Teach Like a Pirate Final Chapter

Whew! What a book- it was full of inspiration and useful ideas. Truly, one of the best feelings was having a group of people to share reflections, fears, and empowering moments with. Thank you! I hope that we will revisit from time to time how the "hooks" are working for us and especially the impact it is having on our students learning.

Since we completed our book study I thought how fun to start our own TLP crew to continue supporting one another through our teaching adventure. I kind of feel like we are members of something special - I'm sure you do too.

Just for fun!

Teach Like a Pirate Chapter 18

Finding a Crew

What a gift to find a positive, student focused person or group to work with. I think this is essential to our growth as teachers and as people. I consider myself an introvert, that enjoys working on my own. But  I have been amazed at how much I have learned and enjoyed working collaboratively with Wendie on our blog and our TPT store. I am truly learning more and enjoying myself more having a partner in the process.

This blog and other blogs that I enjoy, have been such a positive addition to my teaching life. In the blog world I can share my highs and lows, and always find other teachers that will encourage and motivate me. 

Visual reminders, like photographs, notes, cards, etc. are always helpful to me when I have had a challenging day. I love Nikki's art work from Melonheadz, they make for a great reminder of "my crew" who offer encouragement and love (my hubby, my special pets, two of my sisters who are also teachers, and a teacher friend that inspires me to be a better person).

Dave Burgess Video

Stephanie from Third Grade Thoughts shared this YouTube video about Dave Burgess.

I know many have mentioned how awesome it would be to watch Dave Burgess in action. Although he isn't in front of a classroom you definitely get to see his dynamic personality. You even get to experience a magic trick.

Teach Like A Pirate - Chapter 16

Do you want to be a great teacher?

As you ponder that- I can absolutely, positively answer yes. I think any teacher in this book study or reading this blog already knows the answer to that question. That's why we are spending our summer reading, learning, blogging, etc. I know I do this to become a better (the best) teacher and to stay motivated and inspired.

I have read quite a few self help books in my day and this chapter reads as that. A self help chapter to let teachers (me) know that it is not silly or egotistical to strive for greatness, it is essential to our profession. 

It is 12:40 a.m. and I am so pumped to be a teacher- what a journey it has been and will continue to be. Teach Like a Pirate helped remind of that.

Jennifer from Rowdy in First Grade shared a great quote from the book. I decided it needed to be framed- it's so great.

Teach Like a Pirate Chapters 13-15

Stand and Deliver

What? Teachers are professional speakers? Come to think of it, we are. I find it fascinating that I can be so at ease in front of a big group of students and then terrified when speaking to a small group of adults. Now, over the years I have become more comfortable with the latter, but it took me some time and practice. Which is how I see integrating hooks into my lessons. I know it is not the quantity of hooks I use, but using just the right hook at the right time and lesson can have a profound affect on my students learning. And at the same time allowing their excitement and motivation about learning to sky rocket.

The six Stand and Deliver hooks are honed in to bring out that inner presenter and draw students in.

Advanced Tactics

Advanced tactics are just that- tools to enhance what we are teaching but not replacing the interaction between students and teacher. Burgess brings up a great point with the use of technology. As educators, we should definitely be exposing our students to the amazing technology that is available and incorporating that technology into our practice, but not allow that technology to facilitate as the teacher. It is that interaction between teacher and students that is the "magic." It's this interaction that helps create those Aha! moments for students.

Around the Edges

These hooks sound like a fun experience for the students and the teacher as well :) Yet, they go beyond that to the kind of environment we create in our classrooms. I have focused on this area in my teaching for some time. Challenging myself to create an environment that is welcoming, safe, and collaborative. The hooks Burgess presents here, will enhance my current practice. One of the hooks I am looking forward to using is the Contest Hook. I think it will help to build community and a healthy sense of competition.

Wow! I cannot wait to get started. How about you?

