# data[].attributes.headline
In order to understand content, not only do you need to understand the vocabulary but you need to know proper grammar, especially as an ELL learner.

# data[].attributes.subject
In order to understand content, not only do you need to understand the vocabulary but you need to know proper grammar, especially as an ELL learner.

# data[].attributes.body
Kelley

# data[].attributes.body
From Confident Voices:
I like the quote: "While many of these strategies can be done with paper and pencil, digital tools allow students to play around with the language in a space that is both more social and more flexible.  In the process, they grow more confident in their abilities and more competent in their comprehension."
As a former ELL coordinator and teacher I can definitely see how this can be true.  Anything that gets the kids involved with the language will help improve their knowledge and use of the language.  This book went on to explain many different technology tools to use in the pursuit of these goals.
Jolene

# data[].attributes.headline
The Innovators's Mindset- Leading Learners

# data[].attributes.subject
The Innovators's Mindset- Leading Learners

# data[].attributes.body
A quote that I found very interesting and important was that "If I wanted to become a better carpenter, I'll go find a good carpenter, and I'll work with this carpenter on doing carpentry or making things.  And that's how I'll get to be a better carpenter.  So if I want to be a better learner, I'll go find somebody who's a good learner and with this person do some learning."   I found this to be very true as a teacher I need to continue to look for ways to develop and learn not only from other teachers but from my students as well.  Therefore the best way for my students to learn is if I am learning myself.

Riley Bonifas

# data[].attributes.body
"Having the freedom to fail is important to innovation. But even more important to the process are the traits of resiliency and grit."

"Resiliency is the ability to come back after a defeat or unsuccessful attempt. Grit is resolve or strength of character."

I think we need to try new things, but remember that we might fail, all that means is we need to tweek it or think of alternative options for our students that will apply to them to allow them to succeed.

I liked the way the book talked about a great teacher adjusts to the learner, not the other way around.

Brenda

# data[].attributes.body
Digital tools offer choices and differentiation in content while also empowering students through social connections. Digital tools can take some of the traditional reading activities to a whole new level. I have been doing some of these things in Title with RAZ kids where the students read/record their stories which also has a timer and then listen to it.:)
Vickie

# data[].attributes.body
I agree that teaching grammar can be boring or overwhelming for the students.   However by using a different approach  through technology the students might buy into it. I especially like the idea of student choice and letting them use creativity to learn parts of speech. For example podcasts and blogging

Lisa.

# data[].attributes.body
Ashley Chizek
John Spencer is clearly an innovator.  I was very impressed by what he has been able to do with ELL students.  He clearly has discovered a different approach to helping students understand language. The process is definitely intimidating as a 3rd grade teacher but I am hopeful that if I try just one simple idea like student blogging that I will be moving towards the right direction in terms of using digital tools.

# data[].attributes.headline
When we build on our strengths and daily successes we are learning more than when we focus on our failures.  This way we are focusing on the positive and becoming better than being down on ourselves.

# data[].attributes.subject
When we build on our strengths and daily successes we are learning more than when we focus on our failures.  This way we are focusing on the positive and becoming better than being down on ourselves.

# data[].attributes.body
Deb Blevins

# data[].attributes.body
To not fall into the trap of using too much new technology, too soon, too quickly.  When teachers are inundated with too many new tools, they have a tendency to underutilize the technology and do not spend enough time developing some depth with it.
The old saying that quality is paramount to quantity still hold true.  Spencer suggests limiting implementation to only a few items,  take the time to utilize it to its full potential (or discover the lack of).

# data[].attributes.headline
When we build on our strengths and daily successes- instead of focusing on our failures --we learn more.

# data[].attributes.subject
When we build on our strengths and daily successes- instead of focusing on our failures --we learn more.

# data[].attributes.body
Deb Blevins

# data[].attributes.headline
In the book, The Innovator's Mindset, I found it very insightful, at least at the Kindergarten level, was the question Would you want to be a learner in your own classroom? This made me sit back and think about my own classroom. This included behavior management, schedule, reward, etc. The thing it really made me reflect upon was me as a teacher. My attitude, my behavior, my decisions.  

