Letting Them Speak...A Conversation With Students About Curriculum

Last spring, I participated in a book study with #2menandabook on Rebecca Coda and Rick Jetter's book, Let Them Speak. I am a strong advocate for student voice and choice in the classroom, and the book sparked me to carry this conversation with students beyond the walls of the classroom to the curriculum level.

Inspired by the book and the conversations in the book study, I set out to interview the students in my district about my curriculum...the elementary language arts curriculum.

I kept the interviews short and sweet, just five questions:
1. What is your favorite subject in school?
2. What do you like best about reading in school?
3. What do you like best about writing in school?

4. If you were in charge of reading and writing in your classroom, what would you do different from your teacher?

5. Aside from lunch and recess, what do you wish you had more time for during the school day?

Next I spent a few weeks visiting every 1st through 6th grade classroom in my district, interviewing two random students (a boy and a girl) in each classroom. I opted not to interview Kindergarten students at this time due to the developmental appropriateness of the questions. In all 161 students were interviewed.

So what did I learn from this process? What were my takeaways?

First and foremost was the affirmation of the importance of student voice and choice in their learning.

The answers to the first question broke my heart as the language arts supervisor. 46.6% of the students I interviewed, 75 total, shared that math is their favorite subject. Reading was the second highest subject selected at 17.4% followed by writing at 9.9%. This is one I'm going to need to take a closer look at and find why students enjoy math so much. Since this process had a focus on our ELA curriculum, I pushed forward.

Next it was time to sort and analyze the rest of the data. The data was full of answers that connected to student voice and choice. 59 out of the 161 students interviewed (37%), stated in some form that their favorite part of reading is independent reading. This is the time each day when students self-select books from their classroom or school library and time is provided by the teacher for quiet reading time. 

More revealing was the answer to students' favorite part about writing. 90 students (56%) stated that they liked writing stories or when they get to make up their own stories or guide their own ideas for writing. Students definitely like having choice in their writing. 

Nowhere in student responses did anyone talk about tests, worksheets, or packets, and very few answers spoke to teacher-led learning.

This student interview process provided me with a lot of data to sort through, analyze, share with staff, and use to reflect on my role as a curriculum supervisor. Some of the more poignant moments came in the heartfelt answers from students. When asked what she wished there was more time for in school each day, one sixth grade girl responded, "Fun. School used to be fun." Wow! Several other students commented on their wish for more choice time, free time, centers, technology and even independent reading. One of the more humorous answers to this question came from a second grader who wished there was more time for lockdown drills because they are fun. 

This is actually the second year I have interviewed students about school, and I thoroughly enjoy the process. Not only do I enjoy the conversations with kids, but they speak the truth...I can learn a lot from listening to them. Students continually affirm my belief in the importance of voice and choice in guiding their own learning.

This goes beyond the interviews. It's what I do with this information and how I will let it guide me as a curriculum supervisor that will make the difference for our students. 

#4OCFPLN- We Are Thankful For All The Things

We Are Thankful For All The Things

A Collaborative Blog From the #4OCFPLN

As we enter the month of gratitude, my PLN/PLF took time to reflect on the things we are all thankful for this year. Enjoy the series of thankfulness below.

Maureen Hayes, K-6 Humanities Supervisor in Lawrence Township, NJ

As we enter the month of reflection and gratitude, I am thankful for those who encourage and push me every day to be my best as an educator….teachers & staff, administrators, students & my PLN.

The teachers and staff members I have the privilege to work with each day continually expect

my best as an instructional leader. My job is to support them as they plan for instruction and

work to meet the needs of all students in our district. They hold me accountable for being a

researcher and reader, and sharing the my knowledge with them.

I am fortunate to be a part of a district administrative them that is continually pushing the limits

and asking “why not” when it comes to serving our students. Each of the building principals on

our team are true PIRATE Principals, and my fellow instructional supervisor team is a

supportive group of instructional rock stars, especially my elementary counterpart Kristin

Burke (kburke4242) who is the peanut butter to my jelly, the carrots to my peas, the macaroni

to my cheese…

I am continually reminded of my purpose as an educator, and that is the students I serve.

Every decision I make needs to be in the best interest of the students in my district.

