I had the pleasure recently to attend a book talk from a wonderfully warm and engaging author named David Johnston. Now, for Canadians that will mean something, but for anyone else, it will probably be a "who?" type of response. Let me rephrase that...I went to a book talk from Canada's Head of State, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston (our Governor-General)! He wrote a book entitled "The Idea of Canada: Letters to a Nation". It is a series of letter written to Canadian, past and present, reflecting on a wide variety of topics that he sees as being central to his understanding of Canada and who we are as a people. Perfect for a Social Studies teacher!
Reflection has been strongly on my mind these days as I work through a book study with the #IMMOOC regarding "The Innovator's Mindset". I find myself spending much of my drive to and from school reflecting on reflecting and ways in which I do it and ways in which I want to help my students do it.
So here I am, at this talk, and the resounding theme seems to be reflection. The Governor General talked at length about why he is such a prolific letter writer (he can write between 1 and 3 letters a day). He felt that writing letters (even if he never sends them, as is often the case) helps to crystalize his thoughts and put him in a different frame of mind. I found myself thinking deeply about that as the talk went on (and it was fascinating!). How could I apply this technique to my students? My curriculum in grade 11 revolves around the ideas of nationalism and to some degree the issues regarding Canada's national identity (always an ongoing issue here in the North). Can I have my students read one of the letters the Governor-General wrote and then write their own to a Canadian of their choosing, reflecting on a specific value or idea that relates to the Canadian and national identity? The more I think about it, the more I like it. Better yet, what if I have the students actually send the letters? Authentic, reflective, critical and hopefully engaging.
As for the book? It is wonderful (so far) and puts me in a far more reflective mood as I read it. Perhaps it is time for me to write some letters. After all, if it is good for the Governor-General of Canada, it must be good for the rest of us!
Reflection has been strongly on my mind these days as I work through a book study with the #IMMOOC regarding "The Innovator's Mindset". I find myself spending much of my drive to and from school reflecting on reflecting and ways in which I do it and ways in which I want to help my students do it.
So here I am, at this talk, and the resounding theme seems to be reflection. The Governor General talked at length about why he is such a prolific letter writer (he can write between 1 and 3 letters a day). He felt that writing letters (even if he never sends them, as is often the case) helps to crystalize his thoughts and put him in a different frame of mind. I found myself thinking deeply about that as the talk went on (and it was fascinating!). How could I apply this technique to my students? My curriculum in grade 11 revolves around the ideas of nationalism and to some degree the issues regarding Canada's national identity (always an ongoing issue here in the North). Can I have my students read one of the letters the Governor-General wrote and then write their own to a Canadian of their choosing, reflecting on a specific value or idea that relates to the Canadian and national identity? The more I think about it, the more I like it. Better yet, what if I have the students actually send the letters? Authentic, reflective, critical and hopefully engaging.
As for the book? It is wonderful (so far) and puts me in a far more reflective mood as I read it. Perhaps it is time for me to write some letters. After all, if it is good for the Governor-General of Canada, it must be good for the rest of us!