# data[].attributes.subject
In the book, The Innovator's Mindset, I found it very insightful, at least at the Kindergarten level, was the question Would you want to be a learner in your own classroom? This made me sit back and think about my own classroom. This included behavior management, schedule, reward, etc. The thing it really made me reflect upon was me as a teacher. My attitude, my behavior, my decisions.  

# data[].attributes.body
The other idea I liked was one of the pictures in the book. It was called the Networked Teacher. The image just emphasized the importance of using outside sources. I think so many of us focus on the curriculum, that we forget to pull extra things, such as

# data[].attributes.body
In dealing with vocabulary words (using computers or IPads), I liked the idea of having students find pictures of  specific words that demonstrate the idea of the vocabulary words that are being learned.  Students would use technology to add the pictures to the vocabulary word/term and then summarize in their own words what that vocabulary word means along with creating a sentence using the vocabulary word.  (information was found on page 17)
-Tracy Krause

# data[].attributes.body
Ashley Chizek

John Spencer is clearly an innovator.  I was very impressed by what he has been able to do with ELL students.  He clearly has discovered a different approach to helping students understand language. The process is definitely intimidating as a 3rd grade teacher but I am hopeful that if I try just one simple idea like student blogging that I will be moving towards the right direction in terms of using digital tools.

# data[].attributes.headline
Two ideas that challenged me from the book “Confident Voices” were 1) the high emphasis on digital tools and 2) trying to find ways to apply this to my teaching situation.  I do use technology in my classroom for two main reasons:  to support student learning and to speed up/streamline the delivery of information to students.  I felt that this book was directed more at general education teaching situations for older elementary students and above.  One of the promos on the back cover of the books said, “A teacher can pick this book up and be provided with specific ideas and techniques that can be implemented in a classroom immediately.”  I didn’t agree with this, probably because I was unfamiliar with most of the references made in the book (Creative Commons, Write About), and the techniques were discussed but not spelled out very well.  But I could certainly do some investigation on my own to find out more information.  I really felt like the author’s purpose was to convince us to use more technology, rather than this being an informational book to better prepare us for using technology for language acquisition.  I would like to have seen more references to research supporting the use of technology for the purposes he proposed.

# data[].attributes.subject
Two ideas that challenged me from the book “Confident Voices” were 1) the high emphasis on digital tools and 2) trying to find ways to apply this to my teaching situation.  I do use technology in my classroom for two main reasons:  to support student learning and to speed up/streamline the delivery of information to students.  I felt that this book was directed more at general education teaching situations for older elementary students and above.  One of the promos on the back cover of the books said, “A teacher can pick this book up and be provided with specific ideas and techniques that can be implemented in a classroom immediately.”  I didn’t agree with this, probably because I was unfamiliar with most of the references made in the book (Creative Commons, Write About), and the techniques were discussed but not spelled out very well.  But I could certainly do some investigation on my own to find out more information.  I really felt like the author’s purpose was to convince us to use more technology, rather than this being an informational book to better prepare us for using technology for language acquisition.  I would like to have seen more references to research supporting the use of technology for the purposes he proposed.

# data[].attributes.body
Denise Giffin

# data[].attributes.headline
Changing our culture is one student at a time. - Bob

# data[].attributes.subject
Changing our culture is one student at a time. - Bob

# data[].attributes.body
Grammar can be covered and used correctly in EVERY subject area. John Spencer talked about teaching our kids to discuss vocabulary.

# data[].attributes.body
Part of the book from George Couros that stood out to me was the part about "Identity Day." This was an idea for students AND teachers, staff, custodians, etc. to create a display or presentation about something they were passionate about and share it with the school.
I think it's something I can do in English class because it would involve research and writing down ideas as well as speaking in front of people. Plus it should interest kids because it's about something they're passionate about.
-LV

# data[].attributes.body
"Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome."

I learned a lot about how to implement technology appropriately. It is not always better to replace technology for "paper and pencil," but it can be an amazing way to innovate your classroom.