The stories that inspire us are precious. They contain that potential to drive us to realize our dreams.
We hold these stories so close, that we actually make them a part of us.
Lately, I've been really inspired by Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, Hamilton. I didn't write it, I've never seen it, but I have memorized some of the songs. They're now a part of me - I stored every note and lyric in my brain, and I'm singing it to myself as I do the dishes and push in the chairs in my classroom.
A great way to get to know my students is to ask them to share what inspires them. This insight really helps me to shape future units and lessons. It also bolsters a student's pride in self to proclaim to the class, 'these are the things that inspire me.'
A really easy way to do this is to make a Pinterest board about it!
I've found it easy to simply use a classroom Pinterest account that I control. I just share the email and password out to my students, and they all log in.
First, I share with them my own inspiration board:
Follow Brendan's board Brendan's Inspiration Board on Pinterest.
I explain that the content of this board has played a huge role in forming who I am today.
Next, the students get to start their own boards. They each create their own within the same account. For example, 'Dylan's Inspiration Board.'
BTW I always email the parents first, letting them know that students will be using a social media platform, and that whatever personal information they post is on a private page (Pinterest calls them 'secret' boards), and that they're not creating their own social media accounts - they're using one I've created for classroom use.
Searching for 'pins' on Pinterest is super fun! It's amazing to look up Minecraft, for example, and find so many images, links, and other kinds of content about a single subject. A student can get very specific, and this helps create that sense of self that begins to form digitally on the board.
The best part is that, once a student finishes a board, it's instantly ready to be shared with the class! Just connect a computer to a projector, log in to the classroom Pinterest account, and let the presentations begin!
Here are some screenshots of boards my students have created. Notice how unique they are from each other! These boards can build connection between everyone involved.
