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I have been thinking a lot lately about the challenge we face as educators when well-intentioned learners make incorrect, inscrutable, thoughtless, or otherwise off-the-mark comments. It's a crucial moment in teaching: how do you respond to an unhelpful remark in a way that 1) dignifies the attempt while 2) making sure that no one leaves thinking that the remark is true or useful? Summer is a great time to think about the challenge of developing new routines and habits in class, and this is a vital issue that gets precious little attention in training and staff development. Here is a famous Saturday Night Live skit, with Jerry Seinfeld as a HS history teacher, that painfully demonstrates the challenge and a less than exemplary response. Don't misunderstand me: I am not saying that we are always correct in our judgment about participant remarks. Sometimes a seemingly dumb comment turns out to be quite insightful. Nor am I talking about merely inchoate or poorly-worded contributions. That is a separate teaching challenge: how to unpack or invite others to unpack a potentially-useful but poorly articulated idea. No, I am talking about those comments that are just clunkers in some way; seemingly dead-end offerings that tempt us to drop our jaws or make some snarky remark back. My favorite example of the challenge and how to meet it comes from watching my old mentor Ted Sizer in action in front of 360 educators in Louisville 25 years ago. We had travelled as the staff of the Coalition of Essential Schools from Providence to Louisville to pitch the emerging Coalition reform effort locally. Ted gave a rousing speech about the need to transform the American high school. After a long round of applause, Ted took questions. The first questioner asked, and I quote: "Mr Sizer, what do you think about these girls and their skimpy halter tops in school?" (You have to also imagine the voice: very good-ol'-boy). Without missing a beat or making a face, Ted said "Deco

"Take a few minutes to watch the following "Quality Commenting on Blogs" video by third graders. Then follow along the description of the creation process and "behind the scenes" work that went into the production of the video. Let's dissect the video creation and look at the learning process itself. "

"We recommend discussing explicitly the purpose, associated practices, and changed roles that the use of Essential Questions entails. Here are some examples of key ideas framed as sentences to be spoken in class to prepare students for the changes: "There's not a single correct answer for this question. Life is about the consideration of plausible and imperfect alternatives." "Coming to understand important ideas is like fitness: it takes practice over time." "When a question is posted on the wall, it means that we are going to consider it again and again." "Inquiry is not a spectator sport: each of you needs to listen actively and participate." "Everyone is fair game. I won't only call on people who raise their hands." "If and when I or others challenge your comment, it doesn't mean we don't like you or don't value your contribution." "Making mistakes is an expected part of learning. If you never take a risk of making a mistake, you're not likely to improve." "You may find that you are re-considering things that you thought you understood. That is normal - even desirable." Like the care of seedlings, the new rules will require patience, careful nurturing, and constant reminders. Overtime, they will become the norms, allowing big ideas to take root and mature understandings to blossom."

"How to Plan an Author Appearance Welcome to the home for Penguin Young Readers Group's author and illustrator appearances. We want to help you to bring great authors to your school or library. Below is a step-by-step guide to a planning your next event! Learn the Basics This overview sheet will give you pointers and information you need to know. Then look at a sample author schedule for more ideas. Choose Your Authors Click on the Author Appearance Listing button on the right. It can help you narrow your choices down by type of appearance, suitable age level, and author location. Request Your Authors It's easy! Just access the Author Request Form , fill it out, and send it in. Prepare for your Event Once you have scheduled your event and you have a finalized and signed contract, you'll need do the following to get ready!: organize transportation, have equipment ready for the presentation, provide a schedule to the author/illustrator, and prepare the payment. You should also have books available to sell-we encourage you to go through a local bookseller, an institutional wholesaler (if you use one), or you may order directly from Penguin . Best wishes for a successful event! -The Penguin School and Library Marketing Team Featured Author Sheila Turnage Sheila Turnage grew up on a farm in eastern North Carolina. A graduate of East Carolina University, she is the author of two nonfiction books and one picture book, but Three Times Lucky is her first middle grade novel. Today Sheila lives on a farm with her husband, a smart dog, an ill-tempered cat, a dozen chickens, and a flock of guineas. Learn more about Sheila Turnage here. If you are interested in hosting a Skype appearance by Sheila Turnage at your school, library, or conference, please use the online request form or send an email to authorvisits[at]us.penguingroup.com with

"There's no better way to find out fast what, if anything, is happening in the world, from your backyard to the other side of the Earth." I wonder if all users would agree with this post and/or some of the comments posted in reply...? I am especially curious about student perspective.

"My latest blog prompt for my Algebra students bit.ly/P8I8gK & their responses bit.ly/NuGLKS Constructive comments appreciated" -Karl Fisch

"Here are over 100 ways that different social technologies (and tools) are being used by learning professionals worldwide - compiled from the comments of those who have contributed their Top Tools for Learning in 2009. "

"Comments are not just an extrinsic part of having a blog - in 21classes they are presented as an integral part of the activity."