An off-the-cuff math question, “How much do you suppose they’re making off this ridiculous spectacle?” turned an excruciatingly dull evening into a creative endeavor. Yep, a math question. The other chaperones and I were hostages to a truly ghastly theatrical performance.…
Imagine giving a homework assignment that your students can't wait to start. Sounds like you'd need to wave a magic wand, doesn't it? But I just received such an assignment: Examine in detail the opening to Joss Whedon's science-fiction move Serenity,…
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett is a perfect example of the Truth with a capital T that fiction conveys in ways that nonfiction cannot. In the closing pages of this crazy novel, where... Well, I won't tell you how to do away…
Once a year I look back through my list at goodreads.com to ID the top five books that most inspired me. As an author and consultant, just about any book might be “THE book” that inspires my own work. That means I can…
Are your students curious, exploring ideas or questions on their own? Or do they sigh with relief and go back to sports or social media or other pastimes once the bell rings? Yes we all need downtime, but look at…
It happens all the time. People learn a little about something new, think they understand, and make changes based on half-truths. That's how you get problems such as those reported in the Atlantic article, Why Introverted Teachers are Burning Out. Those with…
Another year of growing, questioning, escaping, laughing, and learning through reading. And another blog on my top 5 books for the year. A few comments Total for the year: 145. I read just about all genres, and find that fiction…
I've been using the new Brain Energy/Bandwidth quiz that I created with Ann Holm with teams and individuals, during workshops and coaching sessions, while networking over coffee--in other words, every chance I get. Just click on the quiz name to try the basic version yourself.…
Is there any creative dream you’ve been avoiding? Playing an instrument, learning to dance, writing poetry, painting, designing a quilt…??? Let’s explore what pursuing that idea might bring. Because here's my point: Creative "play," no matter how old you are,…
As you arrive at the leadership meeting, a sick feeling starts to grow—again, the seats are arranged in a circle around a solitary chair. One of your colleagues is about to be bullied. Time seems frozen as the unlucky victim…