Moving on keep moving on-yeah, moving at one million miles an hour Frankie Goes To Hollywood)

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Watching teenagers' working habits in our Learning Centre is always fascinating.

Some get easily distracted, others can work through the interruptions.

A US study once found that students are distracted more than quarter of the time (so in an hour long LC study they are distracted for more than 15 minutes on average).

That's been noticeable since the return from lockdown but I guess there were equal distractions at home during the day that we weren't able to see or monitor.

My other thought is - so what. 

Adults get distracted as well - probably for the same amount of time. I know I struggle to maintain focus for long periods of time. 

Certainly on zoom meetings my mind wanders, I check my watch and look for distractions if I'm not fully engaged.

My point? The next time students get distracted - be empathetic and kind and remember how we'd react.

Dear friend, what's the time? (Paul McCartney)

Photo by Dickens Sikazwe on Unsplash

A truism that is often repeated: only other principals know what the job feels like.

I've heard it a lot, most recently during a terrific two day leadership development event ('symposium' sounds too grand, 'thing' too blase). And I've said it myself. Many times.

But. What does it mean? Does it hold up?

To me, it's a version of 'before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes'. In effect, it is saying - understanding of some one's experiences, challenges, thought processes, can only happen if you can really empathise with their situation.

In our case - other Principals.

Being a school Principal is a unique form of isolation, stemming from a unique challenge - to be part of a team (or series of teams), yet also be a leader and a manager of people and things. 

Over the years, my mentors and sounding boards have been (and continue to be), other Principals. 

Shout out to you all around the world and in the blogosphere!

Straight, no chaser (Thelonious Monk)

You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I disagree.

I like new.

Here's some new:

1 Fresh tech for social studies
For the first semester I am teaching social studies (to fill in my timetable). It's been a while - my last social studies class was in my first year of teaching (19 mumble mumble mumble - huh? Okay okay -1983). This may come in handy!

2 25 ideas!
There are so many teaching ideas out there to try. That is SO cool. I have barely scratched the surface with these puppies (puppies...get it). Here are 25 in a bunch (or whatever the collective noun is for puppies).

3 Imagination is more important
Always good to be reminded of this. Who wants to be stale and boring and NOT have students use their imagination? Not this old dog - that's fer damn sure!

4 Inventive games to teach empathy and social skills
Wow - more amazing stuff from mind/shift. This time you get a whole load of stuff to help with growing empathy. Altruism ROCKS my friends!

5 Five competencies
Finally and appropriately - here are five key competencies that we need to foster in the 21st century. can you guess what they are before you look?

How did you do?