Days 24-27

Once again, I'm behind.  I am off the great schedule that I was on for a few weeks, and I'm trying to get it back again!

Day 24 
Which learning trend captures your attention the most, and why? (Mobile learning, project-based learning, game-based learning, etc.)
I love, love project based learning and I love to take it a step further and get kids into Genius Hour and Innovation Day.  It's so worthwhile to give kids the opportunity to explore their interests, follow their questions and learn to plan and execute a project from beginning to end.  

Day 25
The ideal collaboration between students–what would it look like?

The ideal collaboration between students would look like passing a ball back and forth, but each is adding something to the ball to make it easier for the other person to keep it going (I keep thinking tennis, but that's not exactly the metaphor that I want).   I have this kind of collaborative relationship with one particular colleague of mine and it's amazing.  We bounce ideas of off one another, we share ideas and lesson plans, we finish each others sentences!  We collaborate in a way that is second nature now, but needed time to grow.  It's amazingly helpful and enriching and I want that for my students.   I'm developing this with my new teaching partner and it will take time, but I think we'll get there!

Day 26
What are your three favorite go-to sites for help/tips/resources in your teaching?

My three favourite sites are Twitter,  Edutopia, and We are Teachers.  I enjoy Edutopia and We are Teachers for the resources and articles, but Twitter is my favourite place to get help, learn a new strategy, technique or tool, or ask for help.  The teacher community there is amazing and you should all be part of it!

Day 27
What role do weekends and holidays play in your teaching?
I use weekends and holidays to both finish my teaching work and prepare for the next week, but I also use them to take a break from teaching so that I can recharge.  On a similar note, weekends and holidays are for my students to have family and recharging time and I do not assign homework on weekends or holidays, ever. I make a point of telling my students that I know that they have other commitments besides school and that their families are important so it's necessary to take that time away from schoolwork.