Pirates, this is our final adventure for the summer! Thanks for sailing with us! Finding the Black Pearl So far, you have created goals, learned what it means to be a pirate, and have your crew in place. After navigating the high seas last week, it’s time to find your final treasure: the elusive black pearl. The black pearl is rare, and…(Show moreShow less)
The one phrase I want my students and colleagues to use to describe my classroom this year is “showing up.” Especially with the potential for a lot of absences or challenges this year, I want everyone I have the pleasure of working with to notice that I “show up” for any and all students, guests, families, etc. that come to school, whether it be…
Adventure #9...I can see the treasure chest off on the horizon! We're so close! For completing this assignment, you will earn a Garnet! Navigating the High Seas “...Because our culture lives by the philosophy that you either win it all or you are a failure, the team was trashed. Don’t buy into this B.S.! (It reminds me of when the…(Show moreShow less)
1. What (or who) is your Kraken? I think my Kraken is the fear of criticism. As a new teacher in a single-person program, it is easy to be influenced by the opinions and values of more experienced teachers outside of my little “bubble.” I have noticed that I tend to push the envelope in a lot of my classes by trying new methods, activities and…
Welcome to Adventure #8...one week left! For completing this assignment, you will earn an Emerald! Who is Your Crew? “Having a diverse crew is in your best interest. Don’t be limited by your subject, grade level, school, or even profession. Take counsel from a wide variety of people and seek out multiple perspectives.” -Dave Burgess,…(Show moreShow less)
Who is your crew and/or who you want it to be, and why? What do they contribute to your crew? My crew members are many of my agricultural education colleagues around the country, and especially here in Minnesota! These people inspire me to keep going even during the challenging times and are excellent sources of lesson ideas. Some specific…
Adventure #7 For completing this assignment, you will earn a Diamond! The Master of Hooks The majority of Part II is dedicated to presentational hooks - how to think of them, and examples that Dave has used in his classroom. There are thirty-two different kinds of hooks in Teach Like a Pirate! If you can take a lesson plan and think…(Show moreShow less)
Adventure #6 For completing this assignment, you will earn a Peridot gem! How to be Captain Hook “‘Dang it! I wasn’t going to learn today. He tricked me. That man is sneaky!’ I live for that moment." -Dave Burgess, page 82 In the first chapter of Part II, Dave refers to a three circle teaching model. As agricultural educators, we…(Show moreShow less)
I chose to reflect on my "What is Ag?" Lesson in my Intro to Agriculture course. The students start the lesson by creating individual definitions of agriculture by listing the words that come to mind when they think of "agriculture." We use this as a way to de-bunk stereotypes. Then, we will complete a fact or crap statistics activity to debunk…
Can you believe it is already time for adventure #5? Neither can we. For completing this assignment, you will earn a Turquoise Stone! The Commitment to Being “On”-Board “I refuse to cheat a student by delivering a subpar performance just because he has me later in the day, or early in the day when I’m not quite awake. Although no mother…(Show moreShow less)
1. Our crew has explored all six words together, but individually, what do the six words mean to you? PASSION: Having an inborn excitement and longing for something. IMMERSION: Being able to be present and in the moment with what is happening or who you are surrounded by. RAPPORT: Being able to leverage your relationship-building skills in…
It’s time for Adventure #4 Pirates! For completing this assignment, you will earn your Bronze Doubloon! Mapping Out Your Destination Ask & Analyze “If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” -Michelangelo Agricultural educators are known for their hands on approach to lessons…(Show moreShow less)
1. If your students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room? I would like to think that I would not be teaching in an empty room. I like to keep my classes interesting, fun and something that my students can look forward to each day. I am not afraid to be silly or look weird in front of my students, and I think that makes…
It’s time for Adventure #3 Pirates! For completing this assignment, you will earn your Ruby Jewel! Your First Three Days It is finally summer! Typically, fairs, livestock shows, summer conferences, FFA activities, and family vacations fill the ag teacher’s calendar of “summer recharge” time. Oh, and don’t forget, it is also your time…(Show moreShow less)
1. What do you currently do for your first three days of school? I teach a variety of different classes from grades 7-12, so depending on the class, I mix and match a variety of activities for the first 6 days of each semester. The first 4 days focus on building relationships and establishing a positive classroom environment (while sometimes…
Good Morning Pirates! Your second adventure is below. For completing this assignment, you will earn your Amethyst Jewel Badge! Your Passion(s) for Being a Pirate “We are not passionate about everything we teach. It’s OK! Let the freedom wash over you. Now that the secret’s out in the open, let’s talk about it.”…(Show moreShow less)
1. Content Passion: Within your subject matter, what are you passionate about teaching? In other words, of all the topics and standards you teach as part of your curriculum, which are the ones you most enjoy? I am very enthusiastic about a variety of different topics. Some of my favorites include biotechnology, genetics, agricultural…
Pirates, this is our final adventure for the summer! Thanks for sailing with us! Finding the Black Pearl So far, you have created goals, learned what it means to be a pirate, and have your crew in place. After navigating the high seas last week, it’s time to find your final treasure: the elusive black pearl. The black pearl is rare, and… Show more
