A Learning Community

Lesson One

Lessons from the Geese

Lessons from the Geese

In the fall, we can see geese heading south for the winter. Geese always fly along in V formation. This is what science has discovered about why geese fly that way.

Lessons from the Geese

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird right behind it.

By flying in V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Lessons from the Geese

When one goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back to another position in the wing. When that happens, another goose flies point.

Lessons from the Geese

Geese honk from behind and encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lessons from the Geese

Finally … and this is very important. When a goose gets sick or is hurt, it falls out of formation. Two other geese then fall out with that hurt goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies. Only then, do the two helping geese launch out on their own to catch up with their group!

Geese Analogy

Geese in a community They all have same goal: to get to

a certain place. To do this, they fly in the same

direction. Flying in formation is easier than flying

alone. They don’t bump into each other. They do their individual jobs. They help geese who get sick or are

hurt. They take turns leading. They honk to encourage others to keep

flying.

Students in Learning Community They all have the same goal:

__________________________. To do this, they

__________________________. Learning in a community is easier

than learning _____________. They don’t bother ____________. They do their _______________. They help students who

__________________________. They take turns ____________. They encourage other students

__________________________.

What is a Learning Community?

A group of people who care about and support each other as they learn about new things in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe.

Key Vocabulary

Focus: To concentrate and keep your mind on something.

Key Vocabulary

Expectations: Standards of behavior for a learning community

Key Vocabulary

Prepared: Ready to learn

Key Vocabulary

Consequences: What happens after you act

Our Learning Community Expectations

Expectations Enter the classroom

_________ and prepared. ______________ directions. Begin work ___ ____ + stay on

________ + work until _______.

__________ while others speak.

Signal to _________. Use ____________ language. Keep ___________, ________,

and objects to ____________.

Making Good Choices

Lesson Two

Key Vocabulary

Choice: Deciding what to do from a list of options

Key Vocabulary

Powerful: Having great strength or authority

Key Vocabulary

Personal Power: Having control over your own life

Key Vocabulary

Event: What happens first before you choose a behavior

E + B + C → P²

Event + Behavior + Consequence → Personal Power

Consequences for Poor Choices

First time: Reminder, entry into logSecond time: Reminder, entry into logThird time: Reminder, entry into logFourth time: Letter to parents, signed by

parents and returned within 2 daysFifth time: Referral to office

Personal Power QuestionsThink Before You Act!

What will be the consequences of my action?

How will this affect my personal power?With this action, will I be living up to our

learning community expectations?How will this action affect others?

Focus Strategy

F – Free your mind of distractions

O – Organize yourself

C – Check expectations and get started

U – Use help wisely S – Supervise yourself

Use Your Time WiselyTASK

T – Think before asking for help

A – Ask at the right time

S – Signal and work while waiting

K – Know what to say

Focused Student Commitment

We want to be a learning community of responsible learners. We agree to follow our learning community rules, make good choices, and stay FOCUSed.