Applying Learning to the Real-World

January is almost over and already, we've been learning at marathon speed! One of the key objectives in education these days is Real-world Learning. This buzz word of sorts can start any educator's heart racing. It is extremely difficult to take learning in some instances and make sure that there is an authentic, real-world application. This doesn't mean that every educator doesn't strive for this, but realistically, it is hard to take history and directly apply it to today authentically. Yet, we have several great opportunities of real-world learning happening which is a breath of fresh air!

Mrs. Gregoire's class is working on their Underground Railroad/Runaway Slave Project. This project takes a shameful, embarrassing part of our history and personalizes it in order to impress upon our students the huge impact slavery had not only on pre-Civil War era America, but how it still impacts us today. The students have really had to examine the gray areas as well as the terminology we use to see the perspectives of the Southern slave owners and the Northern Abolitionists as well as those of the slaves.

Mrs. Loftus's class just started a project called "Help! My Field Trip Went Horribly Wrong." In this project, students are taking their learning about cities and past tense vocabulary to solve an issue. Their teams were given a country. Then they were told that we went on a school field trip, on the last day there is a terrible bus accident and Mrs. Loftus and myself have head injuries. They then have to work as a team to map our way back to the hotel, stopping at various places in the city for supplies or help, and what conversations they would need to have to successfully navigate without their teachers and cell phones. The energy in the room as they worked to complete their maps and create presentations just makes an educator's spirits rise and hope spring from our hearts.

In both cases, we are taking their learning and helping students to consider the realities of the world we live in based on their classroom learning. This concept not only excites our students in their work, but remains in their memories long past their time with us.

In the spirit of real-world learning, I have some books I would like to recommend. Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch is a great read for those who love Game of Thrones. It starts with the fact that sixteen years ago, the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and left without a monarch or magic. Now, there is a chance for them to retrieve their magic by discovering an ancient locket that restores their magic. Meira, an orphan has a chance to help Winter rise to power again...

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai is a memoir from the young girl, who at 15 was shot by the Taliban for fighting for the right to be educated. Few expected her to survive, yet she did. This inspiring story is a unique and interesting look at terrorism and its effects on generations of people.

I would also encourage our families and community members to visit Standley Lake Library and join in their events. For Tween/Teens, they have a Masquerade Games Night on Friday, February 6th from 6-8pm. They are running a session on Oragami creation Saturday, February 13th from 2-3:30pm and Electric Duct Tape Roses on Sunday, February 14th from 1-2 pm. Standley Lake is also having a Recycle Craft Fair on January 30th from 3-4pm. Go and explore, learn, find a new hobby! Check out the events page for more adventures.