Finally, my PLN/PLF, the #4OCFpln has by far been the greatest influence on me as an

educator and leader, thanks to the daily talks, monthly book studies, and ongoing push-back

and support they provide me. Each day spent in conversation with them is the best PD I have

ever had.

Of course no reflection of thanks would be complete with thanking my husband of 25 years,

Brian, and our two children, Jordan and Sam. They are my rock and support, and provide me

with unconditional love. I would be nowhere without them.

Amy Storer, Instructional Coach, Montgomery, TX

“I am thankful for every moment.” Al Green

Every single moment that has occured in my life so far has led me to where I am today. Some of those
moments were filled with love and laughter and some were blanketed in sadness and fear. But each
turn taken and road followed has helped to mold me into the person that I have become today and who
I will be in the future.  I am thankful for a mother that fought for her daughters to have everything that
the world could give them and more. She sacrificed so much for us, and everything we do as educators
today is because of her and for her. I am thankful for a dad, who found his way back to us. We are so
glad that you did. I am thankful for grandparents and their love and endless amounts of cookies and
candy! I am thankful for a sister who is truly my best friend. Thank you for giving me one of my greatest
gifts, Nancy and Finn. They crawled right into my heart and filled in the hole that momma left when she
passed away. I am so incredibly thankful for them. I am thankful for the love of my love, Tony. Thank
you picking up the phone when I bravely called you in the fall of 1997. Thank you for being my biggest
supporter and for loving me for over 20 years. Thank you to my campus family for loving and
supporting me in everything that I do. I am so lucky to get to work alongside each of you! Thank to all
of my former students. You truly schooled me on school. I learned all I needed to know from each of
you, and I am a better educator and human being because of you.

Louie Soper, 5th Grade Teacher, Philadelphia, PA

I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach in the city of Philadelphia this school year.  Albeit some

challenges, each day is an opportunity to learn and grow. Learning blocks can be challenging.  Days

can be challenging. Weeks can be tough, but I am so so thankful for the relationships I have been

able to build with many of my students.  From Fortnite dances to slime, the fun doesn’t end. I am so

grateful for this group of students I have this year.  We are all walking side by side daily in our journeys together in becoming the best versions of ourselves we can be.  Lastly, I am so thankful for the regular reminders from the #4ocfpln for pointing out these daily opportunities for growth.

Kristi Daws, @kristi_daws, Technology Integration Specialist, Region 9 ESC

I am thankful for my journey. So thankful for the support of Bob Johnson who offered me an amazing opportunity to practice my love of music. I left for college a music major switching to math after two wonderful years thanks to Dr. Linda Fausnaugh. She awakened a Math Teacher inside me I did not know existed. After twenty, YES 20!!!, amazing years loving my career I stepped into the unknown and became a Digital Coach under the leadership of Brett Thomas. I was so fortunate to work alongside a leader who pushed, encouraged, challenged, and supported me daily. I followed this leader into my current position as the Region 9 ESC Technology Integration Specialist. I have learned so much in my first few months at R9 and I could not be happier. I don’t know where my journey will take me next, but I have faith that it will be an adventure. #Thankful

Rachelle Dene Poth, Spanish and STEAM Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA @Rdene915

www.Rdene915.com

I am thankful for all of the opportunities that each new day brings. Time to continue to build relationships,
to connect with students and educators from around the world. For so many years, I was teaching in
isolation and did not truly understand the value of being a connected educator and the importance of
relationships. A tremendous mentor in law school helped me to see what it truly means to be an
educator and the need to focus on the relationships first. His guidance has made such a difference in
my personal life as well as my professional life and I will always be thankful for his ongoing support.
There are often challenges that come each day, and sometimes it is the challenges we face as
educators or it is something that our students are struggling with. We need to connect. As much as our
students rely on us to care for and support them, we count on them to lift us up at times as well.
Knowing that together we are creating a welcoming and supportive classroom, where students are
comfortable asking for help and where they are willing to reach out and help others, is something that I
am thankful for each day.

KathiSue Summers, Educational Mentor for 1st and 2nd year Teachers, Medford, OR

Do You Believe Relationships Are Important?

When I started teaching in 1986 in public education, I was a Lone Ranger. I was the only female teacher out of seven teachers in the small high school where I taught Business and Computers. I didn't think that being alone in the classroom  was uncommon in my educational career. Before coming to public education, I taught for several years in the private sector; there you were on an island.

