Chapter 9 Lighting A Spark
I laughed so hard at the example of sitting behind someone at the tollbooth because they do not have the exact change. Thank God for Sunpass an automated pay system. I know this wasn’t the point; I haven’t reached perfection yet, oh well. Lighting a spark (enrollment) is what I believe teaching is all about trying to be a catalyst to student’s passions. It takes time to develop this skill but is worth it. This book keeps bringing me back to my passion and central calling in education.
Chapter 10 Being the Board
When blaming we give away our power to change the situation the authors say because” there is nothing I can do about your mistakes” (p.151). WOW, It’s official this book is challenging me. It is there fault. I know it is. Yet the author suggest I am the framework for everything that happens in my life. Doesn’t mean you’re at fault but you acknowledge your participation. Stop messing with my pity party we just bought chips and soda. 2 great reflections Questions are offered: How did I get on the board that I am and how have I become a context for that to occur? This reflection brings great clarity to choice made rather commission or omission. Not that we blame our selves but we see how we have given the power to change it away. Gaining control versus making a difference and the boss example was like they were at my school. I get a will approach our principal differently. Bing the board will take a lot of practice!!!!
Chapter 11 Creating Frameworks for Possibilities
I am going to purchase this book for our principal and see if I can do a series of mini sessions for our community of practice group.
I enjoyed the practice questions. I think they would make a power full reflections and action session. They are found on page 163:
1. Make a NEW distinction in the realm of possibility on that is a POWERFUL substitute.
2. Enter the territory and embody the distinction
3. Keep distinguishing what is on track and what is off tack.
The clarification on vision is great and challenging. I can’t pin point why. I will have to read this several times. I think I might still be I the world of measurements and judging the success of vision this way.
Chapter 12 Telling the We Story
Last, but very significant the we story, this chapter really invites everyone into the world of possibility. It starts with allowing everyone to see them selves as vital to the story and the possibilities. I know my post this time is a little long but I am enjoying this book. In November this will be my book of the month so I can begin to plan some PD Days around this books theme. Thanks Joe B!!!!!!!
Les-
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the final chapter and how it turned the focus from 'I' to 'we'. I think I have even been to a workshop where it placed the focus on that. Allowing us to ask the question - How can "we" work together to fix this?
It is always so good to read your reviews because of your obvious excitement for this book. I am glad that you are ready to bring this book to your school. Your enthusiasm will definitely play a large part in the professional development that you have planned for your teachers.
~Alicia
Les -
ReplyDeleteGreat job. At the toll booth, I would have probably been swearing! I tend to think of the board as the big 2x4 that God uses sometimes to whack me over the head when I get angry at the mess I'm in. While it's very easy for me to get mad and throw the blame on somebody else, the bottom line is, I was the one that screwed up and made the mess. The easy part is to point our finger at others and say, "way to mess this up!" When the reality is, we are in the wrong 99% of the time.
The "we story;" one of my favorites I have learned that no matter what it is I am doing, if there are other people involved in helping me, it is always to my benefit to let them know that this would not have been possible without their help. I have seen it happen too many times; someone invests a large amount of their time and energy into making something better for someone else. And at the very end, the people that put the most in seem to get the least out. But that is probably one of the most important "life" rules I can think of. It reminds me of the Golden Rule, "do unto others..."
Great job
Mike
Amen about the SunPass. I didn't go on the FL tollroads for the first two years that I lived here until i got one. Great summary of the reading.
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