Communication as a way to enact change..

Communication is way of expressing one’s self through the art of language with a certain level of interpersonal skills…. Communication can be a powerful commodity when exercise with the right amount of stance…. It can be an allied of sorts when trying to persuade a particular audience, a non-communicative parent, administrative staff, a shy child, or even our legislators  to see one’s point of view….

As a leader for my school, this is an area that I have strived to reach perfection in and use a weapon of peace and understanding in the midst of confusion by way of a received note in an agenda correspondent because of a dishonest child or a phone call where an angry parent is on the other end. Communicating in a positive manner when faced with a difficult situation can calm any storm- is a strategic tool that I have learned over the years previously as a counselor to youth and mothers of substance abuse and in my current profession…

When striving to enact change that not only effect you, but everyone within your circle and outside of it…communication is key… In speaking of policy…I reminisce on President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address and how it must take confidence within oneself to speak in front of others who have a vote to decide whether or not what you say is relevant-sweeping changes throughout the United States…Whether or bad is in the ears of the beholder. Knowing that at the end of your speech, what you say could impact millions….

I also believe that not only does it take confidence, but being well –read in the knowledge based of whatever matter in which the speaker is communicating on is also an asset in communication. In other words, preparation is a must….so research has to play a role as well…. Therefore; if communication is to be done effectively – I say, stand tall, shoulders back, notes documented, confident in your purpose keeping your eyes on the prize…just simply let your thoughts flow while maintaining eye contact…and passion about whatever you’re presenting…then communication will be a success!

Joy Overflowing,

April

Using Social Media As an Influence

Using Social Media As an Influence

As with every facet of the social media, as an educator… one must be particular cautious when it comes to using this outlet as a means to bring awareness to a cause that you strongly believe in…. Social media is a way is like the devil’s advocate…in some ways it can be positive but it is in the perception of the minds of others that words meant one way can go astray…. So it’s like walking a tight rope…especially when considering that whatever it posted in the black and white-there simply is no gray to consider…. On that note, in order to press the issue of NCLB and all its assets whether pro or con… I would exploit blogging or Edmodo.com…both are free and are user friendly to both other colleagues, administrators, parents, students, and all other stakeholders involved.

          For me blogging is so personal that as an educator I can be passionate about my issue; whatever it may be and at the same time…speak in lamine terms where everyone involved can understand…. I can post beautiful graphic to accommodate whatever it is that I am trying to persuade my audience to understand…. Also in blogging…I can speak of current issues concerning education such as homelessness and poverty, obesity (Diabetes type II), parental involvement… common core standards- all of these issues are prevalent and are happening in the now…. These issues can be addressed and supported via the research of others using peer reviewed articles that I can attach… This to me is super awesome because I feel that this is another way to stay connected to my parents and students….as well as allowing them the power to stay informed.

Another social media that I use is Edmodo.com-which is fabulous…it is free too…it is a way to empower learners, other teachers, and parents… This is wonderful in the fact that you can join groups which you can assess fantastic ideas and post pictures of awesome activities that you have done with your students…a code is needed, but it is super easy. Believe me I have done a plenty and my parents absolutely love it…. Edmodo is a way of sharing and collaborating…with colleagues, administration, and students… You have a grade book, a forum where you could upload documents such as newsletters for your class by month or week… In addition, for example, if one of your students forgot their homework assignment…you can simply send out a post with the information directly to parents…When I say directly, I mean the information travels through cyberspace directly to their devices, whether it be an IPad, iPhone, droid….Samsung Note 3, 4..whatever the case may be…the students and parents are in the loop…That’s what’s important right…On top of this, communication lines are always open…can you say amazing…. The last thing I love about Edmodo is that it is a safe way with high standards based upon the vision of the Edmodo creators to get parents, teachers, and students connected via technology…

A third way I would use social media is to create a webpage using Weebly.com…another fantastic tools…. My kids and I have a website- it is full of fabulous information using pictures, and documents of what my kiddos have been learning and what they are going to be learning… Also Kidsblog.com…is also super-duper…because it provides a safe way for your kids to hold educational conversation/discussion about what is happening in the learning environment and to have open discussion that parents are invited to participate in… I absolutely love it...

In closing, the most terrific thing about all these social medias is that I know if I posted my major course assessment using these…that conversations can be discussed from anywhere in the world and it’s free…Thank you WORLD WIDE WEB!!!!

Joy Overflowing,

April