It’s rarely information we need; it’s inspiration we crave.
—Bob Goff
What We Crave
I lift heavy weights with a group of five women. You’ll find us at the gym before 6 a.m. three times a week. Every four to six weeks we have a max-out day. On max-out day you lift as much weight as possible and count the number of reps you can do in 30 seconds.
On max-out day you get a choice:
- Increase your weight, or
- Increase your reps.
On the most recent max-out day I decided to increase my weight. I primarily chose this goal because I wanted to deadlift 100 pounds. My second reason was that I was unsure I could increase my weight for the arm exercises. It felt like a gaudy goal.
I was excited to meet the deadlift goal of 100 pounds, and I knocked out eight reps in 30 seconds on both sets. I couldn’t wait to add it to our family Snapchat Thread. Taking a photo of my hand in weightlifting gloves, I knew I’d impress my young adult sons. (Among the beast-mode memes from the guys, my daughter commented on my “cute” nail polish matching my gloves.)
As the day went on, I kept thinking about one question the weightlifting group posed: Was there anything about today’s max-out that surprised you? For me, I was surprised by my satisfaction in lifting three reps per set for the biceps curls.
As a striver, I’m usually most satisfied with the big achievements. It is the 100-pound dead lift that gives me a sense of accomplishment. So I’m surprised that the small number of biceps curls per set is bringing me the most delight.
When I started lifting weights, I felt clueless. I gathered as much information as I could. I talked with weight lifters. I muddled through a routine. I felt like a big fake and wondered if I would be laughed right out of the gym.
After a few years, and my three-rep biceps curls, I know now it’s not more information I need; it’s inspiration I crave. As the school year shifts from testing season to closure, let’s remember the same is true for our students. It’s not more information they need…It’s inspiration they crave. This week we look at brain-based learning—plus more, as always.
Shine on,
Ruth Ayres
Editor in Chief
Becca Burk reminds us of the power of story and community when she uses a social story to help a kindergartner overcome the fear and anxiety from being forgotten on the bus. Becca shows us how to use a social story to develop confidence to overcome difficulties.
Lori Desautels shares how creating a sense of belonging and safety for each student is foundational to fostering a learning environment.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
Becca Burk shares her new learning about how the brain responds to trauma and the way she uses neuroscience to help respond to challenging behaviors in her classroom. Download a practical behavior sheet to help guide your responses to tricky behaviors.
Most teachers have, at some point, taken a picture of their class or a particular student and shared that photo with a family, but what if teachers became more intentional about taking and sending pictures? Tiffany Abbott Fuller gives practical ideas for using photos to increase family engagement.
Choice Numeracy | Molly James is inspired by the book Friends Beyond Measure to use math practices to strengthen the bonds of friendship in her kindergarten classroom.
New members-only content is added each week to the Choice Literacy website. If you’re not yet a member, click here to explore membership options.
Matt Renwick shares a model to lean on as teachers and coaches navigate the unpredictable terrain of school-wide change. This is the first installment of a two-part series.
Stephanie Affinito offers five picture books to end the year coaching strong. Each offers an opportunity for teachers to enjoy a book together, reflect on the year, and walk away with a book to share with their students.
Melanie Meehan shares tools and tips for integrating more reflection into coaching cycles.
Quote It:
People grow when they are loved well. If you want to help others heal, love them without an agenda.
—Mike McHargue
That’s all for this week!
