She’s been a fellow of the WNY Young Writers’ Studio for three years now. Every August, she devotes a week of her life to the study of what learning communities are and how she’s grown as a result of her participation in ours. She comes back every other month throughout the school year. She visits [...]
Over the last several years, I’ve come to rely on the ARCS framework, created by Communities for Learning, for nearly all of my professional planning. I use it to establish a baseline assessment of the groups I work with, to determine entry points into our work together, to strategically plan, and to assess the influence [...]
“Meaning, like beauty, lies both within and outside us. The same experience might be more meaningful for some students than others because of differences in their interests, personal experiences, readiness, and existing relationship with the teacher and with what is being taught. That said, as learners, we all derive greater meaning [...]
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.” –Winston Churchill
This is one of my favorite pictures from last week’s Studio sessions. It was just one small moment that tucked itself into a flurry of other activity, but this visual speaks volumes.
One of the interns in our program, Nate, is conferencing with two [...]
Photo Credit: Laura Stockman
Summer is a time unto itself. In our family, we draw deep boundaries around the months of June, July, and August. The rhythm of our life together changes, and while the pace never seems to slow, the content of our days becomes distinctly different. It’s a disruption I long for every year–one [...]
The WNY Young Writers’ Studio celebrates its third anniversary this summer! Thinking about joining us but haven’t just yet? Well this year, we’re opening up greater opportunities for you to do so.
Studio is not a camp. It isn’t a workshop or an institute either. It is a learning community comprised of teachers and students who [...]
Over the last month, several educators (including quite a few in my own network) have launched new communities in Ning. I’m looking forward to joining the conversations that will unfold as others join and connections begin to build. Hope you will add to our learning!
Jenny Luca and Jackie Gerstein have launched Students 2.0 and are [...]
I had such a great time tonight. A while back, I was invited to keynote a regional forum of the New York State Middle School Association. I chose to speak about something I feel really passionate about–the possibilities created when our classrooms become communities— and ever since, I’ve been excited and terrified in equal measure. [...]
Students 2.0 is a new network for young people that will be facilitated in large measure by young people, with a bit of support from some older people who try to remain young at heart ; ).
From the ning:
Students 2.0 is a network for learners to connect independently with other students and with mentors [...]
Communities for Learning friends and fellows! I hope you’ll watch Whatever it Takes, a documentary by Christopher Wong that airs on PBS this week. Giselle Martin Kniep and several fellows of our community learn and lead together inside of this school. Looking forward to being inspired!