I have completed my project of bringing you an easy, go to place where you can find the hooks presented by Burgess. They will be more meaningful if you have read the book and Burgess's examples. Really, his examples brought each hook to life. Don't miss out on that.
I did not laminate mine because I want to be able to jot down my own examples. I hope you find them useful.  Here what they look like.

Please let me know what you think. Just click on the pick to download.

Teach Like A Pirate Chapter 12

Hooks, hooks, and more hooks!

Setting the Stage...

I think an important aspect of teaching is room environment. Teachers make strategic choices of where to place desks, bulletin boards, charts, classroom libraries, etc. We are constantly asking ourselves if the location works best for students. I bet most of us are thinking about our classroom themes and how we are going to decorate. I, for one, love this part of the beginning of the school year.

Burgess recommends that we think of our rooms as a blank canvas that can and should change to enhance our lessons. He will often change the entire look of his classroom to support his teaching. Burgess has some nifty suggestions in how to do this. Now, I am not sure if I will be able to let go of my most perfect theme, but I know that I do not want my theme to stay stagnant the entire school year and that the room is another tool to enhance learning.

The Board Message Hook is one that encourages students to wonder and be curious of future learning. I like that these hooks peak student's curiosity and create a positive anticipation for lesson to come. I definitely want to use these hooks more. Burgess also mentioned the use of QR codes- now I know what they are, I just haven't used them. I am going to make it a goal to incorporate QR codes into some of my lessons. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to create lessons using QR codes?

Now, on to the costume hook. Wearing costumes can create greater engagement and bring learning to life. Burgess already told me to "get over it" if I am worried about looking silly. So, this will be my work in progress. Don't get me wrong, I am often my most comfortable in front of my students but I have yet to wear a costume.

Additional hooks that I have used and find to be effective are the Props Hook, The Involved Audience Hook, and The Mystery Bag Hook. I am amazed how Burgess uses everything available to help his students learn. He definitely has put much thought into his hooks and better yet he has used them.

There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.

-Walt Disney                             

I am finding this to be true in regards to Burgess's book.

Teach Like A Pirate Chapters 10 & 11

These could possibly be my favorite hooks. My artistic creativity and ability have definitely improved the more I have practiced and been exposed to new medias. I am also inspired by how amazingly creative my fellow teachers are and definitely by the bloggers I have "met."

Burgess shares that music and art  enhance our lessons, and also allow students to grow in their creativity and recall information taught in a deeper way.

• Music creates a mood. It allows for recalling something memorable.
• Drama and dance allows for movement and the opportunity for students to access information in a different way.

The "What's in it for Me?" hooks provide students freedom, choice,  and a sense of autonomy. I strongly believe, as many of you do, that our students are capable of so much and must be allowed opportunities to demonstrate this. I am still adding hooks...stay tune to download final product.

Love Melonheadz pirate theme

Teach Like a Pirate Chapters 8 & 9

Burgess gives us so many meaningful, doable, and fun ways to spice up our presentations, he truly guides us in this process. The hooks he shares are some that I am familiar with and some that I wouldn't have thought of. His questions helped me start thinking outside of my box and see that creating and embedding new hooks into my lessons is doable.

This past school year, I began to use "brain breaks." These breaks are often kinesthetic, games, acting out, etc. and just plain fun for me and the kids. My students enjoyed them and were energized and ready to learn.

Now, here is where the work begins. Now we know the power and importance of having an amazing presentation, but how do we keep consistent? I know that I can personally have a difficult time incorporating new things into my teaching life once school gets going. Thus, I have to make these new things accessible and easy to use. I decided to create index card size reference cards to put on a ring and keep near my planner when I am designing lessons. That way I can refer to them when I need some help creating hooks to enhance my lessons. I also left lined space where I can jot down any new hooks I come up with. These hooks are only for these two chapters, once I finish the book I will post cards with all hooks included.

Yo ho, Yo ho...a pirates life for me! (When else could I have sung this? :)

Teach Like A Pirate Chapter 7

This chapter is appropriately titled 'The Third Circle."

Copyright (c) 2009, Darik Gamble

• One circle represents Content. As educators, we should have a good grasp on the content we are teaching.