What I learned quickly was that relationships with other educators and students was very important to me as a person; as well as a professional.  It was easy for me to develop relationships with students, but it was difficult when I was the only female on the high school staff. It was hard for me to relate to the male teachers on staff.

I made it a point to become part of the community my first year. I  developed many positive relationships and eventually, dear friendships that I still cherish after thirty-three years. There have been many times that a message, a visit or call have made my day. I am thankful that these individuals are in my life.

As years have passed, I have developed different relationships. I have relationships with professional people I never thought would be in my circle. I think about my Voxer group (#4OCFPLN), my Twitter #PLN and my local face-to-face PLN. These people have helped me to grow professionally.

Do I think relationships are important? Yes, Yes, Yes! And, I am thankful for all the relationships I have made along my journal.

Heather Young, Kindergarten teacher, Seattle, WA

@msyoung114

I’m thankful for my students, who come to school with wide eyes every day, willing to dive into
whatever we are going to learn.

I’m thankful for the families, who trust everyday to grow their children as learners and humans.

I’m thankful for my in-building colleagues, always willing to give perspective when my thoughts might
be off track.

Lastly, I’m so thankful for my PLN, a crew of professionals from across the US.  In close to a year, they
have pushed my practice to new heights I never imagined reaching.

This list is full of people who believe in me, they are the foundation, the motivation and the joy in my life.  I am so incredibly lucky.

Sarah Fromhold

Digital Learning Coach

McKinney, TX

@sew1080

fromholdsblog@wordpress.com

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”  ~African proverb

This quote sums up both my journey and my struggle, and I am grateful for both!  My personality is one that I prefer to work alone most of the time. Going through school, I preferred finishing projects on my own rather than working in a group.  Because of this, I usually turned in assignments early and had plenty of free time. However, looking back, I realize I was doing the bare minimum to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.  There was no motivation to dig deeper into a topic. I was good to simply get it done. It was hard for me to find people I trusted to work with because I honestly thought it was better for me to do it alone.

My family, friends, coworkers, and the #4OCFpln have changed my view on the importance of relying on others.  With two young daughters, a husband with odd work hours, and everything I aspire to do personally and professionally, I recognize I cannot do everything by myself (and that’s perfectly fine!).  My coworkers and my PLN are constantly available for my questions and to bounce ideas around. Without my tribe, I would still be moving along in life, but with them, I’m learning, growing, changing, and truly living my best life.

Don Sturm

Technology Integration Specialist

Morton, IL

@sturmdon

Thankfulness is something that is easy to take for granted. I am guilty of looking at situations and only
focusing on those annoyances that get under my skin. This blog post idea came at a perfect time for
me because I was getting stuck in the rut of not looking at the positives as much as I should. Honestly,
I am thankful for those who are willing to make changes. I have learned that many teachers have a
genuine fear of change and trying new things. It takes real bravery for some individuals to step out of
their comfort zone and, as Tara Martin says, “Cannonball in!” My goal is to be more outwardly thankful
to those who decide to throw caution to the wind and try something new for the sake of their students.
These teachers and administrators need to realize that their willingness to conquer their fears sends a
message to their students and staff that risk-taking is ok and necessary. Think about the domino effect
of this risk taking. Relationships will be built, growth mindset thinking will become the norm, and an
overall positive culture will emerge. All of this is needed for schools to be places of learning and inquiry.

Laura Steinbrink, HS English, Tech Integration, District Communications Director/Webmaster, Plato, MO @SteinbrinkLaura

www.rockntheboat.com

My life is busy. It seems like my family and I are always on the go, sometimes in separate directions,
for at least two of the three sporting seasons during the school year. Yes, you read that correctly. I said
sporting seasons because that is how my school year is divided in my mind. Besides the titles of my
job that I listed above, I am also the assistant coach for our volleyball and softball teams, and this year
my husband, the tech director for our district, became the head cross country coach. So for the
beginning of the school year through this first weekend of November, we have juggled schedules for
my volleyball practices and games, my husband’s cross country practices and meets, and our son’s
junior high basketball practices and games. This alone is enough to overwhelm a family, but me? I’m
thankful. I spent a lot of time with my volleyball team, making connections with those students,
watching them struggle, succeed, persevere, break down, and get back up again. Did I miss my son’s
games because my coaching duties? Just one. My district honored my desire to be a mom first and a
coach second. Did my husband regret his choice to coach this year? He developed close relationships
with his team as they struggled and pushed themselves to get up and down the hills around our school
and in their personal lives. At our son’s games, we connected with families and students too. His
teammates will be in my classroom in a few years, and when they walk through the door and become
officially mine, I will already have a solid foundation for a relationship with them.

