And a Spectacular Day Thanks to #LRNG, @robertgalinsky @mrsherzogSHS @megelizabi and @innovates_ed

Last summer, two teachers had a vision for advancing the use of TedTalks in their classrooms. The two of them partnered during the Invitational Summer Institute and created a demonstration that modeled what they were doing in the classroom while seeking additional ways to advance their innovative instruction for the 2014-2015 school year.

For these reasons, Megan Zabilansky and Kim Herzog were logical fits for applying to the LRNG Innovation Challenge Award that is funded by the National Writing Project, the John Legend Show Me Campaign, and the MacArthur Foundation. They represent two of the schools who part of the larger project, and several teachers who are re-imagining learning in the 21st century.

Yesterday, Herzog and Zabilansky combined forces to bring Robert Galinsky to Joel Barlow High School for their seniors (and a couple of juniors). Students heard from the entertainer, actor, and TedTeen coach about his beliefs on writing and performing to catch the eyes and ears of a live audience. During the event, Galinsky provided workshops for individual groups, as well as hosted a whole group performance (while jumping rope on stage), while sharing his expertise on the speech-writing/Ted-Talk genre.

The entertainer offered much intelligence worthy of teachers, especially during a time of Common Core State Standards for Public Speaking. In addition to reflecting on "Belief and Technique for Modern Prose" written by Jack Kerouac, Galinsky provided eight insights for giving a powerful speech or presentation:

1. Have a Confidence and Relaxation Builder Before You Go On Stage,
2. Know the Top and Bottom of What You Have To Say, Inside and Out,
3. The Audience is Your Friend and They Want You To Succeed,
4. Always Be You and Only You,
5. Be Conscientious of Your 'Tech Touches,' and Don't Let Them Bog You Down,
6. Take Big, Firm Steps With the Beginning of the Speech,
7. Allow For the Audience To React At the Ending/Closing Of the Speech, and
8. Activate the Audience to DO Something!

In May, students from these workshops will arrive to Fairfield University for a Writing Our Lives - Digital Ubuntu conference where they will have an opportunity to showcase their insight from the project and present to other students at other schools who are involved in the LRNG Innovation Challenge Award. Robert Galinsky will return to the event and provide more insight.

Galinsky's visit was a great investment and demonstration of one way that public school educators are re-thinking the learning that occurs in their classrooms through expanding the notion of  time and space. Megan Zabilansky and Kim Herzog are proud of their students.

#We2RCT