Lessons from Haiti

I spent this week on an educator exchange in Port-au-Prince Haiti, and what I learned likely outweighed what I taught.

I learned that an asset-based approach is necessary for progress. Starting the new school year by considering what we have, rather than what we have not, is more likely to result in positive change.

I learn that saying less is better than lengthy monologue. This realization was emphasized as I worked through a translator and thought about the most clear and concise way to share a message – a method that I realize I should broadly apply.

I learned to listen with eyes wide-open. Language barriers encouraged me to listen with my eyes and tune in to all of the information being offered, not just the specific words that were spoken.

As I listened to the harmonious voices of my new Haitian friends lift together in song, I learned that expressing gratitude leads the heart forward.

I hope that tomorrow, when I fly away from Haiti, these understandings will go with me and guide me as I launch another new school year. For you, I hope they will do the same.

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This week, you might want to take a look at:

Praising the positive with students:

http://www.corwin.com/highimpactinstruction/videos/v14.1.htm

10 Ways to sabotage your classroom management (with positive alternatives!):

http://www.middleweb.com/19037/10-ways-sabotage-classroom-management/

An anchor chart example for plot and setting:

http://chartchums.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/image-4.jpg

Using photos to inspire writing:

https://www.theatrefolk.com/spotlights/introducing-scene-spurs-photos-as-writing-inspiration

Coaching as hands-on PD:

http://www.reading.org/literacy-daily/classroom/post/engage/2015/02/10/literacy-coaching-as-hands-on-pd?utm_source=02172015&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ThisWeek&utm_content=PopularOn-3

That’s it for this week. Happy Coaching!