Did we still attend other school events during our whirlwind fall season? Yes. We supported as many
students and staff as we possibly could. Did we make it to everything? No. But I am thankful for all the
things we were able to do, relationships we forged or broadened, the impact we may have had on
students, and the impact those same students most definitely have had on us. We may not always be
able to do all of the things we want to do, but I am very grateful for all of the things we can do.

John Martinez, elementary school principal, Rowland Hts, CA @jmartinez727

http://betweenthejohns.com/

In 1963, my father Eduardo left his homeland to make a new life in America. At 31 years of age he
arrived in New York leaving behind his wife Maria, four children, and all the people he knew.  When he
arrived in New York he began the journey of finding work and earning enough to bring his family
together. He didn’t speak English and did not have a trade. So he took whichever job he could find:
work in kitchens, factories, and more. He worked two to three jobs at a time and left one job for another
if it meant he could earn more or learn a marketable skill. In the meantime, my mom was caring for her
children not knowing how the venture would unfold. In six months my dad had earned enough to bring
the family from Colombia to the United States. Seemingly overnight, my family’s fortunes had changed.
Opportunities and life trajectories for my siblings, for my parents, and for myself were transformed. My
dad’s journey continued - finding different jobs, taking classes at night to learn English, and connecting
with other immigrants for support. Then he did it all again. He packed his bags and traveled across the
country to Los Angeles because he believed there were more opportunities out west. My mom continued
to be the rock of our family in the way she supported my dad and nurtured her children. My dad found
more jobs, continued learning English, and made new connections with others. Not long after, my mom
and siblings made the cross country trip by railroad and began their new lives in Los Angeles. All of
this happened before I came along in 1968. By then, the the tireless of efforts of my mom and dad had
set the foundation for my family’s success. For the next twenty years, they continued building on that
foundation. My dad worked as many jobs as needed. My mom got jobs as us kids grew a bit older and
more comfortable in our surroundings. Throughout my childhood I saw countless examples of my
parents’ dedication to their family. The way they faced and overcame adversity taught me to persevere.
The way they modeled the the values of family, faith, and country taught me to be loyal and sustain my
beliefs. I learned about teamwork, integrity, and courage from my parents.

I am thankful to my parents for emigrating to the USA. Who I am, where I am, what I am, and why I am
would not be had my parents not had their their vision and their courage. I am thankful to America, the
fertile soil where my family could boom.

Matthew Larson, PE teacher, Trenton, NJ, @mlarson_nj

I am thankful for one, all-encompassing thing...my support network. This network includes personal,
professional, and pseudo-family supporters.

My professional support comes from my place of work. I am entering my fourth year teaching in an
urban charter school and it has been quite the growing experience since day one. Since beginning
there I have started and finished a degree in Ed Leadership and been on the hunt to move into
administration to pursue and accomplish my vision of education. My colleagues and supervisors know
of my search and aspirations and have been in my corner supporting my attempts every step of the
way from writing references to covering my class when I have to miss time at school in order to
interview. For them I am thankful!

My pseudo-family of support comes from my PLF, professional learning family. This group came
together as strangers around a book study in January of 2018 and has since stayed together, met in
real life, presented at conferences together, and truly become a support network both personally and
professionally. Everyday we continuously push each other to explain and rationalize thinking, challenge
long-held beliefs, and grow beyond what we thought we could accomplish. They have truly helped my
journey through the daily conversations as I have to constantly verbalize my beliefs, values, and
transformations regarding education, children, and working with adults. I can honestly attribute the
nearness to my professional goals to this collective group. They are the individuals writing this blog
collectively. For them I am thankful!

