Tag: IMpress books

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Bold Gratitude: The Journal Designed for You and by You

Bold Gratitude: The Journal Designed for You and by You 

Written by: Lainie Rowell

Illustrated by: Allyson Liu

Grab your copy on amazon.com or amazon.ca

It’s time to make your mark and let your bold gratitude shine! 

Whether you are 10 or 110, we all have unique preferences, and a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it with a gratitude journal (or anything else, for that matter). With choices galore, Bold Gratitude serves up a buffet of options including:

  • Fill-in-the-blanks for a dash of inspiration
  • Engaging activities to let your imagination run wild
  • Motivating quotes to uplift your spirits
  • Thought-provoking prompts that make you go, “Hmm…”
  • Space for reflections and setting intentions

Lean into the freedom to express yourself, ignite your gratitude, and embark on a game-changing journey. This journal, your journal, is filled with choices galore to:

  • Flood your brain with happiness chemicals
  • Take your relationships to the next level
  • Make the world a legit better place

Bring it all to life with the gratitude journal that is designed for you and by you!

 

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Evolving with Gratitude: Small Practices in Learning Communities That Make a Big Difference with Kids, Peers, and the World

Written by Lainie Rowell

Grab your copy on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca

It’s Time to Make Gratitude a priority

Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. Consistently and intentionally practicing gratitude can also lead to better relationships and more successful learning experiences. In this book, Lainie Rowell shows how educators can use small gratitude practices to make a big difference with kids, peers, and the world.

Drawing on recent discoveries in neuroscience, and highlighting the stories of twenty educators from around the world, Evolving with Gratitude will equip you with tools and resources to create safe, equitable, empowering learning experiences for all learners. Discover how to empower kids to be grateful for learning, which can lead to greater engagement. Learn how to practice gratitude with peers to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and nourish relationships. Get back to the joy of teaching, learning, and leading with implementable, research-backed practices and promote prosocial behavior in our world.

Endorsements

The science and practice of gratitude have evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years. You and your family can also evolve with gratitude, and Lainie Rowell shows how. Informational and inspirational, the book blends the best research and practices with Lainie’s own personal experiences. Lainie’s transparency lends an air of honesty and humility to the wisdom she dispenses and will assist you in living joyfully, effectively, and meaningfully. She clearly and compellingly demonstrates that gratitude is the best approach to life!
—Robert Emmons, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology and author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier
Inspiring. Practical. Actionable.

The perfect book to help you bring more gratitude into your own life and your learning communities.
—Marc Brackett, PhD, bestselling author of Permission to Feel and founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Evolving with Gratitude highlights the vital role of a positive mindset in facing life’s challenges, and Rowell provides insightful and practical ways of moving gratitude from a moment to a habit.
—Shawn Achor, New York Times bestselling author of Big Potential and The Happiness Advantage

Evolving with Gratitude is the guide every teacher and leader needs to find their true purpose in this work. If we are not intentional and purposeful about the impact we make in our daily lives, it will be very difficult to serve and empower others. In this amazing book, the author teaches us the keys to improving our relationships with students and appreciating our blessings every day.
—Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal and author

Brilliantly written and complete with activities, supporting research, and stories from the field, this book will equip you to make a signif- icant impact. Practicing gratitude can positively transform learning environments in ways that can cause a ripple effect.
—Elisabeth Bostwick, award-winning educator and author of Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation

In Evolving with Gratitude, Lainie Rowell doesn’t only discuss the feel-good emotions linked to gratitude, she also brings in the neuro- science of how our brains change with a regular gratitude practice to back up her claims. Incorporate her pragmatic, simple gratitude strategies and practices, and you’ll find yourself feeling seriously thankful that you read her book.
—Mandy Froehlich, education consultant, Divergent EDU

Lainie Rowell does a masterful job of weaving together story and practice. I found myself reflecting on how I got to this place and, more importantly, how I could walk with more purpose. I highly recommend it not only to educators but to anyone who wants to provide value to those around them.
—Joe Sanfelippo, superintendent, author, and speaker

What a refreshing return to the simple things in life, love, and espe- cially work that will have ripple effects on well-being in our schools and society. Lainie Rowell has been a trailblazer in our space over the last two decades and shows us that innovation—the practical application of ideas to improve or create new goods and services— isn’t very complicated. Equifinality!
—David Miyashiro, EdD, superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District

