Learning should be fun, and life is the best teacher!
Mark Rober gets it. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll learn a lot about learning (and teaching), discover a few things about science, and have a good time.
If you’re not a science teacher or student or parent, see if you can catch the important truths! Hint: Learning should be…
RSU 19 Adult Ed in Newport will host my workshop for substitute teachers and wannabes. I’ll be happy to answer any questions about the content, but you’ll need to register with RSU 19 Adult Ed.
Direct link to register for Substitute Teacher Workshop
Direct link to register for Suicide Prevention Workshop
(You may want to attend even if you’re not planning to substitute teach.)
I remember a middle school essay I wrote. Well, actually, I don’t. I do remember the teacher’s correction. She wielded her red pen to explain that she docked my grade for misspelling the word “truly” seven times (truely). I wanted to ask her two questions.
In fairness to Mrs. Alexander, I never mispelled “truly” again.
What lessons are you learning that you aren’t actually (truly?) being taught?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
Another writer on social media was curious about what “motivated your AI move” and what tools others are using. She expressed concerns about “getting around” Amazon and copyright issues, potentially revealing her perspective.
I don’t think I moved. I adapted. I use AI to increase my efficiency, not to do my writing — so I’ve had no need to get around anything. If a writer uses a human editor, does that remove ownership of the final work?
“‘Just because AI tells you to put your finger in a pencil sharpener doesn’t mean you should,’ said every mother ever.”
Where’s the line between adapting and giving up ownership of what’s actually yours?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
A recent visit with an Amish (Swartzentruber) friend included some major laughs. She had some recently hand-laundered towels hanging out to dry. I noted that they were quite colorful but assured her that I wouldn’t tell the bishop.
The bigger laugh came while we were discussing some purchases I might make for her in my travels. In the course of making sure I understood her needs, I said, “Well, I can always call you if I have questions.” She, of course, knew I was teasing and, for some reason, found it funny! We occasionally have serious conversations about her faith and practice, so she knows I’m not trying to lead her astray. She appreciates my concern, but also finds it humorous.
During one such conversation, I had some brand new sheets to offer her, but ,I noted they were printed, which conservative Amish shun as to showy. We opened the package together to examine them. She noted they were only printed on one side, so she could turn them inside out! Some would call that a workaround.
I’ll admit that I don’t always understand the reasoning behind the “rules,” but I’m learning. I’m also coming to admire the thinking and creativity behind both the rules and the workarounds.
That sheet-turning trick stuck with me — a simple, clever solution to a real constraint. I found another one recently on the Amish America Blog: The Amish “Black Box Phone.” Erik Wesner does a nice job of explaining the workaround and the thinking behind it. At least one point is that the Amish think about things we Englisch (non-Amish) tend to take for granted.
Where we run on autopilot, collectively the Amish stick to flying their own plane. That’s not a great metaphor because most conservative Amish do not use air travel.
My Amish friend doesn’t criticize me for the decisions I make. I usually enjoy the ones she does. We’ve built a relationship that allows for some teasing and, more importantly, creates respect for each other’s thinking and practice. We also laugh a lot.
I like that it’s just that simple.