Reflection Tools - My Ace

Last week, I taught a parenting class.  We talked all about the staying in the growth mindset and how to help others anchor to that mindset most.  I just realized I haven't blogged about that concept. Maybe soon?  I'm actually talking about that topic again today at a tech conference.

One of the best ways to anchor to the growth mindset is to be curious and reflective.  There's a problem with that.  Actually, there are two problems.  Problem #1:  Most public schools, college classrooms, and families are too hurried to allow enough time for curiosity and reflection.  To be curious and/or reflective takes time.  Unhurried time.  Problem #2:  Many adults aren't great at knowing how to encourage curiosity or reflection without being judgmental.

That's where reflection tools come in like the ones from Jennifer's website.  You can pepper in the tools at school or at home.  You can allot a small or large amount of unhurried time.  And, they keep us adults from being judgmental as the tools do most of the guiding and prodding.  Added bonus: They are tactile and colorful - lovely and didatic.

The Quotable cards pictured above are a new favorite of mine.  I used them recently with colleges students.  They brought out curious and reflective dialogue that class.  I think the same would be true for children and teens.

Do you have a favorite reflection tool you use?

Curious,
Jen

Quotables - The Perfect Gift for an Educator

The Other Jen has come out with a product that I need badly.  Really neat cards with an inspiring quote on one side and a short bio of the quote author on the other side.  Of course, the brilliant Other Jen has many keen ideas how to use these quotable cards on her website.

My mind is spinning with all the ways I want to use them with my students, colleagues, in training sessions, at conferences, in workshops, etc.  I want a pack like yesterday.

Oh, I just thought of something - these cards would make a LOVELY gift for a classroom teacher for the holidays.  At just $15.95 + shipping what a great gift for an educator.  This introductory price, by the way, ends today!  So order, now.

Go to the Other Jen's website for more.  And no, this isn't a paid advertisement.  I am just admiring another, dare I say, amazing Jen.

Yes, I am full of myself today.

xoxo,

The "Other" Jen

UPDATE:  My department ordered a set for me!  The only catch is I have to share with my colleagues.   No problem.  I'm a great sharer ;)

The "Other" Jen

As you remember from my blog post here, there are over 1.4 million Jennifers in the world.  I'd like to think we are all created amazingly equal.

And so I will.

A decade ago while attending my first International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference, I met another Jennifer - Jennifer Stanchfield.  She like me shared similar interests:  a passion for working with kids and adults, knowing learning experientially is powerful & rich and recognizing the AEE community is comprised of kindred spirits like us.  I've attended at least seven AEE conferences since meeting Jen.  We always embrace when we see each other.

Kindred Jens, we are.

The "Other" Jen has authored and co-authored books.  She leads numerous workshops and trainings around the country on topics such as creating classroom communities and differentiating instruction.  She has the neatest store with the perfect educational props.  Look at this unique Miniature Metaphors set.  Isn't it divine?  You know how I love metaphors.  Seriously, can this collection of miniatures be more engaging?

Did I mention Jen blogs?  Check out this blog post on starting off your lesson with style.  Then, you must read her inspiring post on using quotes in your classroom.  Click here to do so.

If you are like me and can't get enough of her creative ideas, then go visit Jen's blog or her website, Experiential Tools. 

Jen S. is making me proud to be a Jen, too.

Thanks, Jen. 

Best,

The "Other" Jen