Friday, September 22, 2006
Jane Fonda
Did I mention that Jane Fonda was the speaker at convocation a week ago? she graduated from Emma Willard in 1955. She gave a fun speech and afterword she shook every hand at this school (including mine!) and then she danced with all the senior during the picnic on the lawn. Here's the link to her speech if your interested: http://www.emmawillard.org/news/index.php
Good Book called "The Art of Possibility"
I recently wrote an email to one of my Dickinson professors, telling her about a wonderful, life altering book that I'm reading. It's titled The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. I reread the email recently and thought it a good idea to tell you all about the book, too. So below, just to give the main idea of the book I just copied and pasted what I wrote in the email to her. I would love to get a conversation going about these topics presented in the book. Maybe, well actually, you SHOULD go get a copy of this book! It'd be great to have a little forum discussing your takes on the book and how you are applying or seeing applied the concepts in the book to every day life. I'll be adding more about this book later. let me know what you think!
----------------------
Talk about breaking down and resisting ideologies and
limitations. The basis of the book is that what we call the "real
world" and the so called rules that govern this world are all part of
an invention, or many inventions that have come to define the
parameters of life on this earth.
"When you bring to mind 'it's all invented', you remember that it's
all a story you tell - not just some of it, but all of it. And
remember too, that every story you tell is founded on a network of
hidden assumptions. If you learn to notice and distinguish these
stories, you will be able to break through the barriers of any 'box'
that contains unwanted conditions and create other conditions or
narratives that support the life you envision for yourself and those
around you."(14)
Sound familiar? It's amazing how much the authors' ideas line up with
America Studies. Because it's all an invention (IT being anything from
ideologies of beauty and age to the concept to scientific theories and
'facts' on health and well being...whatever you choose. IT can include
both good and/or bad things) the Zanders propose that one should at
least invent a story to live by that enriches one's life and the lives
of others. And from this point - that it's all invented - the authors
seek to aid in "inventing a new universe to live in, a universe of
possibility." (15) Now some might say concepts like the ones the
Zanders are presenting are flighty, overly positive ways of thinking,
and impossible to realize but I've found their approach to be
extremely realistic and applicable. It just makes sense. There's even
a great chapter called "Giving an A" - main point is not to limit
students, or anybody you interact with, to a your basic and confined
understanding of them. Instead it is about conceiving that anything is
possible with them and your job is to recognize that potential in all
people and come down to their level to aid them in the process of
discovery. They explain, "The practice of giving the A allows the
teacher to line up with her students in their efforts to porduce the
outcome, rather than lining up with the standards against these
students." (33)
----------------------
Talk about breaking down and resisting ideologies and
limitations. The basis of the book is that what we call the "real
world" and the so called rules that govern this world are all part of
an invention, or many inventions that have come to define the
parameters of life on this earth.
"When you bring to mind 'it's all invented', you remember that it's
all a story you tell - not just some of it, but all of it. And
remember too, that every story you tell is founded on a network of
hidden assumptions. If you learn to notice and distinguish these
stories, you will be able to break through the barriers of any 'box'
that contains unwanted conditions and create other conditions or
narratives that support the life you envision for yourself and those
around you."(14)
Sound familiar? It's amazing how much the authors' ideas line up with
America Studies. Because it's all an invention (IT being anything from
ideologies of beauty and age to the concept to scientific theories and
'facts' on health and well being...whatever you choose. IT can include
both good and/or bad things) the Zanders propose that one should at
least invent a story to live by that enriches one's life and the lives
of others. And from this point - that it's all invented - the authors
seek to aid in "inventing a new universe to live in, a universe of
possibility." (15) Now some might say concepts like the ones the
Zanders are presenting are flighty, overly positive ways of thinking,
and impossible to realize but I've found their approach to be
extremely realistic and applicable. It just makes sense. There's even
a great chapter called "Giving an A" - main point is not to limit
students, or anybody you interact with, to a your basic and confined
understanding of them. Instead it is about conceiving that anything is
possible with them and your job is to recognize that potential in all
people and come down to their level to aid them in the process of
discovery. They explain, "The practice of giving the A allows the
teacher to line up with her students in their efforts to porduce the
outcome, rather than lining up with the standards against these
students." (33)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Doing what I do
Okay, so last night while on duty I spent at least 40 minutes writing out a huge blog that gave you all the gist of what I am doing here at Emma Willard School. I was in the zone, the writing zone that is...writing clearly and confidently, sure that my blog would satisfy and keep the interest of many readers. My topic sentences were clear and one sentence harmoniously flowed into the next. Sadly, I must inform you tonight that the masterpiece was destroyed at the end of study hall when, due to a flaw in wireless technology here, the internet shut off and a sad looking page appeared saying "This page cannot be displayed" :( and poof! my creation was gone! So with that I guess I should to start over..........
