQhdGwHitVNA9j_hb-Rn7KyJ0Du1tGLB1gDwe4kb_LUteypKdPDY7Wnj8S9JlByG9sRSQ4uqbVeNm_oahznu7hpKKcDSO6s36hGc/s1600/Simplicity+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UKJNN9HsRm0g6xgvaPuoBVT6RI2AmHMvbsYchcdHQhdGwHitVNA9j_hb-Rn7KyJ0Du1tGLB1gDwe4kb_LUteypKdPDY7Wnj8S9JlByG9sRSQ4uqbVeNm_oahznu7hpKKcDSO6s36hGc/s400/Simplicity+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Watch this intro video to Rend Collective's album entitled Campfire II. If you're not familiar with Rend Collective, I suggest you give them a listen. I added the whole playlist, so you can listen if you'd like. I've found that it's really good background music. It keeps me energized and it's almost impossible to not tap your foot. You can't go wrong with banjo music. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fk2vyw3mbRY?list=PLGXQK3aC61FRgOGBubs-SejLF4OXEeSry" width="560"></iframe><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether you believe in the same religion as this band is non-important. What they are championing is a return to what really matters. To fellowship. To community. To connections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some thoughts from the intro video.</div><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"Simplicity is the art of restoring a clear and unobstructed view of the things that really matter. Unplugging ourselves...Our lives are so full, distracted and stretched. Learn to clear away the clutter and detox our hearts." </b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We've got to realize that we are crazy busy. We need a return to simplicity. We, as people, are busier than ever. We're also filling our spiritual voids with busy-ness. We have to come to terms with this notion. </div><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"Authenticity is not a style. It's a state of the heart. It's about substance."</b></blockquote><br />
We have to be intentional about simplicity. I had to learn to say, "No." to some things. I've turned down some pretty good things and opportunities. But what would I have gained? I'm not sure. I said, "No." to basically say, "Yes." to something better. In most instances, time with my family. Being authentic is saying, "No." and not feeling guilty. Say, "Yes" to what really matters. I've spent a lot more time with my family over the past couple of years. I've hugged more. I've still got a long way to go, of course, but I try to make it a point. <br />
<br />
In the realm of the classroom, we can do way too much. We can over teach. Over prepare. Over plan. Over (insert anything here). We're teachers. We know we answered a calling to help and serve others. However, we can't help and serve if we're not taking care of ourselves first. That brings to mind an airplane flight attendant. In the advent of an emergency, they always tell you to put your mask on first before assisting others. Why? Because you can't help others, if you don't help yourself first.<br />
<br />
Maybe this means, doing less grading and giving more feedback. Plan for student inquiry instead of you being the "sage on the stage" all the time. Only grade meaningful things vs practice assignments. Come to school one hour early instead of leaving one hour after school. Really use your prep time to complete tasks. (That's something I struggle with big time by the way.) I've developed a really good format for what is important to my classroom. I try to keep on those things. It centers on consuming to create and innovate. If it doesn't align with those things, then why am I having my students do it. <b>Cut the fat. Be more simple</b>. Almost every day I do these things: Pun of the day, quote of the day, read to my students, consume, and then create. That's it. Be clear. Be concise. Be simple.<br />
<br />
Focus on three things. Read <a href="http://sirupsen.com/30-days-of-super-productivity/" target="_blank">this</a> about how to be more productive. <a href="http://getoneword.com/" target="_blank">Choose one word to represent your entire year or better yet, your entire life.</a> After almost 15 years of coaching basketball, I haven't gotten more complex. I've went the other way. I keep things extremely simple. The more you have to think, the slower your feet get. I find pleasure in keeping things as simple as possible. My teams build off of things I teach early on in the season. My communication has sharpened because of trying to think of the end first. You have to know where you're going.<br />
<br />
Make meaningful experiences instead of have them complete a checklist. Some might gasp as this next one. My favorite days of teaching are when I have planned a great project, where the students are deeply engaged and they really don't need me besides for clarification. I can sit around the room and just chill with my students. This is when I really get to know them. To swap stories. To share my life and for them to share theirs with each other. Which leads us into...<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"Share our real selves and our stories. Our deepest fears yield our deepest connections. That is how true communities are forged. Our testimonies, no matter how dark, are powerful weapons of light."</b></blockquote><br />
<br />