WOW. This book has expanded my capacity for creative thinking and positive culture. Lainie Rowell and the contributors have given me practical strategies for growing my gratitude and that of others. Gratitude is much more than saying thank you and being polite. This is a must-read to uncover the true magic behind gratitude and how it can unlock our greatest potential.
—Meghan Lawson, educational leader and writer

Evolving with Gratitude reads like a warm blanket on a snowy day. Lainie Rowell combines inspiration and stories, allowing educators to reflect on their life’s journey. With the chaos of life these days, this book provides the proper perspective to keep our eyes up and hearts filled for our true life’s calling.
—Neil Gupta, district administrator

What a beautiful book! I connected to the stories that Lainie and the contributors shared, I delighted in checking out the valuable resources included in the book, and I cannot wait to try out many of the ideas suggested. To wake up every morning grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead is a blessing, and Lainie does a brilliant job describing the benefits of gratitude in an incredibly heartwarm- ing and engaging fashion.
—Allyson Apsey, educational leader, author, speaker

Evolving with Gratitude is the social-emotional GPS for twenty-first-cen- tury leaders who serve. Lainie Rowell seamlessly navigates the real- istic terrain of emotion, fatigue, and legacy with a clear lens that shows us exactly how to embrace the scenery of the journey while circumventing the potholes, detours, and road closures. From devel- oping powerful daily habits to public displays of gratitude, Evolving with Gratitude is a must-read!
—Dr. Mary Hemphill, founder and CEO of The Limitless Leader and Eduprenuer

As someone who practices gratitude, I came upon this book think- ing it would merely reinforce some of my own practices. I had no idea how much more I had to learn! In Evolving with Gratitude, Lainie Rowell combines research and strategies, using her own rich experi- ences. The book is full of insights and ideas from respected thought leaders across the globe. This is a must-read for any educator in any role who cares deeply about our kids and wants to help them connect to the world more positively and gratefully.
—Jennifer Casa-Todd, educator, author, and keynote speaker

Through quotes, research, practical ideas, and stories from edu- cators, Lainie Rowell shares strategies for practicing gratitude that strengthen the neural pathways and increase happiness. I highly recommend Evolving with Gratitude for educators who want to foster a culture of gratitude that empowers kids to be agents of change who make the world a better place.
—Barbara Bray, creative learning strategist, podcast host, and author of Define Your Why

As educational leaders, we are charged with having answers or knowing where to find them. The past two years have been among the most difficult of my twenty-nine years as an educator but have also made me realize the importance of human interaction and grat- itude. Evolving with Gratitude is a reminder that, above all, people and relationships come first.
—Jerry Almendarez, superintendent, Santa Ana USD

Educators who want to show up in the most positive and productive of ways will benefit from reading Evolving with Gratitude. Practical, applicable, accessible—you will love it!
—Amber Teamann, director of technology and innovation, Crandall ISD

Once again, Lainie Rowell proves why she is an up-and-coming star in educational literature. Evolving with Gratitude is a practical, easy-to-read resource for educators who are looking for actionable habits to implement in daily life. Do yourself a favor and add it to your book list!
—Dr. Jared Smith, school superintendent and award-winning author

We are all given a choice in this life to be ungrateful critics or to be intentional in discovering, practicing, and sharing gratitude. Lainie Rowell sets forth not only the case for building gratitude habits but also multiple ways to embed the practice into our everyday lives. One of the greatest gifts of Evolving with Gratitude is modeling the practice with our students. As Lainie shares, “we can empower our kids to be agents of change who make the world a better place.” Evolving with Gratitude is a great place to start!
—Dr. Jill M. Siler, TASA deputy executive director and author of Thrive Through the Five

Lainie delivers an inspiring and practical book to bring gratitude into our learning communities with practices that can be implemented immediately. Stories shared by educators in a variety of roles illus- trate the power of cultivating a culture of authentic gratitude with kids, peers, and the world! You will want to keep this book handy so you can refer to it often for innovative ideas to establish learning environments where all thrive personally and academically. —Thomas C. Murray, director of innovation, Future Ready Schools

List of Contributors 

Livia Chan
Naomi Toland
Jennifer Evans
Katie Novak
Rachelle Dené Poth
Sean Gaillard
Chey Cheney
Pav Wander
Stacey Roshan
Dwight Carter
Katie Martin
Lauren Kaufman
Bobby Pollicino
Paige Couros
Joshua Stamper
George Couros
Stephanie Rothstein
Tisha Richmond
Tara Martin
Brianna Henneke Hodges

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7 Important Questions Before Implementing Digital Portfolios

Below is a post by IMpress author George Couros! Check out his books Innovate Inside the Box and Innovator’s Mindset for more from George.

