Charlotte Verity Professional Learning (School Based)

We have now been working collaboratively, with four classes in a new modern learning hub. We've implemented a shared timetable, with developmental play/discovery time woven through reading, writing and maths learning each morning.  The New Space:          As staff, we have discussed, agreed and planned areas for different purposes, including: reading/library corner, a theatre for shared gatherings, a construction room (with doors so that children can be playful and make noise with blocks, cars etc, without interrupting learning in the main space), a maths centre, a writing area, maker space / kitchen for construction and a mindful colouring zone.  What Has Worked? A number of things have really aided our journey, and the ease of transition for the children. These strategies have included:  * Staff meeting to discuss what worked/what didn't work after school each day, and altering plans accordingly. * Shared expectations for behav...

I enjoyed our team discussion about communication styles. We discussed how certain behaviours may shut down or support a conversation. Shut downs:  * Eye rolling * Turning away / walking away from speaker * Using a device  * Talking over top of someone * Beginning to respond to someone, but talking about something else entirely * Putting down an idea, even in a humorous way  * Having an insincere tone Supports:  * Eye contact * Nodding, smiling, showing interest * Asking probing questions to understand the person's message * Facing the person talking  * Stopping what you are doing to focus on the discussion  Why might we use 'shut down' behaviours?  Lack of time. I am in the middle of something and I need to finish / I am focused on something else Inappropriate time. This is not the right physical place. There is too much else going on; e.g parents, environment, exhaustion. Having a slower processing speed/needing m...

Wow - I am learning so much about my team, quality teaching and learning and systems over recent weeks. It has been very challenging but fun at the same time. Working with my team I value the different backgrounds and strengths of my team members, and their senses of humour as well as their individual strengths. I am learning to not take things as personally as I once would have, and to focus on the content of what people say rather than the tone or facial gesture. I loved the simplicity of the suggestions put forward in the Seven Norms of Collaboration (Annotated Poster) , and am endeavoring to increase my use of  presuming positive intentions  as well as posing questions. I am also working on improving my own confidence in meetings. Key phrases that are helping me are: What unique characteristics/views/skills do I bring to this situation? and How can I build on/add to what has been said?  Visiting Waitakiri I loved and would like to explore: * The different col...