Over the past couple of years, I have really started to put an emphasis of relationships. You know, because that's what really matters ;) I've reached out to some people and we meet regularly. We use voxer. We meet at the local diner. We share life together. Every year one of the last things I have my students do is to write their favorite memory of my class. I'd say 95% of the time, it involves at least one other person and something funny. No one says things like the Rome test, the feudal pyramid, or latitude and longitude. Why? Because none of that stuff really matters. What matters and is the most memorable is the connection they made with others. The friendships. What are you doing to share your story with someone else? Better yet, whose stories are you listening to? Find a trust-worthy friend.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><br />
</b> <b>"Calling us to risk and danger, so we might change the world... Our God loves us too deeply to smother us with safety. He knows we don't combat our fears by living sheltered lives we fight fear by developing courage."</b></blockquote><br />
<br />
I remember a couple years ago, I joined into a Voxer group of some pretty awesome guys. They run in some pretty big circles. I run in such small circles that they are more like little dots. I was nervous. When I say nervous. I mean I didn't say anything. At all. I just listened. I eventually said stuff. I eventually had dinner with a lot of them. I worked on some projects with them. One of which was way out of my comfort zone. I have designed logos for some of them for their awesome projects. (<a href="https://millermatt.myportfolio.com/" target="_blank">Here's my design portfolio</a>) I shared my life. I listen to their stories. I now consider some of them my best friends and mainly because I talk to them the most besides my family.<br />
<br />
Courage takes time. The only way to be brave, is to well, be brave. My son, who just turned 5, has had a really big fear of heights. When I say fear, it is a legit fear. I mean terrified. Over about a year, he has developed confidence in himself to tackle playground equipment. It's taken time. He's taken baby steps. Literally. Lol. But he has gotten to places high up off the ground this summer that were not possible last year.<br />
<br />
In the classroom, what are you waiting for? Try that new thing. Never tried Genius Hour? Do it. Thinking about a shift to Project Based Learning? Do it. Try it for one unit or lesson. Get out there. Dance in the street. Watch out for cars, of course! Seriously. Ships weren't meant to stay in the harbor. They were meant to sail. No one ever changed the world sitting in their living room twiddling their thumbs. Being safe is okay. But okay is just, okay. Don't be okay. Be great.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"No longer want to be half-alive."</b></blockquote><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This goes along with the last quote. A couple years ago, I felt like I was in a funk. I needed more. I was so engaged with school, that I was missing out on other things. Those things were the things that really matter. Marjorie Pay Hinckley says is pretty well, “I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"Mission is the ignition."</b></blockquote><br />
<br />
You have to make a decision to live with simplicity. To focus on what matters. To give up things that are meaningless. What is your mission? If it's getting your kids "As" that's not a mission statement, that's an endpoint. When students leave your classroom, are they just going to remember a letter on a report card? I hope it's more. I hope it's way more. Your mission has to transcend today.<br />
<br />
For some more ideas on this topic -<br />
<br />
<a href="https://minimalismfilm.com/" target="_blank">Minimalism Documentary</a> - I watched it on Netflix. We have too much stuff.<br />
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80156092?trackId=13752289&tctx=0%2C0%2C4ea82dfe-1a90-4bdc-991e-6527a1c884b9-77354072" target="_blank">The Kindness Diaries</a> - a man travels around the world based on the generosity of others. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/shareski" target="_blank">Dean Shareski</a>, who is always full of joy and really gets life, for the tip on this one. <br />
<a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/" target="_blank">Happy </a>- I watched on Netflix.<br />
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/80093804?trackId=200257859" target="_blank">Platon : From the Abstract Series on Netflix.</a> I love the opening about how he can tell a story through the picture.<br />
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80133187" target="_blank">Tales By Light Series on Netflix</a> - Himalayas and Life and Death are really good on culture<br />
<a href="https://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/" target="_blank">72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life</a><br />
<br />
<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form --><br />
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/horizontal-slim-10_7.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"><br />
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:100%;}
/* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
</style><br />
<div id="mc_embed_signup"><form action="//millermatt.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c&id=2364c00bd5" method="post" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" class="validate" target="_blank" novalidate> <div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll"> <label for="mce-EMAIL">Subscribe to Matt Miller's Blog Updates</label><br />
<input type="email" value="" name="EMAIL" class="email" id="mce-EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required><br />
