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.