My personal family is a group I am indebted to and thankful for beyond words. I have twin 11-month old
girls, a four year old son, my partner Jackie, two dogs, and three cats. Four years ago I left North
Carolina to be with Jackie and Hayden as they moved back to New Jersey to be nearer Jackie’s family.
Since then Jackie’s family and friends have been the safety net for us young parents as we tried to
build careers and roots of our own in The Garden State. Without Jackie’s family and friends neither of
us could being doing what we are doing. Without Jackie I could not do what I do. Every day I am out of
the house by 6am and don’t return until 6pm. During that time she is either at home with 2-3 kids by
herself or she has childcare taken care--something she personally puts together because I have no
connections within 400 miles to help with our children. Jackie knows and understands my professional
goals and supports me through every interview and through every let-down. For her I am thankful.

I am also thankful for you, the reader, for taking time to read our collective work of #thankful thoughts.

Jennifer Ledford, 6th grade ELA teacher, Hammond IN

@MrsLedford6Eng

(https://theclassroomstage.blogspot.com)

My one word focus for 2018 has been “SHINE” and when I chose that word, I could never imagine the
journey that this year would take me on. I learned through these last 11 months what it truly takes for
me to shine. There are some days that my light is easy to find and I simply project it at others and I am
good to go. Yet there are other days that my light is underneath a thick layer of grime and muck, which
is caused by stress and negativity. This is not the dirt you can simply wipe away but the kind that takes
back breaking scrubbing.

This year has had its share of muck that has attempted to cloud the light I have to shine, yet I am so

thankful that in January, I met an incredible group of people that continually help me clean the grime

away. They do this by helping me find the courage within myself to combat all the dirt and muck that

may come against me in life.

Many who know me know that I am a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan and the way that the 4OCFPLN has

helped me through this year can compare to that of the Lion. The Lion lacked the courage to do much

of anything and was even losing sleep because of his irrational fears. He then meets a group that soon

become his friends and along their journey, he is given opportunities to show the strength and courage

inside of him. When they finally reach the Wizard, the Lion realizes he does not need the courage from

the Wizard, for his friends have helped him find it in himself.

While I may have not been afraid of everything, I would simply stand back and let some things go even

if I knew in my heart they were not what was best. I would let negative words seep in and not do

anything to redirect them.  I was managing yet not thriving until I found my group, my tribe, my

edu-family. They helped me discover the power within me to roar at the negative words (in the politest

way possible) and to stand up for what I know is best.

As we enter this month of thanks and the last 2 months of 2018, I am very thankful for my 4OCFPLN

and for all my additional support on Twitter and Voxer. These people have truly shaped me in the last

year and helped me become a better educator and a better person. I am also very thankful for this new

found courage. It allows me to do what I know should be done in all aspects of my life. While it is not

accepted 100% of the time, others have said they have noticed a change for the better in me. As I look

forward to 2019, I am excited for the opportunities that this courage can open for me.

I also want to encourage all of you to find your group. Find those people that will allow you to uncover

things within that you never knew were possible. If you are open, these changes can impact your life in

the most amazing way.

Kimberly Isham, K-5 Reading Specialist, Greenville TX   @Isham_Literacy

https://kimberlyisham.blogspot.com

This past spring, my mother spent 2 weeks in a Critical Care unit about an hour away from my home.  I am so grateful that we did not lose her. My parents have been some of my strongest supporters and most important critics.  They have modeled hospitality and generosity throughout their lives. Their example and encouragement has been a big part of making me the person I am today.

My husband is my biggest supporter, whether it be acting as my cheerleader when I take on a project I am not sure about, or letting me vent when I am frustrated with something at school.  He makes me laugh and lets me know in a million ways how much he loves me and our boys.

My children (biological and school) have challenged my thinking as I strive to give them the best of myself in helping them to be the best version of themselves.  

My co-workers have caused me to question what I know as I work within the box we know as the public school system.

My #4OCFpln has been a serendipitous group that not only gets me, but also pushes me to do more, learn more, and be more.

I am thankful that God has brought all these forces into my life to help me continue on this path of growth to be the person He created me to be.

Cathy Hink, Kindergarten Teacher & Technology Resource Teacher

Washington @mshinksclass   Website: cathyhink.com

I am thankful for relationships with…

the Trinity that gives all of life deep meaning and purpose empowers me with a strong faith, sense of hope and teaches me everyday what it means to love and be loved.

a daughter who has taught me the meaning of true love, courage and joy beyond measure.