<!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups--><br />
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;" aria-hidden="true"><input type="text" name="b_8e3c662491fe1553afb7b869c_2364c00bd5" tabindex="-1" value=""></div> <div class="clear"><input type="submit" value="Subscribe" name="subscribe" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" class="button"></div> </div></form></div><br />
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-77700113980745775752017-05-26T11:16:00.001-04:002017-05-26T11:16:55.590-04:00Learning is a Conversation #ITA17<div class="lecture-attachment" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 30px;">
<div class="lecture-text-container" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">I'm currently in the <a href="http://innovativeteachingacademy.org/" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy</a> ran by <a href="http://twitter.com/ajjuliani" target="_blank">AJ Juliani</a>. This is a blog post in relation to the class. Sidenote: AJ and John Spencer are getting ready to release a new book titled: Empower. I'm super pumped for it. </span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><i>Has technology made us learn new things in new ways, or are we just learning the same old things in new ways?</i></span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
When answering this question above, I can't help but think that learning doesn't happen in a vacuum. It used to be, but things have changed. Learning is a culture in itself. We have to think of the culture of learning that extends far beyond how technology has helped us learn. </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
Being a social studies teacher, I tend to think in terms of cultures: the ebb and flow of life and how things interact with others. Learning has now changed beyond the school walls. </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">When getting students to learn today, teachers have to look beyond the walls and think about where this learning might take them. We have to think of the audience. Large audience? Small audience? Does it need to stay within the classroom? Are we learning to create for a global audience? </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<b>Wait. Global audience? That didn't use to be an option. </b></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
Everything stayed within the four walls of the classroom. Students created for the teacher. Sometimes, they might have created for other students. This is where technology has changed everything. </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">In regards to learning, we used to learn by reading. Now we're learning from videos, blogs, websites, online classes, MOOCs, PLB, YouTube channels, Twitter, Voxer, Google Hangouts, Skype, YouTube Live, Facebook groups or Facebook Live, and on and on. You can now pick the brain of an expert "in person." We have so many avenues of obtaining information. </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><b>Learning is now a conversation. </b></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut8GKkENCmXYs6eFWhIcXxAVblkf7fSEEgMM4TGZuRb_zTELGQkBPYraBb8gdjzo9aGC6yNvVn-O8YK1E083P2zUIrbXERHTlfyxUFerKQixo38L0ZMjxMM2PuWT_l1IJ1Gm3b35pUYE/s1600/Copy+of+What+is+Innovation-.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut8GKkENCmXYs6eFWhIcXxAVblkf7fSEEgMM4TGZuRb_zTELGQkBPYraBb8gdjzo9aGC6yNvVn-O8YK1E083P2zUIrbXERHTlfyxUFerKQixo38L0ZMjxMM2PuWT_l1IJ1Gm3b35pUYE/s400/Copy+of+What+is+Innovation-.png" width="400" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Where I think technology has changed learning is that learning can now be a conversation and not not just a "read and get" one-way conversation. It's interactive. It let's the learner dive deeper than just a textbook. </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">I mentioned that I think learning is an element of culture. I'd argue that classroom cultures shift from classroom to classroom. Schools even have their own culture. Each team, whether it be a teacher team, a sports team, a business team, or whatever has a separate culture about it. The leader of that environment has to embrace what learning is today. You can't limit yourself, or others under your leadership, to what has always been. You have to embrace it. Maybe that leader is a teacher. Maybe it's "Mary, the Mom" who is trying to plant cucumbers and has sought the help of a master gardener through Google Hangouts. Maybe it's a boy that has a love of dinosaurs and his parents have found documentaries on Netflix/YouTube to watch and obtain information. Maybe it's me, the "Un-Handy Man," that calls on YouTube, watches a video, reads through all the comments, and double checks links and resources for validity in order to help myself replace the flapper in my toilet. I then went to the hardware store, engaged in personal and professional dialogue about what I needed, the specifics of my toilet and unique problem, and then we were able to find what I needed. </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 22px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="lecture-attachment" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 30px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="attachment-data" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</div>
</div>
Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-40493048649627179432017-04-26T01:12:00.000-04:002017-04-26T01:13:45.259-04:00The Simplest Definition of Innovation in Schools<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrcmHYuJd81_2mC91a2bTJFRRE_rvRCKwvDc0HbnFw3W4sHIcgdq-cfV73E4VSZHUGb4iRvKmK3R9P_f5iap3GT9W-EId8x2qqbekfJJ1oMfY5WqWwDB32m-hM_iXwH3iPWel2uIXSxU/s1600/What+is+Innovation-+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrcmHYuJd81_2mC91a2bTJFRRE_rvRCKwvDc0HbnFw3W4sHIcgdq-cfV73E4VSZHUGb4iRvKmK3R9P_f5iap3GT9W-EId8x2qqbekfJJ1oMfY5WqWwDB32m-hM_iXwH3iPWel2uIXSxU/s400/What+is+Innovation-+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm currently in the <a href="http://innovativeteachingacademy.org/" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy</a>. It's a class put on by my friend, <a href="http://twitter.com/ajjuliani" target="_blank">AJ Juliani</a>. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great class and learn from so many awesome people. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"What is innovation?" is the topic of the week. We had to answer that question by creating a meme. (Sidenote - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Mindset-Empower-Learning-Creativity-ebook/dp/B016YTBZKO" target="_blank">George Couros' book, "The Innovator's Mindset</a>" is a fantastic read on the topic. It affirmed many of my beliefs about what being an innovator truly is. I suggest you give it a read.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is my meme. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdzmP68VECuNs14_M3okt9tZupZFmlaN9kFBRBqv4zZyGXMGfwIF39hTDishHMjKsvgj6-3pK8u2dOi4-IEkvaluktryoU9XiDDjR7p9Y-qKorbG9dDwbx4xO8gB2RZjSfEpCWHcSilM/s1600/Untitled+design.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdzmP68VECuNs14_M3okt9tZupZFmlaN9kFBRBqv4zZyGXMGfwIF39hTDishHMjKsvgj6-3pK8u2dOi4-IEkvaluktryoU9XiDDjR7p9Y-qKorbG9dDwbx4xO8gB2RZjSfEpCWHcSilM/s400/Untitled+design.jpg" width="332" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I imagine someone a lot smarter than I did came up with some grand definition of what innovation in schools really is. Problem is, I probably couldn't understand it because there would be big words. So, how about we keep it really easy. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The quick answer to this is that if students are truly engaged, it's probably innovative. If students don't want to leave your room to go to the restroom, it's innovative. They'll hold it. They'll do the pee-pee dance while working. Their eyes will start to have a yellow tint. They'll do whatever it takes to stay in the room. My best lessons are like this. I can see it happening. There is a certain energy during this type of learning. I also have a ton of dud lessons. Hopefully, I can eventually make all of them innovative. It takes time. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The simplest definition of what innovation is in schools is if your students are doing the pee-pee dance while creating then it must be innovation. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It takes courage, a huge amount of bravery, a willingness to leave your comfort zone, and to ultimately let go of the fear of failing. I had to get over myself for real innovation to take place. I had to release control, release the "I'm the most important person in the room" mode, and release the "Learning Isn't About the Teachers" role. Get over yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I remember the first time that I tried Genius Hour / Passion Projects four years ago. I had no idea what I was really doing. I pitched it as a do anything you want and just show us what you learned by creating something that you present. Pretty sure no one left to use the bathroom that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Trust. I had administrators that ok'd my adventure. They trusted that I knew what I was doing and knew it was what was best for kids. They were also there to check-in and bounce ideas off of. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just do it. Yes, that's Nike's slogan, but for crying out loud, do something. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Get out there and do something. Push yourself. Put yourself in your learners' shoes. Would they really want to be in your class if you said it was optional? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-89499783018902524492017-04-25T16:36:00.000-04:002017-04-25T23:26:24.614-04:007 Things I Can't Do for Students (and 7 Things I Can)<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoBljfH1tL2xcLd2I3Ez5-JzZyywyNZKZjG3UcszqnxKmFO98wzYcLj7aS0-RJ89X6c_kn45jH8frssET1BXwCMftBSbnvfjuRX1WFmL0sgZU3Rf5OHBuIFvfWDGKqMDgJJFJ538Qgus/s1600/7THINGS.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoBljfH1tL2xcLd2I3Ez5-JzZyywyNZKZjG3UcszqnxKmFO98wzYcLj7aS0-RJ89X6c_kn45jH8frssET1BXwCMftBSbnvfjuRX1WFmL0sgZU3Rf5OHBuIFvfWDGKqMDgJJFJ538Qgus/s640/7THINGS.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The best way for me to vent is to write. I have found that I need to blog to get my mind off of things. So, today, I write. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-d8eac187-a6c8-89a4-48a3-afd570e0b4a1" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the end of every school year, I end up turning into someone not myself. It’s really someone that I don’t want to be, but it’s like it just comes out. I can’t help it. My main reason is that I’m tired. Tired of a lot of the antics from students, tired of policing the same students to somehow behave appropriately day after day, after day, after day. Tired of harping on the same students to turn their work in even though I have reminded them to the umpteenth power already. Tired of saying, “Be prepared by doing _______.” and kids not doing said thing, but then upset at the consequences from not doing said thing. I might and probably some of my students that I routinely get on might even consider me a jerk. As we end the year, I wonder if that’s how they’ll remember me? Some cantankerous, crotchety guy. I don’t mean to be that way. I was raised to work extremely hard in the classroom, to not do dumb things, and that I could be guilty by association. I can’t, for the life of me understand why some students just want to simply exist. I just don’t get it. Wouldn’t it be more boring to just do nothing in school than do the assignment. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, because of these things here’s a list of the Top Seven Things I Can’t Do For Students...followed by things I can and already do do. (Saying do twice in a row always makes me giggle) </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t make kids care about school.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let’s be honest. Not everyone likes “school.” There are things that I don’t like about school. There are things that happen that I don’t think are very beneficial to a learner. What I can do is that I can try and make students look toward the future and see how the long term effects of their actions today influence the future. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t consistently engage kids better than electronics</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. There is a difference between being entertained and being engaged. Being entertained is like watching a movie. It’s more one way. Being engaged is two-way. Being engaged in today’s culture is like watching Dancing With the Stars while simultaneously engaging in twitter conversations with people all over the globe during the show. There has to be input from both parties. There are just some things in school that can’t be engaging all the time. School can’t compete with the digital overload that students have access to. We just can’t. Learning is hard work and not necessarily for your entertainment. I work in a 1:1 school system. One chromebook isn’t enough, students have to pull out their phones and iPods, also. Attention spans have dropped. Spending an hour on an assignment is extremely hard for students to do. What I can do is provide as much choice as possible, try to connect to their world as much as possible, and encourage them to dive deep. </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OOvXm4qDw7FyF9JCxqI2X32Md5sYScWVlYjZGGUFrJw/edit?usp=sharing" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s what we’re currently working on in my class.</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Here's what it <a href="https://twitter.com/CMSMrMiller/status/856894254911762432" target="_blank">looks like in class</a>. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t do students’ assignments or make them turn it in.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This seems like an easy one. I won’t do an assignment for you. I can encourage you to start, to continue, to press on, to look at the future, to not just live for today, to explain the long-term effects of doing off-task things, or to talk about planting a seed that grows later. I can help you by answering your questions. I tend to answer questions with questions. I can assign them a lunch-n-learn with me during lunch, or a detention, or a Friday School. Those things don’t necessarily help. The only students that things like detention influence are ones that already care. (See number one in this list.)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t make them act like Mother Theresa</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Look, not everyone’s perfect. I get that. I pretty much wipe slates clean everyday. I teach in middle school. First, they are trying to figure themselves out. Second, they are trying to figure everyone else out. Third, they are trying to figure out what they want to investigate in their own life. Fourth, they are trying to manage jumping up into secondary school and trying to make it as least awkward as possible. Fifth, by time they get to sixth grade, a lot of their thoughts have already been shaped by former teachers and how important school is perceived at home. I can read books like “Inch and Miles: The Journey to Success,” which is the kids version of John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success so they know what it takes to be successful. I can read them things like the “Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon so they understand how positive and negative energy affects culture and how to choose your friends wisely. I can read “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander that gives a glimpse into the daily life of students in middle school that struggle with the same things that they do. I can read a quote of the day from “365 Days of Wonder” by RJ Palacio to try and get deeper and have discussions about life and show some empathy. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t be in charge of their home life.