General description:
I am here at Emma Willard School, which is located in Troy, NY (www.emmawillard.org). From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt completely in my right place. Not sure how to really explain that because I've never felt so sure of anything like this. Every thing just fits: the people here, and I mean everyone from the maintenance men to the security guards, to my neighhbors, to the cafeteria workers, teachers, all the way up to the head of the school...these are some of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever been around. During duty in the dorms I have met many girls who are so awesome and I've already had some amazing conversations with them. Their intelligence and maturity fascinate and inspire me daily.
My technical title is Spanish intern but that little name tag they handed me at the start of school offers such a limited description of all that I really do here. As an intern I am working specifically with Marilyn Hunter until she takes her sabbatical in the spring. I will be in charge of two classes rather than the full load of four classes. The first week involved little more than observation in Marilyn's classes. this coming week I get to really start working. Spanish II is what I get to conquer next week...eek! a whole class of 11 to myself! The challenge is to sustain the attentiveness of 11 academically driven, yet seriously tired and overworked girls for 80 minutes. Can songs and games count? Good thing is our textbooks are wonderfully detailed and provide many activities for block scheduling. I actually really anxious to get started because I am one who really learns by doing; observation only takes me so far and then I just need to get in there and experiment.
Although I am quickly finding that there are some different opinions and styles of teaching within the Spanish department, I really like the people I work with in there. I share and office with Marilyn, Efraín ( a Mexican teacher who lives on campus with his family. He's been studying and teaching in the U.S. for many years), and Diane (a part time Span. I and II teacher). We usually speak only spanish when we're in the office together. I think this is my favorite part because every day I feel closer and closer to the speaking confidence I had acquired in Mexico.
Not only to I get to teach here but I am also one of the assistant volleyball coaches. This has been one of my favorite activities because I secretly am living vicariously through my players. You could say that this is like the team that I never got to be on - they all love volleyball and have a drive in them that comes from the heart. They spirit is so contagious. Let's just say that it's rarely silent after a play or even on the bench. I've had so much fun learning all their cheers. They are so freakin' athletic and coachable its ridiculous how much potential they have. They listen to the coaches and to each other and truly strive to be better individually and as a team every day in practice. It was so easy to step in as a new coach this year because the girls are just so receptive to progress and learning and really respect their leaders. It's fun for me to because sometimes I warm up , play , and do their conditioning with them. Another great part about volleyball is that I really get along with my co-coaches, especially Kate. There are few interesting things about Kate that should be noted. Not only is she a really cool person and someone I see myself becoming good friends with but even cooler is that she graduated from University of Maryland with a B.A. in the most invigorating, practical, and box breaking majors ever. If you guessed American Studies, you're correct and you win 10 points! Not only is she just any AmStud major but she also commuted to Dickinson with Professor Davies, when he was a visiting professor there. Crazy right? Well the point is that as soon as I found out she was an Amstud thinker like I was, I knew that a great friendship would come of it.
