tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264Sun, 15 Sep 2024 03:59:06 +0000Positive Thinkinghttp://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)Blogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-4956524844695485629Tue, 02 Jul 2013 14:39:00 +00002013-07-02T08:39:42.457-06:00You often hear that we all can and do make an impact on others throughout our lifetime. If we stop to think about it, that impact can be huge, based on the ripple effect of influence. If I have a positive impact on just two persons, and they in turn have an impact on just two more, and that keeps going through ten iterations, I have positively impacted a thousand people. Now imagine if that http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-power-of-appreciation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-2898516585383512237Tue, 25 Jun 2013 22:02:00 +00002013-06-25T16:19:21.338-06:00Going through an evaluation can be a little like going to the dentist. Deep down inside, you know it's good for you, but you also know it will probably range anywhere from painful to simply uncomfortable. The thing is, an evaluation, similar to a trip to the dentist, can set you back on the right track to health, physical health in the case of the dentist (you don't want your teeth to fall out) http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/evaluating-yourself.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-6635711123118102057Fri, 02 Nov 2012 16:01:00 +00002012-11-02T10:01:36.950-06:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> Preferred Customer 0 0 2012-09-18T13:41:00Z 2012-09-18T13:41:00Z 1 236 1346 11 3 1579 14.0 <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2012/11/synchronicity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-9067022935622119030Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:31:00 +00002012-10-30T13:55:26.259-06:00Anthony DeMello, in his book Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality, writes about how our feelings are based on our perceptions and so many of the issues in society and our own world are related to faulty thinking. I've read this book most nights for quite a while, so needles to say this wasn't my first time reading the following particular passage: "say your thing and get out of http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2012/10/find-your-voice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-2269529481531301784Sun, 19 Feb 2012 06:11:00 +00002012-02-18T23:11:02.795-07:00An article in the NY Times recently highlighted for me the vast differences that can occur among children as far as background and prior knowledge is concerned. When students come to us with this wide difference, it certainly makes it imperative to attempt to get these children experiences that will enable them to have the background to succeed. It is a quick read and should make those of us in http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2012/02/prior-knowledge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-5288717804227100421Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +00002012-01-02T14:53:26.307-07:00Wow! Yesterday certainly flew by and by the time I noticed, I was at home away from a computer and didn't post. While this was intended for New Year's Day, it certainly makes sense every other day of the year. Wait, maybe I actually did plan that as a way of making a point. Then again, that would have been too clever and didn't happen. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-7627735996136400608Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:58:00 +00002011-12-13T08:58:52.017-07:00This thought came from a short article I read this morning about looking at the world as "fundamentally good." Each year, the PCSD#2 board hosts a Christmas gathering for staff and spouse/guest. A great meal is served and everyone seems to have a good time and enjoy the camaraderie. The thought that all is fundamentally good resounds around the holidays and is something we could keep in mind http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/12/all-is-well.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-9064246793230752991Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:24:00 +00002011-12-05T15:36:16.239-07:00 "Accepting help is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity to further our progress." As I was reading a daily meditation book I like to look at each day, this quote struck me as something that could apply not only to one's personal life, but to our professional lives as well. You may have heard it said that many schools have individual "silos" within which each teacher closes his or her doorhttp://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/12/help.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-2950504697496411600Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:50:00 +00002011-11-28T16:00:20.128-07:00I've been doing quite a bit of reading lately on giving thanks, saying thank you, and being grateful for all we have in our lives. I've included a couple of links below to provide some reading material on the benefits of an attitude of gratitude. Sometimes we overlook the simplest of things for which we are grateful. Our lives, the air we breath, and if you're reading this, our sight. I've read http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-2011.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-4070306756105912414Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:14:00 +00002011-11-21T12:41:55.146-07:00The quote below, by Steve Jobs, reminded me of another quote I read a long time ago. I had gotten a plaque that said, "To live your life in your own way, to reach for the goals you have set for yourself, to be the you that you want to be, that is success." One of the philosophies I've always tried to live by is that we need to model the things we want our children and students to learn. It's timehttp://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/live-your-own-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-1174040717304711961Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:37:00 +00002011-11-11T10:54:16.208-07:00It's Veterans Day today and a special day at that. Not only the 11th day of the 11th month, but it is also the 11th year of the century. (Okay, I know technically it is not the 11th year because 2000 is the first year of the century, thus this is the 12th year, but allow me the discretion to use the symbolism.) Guernsey-Sunrise schools held the third annual Veterans Day celebration/assembly todayhttp://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/11-11-11.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-6796564974253246599Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:37:00 +00002011-11-09T07:42:06.412-07:00Yesterday I wrote about PLNs and how they can be a valuable resource for learning and ideas. I have also mentioned previously, the importance of reading, and finding time to read things not only in your area, but outside your area of expertise and knowledge as well. Valuable insights can be gained by looking at and learning about different perspectives. This link is for an article from Parade http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/kids-and-technology.