Words: Singular Entries to Meaningful Dialogue

In tribute to the New Year and 2014 resolutions/nerdlutions posted on Twitter and in blogs, I pause to ponder on the effect of spoken and written words. This time, it is with a focus on their contribution or not to personal or professional well-being. Holidays seem to bring out the best and least desirable sides of human nature, depending on the types of situations encountered. Particularly at this time of year, words, by the nature of their tone or message, are singular entries to meaningful dialogue. In my attempt to create spaces to grow as a learner, I decided to carefully listen to others and prudently choose the path I take in response to words spoken. Therefore, I am resolved in 2014 to focus on Number 6 of the Effective Collaboration Norms and Guidelines, Paying Attention to Self and Others.

I have noticed that in conversations, words can be carelessly dropped, causing unbalance and unrest. Responding to such words often affects personal or professional well-being and can lead to future entanglements. Therefore, it is best to actively disregard words that cause disharmony; lift words from conversations that can be transformed; reflect to open new spaces of learning and respond in a positive manner. But this is easier said than done so developing the art of active listening, discerning messages, and using spoken and written words as strategic tools to move toward a more reflective stance as a learner are my new intents.

I actually started this process on New Year's Day while I carefully listened to message presented by one of our parish priests. He greeted the congregation with a message of hope as part of his homily on resolutions to start anew. Reflecting on the word closure and its significance for 2014, he stated, "Open the door to start a new chapter. Leave the past behind. The past is history, the future a mystery." Upon hearing that message, I paused to reflect on the importance of the word closure as a lead in to being open to possibilities. 

Without deliberate action the words, closure and openness, only float in the corridors of the mind.  So, I ask myself what will it be? Will I open the door to meaningful dialogue and discussion by being more conscious of the words spoken by others and myself? Will I bring closure to past situations and see new possibilities? Lastly, will I be more reflective to bring about change and new achievements? 

Words carefully lifted from conversations can lead to multiple avenues of exploration. They can become the singular entries to meaningful, reflective conversations. So what message will our words deliver during 2014? The choice is yours and mine.       

Words are Powerful and Persuasive Tools

Words can inspire, persuade, promote, and bring about change. From political speeches to ordinary conversation, words have been and continue to be powerful communicators of thought. Elegance is often noted in the way some words are conveyed while other strings of words are short, clip, and meant to be pointed. Especially appealing are inspirational words that allow for reflection, introspection, and the creation of extended thoughts.

At the close of each December, columnists, bloggers, and newscasters search for quotes that highlight the year. On August 28, 2013, the 50th celebration of the March on Washington, Twitter and newspapers focused on the powerful words of Martin Luther King, Jr. His words have not only resonated with Americans throughout the decades, but brought change in America.  

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now.

Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. 

Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice 

to the solid rock of brotherhood.

Writers use literary devices to craft their written texts, making their messages more potent. King's repetition of the single word, now, presumed that time in history to be momentous and that change was forthcoming. Indeed it was. Fifty years after the March on Washington, at the "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony, President Obama recognized the power of Matin Luther King's actions and words as a change maker. 

His words belong to the ages, possessing a power and prophecy unmatched in our time...The March on Washington teaches us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history; that we are masters of our fate. But it also teaches us that the promise of this nation will only be kept when we work together. We'll have to reignite the embers of empathy and fellow feeling, the coalition of conscience that found expression in this place 50 years ago.

Words float, surface, reverberate, and deepen our understanding of various topics. President Obama used the rhetorical device of alliteration to strengthen his ideas and delivery, while Pope Francis in an audience on April 24, 2013, utilized the device of repetition to philosophize on life by emphasizing the word, ideals. 

Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that enlarge the heart, 

the ideals of service that make your talents fruitful. 

Life is not given to us to be jealously guarded for ourselves, 

but is given to us so that we may give it in turn.

Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani advocate for girls' rights, provided a twist on the word weapons to make her point to the United Nations General Assembly on July 12, 2013. 

So let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up on books and our pens, they are most powerful weapons...

One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."

Upon Seamus Heaney's death, the New York Times.com stated Heaney was "often called the greatest Irish poet since Yeats." In the poem, Digging, Heaney's use of an extended metaphor furnished readers with a glimpse of a path chosen by the author. 

But I've no spade to follow men like them. 

Between my finger and my thumb

The squat pen rests.

I'll dig with it.