So as coaches, we've been really helping the vballers to realize their highest potential on this team. It's fun because we both are willing to push them to do their best and we hold them accountable to complying with the standards they've set for themselves. Three days ago we sat them down before practice to give them a little thinking exercise. This exercise is called
"Giving an A". I wrote about it in a previous blog. It comes from the book, Art of Possibility. I had the girls imagine that they had one championships and were moving on to the next level. I then asked them 1. as a team to write to the coaches a letter dated in November (end of the season) telling us why they had such a successful season. What made them the team that succeeded over all the other teams? What kind of work did they do to get so good and to push through all the challenges? What were practices like....etc. In addition each of them had to write individual letters doing a similar exercise but telling us what they individually contributed to make the season the best it could be. How did the become the best passer/setter/hitter/blocker/supporter on the bench/manager that they could be? what did it take to reach their highest potential?
What happened the next day after the talk but before they had turned in their letters was truly amazing. they had one of the best games they have every played at Emma Willard. It was against one of their top rivalries and a team that has always been significantly better then them. And they one the game in four games. It was an edge of your seat kind of game with some pretty awesome hitting, plenty of serving aces, roof blocks, and hustle to pick up the tips and some of the most inspiring enthusiasm and energy that Emma volleyball has ever seen...it was just awesome and just made me even love volleyball even more. A day after the game the letters were all turned in and they certainly reinforced all that enthusiasm of the previous day. For the most part, the mental game that i had given them by writing the letter was really taken seriously. I don't mean to get emotional but the letters really did touch me because they were just so inspired and filled with excitement of the possibility of greatness for each of these girls. They showed that they had high goals and truly believed them to be possible.It made me want to meet them at their level and be a better coach so that they could be better players. what a great feeling!!
General description:
I am here at Emma Willard School, which is located in Troy, NY (www.emmawillard.org). From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt completely in my right place. Not sure how to really explain that because I've never felt so sure of anything like this. Every thing just fits: the people here, and I mean everyone from the maintenance men to the security guards, to my neighhbors, to the cafeteria workers, teachers, all the way up to the head of the school...these are some of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever been around. During duty in the dorms I have met many girls who are so awesome and I've already had some amazing conversations with them. Their intelligence and maturity fascinate and inspire me daily.
My technical title is Spanish intern but that little name tag they handed me at the start of school offers such a limited description of all that I really do here. As an intern I am working specifically with Marilyn Hunter until she takes her sabbatical in the spring. I will be in charge of two classes rather than the full load of four classes. The first week involved little more than observation in Marilyn's classes. this coming week I get to really start working. Spanish II is what I get to conquer next week...eek! a whole class of 11 to myself! The challenge is to sustain the attentiveness of 11 academically driven, yet seriously tired and overworked girls for 80 minutes. Can songs and games count? Good thing is our textbooks are wonderfully detailed and provide many activities for block scheduling. I actually really anxious to get started because I am one who really learns by doing; observation only takes me so far and then I just need to get in there and experiment.
Although I am quickly finding that there are some different opinions and styles of teaching within the Spanish department, I really like the people I work with in there. I share and office with Marilyn, Efraín ( a Mexican teacher who lives on campus with his family. He's been studying and teaching in the U.S. for many years), and Diane (a part time Span. I and II teacher). We usually speak only spanish when we're in the office together. I think this is my favorite part because every day I feel closer and closer to the speaking confidence I had acquired in Mexico.
