The Grounded Learners Guild

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Not to give too big of a spoiler, but the film “Rogue One, A Star Wars Story” ends with a very important word: hope. When we look at literacy instruction and learning, we find hope when our striving readers begin to master reading comprehension. This incredibly sought after skill unlocks so many others - reaching far beyond mere recall into analysis, creation, and synthesis.

It doesn’t matter if you’re reading a social studies textbook chapter, “Rosie Revere Engineer” or….say…the schematics used to create the Death Star, perhaps?. Reading comprehension is about bringing together varied skills to transform information on a page into real power….and hope! Stick around while our “ragtag group of rebels” in the GLG discuss another such group -the crew of the “Rogue One” and tie their collaborative mission for crucial comprehension - to our own.

The Reading Wars 3: A Comprehension Story

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In a world where innovative, immersive, and authentic learning reign supreme, anything that could be described as “robotic” can be a little off-putting to say the least.  It brings to mind the mentality of Disney’s “The Mandalorian” who, in early seasons, has good reason to mistrust droids - avoiding and even eliminating them at every turn! 

Yet, just like Din Djarin has to do some personal “reprogramming” to find a droid or two as tolerable, even useful entities …we are all working to come to a place where we can similarly embrace some of the practices detailed in the Science of Reading for the vocabulary instruction of older learners. How do we reconcile our own wishes to “avoid the droid” while still integrating research-based practices when called to? It starts with a healthy degree of questioning and consideration. This is the way.

The Reading Wars: Avoid the Droid and Embrace the Science

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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a classic battle waged - led by a group of rebels who dared to think differently - engaging in disciplined practice that would ultimately yield them the power to transcend time, space, and physical limitations.  As Yoda might say: “Talking about the Jedi we are?”

But as is the GLG way, we have one foot firmly planted in the world of education which means, the answer is Yes - BUT we are also talking about a different kind of training: teaching new readers! 

The Reading Wars: A New Hope

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Expedition Unknown: Treasures for New Coaches

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Coaches and middle instructional leaders often find themselves in uncharted territory - they are in their role because they are highly skilled, and while many have the tools to inspire and lead others, many feel adrift trying to find their place. Well, according to Josh Gates, host of the Travel Channel’s show Expedition Unknown, “seeing the world is a prerequisite to understanding one’s place in it.”

Both travelers (and coaches) “have a responsibility to adapt” to the people and individuals around them. Otherwise, as Gates says, “ we miss the whole point: the opportunity to gain a new perspective. Every story has worth, since a person takes the time to tell it. The key is to listen.” Take a listen as we share some of our favorite practices for those new to coaching, or those ready to begin the year anew.

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When Willy Wonka sang the line: ““A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest of men,” we doubt he had seen the same type of “nonsense”as, say, an 8th grade math teacher might encounter on the last day of school before winter break.  And yet, educators everywhere are perpetually working to understand and interpret student behavior. While it might be challenging to acknowledge in the moment, research tells us that more often than not, a child does not possess the skills needed to handle a situation or meet the expectations set FOR them. Join us and you never know - you might just find a “golden ticket” for responding to behavior you haven’t tried yet.

True Confections: The Science of Behavior, Part 2

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Whether it’s a report from a sub or a comment from a passing observer, the way people talk about educator’s students often boils down to one thing: student behavior. 

It runs the gamut from “That class is completely out of control,” to “what a polite and respectful group of young people!”  Educators everywhere are trying to amend the former and replicate the latter, but it starts with a firm understanding of the science of behavior. And of course, to balance out all this research, we’re relating it by way of a pretty “sweet” metaphor that would make both Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp proud. . . “The suspense for GLG’s first episode of season 4 is "terrible . . . we hope it will last!”

True Confections: The Science of Behavior, Part 1

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We are excited to share our season 4 premier is just a few days away. We are so excited to get back on the mic, and dive into a new year of learning, leading, and connecting.

Season 4 Trailer

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We at GLG love a “fish out of water story.” Some of our favorite connections on the Pop Culture Playground have been about characters who leave their lives of comfort and familiarity who embark on a journey of self discovery. Today, we will once again revisit this classic trope, this time with a movie (and spinoff tv show) about a group of vampire roommates trying to make it in our modern world - and growing very little (but making us laugh a ton) in the process.

“They say that vampires' hearts are cold and dead. Definitely dead. But we don't know. We think they still feel things inside” so long as we look closely at What (They) Do in the Shadows. Stay tuned.

Pop Culture Playground: What We Do in the Shadows

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“Education, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Grounded Learners Guild. It’s mission: to explore strange new ideas, to seek out new connections in new and old stories . . .To boldly go where no leader or educator has gone before…”

Live long and prosper friends, but definitely stick around for our latest Pop Culture Playground episode for the summer of 2023. Hit it, GLG, and remember to set phasers to stun!

Pop Culture Playground: Star Trek

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Love her or hate her, it can’t be argued that Taylor Swift is an artist who leaves an impression on listeners and pop culture alike. As far as the GLG is concerned, the fun of connecting pedagogy to pop culture and listening to some good tunes in the process never will “go out of style” - so put on your favorite “cardigan”, (even if you have to crank up the AC first) and join us for a game we know “All too  Well” on the Pop Culture Playground.

Pop Culture Playground: Taylor Swift

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