“For us to have agency we have to believe that things are changeable, because if they can’t be changed, taking action is futile.”-Peter H. Johnston

I am so excited to be
linking up with Tammy today from Forever in First and her Saturday Sayings. I
love reading her sayings every week and she has been so kind to let me share
her Saturday with her this week. With the weather hitting the 90’s today here
in Oklahoma I kinda wish I was sharing her cool mountain air in Idaho too.
If you have never read
Tammy’s Saturday Sayings you should pop over there and check them out. They
certainly hit the spot week after week with encouragement and insight.
My saying this week
comes from Peter Johnston’s new book Opening
Minds. He is the author of Choice
Words and wrote the forward for Debbie Miller’s (my idol) book Teaching with Intention.
I am just a few short
pages into this book and I have already learned so much, and realized so much
about my teaching. I had read Choice Words a few summers ago and of course knew
that our language in the classroom and with our kids is a direct result of their
behavior, learning, and of course their own language.
But Opening Minds gives
us the “why.” The real scientific conversation of how our language and our theories
of learning bond with our students theories of learning. And good news it is not boring to read! The
book itself is much like a conversation with a colleague or friend.
In the first few pages
I learned that there are two types of theories about being smart, fixed and
dynamic. A fixed theorist believes- “I am not a good writer.” A dynamic theorists
believes-“I am not a good writer…yet!” Oh boy could I put some names with those two
beliefs! Adult and students. Of course
these theories do not just hold true for writing but for all aspects of
learning...of life.
Life is change.
Learning is change. If a child comes to us thinking they are unable to
change; to see the bigger picture, it’s how we approach them that can make or
break their theory of learning. It’s the words we choose, the way we decide to
engage our kiddos that determines if they continue to be “fixed” or “dynamic”
learners-people.
As of late whenever I
think about change or teaching my mind goes directly to the common core. It’s
how we approach it- the agency we convey, the language we use that will show-
Are we dynamic or fixed.
Do you have an agency
for change?

Thanks both Tammys! I have got to get this book. I've seen so many talk about it positively.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good buy! Have a great weekend Linda.
DeleteLoved your thoughts on change! This sounds like a good book- another one to add to "the list"! I came from Tammy's blog and am now your newest follower. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Thanks for stopping by and following along!
DeleteTammy
I read Choice Words several years ago, but this one is new to me. I love that "yet" part. It reminds me of a quote I started to use towards the end of this year with my kids. "Everything's hard until it's easy." This is great food for thought Tammy. Thanks so much for joining up with me. Let's do it again soon!
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
I really enjoyed it Tammy thank you for sharing your great idea! Any time, and of course you know you are always welcome here too:)
DeleteTammy
Peter Johnston is a favorite of mine! I enjoyed your post! Saturday Sayings are great!
ReplyDeleteSandi
Literacy Minute
Great post, Tammy! I read that book a couple of years ago and loved it. Thanks for reminding me about it:)
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Hi! I just found your blog. I am your newest follower. I would love to have you visit my blog.
ReplyDeleteApril
Wolfelicious