“Why is it that it’s so easy to pour our creative selves into a project at work but so hard to show that same creativity at home with our kids?” I recently had breakfast with a few dads who, like me, have jobs that lend themselves towards creativity. We reflected, somewhat sadly, about our intenseContinue reading “Creativity at home”
Author Archives: Nick
After 1 Day of 20 Percent Time
I had students share a single word to describe how they were feeling after we explored the what, why, and how of 20 percent time. There was quite a range of responses. One student even said “cats.”
150 Word Sample
I’m curious what 150 words actually looks like on a page. I’m requiring my video production students to write a blog post each week for their 20 time projects. These blog posts need to have a least 150 words and an image that they have permission to use. When I first introduced this to theContinue reading “150 Word Sample”
20 Percent Time Introduced
I recently attended a conference called the Google Apps for Education Summit. It was fantastic. I met innovative educators from all over the country, explored all sorts of new ways to engage students using technology in the classroom, and found out about a beautiful concept called 20 percent time that I’m hoping will shape theContinue reading “20 Percent Time Introduced”
Put your cell phones away
I love showing this video on my first day with new students. I include it as part of my explanation of classroom procedures by saying something like this: I expect that when you are in this class, you will have your cell phone completely put away so that it’s not a distraction to you. IfContinue reading “Put your cell phones away”
Just turn the controller around
I took my 6 year old to the dentist last week. As soon as he walked in the waiting room, I could tell that he was far more excited than he should be at the dentist – no offense to dentists. His eyes got wide and he marched directly across the room to a videoContinue reading “Just turn the controller around”
Pay Attention, Daddy
My 3 year old is teaching me to pay attention. His method of instruction is not modeling. In fact, he’s not the most attentive kid most of the time. When he wants your attention though, he demands all of it. Yesterday it started with a simple, “Daddy, look at this.” He was building something outContinue reading “Pay Attention, Daddy”
2013 Year In Review
Yesterday marked the beginning of a new term and a whole new group of students for me. I started off the day by showing Google’s 2013 year in review. This is a 90 second compilation of some of the greatest moments from 2013. Some are momentous (same-sex marriage, the appointment of a new pope, theContinue reading “2013 Year In Review”
A Birthday Date at the Coolest Playground in the World
For our kids’ birthdays, Morgan and I always give them a special date with us (just us – no brothers or sisters). Bracken turned 6 this month and for his special date, we took him to what I now consider the coolest playground in the world. I’m not exaggerating. It’s called The Berkeley Adventure PlaygroundContinue reading “A Birthday Date at the Coolest Playground in the World”
Cardboard Creativity
After being inspired by watching Caine’s Arcade, some of the people at my son’s coop preschool decided to have a cardboard carnival. So they’ve planned, and cut, and taped, and built for over a month. On Saturday, the day finally arrived. It was inspirational. Preschoolers and their older siblings took ownership of the carnival games. Continue reading “Cardboard Creativity”
Mr. Zerwas Teaches Here 