On December 7, 2013, the esteemed American poet, Maya Angelou, honored Nelson Mandela in a video message, His Day is Done. In her tribute poem, Angelou used allegory to give credence to the notion of Mandela as a mighty warrior who freed the South African people. Lastly, at the end of the month, an interesting word arose from the Nerdy Book Club. Recognizing the importance of January 1 resolutions, nerdlutions were created and recognized by the Twitter hashtag, #nerdlutions. It will be interesting to see if this term will become a trend and recognized as one of those game changing words. 

Agreeing there is both beauty and power in words, a nerdlution for 2014 can be to make words compelling tools to inspire, persuade, and bring about change. To give tribute to the written word, Twitter beckons writers to embody a single thought in a mere 140 characters. Visit #nerdlution to find quick thoughts and interesting links to what writers would like their paths to be in 2014. There is no denying that language, whether is is written or spoken, plays a significant role in political, personal, or professional arenas, so note that every person has words within that give voice to new ideas or springboards for future thoughts. 

In 2014, allow your inner writer to come forth. Join me to celebrate the power of language that affects change. 

Resolute to Create Spaces to Grow As a Learner

With the New Year soon to approach, there is much talk about resolutions, make-overs, bucket lists, and a new term coined by Colby Sharp of the Nerdy Book Club, nerdlutions. While a little more than 40% of Americans decide to start anew each January with resolutions, only 8% actually achieve their goals according to a research study from the University of Scranton. I am actually one of those who falls in the latter data point. Each year, I make my resolutions but end up not totally following through, so this January I am taking a different angle. Instead of creating a list of resolutions, I will be resolute in my intent, to create spaces to grow as a learner.

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary resolute means admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. This is a strong word that forms the basis of what I intend to do this year. I have a plan that is purposeful and I am determined to carve out the hypothetical niche to grow as a learner. Am I unwavering? For now yes, but then I think back on last year's resolution. I unwaveringly committed to knee replacement and all that was associated with the surgery. Through months of very intense workouts with my physical therapist I was able to build muscle to walk so much better than before. Now that I am on my own, I seem to find just the right excuse to not keep up the rigorous routine of exercising nine hours per week.  The right strategy will be to keep everything in perspective, rather than make an endless checklist of things to do. No more empty resolutions for me!  I am resolute to grow as a learner in both my personal and professional life. 

As psychologist, Dr. Lynn Bufka, noted in her post, Making your New Year's resolution stick, "...It is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time." Fredrich Nietzsche said in Twilight of the Idols, Or, How to Philosophize With the Hammer, "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking." When I found these quotes, I knew that I was on the right path to having a purposeful plan that I will steadfastly adhere to, for goals are only as strong as by what they are measured. 

In the spirit of having and using learning targets, "I can ponder life and next steps of my life journey while taking steps and recording them with my new Fitbit." What an ingenious plan!  Step one will be part of the 50 days of nerdlutions' challenge. I can exercise daily and grow as a learner at the same time. Thought patterns can give rise to starters for blogs and educational trainings. I can measure my progress by taking more steps and writing more. Hopefully, 50 days can develop into 50 more and so on. 

Reading is another tool for me to learn and grow. Dr. Bufka's article has provided tips for me to ponder and act upon.

• Start small - 50 days is doable.
• Change one behavior at a time - Record my steps with the Fitbit and write daily for 50 days, even if is only one thought for that can idea develop into another.
• Talk about it - Sharing my experiences with family and friends will be an easy task.
• Don't beat yourself up - Recognize that perfection is not what I am trying to attain.
• Ask for support - To strengthen my plan asking for support when it is needed will be an important step.

With resolve, I take the challenge to explore new paths to grow and learn. I hope you are resolute in your intentions this year. Happy New Year as you search for the best 2014 plan.

In Search of Holiday Magic: Notices and Wonders

When the first week of December arrived, marking the beginning of the holiday season, I noticed towns in my area being transformed into magical sights. They were adorned with sparking lights, seasonal decorations, and soft music. Retail stores decked their halls with an array of bright ornaments and holiday decor while homes began their own transformation, moving from autumn to seasonal Hanukkah and Christmas delights. Later in the month, just before the Christmas holiday, I continued to notice and wonder as I switched hats from consultant to busy holiday homemaker.

