The circle that I admittedly rarely step into as a mentor. So much of my work focuses on the other two circles- content and technique/method, which, as Dave discusses are absolutely critical. I do truly believe, however, that it's in the circle of presentation where we connect with students, engage them, and build a love of learning.
Dave reminds us that everything is a choice.
"Determine to intentionally control your environment and all of the presentational elements in play. Everything matters." (p.80)
And the bit on transitions was huge for me.
"Every time you allow or add an unnecessary delay in your presentation you create yet another time that you will have to regain the engagement and momentum you lost." (p.81)
Dave's "crash course in presentational hooks" was awesome. I think of this section as my "cheat sheet." It's what I've bookmarked and will go back to over and over again for questions that will stretch my thinking and instruction out of the box.
"I Like to Move it, Move it" includes the kinesthetic, people prop, and safari hooks. Get your students' brains and bodies moving and growing!
“I promise, you will notice a significant increase in your room’s energy when you incorporate movement into your lessons.” (p.88)
"Long Live the Arts" speaks to my heart.
"Music and art can be incredibly powerful ways to engage our students and enhance our lessons." (p.95)
“Whether you use it to create a mood or tie it into your curriculum, music is an element of presentational power that can help you transform your class.” (p. 99)
Dave shares the Picasso, Mozart, the Dance and Drama, and the Craft Store hooks, with several interesting examples from his personal teaching experience.
The "What's In it for Me" hooks screamed Charlotte Danielson's 2B (Establishing a Culture for Learning) to me! Dave discusses the Student Hobby, Real-World Application, Life-Changing Lesson, Student-Directed, and the Opportunistic hooks.
“Associating your curriculum with current events not only increases engagement because it shows relevance, it also helps students become more globally aware and connected.” (p. 106)
Add your photos/links/voice on the Padlet below! You can also go HERE for the full screen padlet.
Please answer the question(s) below that speak to you!
WEEK 4 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Q2: "Taking your class beyond the classroom walls is a shortcut to engagement (pg. 92)." Describe activities done out of your room or how you plan to take your class beyond the classroom next year.
Q3: "Music can be incredibly powerful at engaging students/enhancing lessons (pg. 95)." How have you incorporated music into lessons or how could you incorporate music into your lessons next year?
Q4: "We should provide students with the opportunity to hone their artistic skills (pg.95)." How have you incorporated art into lessons?
Q5: "Dance & drama incorporates kinesthetics/creativity into class (pg. 100)." How have you incorporated dance/drama into lessons?
Q6: Using crafts encourages students to use their ingenuity (pg. 101). Describe lessons utilizing crafts or other student creations.
Q7: How do you help students connect content to their lives (e.g. student hobbies/interests, real world issues, autonomy/choice)?