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-2888606719629646841Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:42:00 +00002011-11-08T16:37:47.375-07:00How many of you have a personal learning network (PLN)? If you don't, it's time you got one if you want to a) have a wealth of resources for questions you might want answered; b) want to keep up with the ever-changing world of education; and c) be a model for life-long learning for your students. PLNs are social networks of like-minded people willing to share their expertise, answer questions http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/generation-wired.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-725026721338469914Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:13:00 +00002011-11-05T22:27:00.710-06:00I almost forgot tonight was the end of Daylight Savings time and the clocks get turned back an hour. so, what will you do with your "extra hour?" Like most people, I'm guessing I will sleep with that hour, although I'm actually hoping not to do that and get some work done. But what would you do if you could find an extra hour every day? And the more important question is "can you find an extra http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/extra-hour.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-5532144483690085365Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +00002011-11-02T07:37:55.694-06:00The 19-day challenge to write a post everyday results: 15/19 days with 16 posts. Not perfect, but the momentum is turning. Just as in any challenge, there are obstacles to overcome and I feel pretty good about not going more than two days without posting. Hopefully, there were some interesting items that either helped you learn something or spurred some reflection or thought. On to the next http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/11/movember.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-7684100531867086640Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:04:00 +00002011-10-31T09:17:25.290-06:00Encourage!That's a statement, a call to action, not just an abstract thought. We need more encouragers, according to Jon Gordon, and I couldn't agree more. How many times have you heard someone say to be more realistic or something along those lines? How many times have you said that? For many of our students, that is all they hear, whether from home, peers, or teachers. Today, make it a goal to http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/encourage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-8046745017131007487Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:14:00 +00002011-10-29T10:22:31.973-06:00As I watched the end of Game 7 of the 2011 World Series last night, I thought perseverance would be a good theme to post on today. The St. Louis Cardinals overcame some perilous situations - both in the regular seasons and Game 6 of the Series - to pull off the championship. While I can't say I'm a Cards' fan, particularly since they beat the Brewers, I can say I am a fan of those teams that seemhttp://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-in-cards.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-5660251699460135836Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:33:00 +00002011-10-27T20:46:46.744-06:00Reading Ben Franklin's biography, I am amazed by the variety of things he did during his lifetime. From a writer/printer to a scientist and diplomat, he was well known for his practical and straightforward principles. In his younger days, he offered four maxims that everyone would do well to follow:1. Be frugal,2. Be truthful,3. Work hard, and4. Speak ill of no man.It is interesting, however, http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/bens-early-maxims.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-8505627367618630425Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:17:00 +00002011-10-26T20:30:26.800-06:00I wasn't sure how to title this post, but since it had to do a little with Ronald Reagan, I would title it as such. For some reason, I recall a debate in a high school class about the upcoming presidential election between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. If I remember correctly, though somewhat hazily, most of the girls supported the incumbent Jimmy Carter and the boys the challenger, Reagan. I http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/ronald-reagan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-7158051150210280757Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:53:00 +00002011-10-24T17:02:57.606-06:00I came across a story as I was reading The Noticer (p. 111) and thought I would reprint it and comment."Five seagulls are sitting on a dock. One of them decides to fly away. How many seagulls are left (on the dock)?""Well . . . four." (was the reply)"No. There are still five. Deciding to fly away and actually flying away are two very different things."For some reason, that struck me as funny as http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/deciding-on-action.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-1380541378882533407Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:21:00 +00002011-10-24T07:26:04.775-06:00Congratulations to the Guernsey-Sunrise volleyball team making it to state. They go in as a number 2 seed and play Cokeville at 6:00 pm Thursday. Go get 'em Vikes.http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/volleyball-to-state.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-7948680093099708164Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:14:00 +00002011-10-22T21:30:48.194-06:00Having come back from the NNER conference, I am more convinced that student voice is a powerful condition for learning. Over the course of the last couple of days, I got to see two groups of students from Bulkeley High School in Hartford give presentations on various aspects of their curriculum and capstone projects. The Teacher Prep program is an excellent avenue for students to gain valuable http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/student-voice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-5891979781215909271Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:44:00 +00002011-10-21T15:01:48.500-06:00Excuse me. As I think about these two words, different meanings come to mind. "Excuse me," as in I'm sorry, I almost ran into you or I did bump into you accidently. Or is it "Excuse me," I'm about to run you over if you don't get out of my way? Not quite the same and of course it depends on the tone of voice used to say it, either politely or impatiently might give it different meanings to the http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-1052765938897747993Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:32:00 +00002011-10-20T20:37:47.464-06:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/reflection-and-self-honesty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37298264.post-5443171453805711784Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:40:00 +00002011-10-19T21:52:20.489-06:00I finally made it to my hotel in Manchester, CT at 11:40 ET. While the day was quite long - the 2:00 flight from Philadelphia to Hartford was cancelled, as was the next one and the one after. And when I went to get a car to make the 3.5 hour drive, there were none available. That meant either flying to Boston and driving for a couple hours or waiting until morning with the airport hotel booked http://superplt2blog.blogspot.com/2011/10/october-19-barely.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dave Barker)0