When you see a kid with missing front teeth at this time of year, we
immediately smile and begin to hear that familiar jingle playing in our head, “All
I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth…” At no time do you think
there is something horribly wrong with the child; their missing teeth are just
a reflection of the growth process they are undergoing. The song is a fun poke at the growing pains
we all go through and gives one hope that in time, once those teeth come in,
things will be just fine. Speech will
become clearer, the ability to whistle will return, and eating will be easier. No Grinch will steal their joy. It will be so
much easier to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (Happy Holidays, Hanukkah, or
whatever one is celebrating!)!
Music sparks our thinking and engages our emotional
attachments. We know from lots of
research (here’s one source from Neuroscience
News) and perhaps your own personal experience, that music is engaging and
helps connect us on a deeper level. As
learners, the use or playing of music often is associated with better
concentration, improved cognitive functions to create meaning, increased
vocabulary and reading levels, all of which can lead to higher levels of
achievement and better learning experiences. If music can be helpful in the classroom to
improve focus, meaningful connections, engagement, and overall success, why not use it in the school improvement processes we undertake?
As schools, educators, and students experience growing
pains every year, we look for better ways to create a culture of learning,
acceptance, and success. If we thought about every school’s Christmas wish list
that would take them into the New Year, what might that look like? Sometimes they might be looking for their “2
front teeth” – a natural part of their growth process, but other times it might
be something that leads to a much bigger transformation. To create a deeper commitment, how might we
include music to touch the hearts of educators and engage their minds and work?
To that end, I’m sharing my Christmas Wish List (and including a Playlist to
support that list) for schools, educators and students this holiday season as
they continue their improvement journey into the New Year: (disclaimer: there are
MANY more songs that would work based on what you or your staff like to listen
to!).
1.
Purpose and Goals: The
Impossible Dream (The Quest) – This song speaks of the quest of
goal seeking with purpose and perseverance.
When learners understand their purpose (WHY), set a goal (WHAT), and
develop a plan to achieve that goal (HOW), the quest becomes their improvement
journey. This quest will have detours and obstacles, but the determination to
succeed will lead achieving that goal. Climb Every Mountain (from Sound of
Music as performed by Audra McDonald) – reinforces the idea that perseverance
is required to achieve one’s goals even when mountains stand in your way.
2.
Believe/Efficacy: This
is Me (from The Greatest Show on
Earth); Believe (Josh Groban
from Polar Express). Both of these
songs encourage the importance of believing in yourself and your abilities and by
doing so, you will give wings to your dreams and fly. When a group or team believes in a common
goal, collective
efficacy emerges and success typically follows.
3.
Collaboration
& Teamwork: When We Stand Together (Nickelback) –
We win when we stand together; work together; hand in hand; no one can divide
us, no matter the obstacle. While this
song addresses more worldly issues, it also can be applied to the world within
our schools. Collaboration and productive teaming focused on improving teaching
and learning is a win for everyone! We know we are #BetterTogether and We Will Rock You! (Queen). Consider attending the Learning Forward Kansas Annual Conference Feb. 2 & 3, 2020 in Wichita as Collective Efficacy with Jenni
Donohoo will be the feature of our 2020
Vision on Collaboration and Leadership. Click here
for more information or to register.
4.
Change
and Growth: Everything
Will Change (Gavin DeGraw) – If we are not changing and growing we are
not improving. Change happens or it
needs to “before it gets too late.” How
do we do that? “Walk the talk. Separate the
men from the boys; women from the girls; tools from the toys. Even if you’re freaking out, just relax.” Find your purpose; take a risk; work
together; persevere. Change means having to make adjustments to avoid remaining
the same. Even this funny throwback
video from the Brady Bunch talks about when It’s Time to Change, it’s time to
rearrange.
5.
Supportive
Leadership: Vision is a hallmark of
leadership, but more importantly the cultivation of relationships, commitment
of support, and willingness to stick with those whom they lead through the
trials of implementation are critical to creating and maintaining a culture of
learning. Leaders anchor staff and provide the glue as they work together to
achieve the desired goals. We can see this theme of trust, connection, and
dependable support in these songs: Bridge
Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel); I Won’t Let Go (Rascal Flatts); You’ll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel;
Celtic Women version)
6. Gratitude:
Above all, be grateful for the leadership, staff, and community
members who work tirelessly for the kids.
Be grateful for those kiddos who depend on your wisdom, caring, and
guidance. Look for the silver
lining. There is plenty of good and
promise on which to focus our thoughts and actions. Louis Armstrong got it right when he encouraged us to just look around and appreciate What a Wonderful World we live in.
As the first semester comes to an end and you head into
the winter break, may your heart continue to be touched and motivated to be the best you
can be as educators so that your students can be their best too. We at Learning Forward Kansas challenge you
to come back after the holidays, refreshed, renewed, and recommitted to
improving your instruction to impact student learning. Let us know if we can help with that. Thank
you for making a difference. We know we
are all #BetterTogether.