• The second circle represents Technique/Method. Here, we use all those great strategies that we have acquired through reading, trainings, conferences, etc.

• The third circle represents... (wait for it) Presentation. Probably one of the most important elements not taught in college or anywhere.

Fortunately, Burgess gives us tons of examples (hooks) in upcoming chapters on how to maximize learning by embedding it in an engaging, well planned presentation.

Think back to a time when you had your students so engaged and enthralled in your lesson that it seemed like time stood still. You may have thought- Wow, now this is teaching. I would love to replicate that on a daily basis. I know we all would.

Since, I don't see myself as a "performer" by nature. I know I need to work on it. I need to get past feeling silly, embarrassed, or waiting until I have it all figured out.

So, here's the goal- gain student engagement and not to lose it.

Gaining and Maintaining

Teach Like A Pirate Chapter 6

P-I-R-A-T-Enthusiasm

My personality is one that tends to be on the quiet, calm side. I am definitely not one who want to be the center of attention. But, in the classroom I have enjoy the freedom of being  with students that are so open and nonjudgmental. Students (children) can bring out the best in me in many ways. 

Over the years, one way I have stayed passionate about teaching is by sharpening my teaching strategies. Mainly through professional reading and some conferences or web seminars. I don't know if I gave Enthusiasm as much importance as Burgess does. Don't get me wrong, I agree! But I think my ability to be "on" naturally evolved. Overtime, I realized my students were more engaged when I was more enthusiastic about what I was teaching. Now, I have those days where my morning starts out rough and I am less than enthusiastic. Honestly, this helps me move past me- "If I were their parent how would I want them taught today?" Parents want nothing but the best for their children, so why would I give them less?

Burgess offers two suggestions:

1. Create a ritual that allows you to be effective- a greeting, music, chant, anything that will tell your brain that its time to be "on."
2. Change what you focus on. Like I said, for me is knowing that that is someones pride and joy.

Be passionate! Be intentional!

Teach Like A Pirate

P- I- R- A- Transformation-E

I think that one of the greatest treasures I have is starting over. Each new school year grants me the ability to transform myself into the teacher I want to be. How amazing is that? 

Dave Burgess begins this chapter by discussing how our classrooms should be like a "purple cow."

So, here is what he believes a purple cow classroom should be like:

 

• A class should stand out. It should be a classroom that people are noticing and talking about.

I think in many ways the time and effort teachers spend "decorating" our classrooms is part of being a "purple cow." I have seen some amazing classroom transformations on many teacher  blogs during the past couple of years. They have served as my inspiration. Wendie and I are currently working on some pretty cool things to make our classroom more inviting to our students. Here is a small sneak peek (I mean very small) it is still in the beginning stages.

I will continue to post progress...stay tune... :)

• The way we engage our students should be nothing short of extraordinary. He encourages teachers to go to any lengths of creativity to motivate and make sure the "boring stuff is invisible."

What a great achievement to transform who we are as teachers! But, how much more amazing would it be to transform our school?

Burgess poses two questions worth pondering:

1. If your students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching an empty room? Ouch!
2. Do you have any lessons you could sell tickets for? Double ouch!!

Honestly, it isn't that bleak. But I have work to do! I have been teaching for almost 20 years and am still -a work in progress. Don't you love that? I think that there is so much untapped benefits to Life Changing Lessons (LCL) that I really want to hone in on how to include them in an organic way into my lessons.

Burgess includes so much valuable information, that we can all take away something new. This is what I'm taking away:

Passion, enthusiasm, powerful presentations, and creativity can turn anything into treasure.

Let the transformation begin!

Teach Like A Pirate

We love book studies! We are so excited to join the Teach Like A Pirate book study and to have the opportunity to dialogue and share insights together.

Chapter 1 Passion
What about teaching are we truly passionate about?
That one is easy- the kids! Our profession allows us to enjoy special milestones, new learning, and those Aha moments on a daily basis. Our favorite quote "Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things." Wow!