In those early days of December, I felt a unique magic in the air and often paused to notice just what it was or what it was not. I decided that it was not changing weather patterns, nor snowflakes dancing in the sky. I reflected on what was before me, noticing a welcoming newness to the landscape and feeling an anticipation that accompanies the holiday season. I watched the quick pace of shoppers actively pursuing the pleasures of gift giving; school children gleefully preparing for holiday concerts and last days before winter break; travelers readying for family get togethers; and Santa helpers greeting those who longed for holiday magic. While amidst all the the hustle and bustle, I felt the urge to suspend reality for a brief interlude, to freeze the setting, and to become totally immersed in a seasonal experience. My senses were awakened as I noticed the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmastide. While continuing to be lulled by all the noticings and wonders, a sudden sense of what was needed to be accomplished before the holidays jostled me. 

As the snow softly cascaded to the ground that December morning nine days ago, I realized it was time to transform my home. Living in Long Island suburbia, less than an hour away from the New York City experience, holiday expectations are high. I peered out my window to view the neighborhood sights: adorned houses, welcoming wreaths, Santas and snowmen dancing in the yards. Then, I looked back at what was before me, a chaotic mess inside my home. Clutter was everywhere. Strewn across my dining room table

and floor were individual autumn decorations and a variety of boxes ready to be tucked away for another year. As I started to clean the room, I wondered about the overwhelming amount of work it takes to make a house ready for the Christmas season. 

So what did I do? I slipped away to the computer to have a few moments of quiet time, knowing that an opportunity to reflect and write would give me the energy to move mountains or should I say boxes to the attic. Donning the crown of creativity, I slowly moved from my office to the huge task in front of me. I had to accomplish much in a very short span of time so that clutter would take on a new look, "organized chaos." I began the process by thinking about the steps I needed to take. The first step was to immerse myself in a bath of aromatic scents. Potpourri, cinnamon scented pine cones, fragrant candles, and sweet Christmas confections were laid out to perk my senses. Christmas music poured in from the living room to make me "get into" the spirit of the season. Next, brightly colored wrappings and wired bows were assembled to adorn gifts that were poised for a quick exit from the craft room to the tree. But wait, the living room had to be dusted and primed for a picture perfect entrance of the tree. That meant more work so where were the elves when I needed them?  As I moved forward to prepare for a major family event, the countdown began. I paused, thought, and deeply reflected on whether I would meet my deadline and then, without further ado I worked consistently in search of finding the right blend of holiday magic for my home. 

So, here it is two days after Christmas and all the noticings, wonderings, and getting ready tasks were accomplished at a steady pace to bring structure to organized chaos. I invite you to take a peek at how holiday magic came to my house just in time for Christmas. In those short nine days before Christmas, I joined the ranks of dedicated and committed homemakers who take on the loving task of bringing holiday magic for family and friends to enjoy.

From my house to yours, may the magic of the holidays bring you new noticings and wonderings as you transition to the new year. 

From the Outside of 2013 NCTE Looking Back In

As with every memorable experience, the end quickly comes upon us but the energy remains and the stories reside in our hearts and minds. It is so with the 2013 NCTE Convention in Boston this year. From my little corner of office space, I reflect upon the four days of NCTE varied experiences, chance encounters, and rekindled friendships. Although life's list of to do tasks stares me in the face, I spend quiet moments savoring the NCTE experience that gives breath to my thoughts. 

The journey began last year with the penning of the NCTE '13 proposal for Debbie Diller and I. Since Debbie Diller and I only see each other once a year (Texas to Long Island is a long distance), the NCTE Convention gives us the opportunity to continue the conversation where it left off, an art forged through a decade of friendship.  With purpose, we set our plan in motion a year ago with the submission of the proposal, "Redesigning the Literacy Landscape, Common Core Style." Once at the convention, Debbie and I collaborated, reflected, revised, and enthusiastically presented using the collegial circle model to an engaged audience. Our group, that spanned the United States and reached to Japan, were committed educators who joined our conversation even though it was the last one for the NCTE Convention. Needless to say, we left that session renewed and eager to read the haiku take aways soon to be posted to Twitter.

As for the conference days, they were busy. Hallways buzzed with learners from many walks of life. Often lost amidst the crowd of 7,000, I smiled as I encountered familiar faces, tweeted out memorable lines, and texted friends for meeting places. Although spaces were tight and frustrations mounted due to closed out sessions, the relationships that were renewed or forged were priceless.

