Do you remember the classic Disney movie Mary Poppins?  We may be stretching things a bit but we believe that Mary Poppins has a lot to teach us about how we should be teaching and using technology in our classrooms – if we take a little time to listen to what she has to say.

Lessons Learned

Dennis & Chris – When teachers get together and share ideas, good stuff happens. Keep it informal, conversational, meaningful.  Bigger is not necessarily  better.

Notes & Links

LESSON 1: A Spoonful of Sugar

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and – SNAP – the job’s a game.”

If learning is medicine, why not make learning fun? Use the technology tools available to you and design engaging assignments that your students can get excited about.

LESSON 2: Jump into a Chalk Drawing

Be creative. Let your students imagination run wild.  Give them choice and provide opportunities for them to create.

LESSON 3: Chim Chim Cher-ee

Up on the roof is the chimney sweeps’ world – a world vastly different from our own, but chimney sweeps are people too. Take time to learn about, and empathize with those who come from a place or culture different from your own. You may find you have more in common than you think.

Get out. Explore.  Tribes/Explorations. Collaborative projects

LESSON 4: Feed the Birds

Your students can make a difference in the world – if they’re given a chance. In the movie, Michael causes a scene at the bank when he decides he’d rather give his tuppence to the lady who feeds the birds rather than deposit it in the bank for himself. Give your students an opportunity to make a difference in their community with projects that extend beyond the classroom.

LESSON 5: Sister Suffragette

Women really were involved in history. Grit and Growth Mindset essential to success.

LESSON 6: Fidelity Fiduciary Bank

No better song to explain Capitalism and compound interest

LESSON 7: The Perfect Nanny

Shouldn’t teachers be like this, too?

“If you want this choice position

Have a cheery disposition

Rosy cheeks, no warts!

Play games, all sort

You must be kind, you must be witty

Very sweet and fairly pretty

Take us on outings, give us treats

Sing songs, bring sweets

Never be cross or cruel

Never give us castor oil or gruel

Love us as a son and daughter

And never smell of barley water

If you won’t scold and dominate us

We will never give you cause to hate us

We won’t hide your spectacles

So you can’t see

Put toads in your bed

Or pepper in your tea

Hurry, Nanny!

Many thanks

Sincerely,

Jane and Michael”  (From Mary Poppins)

LESSON 8: I Love To Laugh

 

And you should too! How serious is your classroom? How serious are you? Laughter helps keep you healthy and should be a regular part of your day. (Laughter Therapy from NPR News) So when technology doesn’t work in your classroom, don’t freak out. Laugh about it. You’ll relieve the tension in your room and you may clear your head enough to come up with a fun alternative solution.