Boo my loyal fur baby,  who provides soft cuddles, smiles and giggles everyday.

family that has nurtured and shaped my character.  For a mom that taught me unconditional love. For a father who taught me to work hard and be a problem solver.  For siblings that have taught me acceptance and taught me the fine art of negotiation and compromise. ; )

friends who have added  laughter, compassion, support as they accept me as I am and encourage, support and hold me accountable to be the best me I can be.

young students who remind me of the power and wisdom found in wonder and play and who daily model what it means to be resilient and trusting.

My #40CFPLN (a.k.a. My Tribe) who live out the honorable task of educating, loving and advocating for the children of this great nation.  Their courage, intelligence, dedication, and passion consistently inspire, strengthen and motivate me.

Elizabeth Merce- Kindergarten Teacher Virginia Beach, VA @EMercedLearning EMercedLearning.com

As I reflect on all the things I am thankful for I keep coming back to the people.  Each person I meet has changed me in some way, they have left a part of themselves with me.

I am thankful for my amazing husband and daughter who have given me the strength to try all the things.  The unconditional love they give me allows me to dream big dreams and chase them. I have been blessed with an amazing support at home.

I am thankful for all the educators that have touched my life as a child and as an adult.  I have learned so much from them. Sometimes it was just as an example of what not to do, but more often than not it was what teaching can be.

This year I also get to be thankful for my #4OCFpln.  I have found my people in this group. I have had more support and growth in the past year than in any time period in my life.  There are no words to adequately describe how this group of strangers have become my second family, my teaching home.

Mike Messner -- High School Teacher, Los Altos, CA

https://momentswithmike257577506.wordpress.com/

This year, my thanks goes out in many, many directions…

To my wife Nancy, who sustains and accompanies me on my life journey and my teaching journey, and who always reminds me what those journeys are really all about.

To my son Stephen, who calls me to reflect on the job I do as an educator, and who has unflagging faith in his old man.  Breakfast at Black Bear Diner this weekend, bucko.

To Snoopy, who is the single most loving creature with more than two legs that I have ever met or am ever likely to.  

To my closest companions at Los Altos High School, Seth Donnelly, Chris Phipps, and Katherine Orozco, who have seen me at my most distraught and exhausted, and still take the time to fellowship and collaborate with me.

To the teachers who touched me most deeply and influenced my practice most profoundly: Dave Squellati, Mark Shaull, Wynne Satterwhite, and Jerry Messner (save me a seat in heaven next to you, Dad).

To my students at Los Altos and at Skyline College for allowing me to try out new ways of teaching and who forgive me when they go awry -- and especially the members of Future Business Leaders of America for letting me take a fun and exciting ride as your adviser!

To the members of #4OCFPLN for their support, their exhortations, and their relentless drive to make our education system better; I cannot imagine where I would be as a teacher without this group of voices, and I can’t wait to see you all in person.

And to my Father in Heaven: Thank You for allowing me to shed burdens that might have destroyed me, for giving me a future that I think I understand, and the promise of an eternity in Your presence.

God bless us, every one.  Happy Turkey.

Debbie Holman, Science 8, AVID, Wellington, CO.

I have so much to be thankful for.   I truly feel as if I am blessed by all those who support,  encourage me and help me learn.

I'm thankful for my family including my awesome sister my amazing parents my nieces and nephew and all of my extended family, that support me day in and day out and make sure that I am at my best.  I would not be who I am without these people who have supported throughout my life.

I'm thankful for my husband who deals with the frustrations that come with being the husband of an educator. He constantly supports all of my Endeavors and all of the things that I use our hard-earned money for to bring things into my classroom to support the Science Education of all my students.

I'm thankful for my colleagues who understand the way I work and work with me as I am always challenging myself to try new things to make the instruction in my classroom new and better.  

I'm also thankful for my tribe, my professional learning network, or my professional learning family, The #4OCFPLN They encourage, inspire, and challenge my thinking on a daily basis. I am so thankful to be part of such an amazing, brilliant group of educators.  

I'm also thankful for my two fluffy amazing Great Pyrenees dogs, Bear and Taos. No matter the day I have, they always listen and are available for a good snuggle if necessary!