Many folks wonder why I share so freely. I say, "Why not?" Aren't we all in this teaching game together? Don't we want to make things easier for each other? My actual thoughts are, "If I've spent this long making something, someone else needs to enjoy it too." I also have realized that once you start sharing, you will start receiving. It take times, but in the end, I've gained more than I've given away.
How do we share as educators?
How do we share as educators?
- Join twitter and start by posting pictures of your amazing lessons in class. It doesn't take long at all. Put #miched in the tweet and amazing educators from all over Michigan (and the world) will see what awesome things your students are doing in class. (Please be sure your students can have their picture taken and posted.) Here are a few pictures I've posted. It gives others ideas and in turn, I get asked questions which make me think about "why" and "how" this lesson worked. (or didn't!)
2. Start blogging about powerful and successful lessons. Then share those ideas with colleagues and at conferences. (and on twitter too) Explain the details of the lesson. Show, through pictures if possible, how things went well. Give as many details about the lesson so others can recreate it for their students. If there are handouts or typed up parts, please post them for others to use. It takes time to create good material. Let's save each other time and share! Don't forget to share the pitfalls of the lesson too. I think it is equally important to share what didn't work so others can learn from the mistakes. Don't think of this as a failure on your part, think of this as a way to grow. Others will tweak things, make them better and then, hopefully, share back. Here's an example of a blog post about a favorite activity in class. Motion detectors blog post.
3. Start presenting at professional conferences. Teachers are hungry for ideas to change their classroom for the better. Find an area conference, or an edCamp, and let others see the powerful things happening in your classroom. It can be overwhelming to present, so ask a seasoned presenter to stand beside you and co-present during your first one (or 2nd and 3rd). It's OK to ask for help and support and it is also OK to stick your neck out there and take a risk.
Sharing only makes up better. Give it a try. I think you'll find you will gain more than you give!
3. Start presenting at professional conferences. Teachers are hungry for ideas to change their classroom for the better. Find an area conference, or an edCamp, and let others see the powerful things happening in your classroom. It can be overwhelming to present, so ask a seasoned presenter to stand beside you and co-present during your first one (or 2nd and 3rd). It's OK to ask for help and support and it is also OK to stick your neck out there and take a risk.
Sharing only makes up better. Give it a try. I think you'll find you will gain more than you give!