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Physics is Elementary

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  On Friday, I was so pleased to be able to return to one of my favorite days of the year, High-Interest Day at Brookfield Elementary School. This is a day where I have been able to bring the concepts of physics to k-5 graders. You may be asking yourself, "Elementary students doing physics?" YES! Not just experimenting, but understanding the concepts behind the physics of electricity and sound.  This is a very special day I have had the opportunity to be involved in since 2017. So, how are we able to bring the concepts of electricity and sound traditionally taught to high school 11th and 12th graders to the elementary level? There are a few keys 1) make it a hands-on experience 2) remove the mathematical calculations and make it practical. In the past, I had the luck of bringing a handful of my physics students with me to guide the elementary students through the concepts that they had learned over the course of the year. But in my new role as a Teaching and Learning Speciali
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Waves of Innovation in Elmbrook Part 1

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As a part of a graduate project, I am looking at innovations in education within my school district, Elmbrook Schools. I am specifically focusing on those looking to provide learners with more ownership over their own learning (a.k.a. personalizing learning). I've completed 4 interviews so far.  I had no intention of sharing them via this blog.  But, I think the stories and insights of these educators really are important for all.  They were vulnerable in a way that shows their passion for what they are undertaking.  They want the best for all learners not simply students, but educators who may hear their words.  So, please take the time to listen to their stories.  

In this video, Jeff Ortman a teacher in his 22nd year, discusses implementing strategies to give students ownership of their learning in his high school English classroom.  He discusses why he wanted to change his learning environment, his first steps to bring change, how choice and feedback are key to his classroom, and offers advice educators looking to increase learner agency. 




Rachelle Russell is a 2nd Grade teacher at Brookfield Elementary School.  She has been teaching in a personalized learning environment for the last 3 years.  In this interview, she discussed the rationale behind her classroom innovations including creating variety of different spaces for students to interact with content.




Angela Patterson and Kate Sommerville team teach in a personalized learning environment at Swanson Elementary School in Brookfield, WI. This interview discusses their journey from idea to implementation.  Including their use of a workshop approach to personalize instruction for all students. 



Lisa Camponeschi teaches science at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Brookfield, WI.  In this video, she highlights how she has worked to push deeper learning and through reflection making learners more aware of their progression to mastery.  


I have a few more educators I'm speaking to before the end of January.  Looking forward to hearing their stories.

Comments

  1. YeardleyJune 5, 2019 at 2:53 AM

    Its great blog of Education for schools.i have gone through many blogs but this is different form others.keep sharing your post.

    Adaptive Personalized Learning

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