Patterns of Thinking by Jack Black

Well, not really by Jack Black, but in my mind it was! I attended a workshop today focused on patterns of thinking. Our presenter, Derek Cabrera, of ThinkWorks (based in my hometown!!)bore an incredible resemblance to Jack Black, both physically and with his gestures. While Mr. Cabrera was really interesting and engaging on his own, thinking that at any moment I might see a School of Rock-type episode kept me rapt with attention! Seriously.

We learned about patterns of thinking.

Unlike my colleague Organized Chaos who will undoubtedly provide us with a very in depth and interesting reflection (she always says it best), I really only have a few things to say:

1. What an eye opening idea, yet one that seems so "duh."
2. This workshop was one of the very few where I felt like I was respected as a teacher as opposed to being told that what I am doing is ineffective and here is a brand new way to do things! And it requires a lot more time!
3. I am going to love this approach.
4. My kids are going to love this approach.
5. The Think Blocks are interesting, but I'm not sure I want/need them right away. I'm much more wedded to the questioning.

Stay tuned to see if a) I actually begin to implement this* and b) what the results seem to be.

*I'm really on board so this is very likely to occur!