Success Knows No Boundaries (470)

We often talk about overcoming obstacles and attaining new heights as if it were a catch phrase from a news broadcast but do we really know what its like to achieve thing most people think is impossible? This ESPN broadcast of the Gallaudet University women's basketball team is proof positive of that success has no bias. A great turnaround record of 14-12 last season was a stepping stone to a 24-3 record this season and earned them a spot in the Div. III tournament this spring. From the coach having to learn sign language to communicate with his players to his players learning how to read their opponents better, this team epitomizes what we want to instill in our students. Trust, Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, & Rapport = SUNY Cortland PE Dept Positive Learning Framework


Points to Ponder (P2P):

1. As a new teacher or coach, would you take on a position for which you don't have all the necessary skills or knowledge?
2. Would you be willing to learn new skills, tactics, philosophies, technologies, and even languages to help your students?
3. What came to mind as you watched the players using American Sign Language with the subtitles?
4. Do you know Sign Language and did you know that infants can learn to sign before they can speak? 
5. What is the sign for running, stopping, thirsty, hurt, and other signs you will one day use in the gym?

Related articles

• School for Deaf Makes Noise in Women's Basketball (abcnews.go.com)
• Deaf Team's Standout Season Draws Cheers (npr.org)

7 DIVERSE Teaching Skills & Believing

Cross-posted from Amanda Caloia on Sound Mind Sound Body: 7 DIVERSE Teaching Skills: "

Creating a climate that honors and celebrates your students diversity is a key to success with a diverse group of students. There are 7 teaching skills to help students feel safe, have their unique needs and interests recognized, and are part of a classroom discourse. Just remember DIVERSE promotes equality and good teaching!
Diverse instructional materials: Be sure that all parts of the world and it's diverse thoughts, views and people are woven into the curriculum.
Inclusive: Provide opportunities for every student to participate in classroom activities and discussions including shy or quiet students.
Variety: Use different styles of teaching to allow for all the different types of learners to be successfull.
Exploration: Encourage your students open up their minds to explore and experience or learn about other cultures and beliefs.
Reaction: All students can learn from their questions when they are given effective feedback. Teachers can make sure they give effective feedback through patience, encouragement and high expectations.
Safety: Any offensive comments and physical or verbal bullying should be stopped immediately because without safety and security, little learning is possible.
Evaluation: Consider a wide variety of evaluation strategies to assess the unique strengths of your individual students.

Don't ever stop believing that you can make a difference.  You can with resolve, a solid plan and a commitment to do whatever it takes for your students.  Think of how many times it took the following college student - same age as you - to perform and produce the following song.  The different musical instruments, the vocal arrangements, lyrics, harmonies, editing and producing.  An amazing amount of effort to say the least. With nearly 100 million views across various performances, do you think they've stopped following their passion. The lead singer(s) Sam Tsui (and musician/producer friend Kurt) isn't even a music major yet he's been featured on national television shows as has a devoted following all because he pursued his passion. He's been on Oprah, Ellen, Bonnie Hunt, and much more. What are you willing to do and how long will you want to do it while others doubt you and goals?