Learning through Mistakes

One of the foundational steps in creating a community of respect is fostering the process of learning.  In order to place the necessary value on the learning process  (thereby valuing mistakes as an inevitable step).  Mistakes are a starting point.  

Knowing that my students were fond of Adventure Time as well, I decided to use Adobe Photoshop to craft a poster for my classroom that emphasizes the idea of learning through mistakes.

If you would like a file of this poster you can send me an email.  I will send you a printable file that is split up so that you can print it on a standard color printer.  

Whole Body Listening

During a recent meeting with fellow educators, I was made aware of a practice called 'Whole Body Listening.'  There was a book and accompaning poster that taught the merits of whole body listening and the using of one's:

• Brain: Thinking about what is being said
• Ears: Both ears ready to hear
• Eyes: Looking at the person talking
• Mouth: Quiet - no talking, humming or making sounds
• Body: Faces the speaker
• Feet: Quiet on the floor
• Hands: Quiet in lap, pockets or by side
• Hear: Caring about what the other person is saying

I was intrigued and became motivated to integrate this practice into the classroom.  I found myself less pleased with the accompanying materials used to teach and reinforce this practice.  As referred to in an earlier post, I set out to use Adobe Photoshop to create a classroom poster that supported the practice while still being interesting.  I have found that students love having their interests acknowledged and validated through teacher understanding.  The bond between shared likes is a strong one and can often help in establishing teacher-student relationships.  I am personally fond of a popular cartoon show called Adventure Time.  Its clever word play, mystical undertones, fantastic world building, and its emotional engagement resonate with children and adults alike.

If you would like a file of this poster just email me your request.  I will send you a printable file that is split up so that you can print it on a standard color printer.  

Adobe Photoshop for Classroom Posters

Posters (and anchor charts) in the classroom can offer a students an easy visual reference and tool.  What I have found is that pre-made posters have their own inherent problems.  They are either too expensive, not relevant enough to instructional needs, or are just plain cookie cutter.  Thankfully, through the use of Adobe's Photoshop, teachers can make posters that are relevant and engaging to student interests (engaging student interest is one of the foundations of effective teaching and best practices).  Fully customizable posters, with vocabulary that is paired with the classroom (as opposed to an educational poster company stock photos and vocabulary).  The next few posts will include downloadable examples of engaging (and student relevant) poster's.  

With a plethora of instructional videos online, Photoshop's learning curve can easily be overcome.  

Student Created eBooks

This post is, in a way, the direct result of my last two posts: Adobe InDesign for Classroom Publishing and eReaders in the Classroom.
  
When researching InDesign, I learned that it is possible to use the program to create eBooks.  Students could create eBooks (or more likely the teacher using student work to create eBooks) resulting in many compelling, and novel, products:

• You could create individual student eBooks that could live in the classroom eReaders.  
• At the end of the year you could create a classroom collection in eBook format, much like a collection of essays or short stories (this could also be done as a physical book).  You could even write a forward/introduction as the editor.  
• In eBook format it would be easy to provide copies of student work to parents.  Many adults have some sort of reader (most computers can read the file as well).  

Over the years one would have a large archive of student work.  This work could serve to simply be reading fare for future students, or used to model student work during future lessons.  I have found that students respond well to seeing actual examples of end products.  Knowing from experience, seeing an example is more effective for some students than simply being given instructions.  It shifts the product from the abstract to the more readily realized.

[Note: One should not solely rely on digital production and distribution of student work.  Making the assumption that all families are able to utilize digital formats is not an equitable practice.  It is always important to make your instruction inclusive to all people.  Know your families and always take their needs into account.]

Adobe InDesign for Classroom Publishing

 While working with students to publish a piece of writing for the year (type it up, add some illustrations, laminate cover and comb bind it) I had an idea.  I recently got the Adobe Creative Suite and had been trying to figure out ways to utilize these tools in the classroom.  I have a friend in my graduate program (who is the most phenomenal teacher) that recommend using Adobe InDesign to make printed material.  After teaching myself the basics, I was amazed at how many different ways you could use it in the classroom.  From pamphlet design to developing a template for a classroom newspaper, there really are limitless ways to integrate.


My idea was more specific though.  I saw myself creating a publishing company for my classroom (with the requisite clever name and logo).  Using InDesign, I could take the time to professionally layout and design student writing to be book-level quality.  The tools are there, and the time required decreases as one learns the program.  There are even a myriad of simple binding techniques one could use so the the actual book is on par with the layout.  I believe that upgrading the quality (publishing wise) of student work showcases that the work students do is valuable and just as worthy to have the time spent to make it look that way.

InDesign in action

I do enjoy lists, so I will shed my verbose prose to sum up my idea:

• Create a classroom publishing company (be sure to design a logo and make a poster or two).  This company is one that stays with the classroom, allowing students to feel that their work is part of a legacy.
• Have students type up their work (the ability to type and publish work digitally is in the Common Core State Standards).  I believe that it is important to publish all sizes and levels of work.  Just because a student is a struggling writer does not mean that their work has any less reason to be published than another students series of chapter books.
• Use InDesign to create a template for book layouts (you could create one standard template to save time, or have a few to choose from).
• After formatting the student work, print it.
• Now it is time to bind the book.  There are many different ways to bind and create books.  A great resource is Paula Beardell Krieg's Book Arts blog: Playful Bookbinding and Paper Works (located at http://bookzoompa.wordpress.com/).  This blog is worth checking out just for the how-tos and picture guides on classroom bookmaking.
• Have some sort of celebration when a book is published, and maybe at the end of the year have a large publishing party/gallery walk to honor all student work.