I never write two posts in one day, but this time, it's called for! I FINALLY received Teach Like a Pirate today (it took a week and a half)! I've read three chapters so far (I had to stop for The American Baking Competition)... the most important being titled Rapport. I'll get to that in just a minute. Let me ask you a question: Why did you become a teacher? If you're like me and many of the people I work with, you might say something about helping students grow, learn, and become the best person they can. In chapter 1, Dave Burgess talks about PASSION. We should have a passion for teaching. Most of us do. BUT, what do we do when we don't have a passion for what we're teaching in a particular subject? Read to find out... ;-)
Rapport: We all know how important it is to form a good relationship with each of our students, but how often do we get the chance to sit down and really talk to our students... find out what interests them. Dave Burgess says there is a wealth of information in taking time to get to know each student. Finding out what interests them and then incorporating some of those things into lessons and presentations can cut off behavior issues before they start. Duh, right? He also mentions, and we should all remember this, "No content standard matters to me until I have established the safe, supportive, and positive classroom environment I need to successfully teach my students." Dave Burgess includes his First Three Days Plan where he gets to know students, engages their interests, and then convinces them that they will all be successful in his class. How powerful would it have been to have a teacher sell to you, "YOU WILL NOT FAIL!"?
I was really concerned that this book was going to be like every other required book study... boring. For me, it is not a required read, and it is anything but boring. Dave Burgess keeps you entertained while gradually morphing your thinking. I know you've seen the recommendations. Here is another: Go out and buy this book!
There is a blogger book study for the book. I'm not sure who originated the idea, but you can view a linky party with posts about the book here: Third Grade Tidbits
I have been making an amazon wish list of books today and this was at the top of my list. After reading your post I'm super excited to order it now! Its so easy to get bogged down in content and getting students to get what's needed to pass.. and how often are their interest and truly sitting down and talking to them passed off because of time? I needed this reminder. And recommendation. Thank you! Amanda reaching for the top!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad my post helped out a little. I think I am one of those rare laid back teachers who don't stress about standards... This past year, there were times, especially in reading and science where I decided we were just going to relax and work our way through the material. In the book, he talks about taking advantage of those "teachable moments" that pop up or they disappear. I am the master of throwing in random, INTERESTING information, but that is what stands out to students! :)
DeleteThanks for reading!
Leslie
Thanks for the recommendation! Another one on my list!!!! P.S. I was glued to the ovens just like the competitors :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!! :) Love that show!!
DeleteLeslie
Hey, glad I found your blog. I too am starting to read this book. It has been really inspiring so far. What part of NC are you from? I teach 6th grade in the triad region.
ReplyDeleteJamie
Sixth Grade Tales
It definitely makes you think! Thanks for reading!
DeleteLeslie