Motivation – Page 2 – Mr. Zerwas Teaches Here

Things I learned at local high school film festival

Sunday was the 2nd annual Northern California Media Educators (NCME) Media and Film Showcase. It’s an opportunity for media, film, and broadcasting students from the region to submit some of their best work to be judged by industry professionals. Five of my students and I made our way to San Juan High School for theContinue reading “Things I learned at local high school film festival”

I beat him again – but not really

Yesterday was my 10th year in a row running the California International Marathon. It runs from Folsom through 6 different cities on its way to the steps of the Capitol Building in Sacramento. In previous years, there’s been major rain or freezing winds, but yesterday’s weather was perfect – high 40s at the start andContinue reading “I beat him again – but not really”

The Greatest Week Video Contest

It’s Homecoming week at Del Oro, and it’s huge. Every day has a different dress up theme (doctors vs. patients, blast from the past, alarm didn’t go off, etc.) and students and teachers go all out with their costumes. Every night this week students are at school until about 10pm building floats for the paradeContinue reading “The Greatest Week Video Contest”

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.”

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”

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”

You can do that!

This was a welcome speech given to freshmen at Georgia Tech this week. I’m considering doing something similar for back to school night on Monday. Instead of “changing the world and building an Iron Man suit,” I might crescendo with “Do you want to check your student’s grades and missing assignments? You’re at Del Oro…Continue reading “You can do that!”

Having something to say

I can’t remember where I heard it. It was a few years ago when someone I trusted (but can’t seem to remember) said something like, “There’s a difference between having to say something and having something to say.” I’m not sure if it was related to teaching (I was taking classes for my credential atContinue reading “Having something to say”