I know it's not time for this chapter yet, but there's just something I simply can't wait to share about Dave Burgess' Long Live the Arts chapter from his book Teach Like a Pirate. It's "The Picasso Hook"... I absolutely believe with all the passion my inner pirate can muster (is that more of a cowboy word?), that kids benefit from learning with and through the arts! So, when I asked for some advice at the end of this year on further improving test scores, and was told to stop doing creative projects, I was astounded!
- First, my class more than doubled test goals in all areas.
- Second, I had eleven of 22 students (yep, that's half) qualify for the gifted program at our school (I must be doing something right, right? That's not to mention that from the entire grade, there were 23 students who qualified, meaning again that almost half were my students!).
- Third, this advice came from a former teacher of the arts.

I am so very thankful to Mr. Burgess for validating what I do, for permission to integrate the arts into learning, and, mostly, for reigniting my passion for teaching, learning, and continuing to do what I know is right for my students. Without passion, we have mediocrity, which, as Mr. Burgess points out, never taught anyone anything! You might notice, Teach Like a Pirate is on my short list of Amazon Recommendations at the bottom of this page. Having read the entire book in a day and a half, it is the reason I signed up for the Amazon program, giving me the ability to share with you the best books I know. If it's the only thing you read this summer, be sure you don't miss this must-read!
I love that you have the support and collaboration with the arts teachers. It is great that you are so passionate about it, because it really makes your day to day lessons easy! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteGina
Third Grade Tidbits
Thank you, Gina! I AM a very lucky girl to work with some amazing teachers and kids. Thanks for hosting the book study - I'd never heard of this one before, but wouldn't have missed it for the world!
DeleteBrooke
Always do what is best for your kids! Good for you! And you know they won't always have a teacher that incorporates art into their learning. How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteRowdy in First Grade
Thanks, Jennifer! It's tough to have a real passion in your heart and have it kind of squashed, but I HAVE to do what keeps my students learning, and I know that they are...from their test scores to their parents' appreciative letters and notes. It's also just a little itty-bitty-bit nice to hear from the author himself (see his amazing comments after yours...I'm super-honored)!!!
DeleteBrooke
Hi Brooke!
ReplyDeleteI love your post and your passion for including art, music, and creativity into your class. I would COMPLETELY ignore the misguided advice you received and keep fighting the good fight. Sounds like you have a wonderful support network at your site to help you. Thanks for adding a personal and powerful post about the Picasso Hook and I really appreciate the recommendation.
WOW! I'm truly honored that you took the time to write to me about my post on my little bitty blog! Thank you for reconfirming my instincts, again.
DeleteCoincidentally, Amazon just sent me an e-mail to rate your book (as I'm sure they do all their readers) today, and before even seeing your message, I completed my rating. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1VRXTZXYNC3W4.
You keep writing, and I'll keep reading! I'm definitely a fan.
Brooke