Learning in Technicolor
Lyn Hilt's blog Learning In Technicolor serves as a place to "share, reflect, and learn" about being an educator and about being more intentional with everything teachers do, say, and bring into their classroom. Lyn talks about living with purpose and direction, and how the attitude that teachers model for their students impacts their feeling of safety and home within the walls of a classroom. Lyn formerly worked as an elementary and middle school teacher for nine years, then as a K-6 principal for four years, and then became an elementary instructional technology integrator/coach, which "afforded [her] the chance to continue to design and facilitate professional development for district staff as well as push into classrooms to help students learn how to use technology in meaningful and inspiring ways." Now Lyn is focusing on being a mommy to her two precious kiddos and developing her professional career as a keynote speaker, workshop coordinator, and educational leadership consultant.
One of the articles that Lyn wrote is called I See Teachers Who... and describes the common characteristics she sees displayed by the most successful teachers:
I love how Lyn's site is lighthearted and fun, offering easy-to-read articles and advice for beginning teachers. If you want to hear more of what she has to say, be sure to check out Learning In Technicolor and follow her social media accounts linked below!
- "Make the time" - make each lesson meaningful and do not fill time with mindless busy work
- "Have routines and procedures" - ensure that students understand the established classroom routines and know what is expected of them, enabling them to take charge of their learning and resolve conflicts with peers easier
- "Plan" - test technology to determine if its purpose aligns with the needs of the lesson and the classroom
- "Model" - create, invent, and learn alongside students; show them how to be curious and to ask questions
- "Set high expectations" - emphasize the importance of meaningful work, not just doing the bare minimum to earn an average grade
- "Showcase student work" - make your students feel like their voices are being heard; share their work with parents, coworkers, and peers
- "Embrace the noise" - allow learning to be "messy" and allow collaboration to be "loud," encouraging conflict resolution and movement may lead to chaos but in the long run it will help students thrive in busy environments
- "Ask for help" - search for the best resources and ask for the best advice, do not be afraid to show your coworkers that you want to grow and improve and hear new suggestions
I love how Lyn's site is lighthearted and fun, offering easy-to-read articles and advice for beginning teachers. If you want to hear more of what she has to say, be sure to check out Learning In Technicolor and follow her social media accounts linked below!
"When a teacher (or principal or coach) asks for help and embarks on a journey to learn more, see more, do more, think differently... kids win." -Lyn Hilt