Brilliant Idea for Losing Teeth

This is such a clever idea from Mrs. Wade's blog, I just can't stand how fantastic it is.  Losing a tooth is monumental for most kids, why not get some extra writing and public speaking mileage out of it?

Adorable!

Mrs. Wade, you are a talented teacher.

Jen

Jedi Recommends Smooches

This blog is also about balance.  The work + play balance.
Thus, today we move away from educational topics to talk more lifestyle ones.

About a month ago, our favorite dog food company, Honest Kitchen, asked if any bloggers wanted to try some products and then blog about them.  I raised my virtual hand instantly and was chosen (Yay!).

Jedi does love Honest Kitchen, but this time we wanted to try some products that he had not tried before.

The first product he tried was called Smooches.  Though the name of the dog treat is uber-cute, the shape is even cuter.  Plus, Lil O's little kid hands are pretty cute, too - unbiased opinion, of course.

The eye-catching packaging of Smooches adds to its cuteness.  Every product Honest Kitchen makes is packaged creatively, in my design opinion.  And since I am a faux designer, I do have an opinion on things like this.

Apparently, the smell of the Smooches comes through the box.  Jedi was instantly intrigued and curious.  When I read the ingredients, I understood why.  The Smooches are made of all "real" food ingredients - no fillers, weird preservatives or pseudo-food-names I cannot pronounce.

As a dog mom, I am constantly taking moments here and there to train Jedi.  Here Jedi is trying to ignore the Smooch in front of him - probably because I am making him "leave it."  I love how he decided not to make eye contact with the Smooch.

As soon as I said, "free," Jedi went right for the Smooch.  We did this training session about five more times as I decided it would be best to ration the Smooches for the next few days.  I'm sure if Jedi was in charge of his training and treat-giving, the Smooches would have been gone that day.

But, we saved a few and he devoured every. single. one. of. them.  

Lickety-split.  

The Smooches were gone a week later.  

However, sneaky me took a few of the Smooches and hid them for Jedi and his brother's reunion.  Yep, after a year of being a part, Jedi reunited with his dog brother, Didg.  There are so many details for that post, but let's just say, the two brothers enjoyed a few Smooches that day along with a ton of playtime and off-leash hiking.

Thanks, Honest Kitchen, for letting Jedi try a new product.  Soon, Jedi will try the Ice Pups and Wishes that were also sent.  By the way, the Ice Pups come in the coolest tin can with a pop-on lid.  The crafter in me is scheming how I will upcycle that can.

...I just love the attention to detail, creativity and lovely goodness for sweet Jedi.

Cheers,

Jen

Bloom's Taxonomy, Your New BFF {for Tech Tuesday}

SPECIAL NOTE:  If you aren't an educator, today's Tech Tuesday might not interest you :)

Educators and students, you can thank me later.  Yep, today's Tech Tuesday is going to be your new be fri.  

We all know Bloom's Taxonomy and use it.  Why not embrace this awesome, free, online, interactive version of Bloom's?  I love the name, too.  The New Differentiator.

Mr. Byrd and Mr. Bloom, my hat tips to both of you.

And since I am already anticipating the thank yous.  Dr. G and Professor SM, you are welcome!  This is the perfect resource to use in your assessment classes.

See, I have your back, educators and students.....

Cheers,

Jen

Bicycle Analogy

As you already know, Team Upcycled Education - the cycling team - is due to roll out late spring.  Sue, my life coach (have I mentioned how much I adore having a life coach?) is partnering with the team as a sponsor.  Yay!

Sue wrote a lovely blog post about coming full circle, getting involved with the team, and comparing a bicycle to life.  Yep, a bicycle analogy.  Does it get any better?

See for yourself here.

Best,

Jen

Alfie Kohn and Progressive Education

If you've been an Upcycled Education reader for a while, you know I adore Alfie Kohn as evidenced by this post here.

Why, you ask?  Just look at his passion.  It exudes from every cell of his body.

The City Neighbors Foundation Progressive Education Summit, Baltimore, MD 2013

Further, Alfie (if I may be so informal) is brilliant, well-read, timely, and unafraid.  When he speaks, his statements eloquently fly from his mouth and make history on the spot.  Case in point:  Professor KP's favorite quote from a recent City Neighbors Foundation Progressive Education Summit we attended.

What?  Alfie, did you just say something that powerful and meaningful?  Are you talking to me?

Well, almost.  Look at how close Professor KP and I were to Alfie at the Summit.

The entire audience could feel his passion and energy.  Even Amy and her husband from HOPE agreed and were wowed.

Alfie spoke mostly about progressive schools.  In progressive schools, students partake in not only hands-on learning, but minds-on learning.  Progressive schools tend to be project- and inquiry-based, extremely collaborative and community-connected, and take great care in educating the whole child.  Of course, progressive teachers need to teach differently. I love this quote from Alfie as it speaks to the role of a progressive teacher. And yes, this quote flew from his mouth like pure magic.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with Alfie and his work, visit his website here.  Then, do yourself a favor and read one of his books.  My personal favorite is his parenting book, Unconditional Parenting. It 100% applies to teaching, too!

All the best,

Jen

PS - Big thank you to Amy from HOPE for spotting the summit and sharing it with me.  Another big thank you to the City Neighbors Foundation for putting on such an inspiring event.  And one last thank you to my date, Professor KP.  

PSS - I wanted to leave you with one more amazing, Alfie quote....