Not only to I get to teach here but I am also one of the assistant volleyball coaches. This has been one of my favorite activities because I secretly am living vicariously through my players. You could say that this is like the team that I never got to be on - they all love volleyball and have a drive in them that comes from the heart. They spirit is so contagious. Let's just say that it's rarely silent after a play or even on the bench. I've had so much fun learning all their cheers. They are so freakin' athletic and coachable its ridiculous how much potential they have. They listen to the coaches and to each other and truly strive to be better individually and as a team every day in practice. It was so easy to step in as a new coach this year because the girls are just so receptive to progress and learning and really respect their leaders. It's fun for me to because sometimes I warm up , play , and do their conditioning with them. Another great part about volleyball is that I really get along with my co-coaches, especially Kate. There are few interesting things about Kate that should be noted. Not only is she a really cool person and someone I see myself becoming good friends with but even cooler is that she graduated from University of Maryland with a B.A. in the most invigorating, practical, and box breaking majors ever. If you guessed American Studies, you're correct and you win 10 points! Not only is she just any AmStud major but she also commuted to Dickinson with Professor Davies, when he was a visiting professor there. Crazy right? Well the point is that as soon as I found out she was an Amstud thinker like I was, I knew that a great friendship would come of it.
So as coaches, we've been really helping the vballers to realize their highest potential on this team. It's fun because we both are willing to push them to do their best and we hold them accountable to complying with the standards they've set for themselves. Three days ago we sat them down before practice to give them a little thinking exercise. This exercise is called
"Giving an A". I wrote about it in a previous blog. It comes from the book, Art of Possibility. I had the girls imagine that they had one championships and were moving on to the next level. I then asked them 1. as a team to write to the coaches a letter dated in November (end of the season) telling us why they had such a successful season. What made them the team that succeeded over all the other teams? What kind of work did they do to get so good and to push through all the challenges? What were practices like....etc. In addition each of them had to write individual letters doing a similar exercise but telling us what they individually contributed to make the season the best it could be. How did the become the best passer/setter/hitter/blocker/supporter on the bench/manager that they could be? what did it take to reach their highest potential?
What happened the next day after the talk but before they had turned in their letters was truly amazing. they had one of the best games they have every played at Emma Willard. It was against one of their top rivalries and a team that has always been significantly better then them. And they one the game in four games. It was an edge of your seat kind of game with some pretty awesome hitting, plenty of serving aces, roof blocks, and hustle to pick up the tips and some of the most inspiring enthusiasm and energy that Emma volleyball has ever seen...it was just awesome and just made me even love volleyball even more. A day after the game the letters were all turned in and they certainly reinforced all that enthusiasm of the previous day. For the most part, the mental game that i had given them by writing the letter was really taken seriously. I don't mean to get emotional but the letters really did touch me because they were just so inspired and filled with excitement of the possibility of greatness for each of these girls. They showed that they had high goals and truly believed them to be possible.It made me want to meet them at their level and be a better coach so that they could be better players. what a great feeling!!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Welcome to the real world
¡Bienvenidos a todos! / Welcome Everyone!
I'm so excited to be starting a blog again. I found that being able to post my experiences and reflections when I was in Mexico (Jan-June 2005) enabled me to fully process the growth and learning that occurred there. In addition, it offered you all a unique way to learn through my observations about Mexican culture and the people there. As I embark on this journey into what many call the "real world", I find it only appropriate to share with you all my new experiences, knowledge, and inspiration. I truly believe that we all have so much to contribute to this world, but it starts with contributing to each other. This is one of my contributions and I invite you to offer any thing you may have - responses to my blog, questions, challenges to my opinions, your own inspiration and experiences, etc. The point is that I would love to hear from you!
All the best,
Margie
I'm so excited to be starting a blog again. I found that being able to post my experiences and reflections when I was in Mexico (Jan-June 2005) enabled me to fully process the growth and learning that occurred there. In addition, it offered you all a unique way to learn through my observations about Mexican culture and the people there. As I embark on this journey into what many call the "real world", I find it only appropriate to share with you all my new experiences, knowledge, and inspiration. I truly believe that we all have so much to contribute to this world, but it starts with contributing to each other. This is one of my contributions and I invite you to offer any thing you may have - responses to my blog, questions, challenges to my opinions, your own inspiration and experiences, etc. The point is that I would love to hear from you!
All the best,
Margie
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