I hope everyone is having a great summer! It is a time for teachers to relax, spend time with loved ones, and grow as an educator. I love having time to sit down with a great book, and this summer it is Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck. This week we will be discussing chapter five which is titled Business: Mindset and Leadership.
I know what you are thinking, why discuss this chapter, I am not a business major! However, when you think about our classrooms we really are like a little business. Our profit is knowledge, not money. Classrooms strive or fail based on their CEO, which is you the teacher. What makes a great classroom? Is it the Pinterest worthy classroom? Is it the teacher who can analyze DATA and keep track of grades? In my opinion it is a classroom that has a teacher who truly cares about the students. Students are at the center of their learning. It is about being a leader, not a boss.
Throughout chapter five they discuss the qualities of a great boss, and those who failed. Those who became leaders always had a growth mindset. The above photo says it all. The boss stands over everyone, giving demands. The leader joins in and leads. They sit down on the carpet with the students, shoot hoops at recess, and listen to their stories. Have you ever talked to a five year old? I just love all they have to say, it keeps me young! We are not only teaching our students the standards, but how to treat others. Have your students ever played teacher? Mine do, especially at calendar. As I watch them sometimes I think a little more positive reinforcement is needed. Some of them can be so bossy! All I can think is I really hope they do not see me like that. They are always watching us to see how we react to people and treat others. Make sure they see you as a leader.
Photo Source
Next year will be my eighth year teaching kindergarten. In that time I have worked with many other teachers. Many of which were brand new teachers. I remember my first year and the teachers who helped me. I learned so much that year because of their kindness and knowledge. Everyone remembers their first day at a new school. I don't mean just students, I mean teachers too! New classroom, students, principal, and coworkers. Leadership does not stop in our classroom. I know we all have administrators, however, new teachers need us. Be a mentor they will never forget.
1. Introduce Yourself- I know you are busy, the first day is right around the corner! Walk into their room and say hi, ask if they need anything. They may not even know where the soda machine or adult restrooms are.
2. Invite- Invite them into your classroom to see your class setup. After all, their desks and tables are in a huge pile in the back of the classroom. Help them create a plan for their classroom.
3. Donate- All of those old teacher magazines and old borders you have can help them tremendously! They are starting with nothing and anything helps.
4. Contact- Share your contact info! Nothing is scarier than setting of the alarm at your new school and not knowing how to turn it off and reset it. I have received phone calls from new teachers to come help them with the alarm. Do not share your alarm code, only your phone number!
5. Teachers Pay Teachers- Introduce them to the amazing Teachers Pay Teachers website and help them set up an account. I am amazed at how many teachers have never heard of TPT!
I hope everyone is enjoying the book study! Thank you so much Abby and Greg for hosting. Make sure to visit their blogs!
I know what you are thinking, why discuss this chapter, I am not a business major! However, when you think about our classrooms we really are like a little business. Our profit is knowledge, not money. Classrooms strive or fail based on their CEO, which is you the teacher. What makes a great classroom? Is it the Pinterest worthy classroom? Is it the teacher who can analyze DATA and keep track of grades? In my opinion it is a classroom that has a teacher who truly cares about the students. Students are at the center of their learning. It is about being a leader, not a boss.
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| Photo Source |
Throughout chapter five they discuss the qualities of a great boss, and those who failed. Those who became leaders always had a growth mindset. The above photo says it all. The boss stands over everyone, giving demands. The leader joins in and leads. They sit down on the carpet with the students, shoot hoops at recess, and listen to their stories. Have you ever talked to a five year old? I just love all they have to say, it keeps me young! We are not only teaching our students the standards, but how to treat others. Have your students ever played teacher? Mine do, especially at calendar. As I watch them sometimes I think a little more positive reinforcement is needed. Some of them can be so bossy! All I can think is I really hope they do not see me like that. They are always watching us to see how we react to people and treat others. Make sure they see you as a leader.
Photo Source
Next year will be my eighth year teaching kindergarten. In that time I have worked with many other teachers. Many of which were brand new teachers. I remember my first year and the teachers who helped me. I learned so much that year because of their kindness and knowledge. Everyone remembers their first day at a new school. I don't mean just students, I mean teachers too! New classroom, students, principal, and coworkers. Leadership does not stop in our classroom. I know we all have administrators, however, new teachers need us. Be a mentor they will never forget.
1. Introduce Yourself- I know you are busy, the first day is right around the corner! Walk into their room and say hi, ask if they need anything. They may not even know where the soda machine or adult restrooms are.
2. Invite- Invite them into your classroom to see your class setup. After all, their desks and tables are in a huge pile in the back of the classroom. Help them create a plan for their classroom.
3. Donate- All of those old teacher magazines and old borders you have can help them tremendously! They are starting with nothing and anything helps.
4. Contact- Share your contact info! Nothing is scarier than setting of the alarm at your new school and not knowing how to turn it off and reset it. I have received phone calls from new teachers to come help them with the alarm. Do not share your alarm code, only your phone number!
5. Teachers Pay Teachers- Introduce them to the amazing Teachers Pay Teachers website and help them set up an account. I am amazed at how many teachers have never heard of TPT!
I hope everyone is enjoying the book study! Thank you so much Abby and Greg for hosting. Make sure to visit their blogs!
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