Take 5: Google, Netflix, Spinners, Reflections and More

In this 24 hour news cycle that we are living in, it can feel difficult to stay current with the latest educational trends and ideas. I often feel that on Twitter and Facebook that so many ideas are flying at me that I am not sure where to put my focus (perhaps I need a fidget spinner?). So Gretchen and I compiled some compelling educational  news that we've seen in recent weeks. 

We hope this Take5 helps you stay in the educational loop and informs your teaching and learning practice.  We've done a lot of the work, now you have to take 5 minutes to  sit back, read and gather your thoughts.  -Corey

Gretchen's picks
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​School culture matters. It's especially important in times when teachers feel overworked and underpaid. A recent piece from ASCD InService discusses one middle school's approach to building culture through their journey to tell "the story of learning." This model addresses culture from three avenues: curation, conversation, and celebration.

As we near the end of the year, Justin Minkel writes about the importance of reflection in our teaching practice. He raises five questions for teachers to ask themselves as school let's out, noting, "whether we stagnate or become better every year has everything to do with taking the time to reflect, then finding the courage and tenacity to change." I love his idea of just taking 15 minutes to contemplate these questions.

Corey's picks
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Any educator or parent, should read this New York Times article, entitled "How Google Took Over the Classroom" which explores the increasing involvement of Google Apps in classrooms across the country.  Whether you have taken a side or didn't even know there were sides in this argument this is one worth reading.

The Netflix Series '13 Reasons Why' is a hot topic of discussion between students in classrooms and hallways throughout the country. As a Middle School teacher, I urge everyone who works with young adults to know about this movie whether you plan on watching it or not -- here's a place to start. I haven't see it (read the book), but plan to watch it (even though I really don't want to). I work with young people and feel that we are better at our jobs if we stay current with their culture. So in short, I don't have any opinions about this film, other than the fact that it is important to our kids, which means we need to pay attention.

Do those fidgets belong in classrooms? Teachers are divided on the answer. I found this article in Edweek helpful in articulating some of the challenges and benefits. 

Share your thoughts on these articles and any others that you have run across in education.

Have a great week-
Gretchen & Corey