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Parents/Guardians are in charge of home lives. As much as I want every student to have the best life outside of school, the reality is that most don’t have that TV sitcom home. I can make my room a safe place. I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not too positive with students that can’t figure out how to “student” correctly after 160 days of school. (Random: I think studenting should be a word. There is a proper way to student. It’s kind of like the word parenting. A parent parents. Shouldn’t students student? I know, my mind is wired a little different.) Those students that just can’t figure out how to turn things in at the end of the year still, continue to talk out, continue to be annoying, continue to back talk, continue to treat others not nicely, are the ones I’m talking about. I can remember to look at others through the glasses that they are doing the best that they know how instead of judging them. Maybe they haven’t learned yet? More importantly, maybe they haven’t been taught? </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t make them responsible or be organized.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I can provide support and ideas for organization like Google Keep, journaling, and using Canvas calendar, but a student won’t learn how to be organized or responsible unless they are held accountable and taught how to be organized. Even then, some students just won’t because it’s a choice. After 6 years of previous schooling (K-5) most of those habits have already developed. It’s also a caring issue (see number one) and a home life (see number 5) issue. Sometimes, being held accountable is writing a personal note. Sometimes, it’s calling them out in front of their peers. Sometimes, it’s a hug. Sometimes, it’s a stern gaze or suggestion. Sometimes, it’s having them call their parents from my desk phone to “tell on themselves.” Sometimes, it’s just being there to lend your shoulder. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t pull their legs anymore</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I think it’s best to be straight up honest by the time they get in the middle school. This game called life is about to get real. Choices matter. Completing your work matters. Who you hang out with matters. Learning how to work hard matters. A lot of students are just getting a taste of what it takes to “student” correctly. (See, studenting is a thing, hehe.) I can tell students what they need to do to improve. I can help them make goals to get better. I can be honest and inform them that what they are doing isn’t cutting it and they need to try harder. Speaking the truth is a very hard thing to do. It seems that most people avoid the truth nowadays. Speaking the truth in love is what is needed. Listening to the truth is really hard, too. </span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hate it when I get to the end of a school day and I have spent all my time on those students that fall into one or more of the seven things above and have neglected all the students that are working hard, behaving correctly, and care. I struggle with that balance. I struggle with letting students fail because it’s the right thing to do. I give limitless chances to redo or retake an assignment. I let students hand things in late. I feel I do enough on my end. There has to be some responsibility from the students. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m tired. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good thing summer break is coming :) </span>Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-10730071898460277312017-04-11T00:16:00.001-04:002017-04-11T00:17:04.591-04:00Stuck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_TWg_aa9xqgKrMFWm7GbgF6aVijIzKs077Vx2v4lrcPcVTKEPh_BaB-5turkAjAH_XT2xv_3soKqOExANzVSfkliMCFFi77YciD2VuytawgnFls6jojtDb69ZvseEbiVpbncIHANbds/s1600/Stuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_TWg_aa9xqgKrMFWm7GbgF6aVijIzKs077Vx2v4lrcPcVTKEPh_BaB-5turkAjAH_XT2xv_3soKqOExANzVSfkliMCFFi77YciD2VuytawgnFls6jojtDb69ZvseEbiVpbncIHANbds/s400/Stuck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm stuck.<br />
<br />
I feel my lessons are "good enough." They get by. Students are challenged. I've been using the same lessons for a couple of years now. The problem is that I've always thought that good enough is neither. Neither good, nor enough.<br />
<br />
I'm out to change that. As I wrap up this school year and start making preparations for next year, I decided to enroll in the <a href="http://innovativeteachingacademy.org/" target="_blank">Innovative Teaching Academy</a> that's put on by my good friend, <a href="http://ajjuliani.com/" target="_blank">A.J. Juliani</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to learn more. To grow. To improve. To meet other educators that share the same passion. To find some new things to make the teaching and learning in my classroom better.<br />
<br />
Here's to a great #ITA17<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5806078581039043090.post-2614024974016655592017-02-08T23:47:00.002-05:002017-02-08T23:47:49.121-05:00Teacher Thoughts: Don't Quit. Never Give Up. <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfA_5cUuZNVJu6OJcFGzV0vuzioLGyAiGCNUOjtcHWYv4HeCqZHCEBOU2zaUr3zAOCt-RBm2ujIDfEfLsEEA8HTR7e-ZOnXwIO7BkFK4KMkpSednK248ImdjmJS0wnP00vwV30SyevqQ/s1600/Don%2527t+Quit.+Never+Give+Up..jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfA_5cUuZNVJu6OJcFGzV0vuzioLGyAiGCNUOjtcHWYv4HeCqZHCEBOU2zaUr3zAOCt-RBm2ujIDfEfLsEEA8HTR7e-ZOnXwIO7BkFK4KMkpSednK248ImdjmJS0wnP00vwV30SyevqQ/s400/Don%2527t+Quit.+Never+Give+Up..jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQLHr7KUvF0?rel=0" width="853"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
Matt Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15903963957875182630noreply@blogger.com0