What If” We Could Truly Motivate Every Learner?

**New Course**

December Break Class – December 28th-January 1^st

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com

“Last night, while I lay thinking here,
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
And pranced and partied all night long
And sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I’m dumb in school?
Whatif they’ve closed the swimming pool?
Whatif I get beat up?
Whatif there’s poison in my cup?
Whatif I start to cry?
Whatif I get sick and die?
Whatif I flunk that test?”
                                                -Shel Silverstein

In this engaging, reflective class, teachers will explore the ways in which motivation can be taught to students of all ages.  Through close reading and collaborative activities, participants will utilize Silverstein’s poem as a springboard for creativity and encourage students to embrace all possibilities of learning. Participants will learn to create a classroom environment that is teeming with strategies for students to wonder, imagine, and approach challenges.  A wealth of disciplines will be covered, as well as academic ideas for risk-taking, self-expression, student voice, and classroom community.

*A Must for all K-12 Educators*