Highlights of  the NCTE 2013 Convention included: a powerful opening ceremony with First Wave performers who pushed boundaries through spoken word;  lingering conversations about life and education with dear friend and co-presenter, Debbie Diller; a plethora of sessions that I attended, presented by national presenters, such as Laura Robb, Katherine Bomer, Donalyn Miller, Chris Lehman, Kate Roberts, Maggie Beattie Roberts, Franki Siberson, Ann Marie Corgill, Georgia Heard, Tom Romano, and Linda Rief; the trifecta of annual Scholastic events-Authors' Reception, Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, and Literary Brunch, with literary luminaries-Laura Robb and Ruth Culham, Scholastic friends, David Smith and Ben Woodward, and the gracious and generous host and educational advocate, President Dick Robinson; educational conversations with friends from Long Island, JoEllen McCarthy, Erica Pecorale, and Larry Butti, on the drive up and back; numerous engaging chats with other Long Island educators; hallway conversations with the charming Katherine Bomer and the spirited Chris Lehman and a quick question from Lucy Calkins inquiring if she could look over my shoulder at my notes during a crowded round table discussion. Tech integration was everywhere present in the sessions but connectivity issues frustrated me. Lastly, there was an endearing sight in the Exhibit Hall, a large sign at the Heinemann booth remembering Donald Graves, a gentle man with a heart full of wisdom for us all. 

Although most of my notes floated away in Cyberspace due to those connectivity issues I previously mentioned, I was able to capture a few quotes that were either preserved through Twitter or in the old-fashioned manner via a pen and learning log.   Garnered thoughts from amazing literary luminaries, presenters, and authors follow: 

•  Stories and books are the heart and soul of the culture. -Laura Robb
• Censorship grows out of fear. -Judy Blume
• Reinventing the teaching of English is about who we are-Holding possibilities of what should be taught. -Ernest Morrell
• Build a world with all you know. -First Wave
• Your reading life is essential to your teaching life. -Carol Jago
• Kids are our curriculum. -Chris Lehman
• Messy allows you to be creative. -Marissa Moss
• Close reading is a practice we can apply to our lives when we can see the patterns. -Maggie Beattie Roberts
• Without dreams the world is just dirt and dust. -Ann E. Burg

As with every conference, there is one new presentation that catches my interest. This convention, I was immediately fascinated by Bill Bass' presentation on technology to build community in classrooms so I searched Twitter to follow him. His blog, "Giving Students Ownership through Mashups," resonated with me. Provided below is a glimpse into his thoughts,

• ...I often say that the media that we have students create is a reflection of their world and by providing them the opportunity to create, we are giving them a voice in which they can share their thinking and viewpoints as well as help them determine what they actually believe about a specific topic.
• ...Many times, we just need to provide the opportunity for them (students) to make connections and create their world.

With eager anticipation to engage in continued conversations that enrich my learning life, I ponder the next presentation for the 2014 NCTE Convention in Washington, DC. Unfolding the Diller-Varsalona story of redesigning the literacy landscape for information age learners under the umbrella of the convention theme, "Story as the Landscape of Knowing," is my current project that sits between the Christmas holiday and the New Year. This will be a from the inside out to the NCTE Committee task that requires time, so I am writing to Santa to bring me the gift of time? But while I wait for Santa, you can explore available handouts and materials from the NCTE 2013 sessions in the NCTE Connected Community.

The Power of Literacy in the Lives of Marginalized Girls

Did you know that one of the most "vulnerable and marginalized groups" in regions where basic rights are denied is the adolescent girl? In 2002, a young girl, Gulalai, and some friends took a bold stand in an effort to promote the women's rights movement in Pakistan. Then in October 2012, a sixteen year old Pakistani, Malala Yousafzai, was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen for advocating the rights of girls to attend school. Thanks to UNESCO and these young female activists, global awareness regarding the plight of young girls in developing countries who face daily challenges has been brought to light. Because Americans are privileged to have an education, we sometimes forget that there are those who are denied the basic right to learning and that social injustice does exist around the world. 

To promote girls' rights across the continents, the United Nations celebrated the second International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2013. Center stage was Malala who, as an ardent blogger and charismatic spokesperson against social injustice, continues her fight for education for all. Recognized as one of the most influential voices of this generation and the youngest person to be nominated for a Noble Peace Prize, Malala's message is clear, education is for everyone. But according to the Global Partnership for Education, "women represent nearly two thirds of the world's illiterate and 31 million girls are still out of school around the world." Kofi Anna, former United Nations Secretary General, said, “Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life…” It is unfortunate that ten years after Anna's call for the elimination of worldwide illiteracy, the issue still exists.

