I hope you’re recharged and excited as we gear up for the new school year! As we dive in, I wanted to share a personal story from a recent family vacation that reminded me of the profound influence we hold in our classrooms.
Just before heading out, I had a small but memorable encounter at home: I spotted a bug on my wall that immediately made my skin crawl. Fast forward to my family vacation: We were enjoying a beautiful day at the beach when a little ladybug landed on my dress. My two-year-old niece, who is curious about everything, watched closely. This time, instead of flinching, I marveled at the ladybug’s vibrant red wings and delicate black spots. My niece smiled, and we both took a moment to admire the tiny creature. It struck me how differently I reacted to the ladybug compared to the bug back at home.
This simple moment taught me some valuable lessons:
First impressions aren’t always accurate
I initially freaked out from the bug on the wall, judging it quickly based on appearance. But with the ladybug, I paused and appreciated its beauty. This taught me that first impressions can often be misleading. It’s a reminder not to judge students too quickly. By giving them time and space, we might discover their hidden strengths and qualities that aren’t immediately visible.
Reframing perceptions: Why is one bug "desirable" and another not?
I realized that what made the ladybug “desirable” was the story we’ve attached to it. We see its colors and immediately think of good luck and beauty. But the truth is, every bug plays a vital role in the ecosystem, and each one has unique qualities worth admiring. It’s all about how we choose to see them.
Embracing differences
The stark contrast between my reactions to the different bugs highlights how we naturally respond differently to things that don’t fit our idea of beauty. This mirrors the way we sometimes respond to differences in people. Just like bugs, students come in all kinds - different personalities, appearances, and abilities. By embracing these differences, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates individuality.
Challenging labels: Why “lady” bugs?
It got me thinking - why are these creatures called “lady” bugs and not “gentleman” bugs? The labels we use carry weight, often without us even realizing it. It’s an invitation to question the labels we assign and consider how inclusive our language can be.
Mindfulness in our reactions
Our reactions can have a ripple effect, influencing the mood and behavior of those around us. This serves as a reminder that we can be more intentional with our responses to student behavior or challenges, creating a calm and positive atmosphere, and setting the tone for how students feel and respond in return.
Resilience and adaptability
Bugs, in general, are incredibly resilient creatures, adapting to their environments in remarkable ways. This can serve as a metaphor for our own resilience and adaptability in the classroom. When faced with challenges - whether it’s a disruptive day or a student who struggles - we can remind ourselves and our students of the power of resilience.
The power of presence
The moment with the ladybug was a reminder to slow down and be present. In our busy lives, it’s easy to rush past the small, beautiful moments. This applies to our classrooms too; sometimes, we’re so focused on the big picture that we miss the quiet, everyday wonders. Taking time to be present with our students, listening to them, and appreciating them for who they are can make a world of difference.
Beauty in the small things
It’s easy to overlook the small wonders in life, just as we might dismiss the significance of small wins in the classroom. Celebrating small achievements, recognizing tiny acts of kindness, or acknowledging a student’s progress - even if it’s not grand - can build a positive classroom culture and collectively contribute to the bigger picture.
The importance of curiosity
The ladybug on my dress sparked curiosity in my niece, leading her to explore and ask questions. This is a powerful reminder of the value of curiosity in learning. Encouraging students to ask questions, explore, and be curious leads to deeper understanding and engagement. By modeling curiosity ourselves, we can inspire a love of learning in our students.
We teach behaviors through our reactions
Children observe everything we do. After our vacation, my niece encountered her own ladybug. As you can see, she remained calm and curious, mirroring my composed reaction. This reminded me how our responses shape the behaviors of those around us, especially the little ones in our care. It’s a powerful reminder that our students learn not only from our lessons but from how we react to the world around us.
Each student that walks into our classroom has their own story, strengths, and quirks. It’s tempting to let past experiences or comments from other teachers shape our expectations. But what if we approached each student with a fresh perspective, free of bias?