Digital portfolios have been something that I have been work on for over ten years, and I am very passionate about not only the product it can create but, more importantly, the process. Having a space to share my learning and reflections has been powerful during this time in our world.

In this post, I share some of the questions districts, schools, and individuals need to consider for implementation. I address all of these questions in my most recent course on creating your digital portfolio, but hopefully, the items below will give you some food for thought!

 

 

Digital portfolios are something that is starting to take off in schools.  Different software programs will make “portfolios” easy to share, yet do we truly embrace the power that a digital portfolio can bring into our schools?  Since it is “digital,” we need to go beyond a collection that only represents one year of learning, but can show the progression over time.

Here are some questions for you to consider as you look into the process.

 

 

1. Is this a learning portfolio, showcase portfolio, or a combination of both?

Does this show the student’s progression over time (learning), or just the best stuff (showcase)?  There are considerable benefits to both over time and a combination, from my experience, is the best path to pursue.

 

2. Who owns the learning?

Is this a portfolio that only shows “school” work, or does the student have the opportunity to display what they are passionate about, or is it merely for items to be displayed based on what the teacher wants?  Is it a combination of both?  If the student feels no ownership over the process and product, the results will not be as powerful as if they do.

 

3. How will it be exported after the process?

For starters, see the question above.  Secondly, if there is no plan to ensure that students have the opportunity to put all of this learning into their own space, eventually, you are missing another opportunity that digital provides.

 

4. How will you make the audience eventually go global?

A lot of parents and educators are worried about the work of a student getting “out there” (for various reasons). Still, if the portfolio is only available upon request, we are taking a very “paper” mentality to a “digital” platform.  This does not mean the whole world has to see everything from the beginning, or the student needs to share it with the world if they do not want to, but the progression plan to share it with the world should be there.  Will the audience be limited long term?

 

5. What brings people to the portfolio?

Is there any mechanism that brings people to the portfolio other than telling people to come? Simple things like email help to build an audience.  Is the space more likely to be seen and more valuable to the learning if it goes out to an audience, other than people coming to the portfolio?

 

6. What impact will this have on the learner’s digital footprint?

Will Richardson suggests that by the time kids graduate grade 12, you should be able to google them and find “good” stuff about them (see image at the top of the post). Does the portfolio help in this endeavor when every student we work with now will be googled for jobs, university, or a myriad of other things.

 

Image from Bill Ferriter at: http://teacherleaders.typepad.com/the_tempered_radical/2012/12/what-are-you-doing-to-make-sure-your-students-are-well-googled-1.html

 

7. What about next year and other classes?

This is a HUGE question.  If the portfolio only lasts for one year, then you are missing a great opportunity. What professional learning is in place for teachers to support a connection of learning over time for the students?  What will the students work look like over time, and how will they be able to google or search for their learning?  If the plan is not in place to grow this over time, we lose so much from the process.

 

If these questions aren’t considered, I am wondering if we are just doing a digital version of “school” or rethinking the empowering possibilities that a digital portfolio can truly provide for learning in and out of school?  This is more than just thinking about “what software we should use,” but envisioning the potential of what this process can bring to our students and ourselves.

 

***If you would like to learn more about this process, here is the introduction to my latest course on creating your digital portfolios.

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Why a Sense of Purpose Matters More Than Ever for Remote Learning

Below is a post by Katie Martin,  author of Learner-Centered Innovation.

As we are embracing emergency plans to the best of our ability and learning about what is most effective in remote learning, one of the things that I have heard frequently is that learners don’t know how to learn. More specifically, I hear time and time again, this crisis has highlighted the passivity of some students. During a school day, a teacher can keep most kids on track and effectively move them from activity to activity and ensure assignments are turned in. Closely related to students not knowing how to learn that I am hearing that they aren’t motivated to learn.