Even though going to school remains a security issue for young women in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, young leaders like Gulali and Malala are drawing community and worldwide attention for those who venture to attain a basic education. Their call for equal access to education is reflected in a picture book, Nasreen's Secret School by Jeanette Winter. Although this book was not written to specifically tell Gulali and Malala's stories, Nasreen's tale is based on a true story of courageous young girls and their families who defied the Taliban to attend a secret school. Set in war-torn Afghanistan, the book describes a grandmother's unwavering determination to have her granddaughter receive an education. As a story depicting the power of literacy, Nasreen's Secret School was selected as a text for the NYS 3rd Grade Module 1, Becoming a Close Reader and Writing to Learn. Despite the fact that the story has a global message of hope and courage, illustrations depicting war have caused a stir in some school districts. A group of New York City parents, troubled by some of the images in the book and what they perceive is an introduction of a war perspective to third graders, have raised their voices in protest, leading to the publishing of the New York Post article, New York approves war-oriented reading textbooks for third-grade classrooms on March 18, 2013. 

In reply to the emotional reaction to the utilization of Nasreen's Secret School and The Librarian of Basra, NYC Chancellor Walcott "emphasized that the ultimate decision on using the material rests with principals, but suggested that schools were the right forum for kids to learn about serious topics like conflict." This message has been echoed by the NYSED Education Department through a letter to families that was inserted in the NYS ELA Grade 3 Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6 on engageny. The letter notes "the importance of literacy and books, even during times of war" and  hopes to alleviate parental concerns about the introduction of this story in the curriculum. 

While it is true that there are images and references to war and violence in Nasreen's Secret School, the deep seated message is one of hope in the power of education to transform young girls' lives. Jeanette Winter emphasizes this idea towards the end of the book. "Windows opened for Nasreen in that little schoolroom." The author does not make a political statement about war in this book nor in The Librarian of Basra. Rather, the words in the story infer that books and literacy do influence and transform lives.  If still inclined to doubt the validity of this book as a story for young children, one can rest assured students are being directed in structured discussions on the power of literacy by capable and sensitive teachers. But, the ultimate decision about the inclusion or exclusion of Nasreen's Secret School and The Librarian of Basra in the classroom does rest with each district after a thoughtful reading.

As we read these books, it becomes evident of the power of literacy in the lives of marginalized girls in third world countries and the fact that education gives voice against social injustice. Perhaps, you have a commentary on this issue. If so, please share your impressions.

Engagement at the Heart of Learning

Peer with me into an active learning environment. You won't find rows of desks familiar to the Industrial Age model of education but rather an interactive classroom, a place buzzing with students who notice, wonder, discover, and construct knowledge. A teacher, as a facilitator, guides the learning of curious minds who engage in multiple approaches to unlocking meaning. Linear thinking is not the norm in this place of learning. Divergent thinking is developed and insights sought after. Various protocols and practices are used to engage these learners in collaborative discussions with diverse partners. Further, students are seen delving deeply into specific topics. Take a second look: see a classroom where the door is open to limitless possibilities and different pathways to learning.  

Step inside; all students have equal opportunities to access knowledge and are found connecting to different pathways to learning through integrated technologies. Students exhibit a passion for learning.  You don't have to blink twice at this vision. This is not a dream scenario. It is the emergence of the active learning classroom where possibilities await students who are provided a thirst for knowledge. It is a real place of learning found in many districts throughout the country. It is the classroom of today, tomorrow, and the future where students are led on a journey of the mind for "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." (First Lady Abigail Adams) 

Front and center in this active environment are engaging, learning opportunities that allow for discovery, forward moves, reflection, rediscovery, ah hah moments, and new directions. Active learners navigate through muddy waters guided by their teacher facilitator. The concepts that learning is a messy process and all learners can succeed are the guiding principles. Step back. Notice the pulse beat of learning: student engagement, noted by Marzano in his research on effective classrooms as an essential component. Here, students involve themselves in the process  of learning as they engage in the completion of task. Process over product is valued and inquiry skills developed.

Reflect upon what is seen. Students emerge at various stages of being independent thinkers, collaborators, problem solvers, and meaning makers throughout the day. They interact with diverse partners in focused conversations filled with accountable talk through such groupings as partnerships, triads, and quads. Carefully crafted collaborative and independent activities foster stamina. Students are seen exploring, explaining, analyzing, and presenting. At the end of the lesson, reflection on mastery of the learning target occurs. This is a snapshot of an engaging learning environment where learning is fostered by reflective practitioner who is constantly honing his/her craft. 

Creating engaged, interactive classrooms that prepare students to meet the challenges of a fast-paced information age is a challenging charge, but not an impossible one. Be the guide on the side that assists students to achieve the possibilities that learning can afford them. Join #nyedchat tonight to discuss your views on the topic of student engagement, a critical component of effective classrooms.