Summer 2018 Book Study: The Wild Card

My staff read The Wild Card, by Hope and Wade King, for our 2018 summer book study.  The teachers absolutely LOVED it and I was inspired by their enthusiasm.  The book challenges teachers to get out of their creativity comfort zone and engage students in learning.  It is written by teachers for teachers and is super fun to read.   

I assigned my FIRST EVER Google Classroom project!  I shared it with the teachers and they were able to work at their own pace during the summer and answer reflective questions as they read.  The teachers did an amazing job reflection on their practice and setting goals for areas to improve on. I have copied and pasted the information from the Google Classroom below in case you want to give this book a try with your staff.  Why reinvent the wheel?  Have fun!

Part 1 of Wild Card Book Club Activity!
Welcome to our summer book study! We hope that you are excited to read this book about using your authentic self--your past experiences, personality quirks, interests, hobbies, and strengths--to deliver your content in a creative way!

If you read all of the book, and answer all of the questions, you will receive 6 hours of Off-Contract PD. If you complete the second section with lesson creation challenges, you will receive 6 more hours!!! Work at your own pace. Everything is due by August 7, 2018. Let the fun begin!

• Introduction and Chapter 1 - Read through the Introduction and Chapter 1. Respond to the question in the Private Comment area below. Only you and the administration will see your comments. Question: "What makes students excited to come to your classroom each day?"
• Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 - Read through Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. Respond to the question in the Private Comment below. Only you and the administration will see your comments. Question: "Often times, we feel the deck is stacked against us which results in negative self-talk. What comments has the Joker said to you?" (see page 22 for examples)
• Chapter 4 - Read through Chapter 4 AND watch the video. I think you will like the video. Respond to the question in the Private Comment below. Only you and the administration will see your comments. Question: "What is your Why for teaching? How could filtering each of your daily lessons through the "Why" lens, change the way you teach?"
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo
• Chapter 5 - Read and respond to the question. "Do you agree or disagree with the statement on page 70 that states teachers are performers? Explain your thinking." This will be a public comment for all to see in the classroom. It would be great to get some dialogue going between those that agree and disagree.
• Chapter 6 - Reflection and Mindset - Read Chapter 6 and take the Mindset quiz linked here. Respond to the question in the Private Comment area below. Only you and the administration will see your comments. Question: "Were you surprised by the results of the Mindset quiz? What reflections do you want to share after reading this chapter and quiz?" Please "Turn in Assignment" once you answer the question.
• https://www.mindsetonline.com/testyourmindset/step1.php
• Chapter 7 - Engagement. This chapter has so much information that I had to read it twice :) Did you have any "a-ha" moments? What do you want to share with your colleagues about engagement after reading this chapter?  This will be a public comment for all to see in the classroom.
• Chapter 8 - Read through Chapter 8.  Respond to the questions below.  Only you and the administration will see your comments.  
• Questions: 1. Based on the learning styles listed on pg. 132, which fits you best as a teacher and why?  2.   As you were reading, did you visualize a creative lesson for next year?  Share any ideas that came to mind.
• Chapter 9 and 10 - Grit and Persistence -Read through Chapter 9 and 10. This is your last official assignment for your 6 hours for the book study.  Respond to the question in the Private Comment area below. Only you and the administration will see your comments. Question: "Grit and Persistence are relevant to both teachers and students. What could you implement in your classroom that supports student growth in the area of grit and persistence?"

Part 2 of Wild Card Book Club Activity!

You may earn 3 or 6 more hours of PD by completing the following task. This part is due by the end of November.

Assignment: Plan a lesson that is out of your creative comfort zone. You may use the Toolbox in the book to remind you of some of the author's ideas. HOWEVER, you do NOT have to recreate one of their lessons. Remember, everyone is on a different level of comfort with creative thinking. Each lesson will be worth 3 PD hours. 

Specifics are below:

1. Plan a lesson aligned with your standards. You may use a plan you currently have and improve it, but they way you present it must be original for this year.

2. Upload your lesson to Google Classroom (I believe you just add it here). If it doesn't work, email it to Morawski.

3. Email Dr. Morawski to set up an observation of the lesson. 

4. Prepare to conference after the lesson with Dr. Morawski and/or Mrs. Shaffer to discuss your thoughts about the lesson.

5. Have fun! If you need extra resources, just ask. We may be able to get them for you!