Walla Walla Public Schools' commitment to inclusivity
While delivering the keynote at Walla Walla Public School's AI Summit this summer, I had the pleasure of touring their campus and was deeply inspired by their commitment to inclusivity. Their thoughtful signage reflects their celebration of diversity, much like my experience with the ladybug. This approach fosters a supportive environment where every student feels recognized and valued, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere.
A call to action
Just as I found unexpected beauty in the ladybug, I encourage you to look for the extraordinary in each of your students. With fresh eyes, patience, and a commitment to seeing beyond labels, we can make every student feel valued and understood. As we begin the new school year, let’s be mindful of the impact our actions and words have, and strive to inspire our students to view the world - and each other - with curiosity, kindness, and respect. By taking the time to truly see each student’s unique qualities, we can create a positive and inclusive classroom environment for all.
The millipede surprise
But of course, life has a funny way of keeping us on our toes. When I returned to school, I found a millipede making its way up my office wall - not a joke - sometimes, you just need to laugh! 😂
Wishing you all a successful and joyful first day back!
Mixtape 💿
- Setting the AI Stage: The beginning of a new school year is the perfect opportunity to set and communicate your expectations. With the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the educational landscape, it's paramount that we foster an environment of clarity and trust regarding its use. Check out my blog post from last year!
-
Oprah Winfrey's Special: AI and the Future of Us - 9/12 @ 8 pm EST on ABC and the next day on Hulu
- Featuring: Sam Altman: CEO of Open AI, Bill Gates: Microsoft Co-Founder and Chair of the Gates Foundation, Marques Brownlee: YouTube creator and technologist, Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin: co-founders of Center for Humane Technology, Christopher Wray: FBI Director, Marilynne Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author
-
Free the Anxious Generation Movement: A Call for K-12 School Leaders - 9/24 @ 3 pm EST
- This summer, my administrative team read The Anxious Generation by Dr. Jonathan Haidt and are implementing a “cellphone-free school” - more details to come soon.
- In an upcoming edWebinar, Dr. Haidt will explore the impact of the shift on youth mental health, propose four collective action norms for schools, and discuss strategies for educators to address social media and smartphone-related issues in schools.
- Senate passes bipartisan bills to protect children, and teens online (K12 Dive)
Spotlight 🔦
Education Meets AI
The School Administrators Association of NYS (SAANYS) recently released its magazine in collaboration with NYSCATE titled Education Meets AI - check it out!
Speaking and Customized PD 🗓️
If you're interested in having me work with your teachers or administrative team, please reach out or reply to this email. Here are some of the topics I've been booked for recently:
- Empowering Leaders/Educators to Adapt to the AI-driven future: Exploring the role of AI in education, its applications in administrative tasks, and methods for evaluating AI use in teacher observations.
- The Future of Teaching, Learning, and Assessments: Adapting to a world with AI in education.
- Breaking Bias: Addressing (and teaching about) AI bias and discrimination.
- Debugging Creativity and Imagination: The intersection of AI and creative writing.
- ...and much more!
Feel free to contact me to discuss how I can support you and your team!
Catch me if you can 🗓️
10/20 - ASCD Leadership Summit - From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Rolling out AI professional development
11/1 - Canadian EdTech Summit - Navigating the Future of Education in an AI-Inspired World
11/24-11/26 - NYSCATE Annual Conference
10/20 - UAlbany EdTrends
Catch up on recent episodes 🎙️
- The Generative Age: An AI Symposium - LIVE @ ISTE24 featuring past podcast guests
- Shades of Gray + AI in the Language Classroom with Matt Miller
- Student-Facing AI in the (Elementary) Classroom with Holly Clark
The Generative Age Book 📚
August 1st marked the one year anniversary of my book's publication!! Just weeks before, I had the pleasure of meeting my publisher IRL for the first time ever after over a year of voxer messages! It's been an incredible journey, and I'm so grateful for the support and encouragement I've received along the way. A special thank you goes out to Jimmy Casas, Jeff Zoul, Kheila Dunkerly, and ConnectedEDD who made this dream a reality. Thank you all for being a part of this journey with me! 🎉
My book The Generative Age: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education is available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel! If you've already bought a copy, thank you! If you're interested in a bulk discount, reach out or reply to this email.
Until next time!
Alana Winnick
