Last one before Christmas. Stephen and I had another enjoyable show yesterday. (I write this on Thursday for posting on Friday….) Here’s what we talked about.
speak up
- Will Gourley – @WillGourley
- https://heartandart.ca/speak-up/
From the Heart and Art blog, this isn’t a terribly long blog post but it’s a reminder of what your presence in the classroom can mean and how important and enabling it can be.
It’s a great reminder of the power of teacher voice and how it can be used to:
The potential to inspire and aspire to greater things or to cause irreparable harm
I do remember, at the Faculty of Education, the reminder that there are always people listening. We were advised to “choose your words carefully” and reminded that the words can go beyond the classroom to the student home and beyond.
Every generation has its issues that require voice and Will points the finger at our current issues of rasicm, apathy, and injustice.
While I enjoy doing the radio show, it is indeed a passing thing whereas the written word in a blog post does have the possibility of lasting longer.
The post goes on to talk about developing student voice which is so important and the phrase of the year for me.
“strategic succession planning”
The 500 – #234 – Bookends – Simon & Garfunkel
- Marc Hodgkinson – @Mr_H_Teacher
- https://the50-20.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-500-234-bookends-simon-garfunkel.html
If you’re a lover of music, then you need to be following Marc’s blog as he counts down his thoughts on a list of the 500 best.
I do remember when I first heard Simon and Garfunkel. It was while babysitting; the people had one of those great ol’ stereo consoles that I’d play music on once the kids were to bed.
I was pleasantly surprised with the number of times that content from this duo made it to the list of 500. And, deservedly so.
As Marc does, he tells us a little story – a sad one about the possibility of a co-host blogger and a wonderful memory for me of the push button transmission on those old Plymouth Valiants.
His choice of song from the album was a great one.
And, I did make a collosal mistake on the voicEd Radio show when I talked about pianos. Thankfully, Stephen was there to correct me right on the spot.
Concert Completed – Post-Show Thoughts
- Diana Maliszewski – @MzMollyTL
- http://mondaymollymusings.blogspot.com/2023/12/concert-completed-post-show-thoughts.html
This picture speaks volumes about December if you’re a school music teacher.
I have all kinds of memories of concerts in my school. Frustrating ones from students with notes to be released so that they could practice for the concert, students with notes to be released to set up the gym for the show, … The second and third weeks of December are often very unproductive as a result. I had a student tell me that he resented having to work when others got to leave class.
But those events are so important to the administration of the school. It’s a time to shine for the community and give kids the opportunity to be on stage and performing for an audience. For some, it may be their only opportunity. For others, it might be a launchpad.
Check out Diana’s post and you’ll be nodding along; we’ve all been there in one way, shape, or form. For many of us, it’s just supervising and guarding the exits to the school for the matinees.
But, most of all, hats off to the teachers that manage to pull it all together.
Sharing Traditions!
- Cameron Steltman – @MrSteltman
- http://www.mrsteltman.com/our-inspirations-class-blog/sharing-traditions
I’m a big fan of this classroom activity from Cameron.
They have a class blog and Clayton writes a provocation and the students add to their writing abilities by responding to him.
Just in time for Christmas and the other events that we celebrate, he talks about sharing traditions in their household for this time of the season. That opens the door to all kinds of things that might be happening. Around here, it might be that birthday that we have on the 24th.
In fact, I learned about the concept of the birthday tree. I may steal that one.
Click through to find out what is happening in their world. You might be surprised to see some of your traditions on their list.
A bonus is when a former student checks in!
Episode 57 Our Notes Old Fellas New Music
- Paul McGuire – @mcguirp
- https://paulmcguire1.com/2023/12/12/episode-57-our-notes-old-fellas-new-music/
One of the things that Paul and Bob do is expand my listening list. I’m thankful that Paul drops me a note to let me know when they plan to get together to do another show.
My favourite this time around was this.
All their music is on Spotify if you’re looking for more.
You’ll get a different experience with the music and their commentary. Or, go to the blog. There are lots of options here.
The current show is here.
And, just today, we got notification of the Christmas show that they’re working on Saturday.
This Week in Ontario Edublogs on voicEd Radio
doug -- off the record 
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