I have seen this frustration and disengagement in my own home with my two kids but I have also seen quite the opposite. The freedom and flexibility has also brought out the ingenuity of others that isn’t always apparent in a classroom. Last night, my son gave the best presentation I have ever seen him give. He was organized, spoke clearly, and had prepared his key points because he had done his research and put together a compelling presentation filled with interesting facts, anecdotes, and his plan to convince us that he should get a snake… I know!

So if you can get over the fact that it is a snake (I am ignoring this too for the record), let me share a bit more insight into his learning process. While the rest of us were watching a movie, Zack was preparing a presentation on his computer. He was reading a variety of non-fiction articles as he was conducting his own research, watching youtube videos about how to care for snakes, and identifying the main ideas and key details to make his point. He paid attention to his spelling and the craftsmanship of his presentation. It turns out that he can type a sentence without groaning at every key stroke. He sought feedback and critique from his sister and by all accounts, they worked together and no one was harmed in the process. He revised and added more as he continued to learn. One of the most impressive parts of this was he was ready to give the presentation the previous day and was very eager but it was late after a long day and he said I am going to wait to do my presentation when you aren’t tired and there is a better chance that you will say yes- hello emotional intelligence! So, last night after dinner he cleared the table and made his pitch. We had some follow up questions about cost and maintenance and so he went back to conduct more research (and do some really relevant math) and now we are in deliberation. #helpme

Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose

One of the major concerns is that our students will regress without being in school and this fear is real but we have to remember that learning happens in learners, when they are interested and motivated, not just because we tell them to and watch them do it. Much of what I have seen in remote learning has been focused on foundational skills and content and while foundational skills are absolutely necessary, when these skills are isolated or learners lack the opportunity to use them in authentic contexts, they can lose a sense of purpose and disengage. While there are many other issues that can cause learners to disengage and prevent access, a sense of purpose is more important than ever for both our academic learning and social-emotional health. If we want learners to be skilled learners and motivated, we would be wise to provide opportunities (and acknowledge the learning they are already doing) that allow them to engage in authentic tasks that foster autonomy, invite the pursuit of mastery, and intrigue them with a sense of purpose.

In our home, we continue to go through the highs and lows of quarantine and remote learning. We are figuring out how to manage time, learn how to navigate the technology, and deal with all the emotions of missing friends, routines, and life as we knew it. My hope, for now, is that we are not just going through the motions and doing school but that we are learning the skills that matter and building habits and mindsets that will carry them through life. As we emerge on the other side of this crisis, although there may be gaps in content knowledge and skills, I will be content knowing that my kids are more resilient and they understand that life is unpredictable but have skills to navigate and cope when things don’t turn out as expected. I want them to know how to learn when no one is telling them what to do, how to fight for something that matters to them, and how to communicate ideas, feelings, and dreams and inspire others to do the same. As an educator (and really just a human), I want this for all of our kids.

I want to acknowledge that his is really hard and there are so many variables with no right answers. I have my own ups and downs but I am encouraged and hopeful as we continue to come together in community and learn to design the path forward with our learners and learning at the center.

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Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime

As an educator, you have the power to leave a legacy by . . . 

 

  • Making students’ learning experiences personal and authentic
  • Ensuring that the culture around you is personal and authentic
  • Developing and nurturing personal and authentic relationships
  • Being personal and authentic

 

In Personal & Authentic, Thomas C. Murray reveals the power of designing awe-inspiring experiences that are grounded in relationships and learner-centered by design. Inherently relevant and contextualized, it is this kind of learning that lasts a lifetime. 

Be bold. Be fearless. Be proud. Be you.

Your story is not finished yet.

“After you read this book, you will become a better teacher and leader—and if not, you might want to read it again!”
—Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal, speaker, and author

“One of the most helpful, heartfelt, and unassuming stories I’ve ever read.”
—Brad Gustafson, EdD, national distinguished principal and best-selling author

“The story always wins. The most impactful learning has always been personal and authentic. Murray does a masterful job of weaving both the gripping story of educators and the opportunities for them to increase their impact on students.”
—Joe Sanfelippo, PhD, superintendent, author, and speaker

“Teachers will finish this book feeling inspired and empowered to continue the important work we are called to do.”
—Luisa Palomo Hare, kindergarten teacher, 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year