Day Two

Dr.Kenneth S. Kosik ,from the neuroscience institute in California, started our morning session, by asking how often do we smile in the classroom? How often do we use new words? They were thought provoking questions. I think we do those things a lot in our classroom. He also said our abilities should not be measured by tests. I loved that! He says that neuroscience and education can get us there, to meet that goal. Dr.Daniel T. Willingham spoke about why students may not like school. I told him that we all love school! But he said sometimes the choices we make, can affect weather we like school or not. I guess we must be making good choices! My favorite thing he said and I’ll quote him, “Intelligence is not something you are, but something you get”. What do you think he means by that?
He said it is important for our students to feel successful and not to be afraid of failure. He said losing a video game is easier for us, then feeling like we don’t understand something in the classroom. Dr. Edward L. Deci spoke about motivation. Where does the energy come from? What moves people to behave? He said motivation should be intrinsic. That is a big word. He did say it is important to give our students choices. Our daily choice time, is a perfect example. For many of you, that is your favorite time of the day! You are motivated to learn and play during choice time, all on your own, without rewards.
My favorite speaker today, Dr.William R. Stixrud spoke about why movement and meditation are important for attention, motivation, and learning. Let children play he said. He also said exercise and healthy eating are important for our brain too. He said teaching yoga and dance is important too!
It looks like you had a blast with special friends and grandparents today! Wish I was there too, miss you lots!